Sausalito Ferry Landing
A picturesque waterfront town offering stunning bay views, charming streets, and a relaxed atmosphere, easily accessible by ferry from San Francisco.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Sausalito Ferry Landing
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque waterfront town offering stunning bay views, charming streets, and a relaxed atmosphere, easily accessible by ferry from San Francisco.
"A beautiful place with incredible facades, next to the sea and high in the hills. A visit is a must!"
🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips
Use your SF Clipper card or buy tickets at the terminal. Ferries offer great views!
☀️ Beat the SF Fog
Sausalito is often sunnier than SF. Escape the gloom for a brighter day!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ferry Ride Views
San Francisco Bay
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island during your ferry journey.
Charming Downtown Sausalito
Adjacent to Ferry Landing
Wander through quaint streets filled with unique shops, art galleries, and waterfront restaurants.

Houseboat Communities
Sausalito Waterfront
Explore the unique and colorful floating homes that dot Sausalito's picturesque waterfront.

Fjord Floating Sauna
Sausalito Waterfront
Experience a unique Scandinavian-inspired floating sauna with stunning Bay views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry to Sausalito: Your Gateway to Charm
Escape the SF Fog for Sunny Sausalito
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips
Use your SF Clipper card or buy tickets at the terminal. Ferries offer great views!
☀️ Beat the SF Fog
Sausalito is often sunnier than SF. Escape the gloom for a brighter day!
🚶♀️ Walk the Golden Gate
Consider walking from SF to Sausalito for an epic adventure and views.
🍔 Local Eats
Don't miss trying a burger at Hamburgers Seven Thirty Seven!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips
Use your SF Clipper card or buy tickets at the terminal. Ferries offer great views!
☀️ Beat the SF Fog
Sausalito is often sunnier than SF. Escape the gloom for a brighter day!
🚶♀️ Walk the Golden Gate
Consider walking from SF to Sausalito for an epic adventure and views.
🍔 Local Eats
Don't miss trying a burger at Hamburgers Seven Thirty Seven!
🗺️ Visitor Info
Grab a map at the Visitor Center near the ferry landing for local tips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sausalito for its stunning views, charming atmosphere, and pleasant weather, often describing it as a must-visit destination. The ferry ride is a highlight, offering beautiful vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. While generally positive, some mention that it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
"Another nice ferry terminal. Been here once when I finished a long run there. Definitely want to revisit it!"
Manthan Shah
"A beautiful place with a beautiful view of San Francisco. Houses with incredible facades, next to the sea and high in cascades in the hills. Restaurants, bars, shops... everything is done with taste and the coast with all possible clubs for water sports. I can't remember when I've felt more beautiful walking around a city than in Sausalito. If you are visiting San Francisco or somewhere in the area, a visit to this place is a must! Perhaps the best location for living in the wider area."
Borislav Bajkic
"For tourists without a car, taking the ferry from San Francisco ferry building to Sausalito is fast :30 minutes ride. On the way you get to see San Francisco from the water view, you will also travel right along Alcatraz island.
From the Sausalito ferry terminal it’s only a 2 minutes walk to downtown area with all the shop and restaurants.
FYI, those with the SF Clipper pass you can pay the ride with it. Or you can pay for the ticket right next to the entrance."
Jesse Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by ferry from the San Francisco Ferry Building. The ride is about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
You can also drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, or for the adventurous, walk or bike it.Yes, the Golden Gate Ferry service connects San Francisco directly to the Sausalito Ferry Landing.
Some bus routes also serve Sausalito, but the ferry is the most scenic option.Yes, the SF Clipper pass can be used to pay for ferry rides between San Francisco and Sausalito.
The ferry ride from San Francisco to Sausalito typically takes around 30 minutes.
Absolutely! The downtown area with shops and restaurants is just a short 2-minute walk from the Sausalito ferry terminal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase ferry tickets at the ticket machines located next to the entrance at the San Francisco Ferry Building or reload your Clipper card.
The ferry fare is approximately $7.50 one-way, but prices can vary. It's best to check the official Golden Gate Ferry website for current pricing.
Sausalito is a town, and there are no general entrance fees to explore its streets, shops, and waterfront.
While you can purchase tickets at the terminal, booking in advance is recommended during peak times to avoid queues.
The area around the ferry landing often hosts events, including houseboat tours and local markets. Check local listings for upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the charming downtown shops and restaurants, the unique houseboat communities, and the stunning views from the waterfront.
For a unique experience, consider the Fjord floating sauna.You can easily explore Sausalito in a day by enjoying a ferry ride, browsing shops, dining at waterfront restaurants, and admiring the scenery.
Consider a hike or a visit to the houseboat communities.Sausalito offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. Hamburgers Seven Thirty Seven is a popular spot for burgers.
Many restaurants offer beautiful bay views.Yes, Sausalito is very walkable, and there are beautiful trails nearby, like the Morning Sun Trail, offering scenic views.
Walking from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge is also a popular option.Sausalito features a delightful mix of boutiques, art galleries, gift shops, and specialty stores, perfect for browsing and souvenir hunting.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront offers fantastic views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. The colorful houseboat communities also make for unique photo opportunities.
Yes, Sausalito provides beautiful opportunities for both sunrise and sunset photography over the bay.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views and cityscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. Be mindful of private property when photographing houseboat communities.
The 'golden hour' before sunset offers beautiful light. Mid-morning can also be lovely, especially if you're escaping SF fog.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for family-friendly events, like those sometimes hosted near the ferry landing, which often include activities for children. Many restaurants offer kid-friendly menus, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a day out without feeling rushed. The chance to see boats and the sea is usually a big hit with younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water, saving on restaurant costs. Many visitors find that simply enjoying the scenery and the atmosphere is a highlight. Look for local cafes or bakeries for more affordable meal options compared to sit-down restaurants.
couples
Consider a unique experience like the Fjord floating sauna for a relaxing and memorable outing. Alternatively, rent a Duffy boat for a private tour of the bay, enjoying the scenery at your own pace. The overall ambiance of Sausalito is one of relaxed sophistication, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking a scenic and enjoyable day trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Sausalito by Ferry
Upon arrival at the Sausalito Ferry Landing, you're immediately immersed in the town's charm. The landing is well-equipped with benches for waiting and enjoying the views, ticket machines, and information kiosks. From here, the vibrant downtown area with its array of shops, galleries, and restaurants is just a short stroll away, making it incredibly accessible for day-trippers.
Sausalito's Unique Houseboat Communities
Accessing these communities is generally straightforward, with many accessible via public walkways. The Sausalito Ferry Landing serves as a convenient starting point for exploring these areas. It's important to be respectful of residents' privacy while enjoying the visual spectacle. The vibrant colors and unconventional designs of the houseboats create a truly memorable and photogenic experience, distinguishing Sausalito from other waterfront towns.
Beyond the Ferry: Activities and Relaxation
For the more active traveler, Sausalito is a gateway to beautiful hikes and scenic walks. The Morning Sun Trail is a local favorite, offering stunning vistas. Many visitors also enjoy walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge, with Sausalito serving as a perfect destination at the end of the journey. The town also boasts a lively arts scene and hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Gingerbread House Tour during the holidays, adding another layer of appeal for visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit