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Sausalito is one of the most popular day trips from San Francisco. The seaside town is a quiet change from the busy city. It’s easy to get to, walkable, and filled with great shops, restaurants, and bars. I live across the Bay and visit Sausalito for a day trip a few times a year. It’s a great place for a relaxing day out, plus I love taking the ferry over while singing “I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island. Here are my favorite things to do in Sausalito.
Best Things to do in Sausalito
Many visitors to Sausalito get there and explore on their own. However, there are also Sausalito tours from San Francisco if you want to leave the planning to someone else and see more of the local area in one day.
Walk The Waterfront & Bridgeway
As I mentioned above, Sausalito is easy to get to, as it’s just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Most visitors arrive by ferry or bike (see below), but you can also take Golden Gate Transit buses from San Francisco. There are parking lots, too, should you wish to deal with potential traffic.
Once you’re in Sausalito, it’s easy to get around. Many of the city’s top attractions are within a short distance of the ferry terminal.
Bridgeway is the main street along the waterfront. It’s a popular place for walking and biking. Most of these Sasualito activities I’ve mentioned are located on Bridgeway or within a few blocks.
Book your hotel in San Francisco Bay Area now!In addition to the built-up parts of Sausalito, which have shops, bars, and restaurants, the shoreline areas are also lovely for birdwatching and nature viewing.
Bike Through Sausalito
One of the most popular things to do in San Francisco is to rent bicycles at Pier 39 or the Embarcadero, ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Sausalito, and then return to the city by ferry.
Or, for an even more ambitious day, there is a bike path heading north out of Sausalito to the other nearby towns of Marin.
There are also places to rent bikes in Sausalito, including Sausalito Bike Rentals and Vacation Bike Rentals.
Get Out On The Water – Sea Kayaking, Sailing, Ferries, & More
Sausalito’s popularity stems from its location on the water. Many visitors travel to and from Sausalito by ferry. Plus, there are all the coastal paths for walking and biking, as mentioned above. For many people, that’s enough access to the water.
However, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water that don’t involve being at the whim of ferry schedules. Companies such as Fine Day For Sailing, Sausalito Boat Rentals, Sailing SF Bay, and more offer water activity rentals and tours, including sea kayaking, sailing, and more.
These boat tours and rentals are a great way to see the San Francisco Bay’s aquatic life up close. Plus, the weather is almost always perfect.
See The Floating Homes & Otis Redding Dock
Sausalito is also famous for its floating homes. The waterfront is lined with piers and marinas where people have made their homes.
If you think you haven’t heard about the Sausalito houseboats, you probably have and don’t realize it. In 1967, singer Otis Redding stayed at the floating home owned by legendary music promoter Bill Graham (founder of the famous Fillmore & more).
During his stay, he was inspired by the scenery at Waldo Point Harbor. This was the song he wrote.
I left my home in Georgia Headed for the ‘Frisco bay ‘Cause I’ve had nothing to live for And look like nothin’s gonna come my way So I’m just gonna sit on the dock of the bay Watching the tide roll away Ooo, I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay Wastin’ time
On December 16, 1967, Redding died just days after recording “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay.” The song was released shortly after that. He never knew just how beloved it would become. Today, a new dock is marked on Google Maps as Otis Redding Dock.
Seeing this part of the waterfront is one of my favorite things to do in Sausalito.
If you walk around the marina area where the houseboats are located in Sausalito, please remember that this area is residential. Many sections are not open to the public. Obey any “no trespassing” signs and be respectful of the people who live there.
Muir Woods
Muir Woods is not in Sausalito, but it’s very close. It’s the easiest place to see redwoods in the Bay Area. There are many day trip tours from San Francisco that combine Muir Woods and Sausalito.
If you’re exploring the area on your own, there are sometimes seasonal shuttles from Sausalito to Muir Woods during the peak summer months. An extended schedule serves the redwoods from Larkspur. Check the latest information.
See San Francisco And The Marin Headlands From Above By Seaplane
Sausalito is beautiful from the ground, whether you’re exploring on foot, by bicycle, or on a boat. But for the most unique views, you can take a seaplane flight over Sausalito and the Marin Headlands.
Book a seaplane tour with Seaplane Adventures
Bay Model
The Bay Model is one of the most unique Sausalito attractions.
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Engineers used this model of San Francisco Bay to determine the impacts of potential projects. Today, it is a free educational center that’s open to the public.
Sausalito Beach
Despite being located along San Francisco Bay, Sausalito doesn’t have much beach space.
However, if you’re looking for a stretch of sand, head to Sausalito Beach.
Dunphy Park
Dunphy Park is located between Bridgeway and the water.
