Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sausalito. On a warm day, an image of Sausalito can easily be mistaken for a Mediterranean fishing town. This attractive seaside community has the environment of a European getaway hotel, particularly throughout summer season, with its charming stores, high end art galleries, scenic waterside walk, as well as yacht-filled marinas. Even residents from "the city" feel of escaping when they spend an afternoon right here, although it's just a few miles away.
Sausalito has actually been a preferred resort of San Franciscans who appreciate the good life, particularly given that the development of traveler boat service in 1868. Today, visitors will certainly still see sophisticated houses nestled on wooded hillsides and can arrive the way affluent Victorians when did. The ferryboat trip across the bay offers an amazing approach to Sausalito, with magnificent views of the Golden Entrance Bridge in the process.
Safeguarded by the Marin Headlands, which lie just beyond the bridge, Sausalito is generally warmer than the city but is often windy in the very early evening when the haze rolls in. Strategy your trip with our checklist of the top points to do in Sausalito
See also: Where to Stay in Sausalito.
1. Golden Gate Bridge and Vista Factor
Golden Gateway Bridge
One of the most famous site in the San Francisco location is the 1.7-mile Golden Entrance Bridge, with its classic arched cables as well as orange Art-Deco towers reaching virtually 750 feet tall. The Site visitor Facility lies at the southern end of the bridge in the San Francisco Presidio, and has both indoor as well as outside exhibitions, which explore the history as well as engineering of the bridge.
In addition to driving across the stretch, many travelers select to stroll the length of the bridge to completely value its grandeur and obtain impressive views of both San Francisco and also the Sausalito Coast. Pedestrians can enjoy the safety and security of the walkway, however they need to understand that the weather can shift rapidly.
An additional preferred way to cross the bridge is through bicycle, as well as tourists can locate a number of rental shops in the area. Cyclists typically choose to ride one way to Sausalito and after that take the ferryboat back. Those who would certainly like commentary in the process can take the three-hour assisted bicycle or e-bike scenic tour from San Francisco to Sausalito, a great alternative for those that wish to discover the location's history and also take pleasure in the sight without worrying about navigating as well as planning.
2. Ferryboat Trip from San Francisco to Sausalito
Ferryboat Trip from San Francisco to Sausalito
Ferryboat flight from San Francisco to Sausalito|Image Copyright: Lisa Alexander
Reaching Sausalito is more than half the fun, as well as this interesting 30-minute watercraft ride is the most remarkable method to show up in Sausalito. The ferry departs from the San Francisco Ferry Structure, a rewarding location by itself, particularly for foodies who will locate lots of unique premium shops and also artisanal bakeries.
After pulling out from the Ferry Structure dock just a few hundred backyards from the Bay Bridge, the ferry supplies a fantastic breathtaking excursion of the San Francisco Bay, with its sailing boats, business ships, flocks of screaming seagulls, as well as hovering pelicans. The flight takes guests by the famous island of Alcatraz, and supplies a marvelous sight of the Golden Gate Bridge to the west. Just before the trip finishes, travelers see Angel Island and Tiburon in the serene Richardson Bay to the east.
3. Purchasing and Waterfront Restaurants
Purchasing as well as Waterfront Restaurants
Purchasing as well as beachfront dining establishments|psyberartist/ picture customized
Simply a few actions far from the ferryboat landing, the historical midtown of Sausalito invites site visitors to go with a leisurely walk and also admire the views from a bench at the water's edge. Travelers enjoy Sausalito's lovely town ambiance as well as calm seaside setting, as well as a lot of the midtown buildings are picture-perfect old Victorians painted in pastel colors.
Although the town is little, it is well prepared to welcome the groups of site visitors that show up on summertime weekend breaks. The major drag of Sausalito, Bridgeway, is near the ferry harbor which has lots of waterfront restaurants, cafés, candy shops, ice-cream parlors, art galleries, and also touristy shops.
A stroll on among Sausalito's wooden boardwalks is another remarkable method to delight in the scenery. The Southern Boardwalk is near Sausalito's Old Community and is well-known for its look in a 1947 film starring Orson Welles as well as Rita Hayworth, to name a few movies. The Northern Boardwalk extends along the private yacht harbors near downtown, and is close to numerous special stores.
