I surveyed the surroundings from my balcony — clear blue sky, shimmering blue water and homes built precariously into the hillside — and I had to remind myself that I was in California, not the Mediterranean.

If you can tear yourself away from the spectacular views, cozy rooms and luxury amenities, The Inn Above Tide is the perfect base for exploring all the area has to offer. Ideally located just across the Golden Gate Bridge, a few miles from San Francisco, the small waterfront town of Sausalito has come a long way since its humble beginnings as Rancho Del Sausalito (Ranch of the Little Willow Grove) in 1838.

Now it’s home to an eclectic population of almost 7,500 people ranging from bohemian artists to well-to-do business tycoons. Sausalito has a distinct Mediterranean style and charm, surrounded with picturesque views at every turn.

Sausalito’s Inn Above Tide sits perched over the San Francisco Bay.

For a truly unique vantage point in Sausalito, nothing comes close to The Inn Above Tide. Tucked away, yet in the heart of the village, the inn sits perched over the San Francisco Bay like a cruise ship in port. An elegant combination of a luxury inn and a seaside retreat, it is a sophisticated, yet comfortable, 29-room boutique inn with bragging rights as the only Bay area hotel located directly on the water. Every room looks out over the San Francisco Bay and comes with stunning panoramic views of Angel Island, San Francisco and Alcatraz.

The comfortable rooms feature luxury linens and a subtly nautical décor of bright but soothing colors of cream, pale yellow and light blue. The queen deluxe room was small, but amply appointed with a fluffy bed and two overstuffed chairs facing a gas fireplace. Inside an armoire was a CD player, cozy robes, wine glasses and a wine bottle opener. The large bathroom was equipped with spa quality toiletries and an oversized whirlpool tub big enough for two. Complimentary binoculars thoughtfully placed in the room were the perfect accompaniment to the jaw-dropping view.

But the best feature of the room was the private terrace looking out onto the water and decorated with potted plants and custom teak furnishings. Watching the seagulls and sailboats float aimlessly by, my companion and I felt like we were sitting on the balcony of cruise ship.