A Full Guide To Visiting Sausalito From San Francisco

The small town of Sausalito, once described as the, 'Geneva of America' is located just across Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and well worth exploring.

If you are visiting San Francisco and have more than a few days then put a trip to Sausalito on your itinerary for a half or full day.

Easily accessed by boat, bus, car or even bike, Sausalito is a peaceful, beautiful town with a better climate than San Francisco and plenty of boutique shops, great restaurants and cafes, plenty of art and culture or even outdoor pursuits to keep you happily occupied.

Oh, and did I mention the amazing views from Sausalito back to the city of San Francisco and the island of Alcatraz?

The only downside to this stunning and can I say 'quaint' town is that it can get very busy. During my visit in November huge crowds were not a problem but I am led to believe that in the summer months Sausalito is very popular, although it is easy to see why!

So, let me tell you all about what I found when I visited Sausalito, including a potted history, how to get to Sausalito and what to see and do when you get there.

A Potted History of Sausalito

Originally the home of Native Americans, in 1775 the first European Settlers arrived in what is now San Francisco bay. They gave the area the name Saucito 'little willow' after the willow trees growing along the bank here and over the years this name changed to Sausalito.

In the 19th century ferries and later railroads brought developers and wealthy homeowners to the area and the town grew and prospered.

During World War 2 the town housed a large shipyard producing ships and tankers for the war effort. This also caused a population rise.

Following the war, Sausalito became a chosen spot for bohemian artists, musicians and writers, including Otis Redding and Sally Stanford.

Today, the artist feel to the town lives on and it is now also the home to the wealthy from industries such as software, media and finance.

The population of Sausalito is currenlty estimated at 7,000...

This small town certainly has a diverse history which is seen in the town today as you explore!

How to get to Sausalito

Sausalito is easy to access from San Francisco with various options:

- Ferry - the most popular option is the ferry to Sausalito dock directly from the Ferry Building in the heart of San Francisco city.

This is a pleasant cruise across the water offering views of the bridge, Alcatraz and back to the city skyline.

Ferries run regularly throughout the day.

- Public Bus - the Golden Gate Bus company run various bus routes from San Francisco to Sausalito throughout the day. The bus takes you across Golden Gate Bridge and drops you in the heart of the town.

- Tourist Bus - many of the San Francisco tourist bus tours will come out as far as Sausalito and offer hop on - hop off options. This is slightly more expensive but will provide commentary as you go and an open top!

- Bicycle - a popular way to see Golden Gate Bridge is to hire a bicycle and cycle across. If this appeals to you then cycling on from the bridge to Sausalito is another means some choose to use.

- Self-drive - If you do have your own car then driving to Sausalito and parking is an option. During busy months though you might struggle to find a space and queue to access the town (perhaps not a stress-free option!).

Things to See and Do in Sausalito

Visitor Centre

As you arrive in Sausalito you will find the pretty Visitor Centre located by the dock. This is a great place to start your time in the town.

A small exhibition within details all the history of this small town (much more than I could provide!) with interesting displays and relics.

There is also a friendly and helpful staff member to answer any questions you might have!

Book Passage

Perhaps not a highlight on everyone's list but as a book lover I had to include this here.

The Book Passage lies immediately behind the Visitor Centre, on the water's edge and is a community book store providing books and events to customers.

A real community feel is gained from this vibrant space.

https://www.bookpassage.com/

Sea Lion Statue

Located in the rocks at the edge of the water on the sea front in Sausalito sits a fun Sea Lion statue.

This little figure has been compared to the mermaid statue in Copenhagen.

People today travel from around the world to see the sea lion here who was created by artist Al Sybrian in 1957 and became an instant hit with locals and visitors.

Walk the Boardwalks

Walk the boardwalks around the waterfront for amazing views back to San Francisco and Alcatraz and to admire the boats and vessels in the harbour.

One of the boardwalks here was the setting for a scene with Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles in 'The Lady from Shanghai' in 1947... now there is a claim to fame!

Shop 'til You Drop!

Sausalito will not disappoint if you want to shop!

The town offers plenty of shops, galleries and boutiques selling clothes, jewellery, souvenirs and art alongside chocolatiers and wine sellers.

Each small shop here is unique... there are very few high street names!

Elephant Statues and Fountain in Vina del Mar Park

In the heart of Sausalito lies the small Vina del Mar park, at the entrance to which are two elephant statues and a fountain.

These statues and fountain were created for the 1915 Panama Pacific Fair and Exposition in San Francisco which was held to demonstrate to the world that the city had fully recovered from the 1906 earthquake that devastated so much. At the close of the fair, the two elephants and fountain were moved to their current home in Sausalito.

Admire Sausalito & The Bay From Higher Ground!

Once you have admired the elephant statues and fountain in Vina del Mar park, take a walk up the stairs opposite the park entrance to admire the view across Sausalito and the bay from up high.

Stroll along the residential street at the top that runs parallel to the main street of the town and enjoy the peaceful neighbourhood and homes.

Explore The Quieter Northern End of Sausalito

Walk north from the centre to fully appreciate this beautiful town away from the busy tourist parts. Here you will find more shops and cafes that are quieter and where the locals shop, eat and drink.

At this north side of the town, walk to the road behind Bridgeway (the main waterfront street) to Caledonia Street where there are local stores, art workshops, galleries and the local 'market' store - an upmarket supermarket worth checking out!

Sausalito's Houseboats

Along the waterfront towards the northern side of the town, lie Sausalito's houseboats along the bay edge. These water based homes are pretty, quirky and fun to see!

Eat & Drink

Sausalito has an abundance of restaurants, cafes and bars, making this a foodie's paradise.

It seems just about every taste is catered for with plenty of fish (as would be expected!), American style restaurants including a burger restaurant, Italian, Mexican and Sushi.

The town also offers cafes for sandwiches, snacks and great coffees.. all to be enjoyed at leisure while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

And Further Afield....

For those with extra time and seeking more entertainment there are even more attractions in the area. These include:

- Bay Area Discovery Museum

- The Marine Mammal Centre (world's largest marine mammal hospital and visitor centre).

Also explore:

- Bay model Visitor Centre - a 3D working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta System....

And if you are feeling energetic there are plenty of options including biking, hiking and water activities around the bay and the surrounding areas.

I hope this guide to Sausalito has inspired you to visit this small town.

I found it a welcome respite from the bustle of San Francisco and a charming and beautiful place to explore.

**To make my travels possible and affordable I do so through international house-sitting, using both Trusted Housesitters and Kiwi Housesitters**