4. San Francisco Bay/Delta Design
San Francisco Bay-Delta Model
San Francisco Bay-Delta Design|Image Copyright: Lisa Alexander
Integrated in 1957 by the UNITED STATE Army Corps of Engineers, the Bay Version is a 3-D representation of San Francisco Bay. It was developed to examine the effect of suggested changes to the bay and its rivers, able to mimic trends, currents, and river inflows.
This enormous model covers 1.5 acres as well as shows every area of the San Francisco Bay as well as Delta from the Pacific Ocean to Sacramento as well as can recreate the 24-hour tidal cycle in much less than 15 minutes. The U.S Military Corps of Engineers now makes use of computer-based versions, as well as the Bay Design has become an academic center open up to the public. Interactive exhibitions instruct visitors regarding the bay and its hydrologic functions. Directed trips are readily available by booking for groups of 10 or more people.
Address: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, California
5. Fort Baker National Park as well as Bay Area Discovery Museum
Fort Baker National Forest and Bay Location Discovery Gallery
Ft Baker National Forest and also Bay Area Exploration Museum|Näystin/ picture modified
Component of the Golden Gate National Parks, the website at Fort Baker was originally lived in by native Miwok people. From the early 1900s, the site was used as an active military post until World War II. Snuggled on a forested coastal website at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Baker consists of 25 historical army buildings as well as a sheltered harbor with waterside paths as well as routes along beautiful bluffs. Several of the Fort Baker historical buildings, former police officers' residences, have been brought back as well as converted into a deluxe resort, Cavallo Factor, which additionally has a premier fine-dining restaurant.
The Bay Location Discovery Gallery is a fantastic attraction for family members with children. Based on the ideology that play helps youngsters cultivate imagination and make explorations, much of the displays include activities that are open-ended and country urge inquisitiveness. Emphasizes of the museum consist of the Creativity Playground, which urges unstructured totally free play; the Art Studios, which motivate imagination through the imaginative procedure; and also Bay Hall, which supplies a child-friendly depiction of the Bay Area ports.
The Hunt Cove is an exterior exploration location, as well as the Wave Workshop recreates the Golden Gateway Bridge setting and shows kids about the wind, waves, and also coastline environment.
Address: Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Roadway, Sausalito, The golden state
Main website: https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
6. Outing to Muir Woods
Muir Woods
Muir Woods
This federally protected forest, 14 miles north of Sausalito, is just one of the last residues of the redwoods forests that as soon as covered much of the Northern California coastal valleys. Muir Woods contains attractive, old redwood trees, appreciated for their auburn-hued trunks and also leafy covers. Wildflowers, bay laurels, as well as sword ferns also prosper in the unethical woodland, which is frequently shrouded by cool, hazy haze.
Muir Woods has 3 miles of clean treking routes, which might be come close to in smaller loop strolls. Walkers may take the path from Muir Timber completely down to Muir Beach, a tiny sandy coastline with outdoor camping as well as outing locations. During the winter (from December to February), site visitors occasionally identify migrating whales off the coast of Muir Beach.
For those seeking an even more remote resort in nature, the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center is concealed on a quiet hill regarding 3 miles from the Muir Woods State Park. The facility has its very own tiny organic ranch and also offers overnight holiday accommodations, meditation classes, dharma talks, and other programs in the Buddhist tradition.
7. Marine Mammal Center
Marine Mammal Facility
Marine Mammal Center|Tony/ photo customized
The Marine Mammal Center's key job as an animal rescue facility is to refurbish sick as well as damaged aquatic creatures. Because 1975, the Marine Mammal Center has actually saved greater than 18,000 aquatic mammals along the California coastline, rehabilitating generally of 600 marine creatures each year in its remarkable healthcare facility facilities. A devoted corps of volunteers gives clinical interest as well as care to distressed marine creatures throughout a healing duration.
The Marine Mammal Facility is open to the general public daily, and visitors can choose to check out the exhibits and seeing areas by themselves or take a 45-minute docent-led excursion of the center. Docents share stories regarding the seal and also sea lion people who have actually been rescued as well as fixed up by the facility. The center depends on the Golden Gate Recreational Area near Rodeo Beach, an ideal place to appreciate a stuffed lunch (although not a risk-free coastline for swimming).
