Summary
Sausalito Overview
Many travel across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito from San Francisco just for the breathtaking views. From the Sausalito waterfront, you can admire Alcatraz, the Bay Bridge, the stunning San Francisco skyline, and the bustling waterfront. At nighttime, San Francisco sparkles beautifully across the bay.
Getting to Sausalito is definitely worthwhile, whether you opt for the ferry or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. While the views of San Francisco are impressive, Sausalito possesses its own unique allure. This quaint town has a mere 7,500 residents, with homes nestled on steep, wooded hillsides above shoreline tidal flats. It’s brimming with charming restaurants, artistic galleries, and scenic pathways.
Sausalito is a quiet yet delightful town, reminiscent of picturesque Mediterranean villages. This art-rich locale offers a refreshing break from the frenetic pace of San Francisco, allowing visitors to escape the infamous fog and bask in the sun within a warmer climate, all just across the bridge.
Things to Do in Sausalito
Art is omnipresent in Sausalito. Coupled with the vibrant culture of residing on the San Francisco Bay, it makes for an engaging destination for a day trip. There is certainly ample to keep you occupied.
The art galleries and souvenir shops along the Bridgeway Promenade are among Sausalito’s most cherished attractions. Stroll along and step into various art galleries where doors are often open wide on sunny days. Explore the quaint shops and treat yourself to delicious ice cream. When you’re in need of a break, cross the street and relax on a bench with a picturesque bay view or savor a leisurely meal at one of the area’s seafood restaurants. Scoma’s, located on a pier extending into the bay, has been a beloved establishment for years, offering stunning views and fresh, local seafood.
To gain a different perspective, take a walk north along the waterfront, past the yacht harbor. It’s among the few un-gated marinas in the Bay Area, allowing you to wander the docks close to the boats. Approximately a mile north of the ferry terminal, you will discover the Bay Model—a three-dimensional hydraulic model of San Francisco and the Delta, sprawling over more than 1.5 acres. It’s fascinating to observe the tidal action in this miniature bay.
Continuing about a mile north of the Bay Model, you’ll come to Sausalito’s picturesque floating houses. They represent one of the town’s least recognized yet most captivating spots to visit. Remarkably, it’s here that musician Otis Redding penned his iconic song The Dock of the Bay while enjoying the serene atmosphere of a houseboat in late 1967. You might find yourself so enchanted by the floating homes that you desire to rent one through a vacation rental service for a peaceful getaway.
If traveling with kids, the Bay Area Discovery Museum, a children’s museum located in Sausalito within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area—right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge—remains an excellent place to visit.
Best Time of Year to Visit
As Sausalito is renowned for its art scene, planning your visit during one of their major art festivals is ideal. The annual Sausalito Art Festival, held over Labor Day weekend, showcases a diverse array of artists and artisans. Moreover, twice a year, in May and December, the Industrial Center Building hosts Artists’ Open Studios.
Nonetheless, Sausalito can be equally enchanting year-round. Paying attention to the weather and planning your trip on a clear day is crucial. Visiting Sausalito is truly remarkable when the air is clear, revealing San Francisco across the bay. It is a popular day-trip destination for those exploring San Francisco; hence, summer sees increased crowds.
Some might wonder about taking the ferry to Sausalito in the winter and whether it can be challenging or too cold. In reality, winter temperatures are merely around 10 degrees lower than during summer, often making it feel warmer than a fog-laden June day.
Where to Stay
While Sausalito boasts an abundance of charm, it falls short in accommodation options, typically being enjoyed as a day trip from San Francisco. For an overnight stay, consider Cavallo Point Lodge. Other popular choices include Casa Madrona, The Inn Above Tide, Hotel Sausalito, and Gables Inn. Additionally, don’t overlook the unique experience of vacation rental houseboats.
Getting to Sausalito
An effortless means of reaching Sausalito is via ferry. You can board the Golden Gate Ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building (Embarcadero at Market) or the Blue and Gold Fleet from near Pier 39. This scenic ferry ride takes about half an hour and serves as an affordable alternative to a cruise at lower prices.
If you choose to drive, the journey typically lasts about half an hour, assuming you avoid rush hour traffic. To get there, take US Hwy 101 north across the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit at the first exit past the north vista point (Alexander Avenue) and follow the road downhill into Sausalito. Bicyclists can follow the same route.
The trip north across the bridge incurs no toll fee, but if you plan on returning to San Francisco over the bridge, be sure to read the guide to Golden Gate Bridge tolls for visitors to understand how to pay your toll.
Public parking options are available at parking meters and in paid lots just off Bridgeway on the north side of downtown.
Additionally, Big Bus Tours out of San Francisco offers a hop-on-hop-off tour to Sausalito.
