Sausalito
In Two Hours or Two Days!
TWO HOURS
Take a scenic stroll south along Bridgeway from the center of town for fresh air, exercise, and photo-worthy views. Along the way, enjoy the sights and sounds of the bay, from playful seals (including the iconic sea lion statue) to stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and Mediterranean-style hillsides above the waterfront. Walk as far as Swede’s Beach via the wooden boardwalk, passing the legendary site of Sally Stanford’s former establishment at the southernmost point.
On your return, explore the heart of Sausalito—browse local art galleries and boutiques, including the charming alleyway of Princess Court on Princess Street.
Sausalito is your gateway to adventure. You’re just minutes from Muir Woods and its towering redwoods, the stunning West Marin coastline (Stinson Beach is only 30 minutes away), and the world-renowned Napa and Sonoma wine country—just an hour away. Use Sausalito as your base camp for unforgettable day trips.
HALF DAY – 4 HOURS
Add the following to the 2-hour itinerary:
- Across from Vina del Mar Park—where the elephant statues stand guard—climb the Excelsior stairs for a sweeping view of the harbor and bay.
- Walk towards Princess Street and explore unique working artist galleries Bubble Street Gallery, Gallery Sausalito, or one-of-kind pieces at Scrimshaw Gallery
- Browse our eclectic mix of boutiques featuring designer fashion, fine jewelry, and local flair at favorites like Gene Hiller Menswear, Hook House, Hubba Hubba, Sausalito Jewelers and Soxalito.
- Get lost in a great read at Sausalito Books By The Bay, or explore games, toys, and unique finds at Games People Play, Only in Sausalito and Sausalito Ferry Co.
- Head north to Caledonia Street, a local favorite lined with galleries, boutiques, and artisan shops, including Tivoli and Katya Glass Jewelry—both offering one-of-a-kind pieces.
- Sandrino, Sushi Ran and Smitty’s Bar make Caledonia a robust and multi-faceted restaurant and bar destination.
- Stroll back downtown for a taste of California wine at Bacchus & Venus, Real Napa, or enjoy a sip at the Hanson of Sonoma Distillery Tasting Room, located within Hanson Gallery Fine Art.
Celebrate your half-day adventure with a toast to Sausalito’s scenic charm.
FULL DAY
- In addition to the itineraries previously noted:
- Visit Fort Baker at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the kids to the Bay Area Discovery Museum and The Marine Mammal Center for fun, education, and panoramic views. Dine outdoors at Farley at Cavallo Point for a memorable meal with iconic scenery.
- Hike our lush and scenic hillsides and neighboring National Parks and Beaches.
- Picnic in one of our neighborhood or Bayfront parks with provisions from Driver’s Market, Gilligans Poke Shop or Venice Gourmet.
- Treat yourself to something sweet at Lappert’s Ice Cream, Sausalito Gelato and Chocolates, or Sausalito Sweets.
- Tour the Bay Model Visitor Center—a 1.5-acre working hydraulic model of the SF Bay and Sacramento Delta—and explore the Historic Marinship Tour.
- Bike, bus, or walk to the famous floating home community and wander the docks of this colorful neighborhood.
- Take a tour of Heath Ceramics—a mid-century pottery landmark—and bring home iconic tableware.
- Paddle the bay with SeaTrek, charter a boat to sail with Modern Sailing School or be a captain for the day on BAE Boats.
- Explore the historic working waterfront at Spaulding Marine Center, continue to Schoonmaker Point Marina, and enjoy a hidden gem of a meal at Le Garage. End with a sunset stroll past luxury yachts to Schoonmaker Beach.
- Wrap up with dinner at a waterfront restaurant and either take the last ferry back to San Francisco or continue your journey by car.
- End your day with a visit to the Sausalito Center for the Arts and enjoy a show or live performance.
TWO DAYS
Make the most of your time with even more adventures:
- Book a wooden boat tour, discover hidden walkways and stairs, unleash your creativity with a watercolor class, or sail the bay aboard the Schooner Freda B. For more private experiences, try Captain Kirk’s Sailing or take flight with Seaplane Adventures.
- Dive into local history at the Sausalito Historical Society Museum.
- Spend the evening with live music at No Name Bar, Osteria Divino, Seahorse, Taste of Rome, The Trident, or enjoy a local favorite nightcap at Smitty’s Bar.
- Rest in style at one of Sausalito’s signature accommodations: The Gables Inn, Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, Hotel Sausalito, The Inn Above Tide, or Cavallo Point.
- Start the morning with coffee and breakfast at Sausalito Equator or Taste of Rome.
- Visit top galleries in our Historic District Downtown and on Caledonia Street.
- Treat yourself at Ritual Spa & Wellness or enjoy a full-service spa experience at one of Sausalito’s luxury hotels.
- Immerse yourself in the true essence of Sausalito, explore over 100 local artists at the renowned ICB Artist Studios.
- Explore Sausalito’s sake and wines while dining on an exclusive 13-course Omakase Journey at Sushi Ran.
- Join a Gourmet Food & Wine Tour to experience Sausalito’s vibrant culinary landscape, mixed with fascinating bites of local history.
- Explore Sausalito’s lore and tour the Sausalito Historical Museum then book a Walking Tour to see the sites.
- For dinner, try favorites like Angelino Restaurant, Barrel House Tavern, Poggio Trattoria, Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib, Scoma’s, The Spinnaker, Suzette Café & Bistro offering exceptional local flavors and views of the bay.
- For a casual atmosphere, opt for Copita Tequilera y Comida, Napa Valley Burger Co. and Salsalito Taco Shop.