Sausalito, California
Mediterranean-style hillside village across the Golden Gate from San Francisco. Houseboat community, waterfront dining, and stunning bay views create California coastal magic.
Quick Facts
What Makes Sausalito Special
- •Spectacular Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline views
- •Historic houseboat community at Richardson Bay
- •Waterfront restaurants and galleries
- •Mediterranean architecture and hillside setting
- •Ferry access from San Francisco (car-free visits possible)
- •Artists' colony atmosphere with working studios
Where to Stay in Sausalito
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
Cliffside hotel with bay views, full spa, and acclaimed restaurant. Mix of historic Victorian rooms and modern cottages. Stunning views from every level. Ferry dock walkable.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Request bay-view room for Golden Gate Bridge vistas
Cavallo Point Lodge
At Golden Gate Bridge base in former Fort Baker officers' quarters. Full-service resort with spa, yoga, fine dining. National Historic Landmark setting with bridge views. Hiking trails on property.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Restored historic rooms have more character than contemporary ones
Inn Above Tide
Sausalito's only hotel literally over the water. Every room has private deck with bay views. Complimentary wine, breakfast, binoculars for seal-watching. Ultra-romantic.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Hear seals barking, watch herons fishing from your bed
Hotel Sausalito
Downtown waterfront location. Newly renovated with modern design, complimentary bikes, wine hour. Walk to everything. More affordable luxury than Inn Above Tide.
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Free bikes perfect for exploring Richardson Bay Trail
Fireside Motel
Simple, clean motel up the hill from downtown. Basic but well-maintained. Good for budget-conscious visitors who spend days exploring. Free parking (valuable in Sausalito).
Book on Booking.com ↗💡 Hillside location means free parking and lower prices
Where to Eat in Sausalito
The Spinnaker
Right on the water with floor-to-ceiling windows framing San Francisco skyline. Fresh seafood, extensive wine list. Classic Sausalito experience. Reservations essential for window tables at sunset.
Fish.
Sustainable seafood in casual counter-service format. Outstanding fish tacos, crab rolls, daily catches. Picnic tables overlook boats. Always a line - worth the wait. Cash or check only.
Murray Circle
At Cavallo Point with Golden Gate views. Farm-to-table tasting menus, exceptional wine pairings. Elegant but not stuffy. Special occasion dining with location to match.
Barrel House Tavern
Upscale tavern with waterfront deck. Wood-fired pizzas, rotisserie meats, craft cocktails. Lively atmosphere. Great for groups. Outdoor heaters extend deck season.
Le Garage
Parisian-style bistro serving classics - mussels, steak frites, duck confit. Intimate setting. Locals' favorite. Cash only. No reservations - arrive early or late.
Lighthouse Cafe
Tiny breakfast spot beloved by locals. Hearty omelets, pancakes, strong coffee. Lines form early weekends. Cash preferred. No frills but delicious.
Avatar's
Innovative vegetarian cuisine with Indian spices. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service. Popular with both vegetarians and omnivores. Good wine list.
Taste of Rome
Family-run trattoria serving homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas. Warm atmosphere, reasonable prices. Good for families. Less touristy than waterfront spots.
Sample Itineraries
Perfect Sausalito Day Trip from San Francisco
Experience the best of this bayside village without a car, using the ferry.
Getting Around Sausalito
Sausalito is supremely walkable once you arrive. The waterfront Bridgeway stretches about 2 miles with most attractions, shops, and restaurants. Ferry from San Francisco Ferry Building (30 min, $14.50) lands you downtown - no car needed. If driving from SF, cross Golden Gate Bridge (toll $8.40 southbound only), take Alexander Avenue exit. Parking is challenging - use paid lots ($3-5/hour) or free street parking on hills (steep climb down). Bikes ideal for Richardson Bay Trail - many hotels offer complimentary bikes. Uber/Lyft available but pricey. The town bus (Marin Transit Route 17) connects to Mill Valley and Larkspur ferry. Most visitors do fine car-free using ferry.
When to Visit Sausalito: Seasonal Guide
Summer (June-August)
Peak tourist season with frequent fog mornings ('June gloom'). Afternoons usually clear. Warm days possible but pack layers. Busiest season - restaurants crowded, parking difficult.
