Since it opened earlier this year, I’ve been keeping an eye on Cavallo Point, a new lodge built at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge across from San Francisco. Mainly, I’ve been wondering how I can justify a vacation to a place that’s just a few miles from my house.

I may have found the answer: Cavallo Point’s Adventures & Learning Vacations. The ongoing series of adventure, well-being, arts and culinary programs let guests hole up in this idyllic setting for a few days while exploring those topics with Northern California experts - among them, the art of handcrafted cheese with Cowgirl Creamery cheesemakers, animation with artist Packard Jennings, bootcamp fitness for women with Joanie Greggains and wine country cooking with Joanne Weir.

Through the end of the year, the programs come with free lodging when you and another person share a room and participate in the program together. Solo travelers will receive one night of free lodging at the inn.