Sausalito, CA

Travel Guide
Sausalito which includes a coastal town
This sassy and sophisticated waterfront community with a Mediterranean flair is just a short ferry ride across San Francisco Bay.

From the pleasure boats bobbing up and down in the spacious harbor to the hillside bungalows surrounded by bougainvillea, Sausalito has the look and feel of the French Riviera. This impression is enhanced by a warm, mild climate most of the year.

The best way to get here is by the 30-minute ferry ride from San Francisco. Ferries leave from Pier 41 at Fisherman's Wharf and also from the San Francisco Ferry Building toward the southern end of the Embarcadero. The ride from Fisherman’s Wharf includes wonderful views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge from closer quarters. Be sure to bring a warm, wind-resistant jacket, as a cold breeze kicks up from the water even on the warmest days.

As Sausalito gradually comes into view, pick out the details of the impressive cliffside houses and charming early 20th-century cottages. Admire the town’s setting flanked by the forests and fields of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. 

After you disembark, take a stroll along the waterside esplanade lined with restaurants along picturesque piers. Wander through the downtown plaza, browsing in the smart boutiques and art galleries, and sip a café latte in one of the open-air cafés or bistros.  

Though distinctly upscale today, Sausalito still has something of a bohemian vibe. It harks back to the 1950s and ’60s when it was known as an artists’ colony. Enjoy a look through some of the galleries, which sell locally made arts and crafts.

Sausalito is also famous for its houseboat community. It was here, while staying in a houseboat, that Otis Redding got the idea for his hit song, (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay. Today, there are hundreds of houseboats ranging from quirky and rundown to plush and expensive. 

Where to stay in Sausalito

On the right as you come into Sausalito is a small road down to a secluded beach area with good views back towards San Fransisco.  Make sure you go to the deli in the supermarket

Old Town Sausalito

While Old Town Sausalito might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Bay Area Discovery Museum and Sausalito Visitors Kiosk.

Old Town Sausalito
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
4 out of 5
424 Clay St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥18,833 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥18,833
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,593 reviews)
"Quiet clean."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥22,588 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥22,588
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,514 reviews)
"This place is always a pleasure to stay while I work in the city. Highly recommend for business stays."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is ¥21,030 per night from May 21 to May 22
¥21,030
per night
May 21 - May 22
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6,171 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Stay at this aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (2,534 reviews)
"Everything went well. Room close by, good breakfast selections."

Reviewed on May 3, 2024

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Baden Apartments
Baden Apartments
2 out of 5
411 Baden Ave, South San Francisco, CA
Stay at this apartment in South San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions The Shops at Tanforan and Serramonte Center are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (13 reviews)
"Everything was great with the property. I would have loved to watch tv before bed but all wax well."

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2023

Baden Apartments
3BD House Near Golden Gate Park !
3BD House Near Golden Gate Park !
San Francisco
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies. Popular attractions Golden Gate Park and Presidio ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (34 reviews)
Great location; Comfy beds; a little dated but overall great property.
"First let me say, we had a great time at this property. This is a small house in the city. Great location. We could walk to restaurants and play pickleball at the playground next store. It had three good size bedrooms, with super comfy beds. Only one real bathroom and shower, as the second bathroom ..."

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

3BD House Near Golden Gate Park !
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Sausalito

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
83
" "5 - Excellent 75.45454545454545%
4 - Good
20
" "4 - Good 18.181818181818183%
3 - Okay
6
" "3 - Okay 5.454545454545454%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.9090909090909091%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Nov 25, 2019

The town of Sausalito was still quiet and charming, although most of the stores have transformed into tourist shops and are less unique. We managed to find some wonderful restaurants, coffee shop and ice cream store. Overall, it was very nice.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Nov 19, 2019

Beautiful Tourist City and excellent restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 15, 2019

Enjoyed the Blue Angels shoey

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 4, 2019

Loved the shops and galleries along the water!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 24, 2019

Cannot wait to come back!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 18, 2019

If you haven't you are missing one of the best towns in California. Home to the best views of San Francisco. Home tosome the best restaurants in the bay area. A romantic getaway!

Cities near Sausalito