The recently remodeled park includes excellent views, walking paths, sand volleyball courts, a gazebo, bocce courts, and plenty of space for picnics.
Sausalito Historical Society Museum
The Sausalito Historical Society Museum is located in a former ice house in downtown Sausalito.
The small museum has exhibits about the city. Out front, there is a timeline with notable dates in Sausalito’s history.
The Sausalito Center for the Arts
The Sausalito Center For The Arts is Sausalito’s main art center. It hosts art exhibits, live events, and more.
Praça de Cascais
Praça de Cascais is located right in front of the Sausalito Center For The Arts. The plaza brings a bit of Portugal to Sausalito.
Sausalito, California, is a sister city of Cascais, Portugal, which makes complete sense. Both are well-off waterside suburbs of large cities, San Francisco and Lisbon. In fact, Lisbon reminds me a lot of San Francisco, thanks to its prominent hills and bridge that resembles a combination of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge. So it’s a natural pairing (though oddly, the two main cities are not themselves twinned).
Viña del Mar Park
Viña del Mar Park is dedicated to another of Sausalito’s sister cities, Viña del Mar, Chile.
The small park is located right across from the ferry and features plenty of greenery along with these elephant statues and a fountain.
Fort Baker
Fort Baker is a former Army base located just south of Sausalito.
The grounds are filled with walking trails and cliffside views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge, plus a hotel, restaurants, a museum, and more.
Golden Gate Bridge
While the Golden Gate Bridge is not technically in Sausalito, it’s so close that it warrants a mention.
If you’re heading to Sausalito from San Francisco, you’ll either drive over it or see it from the ferry. Well, you’ll see it as long as it’s not too foggy, which is never guaranteed.
Most tours from San Francisco to Sausalito, Muir Woods, and Napa Valley stop at one of the bridge overlooks for photos.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is also located on the Fort Baker grounds. It’s one of the best things to do in Sausalito with kids.
The museum features dozens of interactive exhibits and learning activities for children up to age 8.
Shopping
Like any good seaside town, Sausalito has little shops selling everything from clothing to souvenirs.
As you may have guessed, most are along Bridgeway. Local favorites include Sausalito Ferry Co. Novelty Toy and Gift Store, Sausalito Books by the Bay, Gene Hiller Menswear, Versailles, Simply Sausalito, The Holiday Shoppe, and more.
Art Galleries
Art galleries are also common in coastal towns, and Sausalito is no exception.
Head to Hanson Gallery, Gallery Sausalito, Galerie Elektra, Scrimshaw Gallery, or Studio 333 to see the latest creations from local artists.
The annual Sausalito Art Festival is held every Labor Day weekend.
Wine Bars
Being so close to wine country, Sausalito has a few nice spots for wine. It’s also a stop on some wine trip day tours from San Francisco.
Visit Bacchus & Venus or Real Napa Tasting Room to taste delicious local wines. Read more about Sausalito wine bars.
Beer Bars
Although there currently aren’t any breweries in Sausalito, there are several decent places for a pint.
Head to the Joinery, Smitty’s, or Barrel House Tavern for the best selection. Read more about craft beer in Sausalito.
Cocktail Bars
There are a few good cocktail bars, too.
My favorite places for drinks in Sausalito are Barrel House Tavern, Farley Bar, and the aforementioned Hanson of Sonoma, which, in addition to being an art gallery, is also a distillery tasting room that serves cocktails. Read more about Sausalito cocktail bars.
Restaurants
There are plenty of great places to eat in Sausalito. Seafood restaurants such as Scoma’s, the Trident, and Fish are popular with day trippers and locals alike.
I also particularly enjoy Venice Gourmet Delicatessen, Copita, Joinery, Saylor’s, and Sandrino Pizza & Vino.
Lappert’s Ice Cream
I wanted to list one Sausalito food spot separately: Lappert’s Ice Cream, a beloved Sausalito institution.
Thanks to a prime location in downtown Sausalito right across from the ferry terminal, Lappert’s almost always has lines. However, the wait is worth it.
Lappert’s has ties to Hawaii, so some of the most beloved flavors include Kona Coffee, Kauai Pie, and Caramel Coconut Macadamia. I particularly enjoy the Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel.
Hotels in Sausalito
There are a few hotel options if you want to make a weekend of it rather than just taking a day trip to Sausalito.
The Inn Above Tide is the most convenient hotel with the best water views.
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa is also located in downtown Sausalito.
If you prefer a more relaxing stay with outdoor views and hiking, check out Cavallo Point Lodge in Fort Baker.
Here are some great San Francisco tours & other things to see & do in San Francisco.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these Sausalito hotels.
