Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, this houseboat-lined harbor town offers bay views, art galleries, and an easy bike ride back across the bridge.

Why Visit Sausalito

Sausalito sits directly across the bay from San Francisco, offering some of the best views of the city skyline along with a relaxed, Mediterranean-feeling waterfront. Its floating houseboat community and walkable downtown make it a popular half-day trip from the city.

Top Experiences

  • Houseboat community: A colorful, walkable floating neighborhood along Richardson Bay.
  • Bridgeway waterfront: The main promenade lined with galleries, cafes, and bay views back toward San Francisco.
  • Golden Gate Bridge bike ride: A popular route bikes across the bridge from San Francisco, ending with a ferry back from Sausalito.
  • Bay Model Visitor Center: A free, massive hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay used for engineering research.
Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide

Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide

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Redwood National Park Tour 2-Day Private Tour Package Hotel Included

Redwood National Park Tour 2-Day Private Tour Package Hotel Included

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Sail San Francisco Bay on the Historic Brigantine Matthew Turner

Sail San Francisco Bay on the Historic Brigantine Matthew Turner

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Transportation services for Napa . Sonoma wine tours

Transportation services for Napa . Sonoma wine tours

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Rental Bikes in Sausalito CA

Rental Bikes in Sausalito CA

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Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour

Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour

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Practical Tips

  • Take the ferry from San Francisco instead of driving, both for the views and to avoid Golden Gate Bridge traffic.
  • The bike-across-the-bridge, ferry-back route is one of the most popular ways to see both the bridge and Sausalito in one outing.
  • Downtown is compact and easily covered on foot in a couple of hours.

FAQ

How do I get to Sausalito from San Francisco?
By ferry from the Ferry Building or Pier 41, or by bike across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Is Sausalito worth a half day trip?
Yes, most visitors comfortably cover the waterfront and houseboat area in a few hours.

What is Sausalito known for?
Its floating houseboat community and views back across the bay to San Francisco.