Top-Rated Attractions & Points to Do in Sausalito. On a sunny day, an image of Sausalito might easily be misinterpreted for a Mediterranean angling town. This stunning seaside town has the feel of a European vacation hotel, specifically throughout summer season, with its charming stores, upscale art galleries, scenic waterfront stroll, as well as yacht-filled marinas. Even residents from "the city" have the impression of getting away when they invest an afternoon below, although it's simply a couple of miles away.
Sausalito has been a favorite retreat of San Franciscans who value the great life, particularly because the introduction of traveler watercraft service in 1868. Today, visitors will certainly still see sophisticated houses snuggled on woody hills and can show up the means well-off Victorians once did. The ferryboat flight across the bay offers an amazing approach to Sausalito, with spectacular sights of the Golden Gateway Bridge along the road.
Shielded by the Marin Headlands, which lie simply beyond the bridge, Sausalito is typically warmer than the city yet is often windy in the very early night when the fog rolls in. Plan your trip with our checklist of the top points to do in Sausalito
See also: Where to Stay in Sausalito.
1. Golden Gateway Bridge and also View Point
Golden Entrance Bridge
One of the most legendary spots in the San Francisco area is the 1.7-mile Golden Entrance Bridge, with its traditional arched cords and also orange Art-Deco towers getting to almost 750 feet high. The Visitor Facility is located at the southern end of the bridge in the San Francisco Presidio, and also has both interior and outdoor exhibits, which explore the background and design of the bridge.
Along with driving throughout the area, many visitors select to walk the size of the bridge to totally value its magnificence as well as obtain incredible views of both San Francisco and the Sausalito Coast. Pedestrians can take pleasure in the protection of the sidewalk, but they ought to realize that the climate can change promptly.
One more prominent way to go across the bridge is by means of bike, and visitors can discover several rental shops in the location. Bicyclists usually choose to ride one method to Sausalito and afterwards take the ferryboat back. Those that would like discourse along the road can take the three-hour guided bike or e-bike excursion from San Francisco to Sausalito, a wonderful option for those who intend to learn about the location's history and appreciate the sight without fretting about navigating and also preparation.
2. Ferryboat Flight from San Francisco to Sausalito
Ferryboat Flight from San Francisco to Sausalito
Ferryboat trip from San Francisco to Sausalito|Photo Copyright: Lisa Alexander
Reaching Sausalito is over half the enjoyable, as well as this exciting 30-minute boat trip is one of the most significant method to arrive in Sausalito. The ferry departs from the San Francisco Ferryboat Structure, a beneficial location in itself, particularly for foodies that will locate lots of one-of-a-kind exquisite stores and artisanal pastry shops.
After pulling out from the Ferryboat Structure dock just a few hundred lawns from the Bay Bridge, the ferry uses an amazing scenic excursion of the San Francisco Bay, with its sailing boats, business ships, groups of howling seagulls, as well as hovering pelicans. The america flight takes guests by the popular island of Alcatraz, as well as uses a thrilling sight of the Golden Entrance Bridge to the west. Just before the flight finishes, guests see Angel Island and also Tiburon in the serene Richardson Bay to the eastern.
3. Purchasing and also Waterside Restaurants
Shopping as well as Waterfront Restaurants
Shopping and also beachfront restaurants|psyberartist/ picture changed
Just a couple of actions far from the ferryboat landing, the historical midtown of Sausalito welcomes site visitors to go for a leisurely walk and admire the sights from a bench at the water's edge. Vacationers delight in Sausalito's enchanting town ambiance and tranquil seaside setting, and most of the midtown buildings are picture-perfect old Victorians repainted in pastel colors.
Although the community is small, it is well prepared to welcome the crowds of visitors that show up on summer weekend breaks. The main drag of Sausalito, Bridgeway, is near the ferryboat harbor which has numerous beachfront dining establishments, cafés, candy stores, ice-cream shops, art galleries, and touristy shops.
A walk on one of Sausalito's wooden boardwalks is an additional magnificent means to delight in the scenery. The Southern Boardwalk is near Sausalito's Old Town and also is popular for its appearance in a 1947 movie starring Orson Welles as well as Rita Hayworth, among other movies. The Northern Boardwalk stretches along the luxury yacht nurtures near midtown, and also is close to many one-of-a-kind stores.