- •Ferry runs frequently
- •All businesses fully operational
- •Outdoor dining (when sun appears)
- •Houseboat community most active
- • Sausalito Art Festival (Labor Day weekend)
- • Thursday farmers market (May-October)
Fall (September-October)
Best weather! Warmest, sunniest months with less fog. Still busy but slightly fewer tourists than summer. Ideal visiting time.
- •Clearest, warmest weather of year
- •Wine harvest season in nearby Napa/Sonoma
- •Excellent outdoor dining conditions
- •Better parking/restaurant availability than summer
- • Art Festival (Labor Day)
- • Various music events
Winter (November-February)
Rainy season with occasional storms. Many businesses reduce hours. Quieter, more local feel. Prices lower.
- •Dramatic storm watching over bay
- •Cozy fireside dining
- •Lowest accommodation prices
- •See 'real' Sausalito without crowds
- • Holiday decorations and lights
Spring (March-May)
Wildflowers bloom on hills. Weather variable - can be foggy or sunny. Shoulder season offers moderate crowds and prices.
- •Hillside wildflower displays
- •Whale migration viewing from headlands
- •Spring wine tastings in North Bay
- •Ferry schedule increases
- • Farmers market begins (May)
Best Photography Spots
Ferry Dock at Arrival
Classic shot of Sausalito waterfront with hills behind. Ferry provides foreground interest. Shoot from dock or boat.
📸 Best time: Afternoon when sun lights buildings
Bridgeway Looking North
Waterfront restaurant patios, boats, Marin Headlands backdrop. Quintessential Sausalito scene.
📸 Best time: Golden hour (evening) when warm light glows on buildings
Houseboat Community
Creative floating homes reflected in calm water. Colorful, quirky, uniquely Californian. Shoot from public docks only.
📸 Best time: Morning calm water for best reflections
Vista Point (Golden Gate)
Just north of Sausalito - iconic Golden Gate Bridge view toward San Francisco. Most photographed spot in area.
📸 Best time: Late afternoon when fog often clears, backlighting bridge
Cavallo Point Shoreline
Golden Gate Bridge from Fort Baker beach. Bridge dominates frame with waves, beach. Stunning perspective.
📸 Best time: Sunset for golden bridge against blue sky
Battery Spencer
Above Sausalito in Marin Headlands. Elevated bridge view often above fog. Short hike from parking.
📸 Best time: Sunrise or afternoon when fog below creates drama
Day Trips from Sausalito
Muir Woods National Monument
Ancient coastal redwood forest. Cathedral-like groves on easy boardwalk trails. Cool, quiet, magical. Reservations required for parking. Arrive early or late to avoid crowds. Combine with Mt. Tamalpais summit drive.
Tiburon
Sister Marin waterfront town. More upscale, less touristy than Sausalito. Excellent restaurants, art galleries. Angel Island ferry departs here. Main Street perfect for strolling.
Napa Valley
World-famous wine country. Hundreds of wineries, Michelin-star restaurants, hot-air balloons. Full or half-day excursion. Designated driver essential or book wine tour.
Point Reyes National Seashore
Dramatic coastal wilderness. Historic lighthouse, elephant seal viewing (winter), oyster farms, windswept beaches. Bring layers - very windy and cool even when Sausalito is warm.
San Francisco
Return to the city for museums, neighborhoods, dining. Ferry makes car-free San Francisco + Sausalito combination easy and enjoyable.
Angel Island State Park
San Francisco Bay island with hiking, biking, historical sites. 360-degree bay views. Tram tours or rent bikes. Full-day adventure. Ferry from Tiburon.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sausalito
- •Ferry is the most enjoyable way to visit - no parking hassles, stunning views, authentic experience. Check schedules before planning return.
- •Bring layers! Bay Area microclimates mean 50°F fog morning can become 75°F sunny afternoon. Locals dress in layers year-round.
- •Reserve restaurants for dinner, especially waterfront tables at sunset. Walk-ins difficult summer weekends.
- •Cash recommended - several top spots (Fish., Le Garage) are cash-only or cash-preferred.
