Sausalito San Francisco
A picturesque waterfront town just across the Golden Gate Bridge, offering stunning views, charming shops, and unique houseboat communities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Sausalito San Francisco
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque waterfront town just across the Golden Gate Bridge, offering stunning views, charming shops, and unique houseboat communities.
"Sausalito is pretty, the ferry ride is great and walking along the bay is gorgeous."
🎯 Take the Ferry! 🚢
The ferry offers stunning views and a relaxing way to travel between SF and Sausalito.
🚶♀️ Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
A memorable experience with incredible views. Consider walking one way and taking the ferry back.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Gate Bridge Views
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across the iconic bridge for breathtaking views of the bay and city skyline.
Charming Waterfront Promenade
Bridgeway Street
Stroll along Bridgeway, browsing unique shops, art galleries, and enjoying waterfront dining.
Unique Houseboat Communities
Richardson Bay
Explore the whimsical and artistic floating homes that dot Richardson Bay. A truly unique Sausalito experience.
Bay Model Visitor Center
Bay Model Visitor Center
Discover a massive, working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta. Fascinating for all ages.
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Fun or Scenic Stroll?
Beat the Crowds
Weekday mornings are ideal. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the Ferry! 🚢
The ferry offers stunning views and a relaxing way to travel between SF and Sausalito. +2
🚶♀️ Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
A memorable experience with incredible views. Consider walking one way and taking the ferry back. +2
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent a bike for a scenic ride across the bridge or explore Sausalito's charming streets. +1
🏠 Visit the Houseboats
Wander through the unique floating homes for a glimpse into a quirky lifestyle. Be respectful!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the Ferry! 🚢
The ferry offers stunning views and a relaxing way to travel between SF and Sausalito. +2
🚶♀️ Walk the Golden Gate Bridge
A memorable experience with incredible views. Consider walking one way and taking the ferry back. +2
🚲 Bike Rentals Available
Rent a bike for a scenic ride across the bridge or explore Sausalito's charming streets. +1
🏠 Visit the Houseboats
Wander through the unique floating homes for a glimpse into a quirky lifestyle. Be respectful!
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood and bay views at one of Sausalito's many restaurants. +1
🅿️ Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is limited and can be expensive. Consider public transport or arriving early.
🗺️ Bay Model is a Hidden Gem
Explore this massive, fascinating model of the San Francisco Bay. Free admission! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sausalito is widely praised for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque waterfront, and charming atmosphere, making it a delightful escape from San Francisco. Visitors rave about the scenic ferry rides and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge views. However, some find the town overly touristy and expensive, with parking being a significant challenge.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular ways are by ferry from Fisherman's Wharf or the Ferry Building, or by walking/biking across the Golden Gate Bridge. +2 Golden Gate Transit buses also serve Sausalito.
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Absolutely! The ferry offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline. +2 It's a scenic and relaxing journey.
Yes, it's a popular option! The walk is about 3.97 miles and takes around 1.5-2 hours. +2 Biking is also a great way to experience the bridge and the route to Sausalito.
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The ferry is a great option for the return trip, offering more beautiful views. +1 You can also take a bus or rideshare.
The ride can be challenging, especially the climb to the bridge and the descent into Sausalito. +1 Consider the ferry for an easier return.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ferry tickets typically range from $7.50 to $16 for a round trip, depending on the ferry service and if you use a Clipper card. +1
It's generally not necessary to book ferry tickets in advance, especially on weekdays. However, on busy weekends, booking ahead or arriving early is recommended.
Sausalito itself does not have an entrance fee. However, activities like renting a boat or visiting specific attractions may have associated costs.
The Bay Model Visitor Center is typically open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's closed on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays.
Yes, several tour operators offer combined day trips to Muir Woods and Sausalito from San Francisco.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the stunning views from the Golden Gate Bridge, a stroll along the waterfront promenade, exploring the unique houseboat communities, and visiting the Bay Model Visitor Center. +3
Downtown Sausalito offers charming shops, art galleries, and numerous restaurants and cafes along Bridgeway. +1
Yes, you can rent boats, including Duffy boats, in Sausalito for a fun day on the bay. Some rentals do not require a license. +1
Yes, you can explore hidden stairways within Sausalito for a less crowded experience, or hike in nearby areas like Angel Island.
Sausalito is often considered a romantic destination, especially with its waterfront dining and beautiful views. Consider a weekday visit for a more intimate experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular choices include The Spinnaker for views, Poggio Trattoria and Sushi Ran for upscale dining, and Salsalito Taco Shop for a more casual bite. +2
Barrel House Tavern is a great option for brunch with outdoor seating right on the water.
Sausalito offers a variety of cuisines, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood and Italian-inspired dishes. +1
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the ferry, which can be a budget-friendly option.
Lappert's Ice Cream is a popular spot for a sweet treat after exploring Sausalito.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer, the colorful houseboat communities, and the picturesque waterfront.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography along the waterfront and of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Yes, you can take photos of the houseboat communities, but remember to be respectful as people live there. Stay on the main walkways.
The ferry ride itself provides excellent opportunities to photograph the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Head to Battery Spencer for iconic views, or capture it from the waterfront promenade as you walk or bike across. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
The 'love lock' hike at Battery Spencer provides a unique and scenic spot for couples. 🚲 Active Adventurers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Golden Gate Bridge Experience
Cyclists have dedicated paths, but it's crucial to be aware of other riders and pedestrians.
For an even more unique perspective, consider visiting Battery Spencer near the Marin Headlands side of the bridge. It offers a stunning vantage point for photographing the bridge and the city, and it's a popular spot for 'love lock' installations.
Sausalito's Charming Waterfront and Houseboats
A truly unique aspect of Sausalito is its houseboat communities. These colorful and eclectic floating homes, scattered across Richardson Bay, offer a glimpse into a bohemian and artistic lifestyle.
For those interested in maritime history and engineering, the Bay Model Visitor Center is a must-visit. This massive, working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta is an impressive educational exhibit, offering insights into tidal flows and environmental studies.
Getting Around: Ferry vs. Driving
While driving is an option, parking in Sausalito can be frustrating, especially on weekends and holidays.
For those who prefer to be active, walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a popular choice.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit