Sausalito Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Sausalito
Sausalito which includes a coastal town
Sausalito
Sausalito which includes a house, wild flowers and flowers
Marin County showing street scenes

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

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Old Town Sausalito

Though Old Town Sausalito may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sausalito Visitors Kiosk and Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Old Town Sausalito
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 £140 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£140
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,530 reviews)
"Fabulous hotel. Excellent location next to Pier 39 terrific breakfast each morning with a great variety. After checking out, hours later, my daughter realized she left her beats headphones in our room, and the staff was helpful in getting them back to her."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is £113 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£113
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the pool and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,195 reviews)
"Great views! Very comfortable stay, will return. Location good, can even take California Street cable car nearby."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is £77 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£77
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,850 reviews)
"Great room and great service"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
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.
Cozy quiet & relaxing hide-a-way in the heart of Sausalito's ‘Hurricane Gulch.’
Cozy quiet & relaxing hide-a-way in the heart of Sausalito's ‘Hurricane Gulch.’
2 out of 5
Sausalito, CA
Stay at this cottage in Sausalito. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
"GREAT STAY!"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Cozy quiet & relaxing hide-a-way in the heart of Sausalito's ‘Hurricane Gulch.’
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,754 reviews)
"This hotel is a little dated but it is in an excellent location - only one block to the Alameda beach and shoreline. Plenty of dining options within walking distance. Located in a safe quiet area with awesome views of SF just steps away! Great value for the money."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
San Francisco, California
Stay at this guesthouse in San Francisco. Enjoy free Wi-Fi. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Oracle Park are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (31 reviews)
Great Value for the City!
"We stayed one night here since we needed to be close to the airport for our ladt night.Centrally located and short walk to China Town and Fishermans Wharf. Cool artwork in the room plus the overall accommodation definitely give a NYC vibe - definitely recommend!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Standard Queen Room w/Ensuite Bathroom
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
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A really nice place lots of shops and nice restaurants

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Having been to Sausalito previously, it seems as a lot of shops are closing down because of lack of tourists visiting. Once you have looked round the town there is not much else to see or do.

4/5 - Good

ChrisF

Only there for one afternoon and overnight. Lots of eating places. Superb views across the bay to San Francisco. Very convenient for Marin Headlands with great views of Golden Gate bridge.

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