- •Parking is expensive and scarce. If driving, arrive early (before 10am) for street parking or use paid lots. Ferry avoids this entirely.
- •Thursday morning farmers market (May-October) offers local produce, prepared foods, live music. Less touristy, more local.
- •Richardson Bay Trail perfect for bikes. Many hotels offer complimentary bikes to guests. Rentals available downtown.
- •Respect houseboat community privacy - view from public docks only, no trespassing on private docks or gangways.
- •Fog burns off by afternoon summer days - plan indoor activities (galleries, lunch) for mornings, outdoor for afternoons.
- •Combine with Muir Woods visit (20 min drive) for nature + village day. Or ferry to Tiburon (15 min) for two-town day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sausalito worth visiting?
Absolutely! Sausalito offers a perfect contrast to San Francisco - Mediterranean charm, waterfront dining, artist galleries, and spectacular bay views all in a walkable village. The ferry ride itself justifies the visit, providing stunning Golden Gate Bridge views. The houseboat community is uniquely fascinating. It's ideal as a day trip or overnight escape. Less touristy than Fisherman's Wharf with more authentic California coastal village atmosphere.
How do you get to Sausalito from San Francisco?
Ferry is most enjoyable - departs San Francisco Ferry Building, 30-minute ride with Golden Gate Bridge views ($14.50 round-trip). Runs multiple times daily. By car: cross Golden Gate Bridge, take first exit (Alexander Avenue), follow signs. Parking challenging in Sausalito. Bus available but less convenient. Many visitors combine ferry one-way with driving/Uber the other. Ferry strongly recommended for the experience.
Can you walk around Sausalito?
Yes! Sausalito is highly walkable. Main waterfront Bridgeway stretches about 2 miles with most attractions, restaurants, galleries, and shops. Ferry drops you in the center of action. Houseboat community short walk from downtown. Hills are steep if venturing uphill, but waterfront is flat. Most visitors never need wheels. The Richardson Bay Trail offers 4-mile paved bike path perfect for strolling.
How long should you spend in Sausalito?
A half-day (4-5 hours) covers main highlights - ferry ride, lunch, gallery browsing, houseboat viewing. A full day (8 hours) allows leisurely pace with longer walks, more dining. Overnight stay lets you enjoy sunset views, romantic evening dining, and morning calm before tourists arrive. Sausalito makes an excellent day trip from San Francisco or overnight escape.
Is Sausalito expensive?
Moderately to very expensive, comparable to San Francisco. Waterfront dining runs $20-$50+ per person. Accommodations $250-$900/night. However, visiting can be budget-friendly: ferry is affordable ($14.50), walking is free, Fish. serves excellent seafood for $15-20, and window-shopping galleries costs nothing. Skip pricey restaurants by picnicking at waterfront park. Prices reflect prime Bay Area real estate and tourism.
What is the houseboat community in Sausalito?
Sausalito's houseboat communities (primarily Waldo Point and Galilee Harbor) feature hundreds of creative floating homes in Richardson Bay. These aren't boats but homes built on barges/floats, ranging from rustic to luxurious. The community formed in 1960s counterculture era. Today it's mix of artists, professionals, retirees living unique waterfront lifestyle. View respectfully from public docks - these are private homes. Walking the public docks provides fascinating glimpse into alternative living.
Where should I eat in Sausalito?
For seafood with a view: The Spinnaker (upscale) or Fish. (casual, cash-only - always a line but worth it). For French: Le Garage (bistro classics, cash only). For gastropub: Barrel House Tavern (waterfront deck). For breakfast: Lighthouse Cafe (tiny, beloved by locals). For special occasions: Murray Circle at Cavallo Point (bridge views, farm-to-table). Reserve ahead for waterfront sunset tables.
Can you bike in Sausalito?
Yes! Biking is excellent. Many hotels offer complimentary bikes. The Richardson Bay Trail (paved, flat, 4 miles) is perfect for casual riding past houseboats with bay views. Adventurous cyclists can bike across Golden Gate Bridge from SF to Sausalito (downhill!), then ferry back (bikes allowed on ferry). Rent bikes in SF or Sausalito. Warning: hills in residential Sausalito are very steep.
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