Just a short journey from San Francisco’s bustling streets lies a waterfront paradise that feels worlds away from the urban energy of the city.
Charming Sausalito, with its stunning bay views, welcomes visitors with colorful floating homes in the harbor, tree-lined plazas reminiscent of the Spanish coast and seafood restaurants perched over the water.
This picturesque town offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history and laid-back coastal living—all framed by spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline.
How to Get to Sausalito
There are three ways to get to Sausalito. You can rent a bike in San Francisco and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. You can also drive across the bridge from San Francisco or take a ferry boat from San Francisco’s Ferry Building.
All options offer glorious views of the city skyline, Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, and beyond.
Historical City
In 1775, European settlers named the city “Saucito,” meaning “Little Willow” in Spanish, after the trees they found growing along its stream banks.
Now Sausalito is a pedestrian-friendly waterfront, so lock your bike, park your car in one of the pay lots, or walk from the ferry dock to mid-town’s Vina del Mar Park.
Named after the town’s sister city of Vina del Mar in Chile, the tree-lined square is reminiscent of a Spanish Colonial plaza. There is a lovely water fountain in the center and two large elephant statues.
These elephants were created in 1915 for the San Francisco Panama-Pacific International Exposition. In 1960, these ‘twins’ were saved from demolition and moved to this charming park.
Climb Up A Hill For Even Better Views
Shops, cafes, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms line the scenic northern and southern boardwalk-style pathways along the water’s edge.
From the elephant statues, walk across the street and up along the concrete stairway leading to Excelsior Lane. This tree and bougainvillea-lined public access stairway up the hill is known for its scenic views of the bay, downtown, sailboats and sky.
At the top is a beautiful church built in 1909, which is made out of wood shingles. Across the street is ‘millionaire row’ with preserved historic Victorian mansions and the old Alta Mira Hotel, now closed to the public.
Walk back down the stairs, and take the southern boardwalk into Old Town for lunch at Scoma’s of Sausalito. Along the walk, you will notice informational plaques enlightening visitors and locals about the historic buildings.
Other sights along this walk include a Sausalito seal statue and Swedes Beach overlooking the city of San Francisco.
Scoma’s of Sausalito
Scoma’s jets out over the water on vertical posts driven into the seabed. These pilings serve as the structural foundation for the seafood-focused restaurant. It looks as if it is floating over the bay, providing water views from every room.
Named after the Sicilian Scoma family, the Cali-Italian theme menu reflects Italian culture with deep roots in the fishing industry.
The family opened their first restaurant, Scoma’s Seafood Restaurant, in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. With its success, they opened Scoma’s of Sausalito in 1969.
Try Scoma’s clam chowder, one of the salads, calamari fritti, heavenly coconut curry, or Mediterranean mussels steamed in a delicious coconut milk with garlic Thai curry.
Best Sausalito Tours & Excursions
Wine Tasting
After lunch, head north to Bacchus & Venus wine tasting room. It’s the oldest wine shop and tasting space in Sausalito. Step inside and sit at the bar or at one of the tasting tables to learn about global and local wines.
The walls are lined with an array of different varietals from various regions. Check out the ‘Staff Picks’ and what the Wine Club is drinking this month.
The staff creates custom tasting flights tailored to a guest’s favorite varietals. The team carefully chooses small-production California reds, whites and orange wines from emerging vineyards.
They might pour a bubbly Champagne Sanger ‘Voyage’ Brut Nature, along with a Coquerel Le Petit Sauvignon Blanc, and a Hudson Ranch Rosé from Carneros, or a Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills and a Proprietary Red from Heir Apparent in Napa Valley.
You can also order cheese boards and snacks to pair with your tasting.
Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings
See The Floating Homes
Continue north of Vina Del Mar Park to the yacht harbor filled with colorful floating homes, luxury sailboats, and Mount Tamalpais in the backdrop. Some of these homes on the water are simple, while others are luxurious. A few are even for sale, starting around $600K to over $3 million.
Nearby Sausalito
A short drive, bike ride, or longer walk south up the hill is the historic Fort Baker and Golden Gate Bridge view spot, which was restored a few years ago. Several of the Fort Baker historic buildings and former officers’ residences have been converted into the unique Cavallo Point Lodge.
It’s near the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and is also home to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and a working U.S. Coast Guard base.
Golden Gate Views
Drive to the Marin Headlands for one of the most famous views of the bridge. It’s on countless postcards because, on a clear day, San Francisco can be seen in the background. It’s a close vantage point to the bridge with plenty of parking at the lookout point.
Take A Hike
Walk on the 0.5-mile Battery Spencer loop trail for more scenic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond.
The Marine Mammal Rescue Center
On the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge is The Marine Mammal Center. Located near the Nike Missile Site, tickets are free, but must be reserved online in advance.
This educational center is also a nonprofit veterinary research hospital. The paid staff and volunteers are dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of ill and injured marine mammals.
For under $20, take a docent-led tour to learn about California sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals, monk seals and sea otters. The tour ends at the upper viewing deck overlooking these mammals recovering from health issues. Tours run daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Where To Stay
Stay overnight at The Inn Above Tide, an intimate waterfront luxury hotel right next to the ferry terminal or the historic Gables Inn up on the hill. Originally built in 1869, The Gables Inn was the first hotel in Sausalito. The views from many of the rooms are spectacular.
Memorable Sausalito
Whether you arrive by water, car, or bike, walk around the waterfront to take in the sights. Be sure to taste local flavors and see elaborate floating wood houses during a fun day trip or relaxing weekend adventure.
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Author Bio: When Jill Weinlein travels, she likes to hop on an e-bike to see the sights of a city. You will also find her in the spa, sipping wine in a tasting room, or paddleboarding along the coast. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Jillsfoodtravel.com.
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