Address: 2000 Bunker Roadway, Ft Cronkhite, Sausalito, The golden state
8. The Scenic Stroll along Bridgeway
The Beautiful Walk Along Bridgeway
The breathtaking stroll along Bridgeway|Photo Copyright: Lisa Alexander
For wonderful sights and also photo opportunities, take a walk from the center of community along Bridgeway, a scenic road with antique street lights that hold decorative hanging pots of vivid blossoms. This waterfront pathway starts around the ferryboat landing and enters two instructions: north towards the luxury yacht harbors, with the marinas as well as Mount Tamalpais as a backdrop, or southern in the direction of the Bay, with San Francisco in the distance.
An intriguing detour is to take the Excelsior Staircase for a wonderful point of view of the Vina del Mar water fountain as well as the luxury yacht marina. Proceeding along the pedestrian path on Bridgeway, visitors might see seals swimming in the bay. Halfway along the pathway is the legendary bronze seal statue, which is covered in water at high tide.
A charming concealed alleyway off Bridgeway on Princess Road likewise has some interesting galleries and boutiques. On the section of Bridgeway that encounters the Bay are several upscale waterside dining establishments including spectacular panoramas of San Francisco in the distance.
9. Plaza Viña del Mar Fountain as well as Park
Plaza Viña del Mar Fountain and Park
Plaza Viña del Mar fountain and park|Image Copyright: Lisa Alexander
At the heart of downtown Sausalito near Ferry Pier, this plaza was named after the town's sister city of Viña del Mar in Chile. Fringed with palm trees, the triangle-shaped square has the feeling of a Spanish Colonial plaza. The significant water fountain and elephant sculptures that secure the square were developed for the 1915 San Francisco Panama-Pacific International Exposition as well as moved to this place after being saved from demolition. The water fountain features drama masks that are all pleased faces.
Locals and site visitors alike enjoy spending a couple of sunny minutes at the Plaza Viña del Mar. A number of benches in front of the square offer a place for passersby to kick back.
10. Sausalito Art Festival
Gallery 111 Art Studios
Gallery 111 Art Studios|Photo Copyright: Lisa Alexander
Taken into consideration one of America's ideal art fairs, this annual outside festival occurs every year throughout Labor Day weekend break. The event is held along the Sausalito beachfront and attracts groups of art enthusiasts, along with those that come for the online music and also good food. The Sausalito Art Festival is a respected art event, renowned for the high quality of art exhibited as well as the extensive extent of art work on screen.
An exceptional place to appreciate the abilities of local artists is Gallery 111 Art Studios, a collection of numerous studios, that include the job of over 85 artists. The Industrial Center Structure Artists Organization brings together a diverse and also vivid community of artists, including painters, artists, weavers, jewelry manufacturers, and digital photographers. The art workshops are brilliant, spacious loft spaces, and many have shimmering views of the marina.
Address: 480 Entrance 5 Road, Sausalito, The golden state
Main site: www.sausalitoartfestival.org
11. Marin Headlands
Factor Bonita Lighthouse at the Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands inhabit the southerly portion of the Golden Gateway National Recreation Location, offering stunning views of San Francisco from its several cliff-side coastal trails and also vantage points. The Site visitor Facility, situated at Ft Berry, has visitor info regarding regional destinations, along with numerous displays regarding the natural history and very early settlers of the headlands. Following door, art enthusiasts will take pleasure in a see to the artist-in-residence programs at the Headlands Center for the Arts.
Among the most gone to attractions in the Marin Headlands is the Point Bonita Lighthouse, which has been directing ships safely with the Golden Gateway Straits considering that 1855. The lighthouse gives unrivaled scenic views of both the cliffs and also the San Francisco shore, however vacationers ought to be aware that the half-mile trail to reach it has very steep sections and might not be suitable for all physical fitness levels.