4. San Francisco Bay/Delta Model
San Francisco Bay-Delta Model
San Francisco Bay-Delta Design|Picture Copyright: Lisa Alexander
Constructed in 1957 by the UNITED STATE Army Corps of Engineers, the Bay Design is a 3-D depiction of San Francisco Bay. It was designed to evaluate the effect of proposed adjustments to the bay as well as its waterways, able to replicate tides, currents, and river inflows.
This massive model covers 1.5 acres and also shows every location of the San Francisco Bay as well as Delta from the Pacific Sea to Sacramento and can recreate the 24-hour tidal cycle in much less than 15 minutes. The U.S Army Corps of Engineers currently utilizes computer-based models, and the Bay Version has become an educational center available to the public. Interactive exhibits instruct visitors concerning the bay and also its hydrologic functions. Guided trips are available by reservation for teams of 10 or even more people.
Address: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito, California
5. Fort Baker National Park as well as Bay Location Exploration Gallery
Ft Baker National Park and also Bay Location Exploration Museum
Ft Baker National Park and Bay Area Exploration Gallery|Näystin/ picture modified
Part of the Golden Gateway National Parks, the website at Ft Baker was initially occupied by indigenous Miwok tribes. From the early 1900s, the site was made use of as an energetic military blog post up until World War II. Snuggled on a forested coastal website at the foot of the Golden Gateway Bridge, Fort Baker includes 25 historical military buildings and a protected harbor with beachfront courses and tracks along beautiful bluffs. Several of the Ft Baker historic buildings, previous policemans' residences, have been recovered as well as converted into a high-end resort, Cavallo Point, which likewise has a top-rated fine-dining dining establishment.
The Bay Area Exploration Gallery is an excellent tourist attraction for family members with youngsters. Based on the ideology that play aids kids grow creative thinking as well as make explorations, much of the exhibitions include tasks that are open-ended and encourage inquisitiveness. Highlights of the museum include the Creative imagination Play ground, which urges disorganized complimentary play; the Art Studios, which urge imagination with the creative procedure; and also Bay Hall, which uses a child-friendly depiction of the Bay Area ports.
The Hunt Cove is an outside expedition location, as well as the Wave Workshop recreates the Golden Gateway Bridge setting and teaches kids regarding the wind, waves, and coastline environment.
Address: Ft Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, The golden state
Main site: https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
6. Outing to Muir Woods
Muir Woods
Muir Woods
This federally safeguarded forest, 14 miles north of Sausalito, is just one of the last remnants of the redwoods woodlands that once covered much of the Northern The golden state seaside valleys. Muir Woods includes attractive, old redwood trees, valued for their auburn-hued trunks and also leafy covers. Wildflowers, bay laurels, and also sword ferns also flourish in the unethical forest, which is commonly shrouded by cool, hazy haze.
Muir Woods has three miles of well-groomed hiking routes, which might be come close to in smaller sized loop walks. Hikers may take the route from Muir Wood right down to Muir Coastline, a tiny sandy beach with camping and also picnic locations. Throughout the wintertime (from December to February), site visitors occasionally detect migrating whales off the coast of Muir Coastline.
For those looking for an even more secluded retreat in nature, the Eco-friendly Gulch Ranch Zen Facility is tucked away on a peaceful hillside regarding 3 miles from the Muir Woods State Park. The facility has its own tiny organic farm and supplies over night holiday accommodations, meditation courses, dharma talks, and various other programs in the Buddhist custom.
7. Marine Mammal Facility
Marine Mammal Center
Marine Mammal Center|Tony/ photo changed
The Marine Mammal Facility's key work as an animal rescue facility is to fix up unwell as well as hurt marine animals. Considering that 1975, the Marine Mammal Facility has rescued more than 18,000 marine creatures along the California coast, restoring typically of 600 aquatic animals every year in its phenomenal healthcare facility facilities. A specialized corps of volunteers provides medical attention and also like troubled aquatic creatures during a healing period.
