//
City in California, United States
Photo: PerryPlanet, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Sausalito is a unique and picturesque community, perched on a hillside between the San Francisco Bay and the Marin Headlands. Since it's across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, it makes a great trip by bike, ferry, bus, or car, for a good meal, a visit to an art studio, and views of the city from across the bay.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
The US Army Corps of Engineers used to use this hydraulic scale model of the San Francisco Bay and California Delta to study the hydrology of the area. It was instrumental in proving that the Reber Plan, an attempt to fill in the bay with land reclamation, was a bad idea. Now after computer models have supplanted analog models, it is open to the public as a museum. Also contains an exhibit on Marin shipyards during the Pacific War.
Hands-on children's museum with lots of environments to play in. Perhaps locally most beloved for the Bay Hall, a play area themed after the San Francisco Bay, including a pretend fishing boat and toy shipping containers that you can load on toy boats with toy cranes.
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month you can tour art studios and galleries along Bridgeway.
Nautical History Tours and Treasure Hunts
In depth insider's tour of the historic Sausalito waterfront includes historic houseboats, World War II shipyards, art studios, Wooden Boat Center. Refreshments served at the end of the tour in the boat lettering shop next to the WWII shipways. Every weekend. Call to reserve.
Italian, home-made pasta.
Serving Thai cuisine.
Top-rated Indian-Mexican fusion cuisine. Sounds weird, but has a fanatical following.
Excellent, very fresh, and well-prepared seafood. Fish is best enjoyed on a sunny day, al fresco on the large deck overlooking a fishing harbor on the north side of town. Despite being off the beaten path, Fish is always crowded on nice days. Cash only.
Fred's is a Sausalito institution. Fred's has only 6 tables, each seating 4-6 people. You're most likely to be seated with others at 'your' table, which often leads to interesting conversations. One table at Fred's has a brass plaque reading "Stamtisch" which means regular's table. Anyone can sit there if a chair is free. For breakfast, the Fred's French toast is pretty amazing. For those who prefer something a little more spicy, ask for the "Coyote Special", which is a cheese omelette covered with chili.
Like Fred's, but less crazed and hectic.
Founded by one of the creators of Il Fornaio (back when Il Fornaio was small and intimate), it is an upscale version and really special. All dishes are prepared with care and sauces have the deep, rich flavorful tastes. Menu changes a lot daily.
Fabulous bay views, seafood.
One of the best sushi restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area, Sushi Ran serves up incredibly good and fresh sushi and modern Japanese cuisine. Received a Michelin star in October 2006.
Sidewalk cafe, art shows, live jazz music, locals.
Sidewalk fine dining, fresh pasta on a menu that changes every day; does great coffee.
formerly Caffe Trieste
Always comes to mind for great San Francisco Bay Area Coffee, this is the Sausalito branch. Classic bicycle rider destination. Internet Wi-Fi, live jazz music, art shows, sidewalk tables.
On a hillside overlooking Richardson Bay and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The modern rooms are quiet, classy, comfortable and chic. The historic section of the hotel dates back to the late 1800s and has some "dream" rooms with fabulous views, and other hillside rooms, which may involve climbing many stairs. 3,000-square-foot spa and fitness center on premises.
Built in 1869, this is a historic bed and breakfast, boasting nine distinctively elegant rooms - many with king beds, fireplaces, spa tubs, and skyline bay views.
This is a boutique hotel on the water with unbelievable views.
Built as an Army base called Fort Baker, this late 1800s base was decommissioned, given to the National Park Service, and commissioned as a hotel. Amenities include fine dining and a spa. Great location for views, right below and to the east of the Golden Gate Bridge. Has some rooms where walking and stair-climbing are required. Room service, bar, restaurant, and a spa.
Art studio of Victoria Colella. Visit the last artist's studio of its kind on the Sausalito waterfront and see Victoria's illustrious Folk Art Collection. By appointment only.
A very eclectic shop filled with a range of historical hard to find and interesting pieces. A great place to buy great gifts or get your mind going for finding great gifts. Really fun shopping.
Visit and purchase art from one of the largest groups of talented, local artists in Northern California. Art studio tours April – December plus an annual fun, free, family friendly event on Labor Day Weekend.
Suite A. A hip gallery that offers a collection of work from over 25 local artists, including great furniture.
Nautical sign specialist, with traditional signage on the waterfront. Carving, gilding, hand painted, custom vinyl designs available.
By car
Sausalito is just over the Golden Gate Bridge (US 101) from San Francisco. Just take the first exit (Alexander Avenue) after crossing the bridge and follow it into town.
By ferry
Both companies dock at Sausalito ferry terminal, located near the city center.
By bike
A very popular activity for tourists in San Francisco is to hire a bike, cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then down into Sausalito.
By bus
Sausalito is served by several Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit routes, including the 17 from San Rafael and Mill Valley, the 61 from Bolinas and Stinson Beach, and the 130 from San Rafael and…
On foot
It's possible to reach Sausalito from Mill Valley and other parts of Marin by the Mill Valley/Sausalito Pathway, a trail for bikes and pedestrians.
Most of the frequently visited waterfront area can be seen on foot and are within easy walking distance from the ferry landing.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Oakland · International · OAK
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Sausalito and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
9 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
7 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.