Final Up to date on fifth January 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Sausalito is an enthralling seaside escape with all of the appeal of a European resort, regardless of its location in California. Right here’s your final information to the finest issues to do in Sausalito, in addition to journey suggestions, and what to know earlier than you go.

Pastel hued houseboats bob within the water and bougainvillea blooms in abundance. There’s a salty sea breeze within the wind and considerably of a Mediterranean vibe permeates the place. And did I point out that each one of that is in California, slightly below an hour from San Francisco? Nicely, learn on to find the perfect of Sausalito…

sausalito

The place is Sausalito?

Sunnt Sausalito is situated north of San Francisco in Marin County within the state of California. The whimsical metropolis’s inhabitants numbers simply over 7000 residents, although this swells in the summertime months when vacationers arrive to benefit from the houseboats, motels, and sights of the city.

sausalito sunset

get to Sausalito

The best option to attain the little city is by taking the ferry from SF on to Sausalito. Boats journey a number of instances a day between the Ferry Constructing (on the Embarcadero on the foot of Market St.) in San Francisco to Fisherman’s Wharf in Sausalito.

The journey time is beneath an hour and whereas it’s potential to go to Sausalito as a day journey from San Francisco, you’ll wish to keep two or three days to really absorb the ambiance and permit your self to completely loosen up. Verify ferry tickets right here.

An alternative choice is to drive from SF to Sausalito and the journey time is round thirty minutes (relying on the site visitors). Because of how particular and delightful the surroundings is from the ferry trip, I might personally go for the ferry over driving.

The final choice to succeed in Sausalito is by bicycle, which takes two to 3 hours. Should you’re an everyday bike owner, this might be simple, although for those who’re not used to biking longer distances then you may find yourself fairly drained by the top of your bike trip!

sausalito ferry

What’s Sausalito recognized for?

Sausalito is best-known as a trip spot and is especially standard amongst People, although it’s less-known to international guests, making the city one of many best-kept secrets and techniques of California. Sausalito is especially well-known for its seafood, laid again vibes, vacationer boutiques, and artwork galleries.

Finest issues to do in Sausalito

Discover on bike

As talked about beforehand, one of many most important methods to succeed in Sausalito is by way of bicycle, and so among the finest methods to get round city is on two wheels. Should you’re reaching Sausalito by way of ferry, then you may carry your individual bike on board or alternatively lease one from Fisherman’s Wharf in SF.

Admire the houseboats

One of many extra distinctive features of Sausalito is the sheer abundance of houseboats. Free to admire by way of their exteriors, these vibrant boats bob on the water and right this moment quantity round 400.

Round Christmas time, lots of the houseboats are embellished with lovely lights and garlands, making them much more magical. Please word that whereas some docks the place houseboats are moored are free to wander alongside, if a dock says ‘non-public’ or is roped off, don’t enter.

Richardson Bay in Sausalito

Stroll the Bridgeway Promenade and Sausalito Boardwalk

Among the best methods to take in the ocean breeze and luxuriate in a relaxed environment is by wandering alongside the Bridgeway Promenade and Sausalito Boardwalk. Alongside the best way, you’ll discover loads of regionally owned outlets and even spot the bronze sea lion statue, which may solely be spied throughout low tide.

 Sausalito Boardwalk

Hike the Marin Headlands

Should you want nature to seeing artifical issues, then you should definitely head out to hike the Marin Headlands. Whilst you may be tempted to hike the Muir Woods nationwide monument throughout your time in Sausalito, until you’re staying for no less than a couple of days on the town, you’ll wish to save this for one more day.

marin headlands

Go kayaking and arise paddle-boarding

Because of its location alongside the water, there’s no scarcity of water sports activities actions in Sausalito. Some of the standard is sea kayaking or arise paddle-boarding. Should you want to partake in both of those actions, you may head to Sea Trek Kayak & SUP Heart. And, who is aware of? Chances are you’ll even see some seals whilst you’re out on the water!

Take a seaplane tour

Should you want to benefit from the water from above, then one of many extra luxurious choices obtainable in Sausalito is to take a seaplane tour! Get pleasure from improbable views of the bay, SF, and the golden gate bridge.

Get pleasure from an ice cream

There’s maybe no meals that screams summer time fairly like ice cream and there’s certainly no scarcity of outlets promoting the candy stuff in Sausalito. A number of the finest locations promoting ice cream on the town embody Lappert’s Ice Cream and Style of Rome. Should you get a cone to go at Lappert’s then you may head out and admire the sailboats whereas having fun with your ice cream.

Buy groceries

Because of its standing as a resort city, some of the standard pastimes for guests to Sausalito is to buy groceries within the little boutiques scattered throughout city. This contains bookshops, thrift shops, and the sort of outlets which promote seaside themed items.

For sure, the perfect place to probe for a spot of buying in Sausalito is downtown. A number of the quaintest streets embody alongside Bridgeway Promenade and on Caledonia Road.

Bay Space Discovery Museum

In case you are touring with youngsters, you then’ll wish to head to the Bay Space Discovery Museum, which is particularly geared in the direction of kids. There are each indoor and outside areas with totally different themed actions similar to iceless skating and climbing. There’s even beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge from the property.

San Francisco Bay Mannequin

Located within the Marinship neighborhood, an space best-known for the place many costly boats are docked, the Bay Mannequin Customer Heart is free to go to and there may be additionally free parking on website, making it among the finest free issues to do in Sausalito.

As its title would recommend, the large house showcases a mannequin of San Francisco Bay and Metropolis. There are additionally exhibitions in regards to the historical past of the Bay space, together with one about shipbuilding throughout WWII.

Gallery 111 Artwork Studios

Should you’re a fan of paintings, you then received’t wish to miss out on a go to to Gallery 111 Artwork Studios. This spectacular constructing showcases paintings from a collective of 100+ San Francisco Bay Space artists and there are common exhibitions, exhibits, and talks.

Get pleasure from views of San Francisco

Because of its proximity to town, Sausalito presents lovely views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Even when it’s gray, chilly, and foggy simply throughout the water in San Francisco, guests will typically be delighted to find that it’s truly sunny and heat in Sausalito!

sausalito view

What to pack for Sausalito

Should you’re visiting the city in the course of the summer time, you then’ll wish to pack some essential necessities. This contains solar cream, a hat, sun shades, and cozy sneakers as among the finest methods to discover city is on foot and so that you’ll be strolling rather a lot!

The place to remain in Sausalito

Because of its standing as a summer time vacation vacation spot, locations get booked up quick in Sausalito (particularly in the course of the excessive season, i.e. summer time) and so that you’ll wish to guide your resort ASAP. Listed below are a number of the finest lodging choices based mostly on web-reviews and site:

Price range: HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf – If you wish to get monetary savings, then it’s truly cheaper to remain in SF moderately than Sausalito. This laidback hostel is situated near the water, only a stone’s throw away from bike paths and eating places. Facilities embody dorm rooms or non-public rooms in addition to breakfast. Verify costs and availability right here.

Mid-range: Lodge Sausalito & Suites – This three-star resort presents up European vibes in an early Twentieth-century constructing. Highlights embody free Wi-Fi and place on the town. Verify costs and availability right here.

Luxurious: The Inn Above Tide – This lovely boutique resort presents all of the facilities you may anticipate from an upscale institution; breakfast, cosy rooms, and air-con.

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Sophie Nadeau loves canine, books, journey, pizza, and historical past. A fan of all issues France associated, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the subsequent sundown shot or consuming one thing candy. She presently lives in Paris. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.