The Marine Mammal Facility is open to the general public day-to-day, and site visitors can choose to check out the exhibitions and also seeing areas on their own or take a 45-minute docent-led excursion of the center. Docents share tales about the seal and also sea lion clients who have been rescued as well as restored by the center. The facility hinges on the Golden Gateway Recreational Area near Rodeo Beach, an ideal area to enjoy a jam-packed lunch (although not a secure beach for swimming).
Address: 2000 Shelter Roadway, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, The golden state
8. The Breathtaking Walk along Bridgeway
The Scenic Walk Along Bridgeway
The scenic stroll along Bridgeway|Picture Copyright: Lisa Alexander
For amazing views and also photo opportunities, take a walk from the center of town along Bridgeway, a beautiful roadway with antique street lights that hold attractive hanging pots of vibrant blossoms. This waterside pathway begins around the ferryboat landing and also enters two directions: north in the direction of 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 interesting detour is to take the Excelsior Staircase for a wonderful perspective of the Vina del Mar fountain and the yacht marina. Continuing along the pedestrian pathway on Bridgeway, visitors may see seals swimming in the bay. Halfway along the path is the iconic bronze seal statuary, which is covered in water at high trend.
A charming covert alleyway off Bridgeway on Princess Street additionally has some intriguing galleries as well as stores. On the area of Bridgeway that faces the Bay are several high end waterside restaurants including sensational scenic views of San Francisco in the distance.
9. Plaza Viña del Mar Water fountain and also Park
Plaza Viña del Mar Fountain and also Park
Plaza Viña del Mar fountain and park|Photo Copyright: Lisa Alexander
At the heart of downtown Sausalito near Ferry Pier, this plaza was called after the town's sister city of Viña del Mar in Chile. Fringed with hand trees, the triangle-shaped square has the feeling of a Spanish Colonial plaza. The monumental fountain and also elephant statues that guard the square were created for the 1915 San Francisco Panama-Pacific International Presentation and transferred to this place after being rescued from demolition. The fountain features drama masks that are all delighted faces.
Residents and visitors alike delight in investing a couple of warm minutes at the Plaza Viña del Mar. A number of benches before the square deal a place for passersby to relax.
10. Sausalito Art Event
Gallery 111 Art Studios
Gallery 111 Art Studios|Picture Copyright: Lisa Alexander
Taken into consideration among America's best art fairs, this annual exterior celebration happens every year throughout Labor Day weekend break. The celebration is held along the Sausalito waterfront and draws groups of art fans, in addition to those who come for the online songs and great food. The Sausalito Art Event is a respected art occasion, renowned for the excellent quality of art displayed as well as the comprehensive range of artwork on display screen.
An excellent area to appreciate the abilities of local musicians is Gallery 111 Art Studios, a collection of several studios, that include the job of over 85 musicians. The Industrial Facility Building Artists Organization brings together a varied as well as vivid neighborhood of musicians, consisting of painters, sculptors, weavers, fashion jewelry manufacturers, and also photographers. The art studios are bright, sizable lofts, and also numerous have gleaming sights of the marina.
Address: 480 Gateway 5 Road, Sausalito, California
Official website: www.sausalitoartfestival.org
11. Marin Headlands
Point Bonita Lighthouse at the Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands occupy the southern section of the Golden Gate National Leisure Location, giving beautiful views of San Francisco from its several cliff-side coastal tracks and also vantage points. The Visitor Center, located at Fort Berry, has visitor information regarding neighborhood attractions, in addition to various exhibits regarding the natural history and early settlers of the headlands. Next door, art fans will certainly enjoy a visit 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 Factor Bonita Lighthouse, which has actually been guiding ships safely through the Golden Gate Straits considering that 1855. The lighthouse gives unequaled panoramas of both the headlands and also the San Francisco shore, but travelers ought to be aware that the half-mile path to reach it has extremely steep sections as well as might not be proper for all physical fitness degrees.
The cliffs area is additionally home to historical army destinations, including Fort Baker, as well as Fort Cronkhite and the Nike Projectile Site. Ft Cronkhite, home to the Marine Mammal Center, is a former WWII outpost that currently houses a selection of administrative workplaces for the parks solution. The grounds include seaside treking trails, in addition to the dog-friendly Rodeo Beach. Simply throughout Rodeo Lagoon, site visitors will locate the Cold Battle museum at the Nike Rocket Website, which can be discovered via a guided tour on Saturdays.