The cliffs location is additionally house to historic armed forces destinations, including Fort Baker, in addition to Fort Cronkhite and also the Nike Rocket Website. Ft Cronkhite, house to the Marine Mammal Facility, is a former WWII outpost that currently houses a range of management workplaces for the parks service. The grounds include coastal hiking routes, along with the dog-friendly Rodeo Beach. Just across Rodeo Lagoon, site visitors will certainly locate the Cold Battle gallery at the Nike Rocket Website, which can be checked out by means of a guided scenic tour on Saturdays.
Address: Fort Barry, Structure 948 Sausalito, California
Official website: www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
12. Excursion to Tennessee Valley
Tennessee Valley
Tennessee Valley
A descendant of the Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Leisure Location just five miles from Sausalito, the Tennessee Valley has a 1.7-mile nature stroll to Tennessee Beach. The mild route starts at the parking area and is mostly flat the entire way, making the coastline obtainable to many site visitors.
Tennessee Valley is a serene nature website recognized for its bountiful bird life and lavish greenery as well as is house to three outdoor camping areas. In springtime, this is a terrific place to see wildflowers such as the California poppy, buttercups, as well as lupine. For more tough walks, other trails lead up right into capitals above Tennessee Valley.
13. Sausalito Houseboats & Bohemian Artists' Colonies
Sausalito houseboats
Houseboats have become part of Sausalito's beachfront since the 1880s, when they were utilized as warm-weather recreational boats and after that pulled ashore during winter. After WWII and also throughout the era of peace and also love in the 1960s, the houseboats began to bring in a free-spirited Bohemian group, and flotillas of houseboats became lively musicians' swarms. Sausalito houseboats are still residence to communities of artists, as the idyllic surroundings of the beachfront provides motivation to painters, professional photographers, and also artists.
Sausalito has around 400 drifting house docks in 5 domestic marinas and also have all the services of a routine residence. Many of the houseboats are vibrant and function whimsical exterior design, with potted plants and also art work presented on the decks.
Two fascinating houseboat areas are at Galilee Harbor and also Waldo Point Harbor, hid in between the private yacht marinas. Site visitors might take a self-guided trip around the houseboat anchors, as well as on unique events, some houseboats are open to the general public for art viewings.
14. Sausalito Visitors Center and also Historical Culture
Sausalito Visitors Center and Historical Display
Sausalito Visitors Center and also historic display|Image Copyright: Lisa Alexander
The Sausalito Historical Society keeps 3 areas in the area, along with a kiosk by the ferry touchdown. Its main exhibits are housed in a small blue and also white home in the center of town, a building which was initially a late 19th-century railroad cool freight hold and later converted into a retail ice vendor's shop in the 1920s.
Increasing as the Visitors Center as well as the Ice History Museum, it provides vacationers a place to collect sightseeing and tour details, along with discover the various exhibits about the area's background. Travelers will certainly learn about the area's native peoples, the Miwok, in addition to the tale of Sausalito from the arrival of immigrants in the 1850s, when it was mainly a sailors' as well as shipbuilding town. Exhibitions even more discover its transformation into a summer trip destination in the Victorian period and also to the postwar Bohemian impacts of musicians' nests.
Travelers can likewise discover the Historic The second world war Marinship Exhibition and also various other revolving exhibitions at the San Francisco Bay-Delta Model, and also the Phil Frank History Research Area at the Sausalito Civic Center on Litho Road includes archives and also extra special displays.
Address: 777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, The golden state
Official website: www.sausalitohistoricalsociety.com
Where to Remain in Sausalito for Sightseeing and tour
Luxury Hotels: Located near the Golden Gateway Bridge and offering beautiful views right from the building, Cavallo Point is likewise close to several attractions, including the Bay Location Discovery Gallery and Vista Factor. This 4.5-star deluxe hotel is environmentally friendly, using organic health facility therapies, a cooking institution, and also an exterior health and fitness program.
The Casa Madrona Resort & Spa is a four-star shop resort situated in downtown Sausalito, just actions from the Bridgeway as well as nearby from the Sausalito Visitors Center. It uses harbor-view areas and also hillside homes which radiate an elegant beauty.
Mid-Range Hotels: Simply a couple of blocks from the ferryboat and also near numerous special shops and also galleries,