Sausalito

Travel Guide

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

More like the French Riviera than San Francisco Bay, come to walk, relax, enjoy a meal and soak up the unique vibe.

Sausalito is a laid-back community with hillside bungalows surrounded by bright pink bougainvillea and pleasure boats moored in the harbour. With its Mediterranean feel, it could almost be a scene straight out of French Riviera glossy holiday brochure.

You can get to Sausalito on one of the ferries that leaves from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf, or alternatively from the San Francisco Ferry Building at the south end of the Embarcadero. Taking thirty minutes, the ferry from Fisherman’s Wharf offers great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island on the way. Don’t forget to pack something warm – it can get pretty chilly on the water, even during the summer.

Nestled in the forests and fields of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito is filled with turn-of-the-century architecture and impressive houses perched on the cliffs. Walk along the promenade and stop in one of the many cafés and restaurants to admire the view over a drink or a bite to eat. The downtown plaza is home to independent galleries and boutiques as well as a great selection of bistros and eateries.

In the 1950s and 60s, the area was known as a popular artists colony, and despite its current wealthy status, Sausalito has retained its slightly bohemian and alternative vibe. Spend some time browsing through the many art galleries filled with locally made handicrafts.

Sausalito is also famous for its houseboat community. Otis Redding’s famous song “The Dock of the Bay” was inspired by the houseboats of Sausalito, and today there are still hundreds of different houseboats in the area, ranging from shabby and charming, to plush and luxurious.

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 Bay Area Discovery Museum and Sausalito Visitors Kiosk.

Old Town Sausalito
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 S$198 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
S$198
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,238 reviews)
"Everything Was Great. Thank you very much. I hope coming very soon so I can enjoy the aria."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
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 S$236 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
S$236
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,532 reviews)
"Great hotel! The room was well sized for two queen beds, there were plenty of amenities (including a store downstairs to feed my sweet tooth), and it was very close to great sites in SF."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG
InterContinental Mark Hopkins by IHG
4 out of 5
999 California Street, San Francisco, CA
The price is S$303 per night from 10 Jul to 11 Jul
S$303
10 Jul - 11 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,032 reviews)
"The room and staff were great."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

InterContinental Mark Hopkins 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.
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
Coral Reef Inn & Suites
2.5 out of 5
400 Park St, Alameda, CA
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Alameda. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.8/10 (2,753 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
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Kasa The Addison San Francisco
4 out of 5
2263 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, memory foam beds, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Lombard Street and Pier 39 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
Great amenities and good location
"The location is great, but very expensive. We like having a kitchen and laundry facility. There is no fan provided, so be prepared in warmer months. The bathroom door is frosted glass and does not reach the ceiling."

Reviewed on 26 Apr, 2025

Kasa The Addison San Francisco
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
2 out of 5
5 Santa Ana Ave, Daly City, CA
Stay at this apartment in Daly City. Popular attractions San Francisco Zoo and Serramonte Center are located nearby.
6.4/10 (24 reviews)
"Overall a great place to stay. It was very clean and the bad was very comfortable. Having a private bathroom is a luxury. My only dislike was the paper thin door which didn't block out any sounds in or out."

Reviewed on 13 May, 2025

Cozy and Affordable Homes in Santa Ana
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.

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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.