Address: Fort Barry, Structure 948 Sausalito, California
Official website: www.nps.gov/goga/marin-headlands.htm
12. Day Trip to Tennessee Valley
Tennessee Valley
Tennessee Valley
A spin-off of the Marin Headlands in the Golden Entrance National Leisure Location just five miles from Sausalito, the Tennessee Valley has a 1.7-mile nature stroll to Tennessee Beach. The mild trail starts at the parking lot and also is mostly level the entire method, making the coastline easily accessible to many site visitors.
Tennessee Valley is a calm nature website understood for its abundant bird life and lavish plants and is house to three camping areas. In springtime, this is a remarkable area to see wildflowers such as the California poppy, buttercups, and also lupine. For more difficult walks, various other tracks lead up right into the hills above Tennessee Valley.
13. Sausalito Houseboats & Hippie Artists' Colonies
Sausalito houseboats
Houseboats have been part of Sausalito's waterside given that the 1880s, when they were used as warm-weather entertainment watercrafts and after that pulled ashore throughout winter. After WWII and also throughout the period of peace and love in the 1960s, the houseboats began to draw in a free-spirited Bohemian crowd, as well as flotillas of houseboats ended up being vibrant musicians' colonies. Sausalito houseboats are still home to communities of musicians, as the idyllic surroundings of the waterfront offers motivation to painters, photographers, and also artists.
Sausalito has around 400 floating home docks in 5 property marinas and also have all the amenities of a routine home. Much of the houseboats are vibrant as well as feature wayward exterior decoration, with potted plants and also art work showed on the decks.
Two intriguing houseboat neighborhoods go to Galilee Harbor and also Waldo Factor Harbor, hid in between the yacht marinas. Site visitors may take a self-guided excursion around the houseboat anchors, as well as on unique celebrations, some houseboats are open to the public for art watchings.
14. Sausalito Visitors Facility and also Historic Society
Sausalito Visitors Center and also Historic Exhibition
Sausalito Visitors Facility as well as historical display|Photo Copyright: Lisa Alexander
The Sausalito Historical Culture keeps 3 areas around, in addition to a stand by the ferry touchdown. Its main displays are housed in a little blue and white home in the center of community, a structure which was originally a late 19th-century railway chilly freight hold and also later on exchanged a retail ice vendor's shop in the 1920s.
Increasing as the Visitors Center and the Ice History Museum, it provides vacationers an area to gather sightseeing details, as well as explore the different exhibits regarding the location's background. Vacationers will certainly learn more about the region's native individuals, the Miwok, along with the story of Sausalito from the arrival of immigrants in the 1850s, when it was primarily a seafarers' as well as shipbuilding community. Displays better explore its improvement right into a summertime vacation location in the Victorian era as well as to the postwar Bohemian impacts of artists' colonies.
Tourists can also discover the Historic World War II Marinship Exhibit as well as various other revolving exhibitions at the San Francisco Bay-Delta Design, and the Phil Frank History Research Space at the Sausalito Civic Center on Litho Street contains archives as well as added unique exhibitions.
Address: 777 Bridgeway, Sausalito, California
Main website: www.sausalitohistoricalsociety.com
Where to Stay in Sausalito for Taking in the sights
High-end Hotels: Located near the Golden Gate Bridge as well as providing lovely sights right from the residential or commercial property, Cavallo Point is likewise near to numerous attractions, including the Bay Location Exploration Museum as well as Panorama Point. This 4.5-star high-end resort is environment-friendly, using organic spa therapies, a cooking institution, and also an exterior fitness program.
The Casa Madrona Resort & Medspa is a four-star shop resort located in midtown Sausalito, simply steps from the Bridgeway as well as nearby from the Sausalito Visitors Center. It provides harbor-view areas and also hillside cottages which emanate a fashionable sophistication.
Mid-Range Hotels: Just a couple of blocks from the ferry and close to a number of distinct