Sausalito is a hillside waterfront town just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, and one of the easiest and prettiest day trips from San Francisco. You can get there by ferry in about half an hour, or bike across the bridge and ride the ferry back. Expect bay views, galleries, seafood and a famous community of houseboats.
In this guide
This guide is part of our neighborhoods and day trips guide. Many people pair Sausalito with Muir Woods.
Getting there by ferry
Two ferry operators serve Sausalito. Golden Gate Ferry leaves from the Ferry Building and takes about 30 minutes. Blue & Gold Fleet leaves from Pier 41 near Fisherman’s Wharf. Both cross the bay with views of Alcatraz, the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Buy tickets ahead on busy summer weekends, and check the last boat back.
Golden Gate Transit buses also run from San Francisco to Sausalito if you prefer to stay on land.
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
The classic way to do Sausalito is to rent a bike near Fisherman’s Wharf, ride along the waterfront through Crissy Field, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and coast down into town. The ride is about eight miles and mostly flat apart from a climb to the bridge and a steep downhill into Sausalito. Then take the ferry back with your bike.
Weekend afternoons can get crowded on the ferry with bikes, so start early.
What to do in Sausalito
- Walk Bridgeway, the waterfront main street, with galleries, shops and views back to the city.
- See the houseboats at Waldo Point and along Richardson Bay, a community of colorful floating homes. Stay on public docks and respect residents’ privacy.
- Visit the Bay Model Visitor Center, a free and fascinating working hydraulic model of the bay built by the Army Corps of Engineers.
- Climb the stairways into the hills for quiet streets and views.
- Kayak or paddleboard on Richardson Bay with a local outfitter.
Where to eat
Sausalito is known for waterfront seafood restaurants with views of the city. For something casual, grab fish and chips or a sandwich and sit by the water. Prices are higher than in the city, especially along Bridgeway.
Tips
Mornings are often foggy, and afternoons sunnier and windier. Bring a jacket for the ferry. Weekdays are calmer than weekends. Allow at least half a day, or a full day if you add Muir Woods or the Marin Headlands.
Official resources: Golden Gate Ferry, Blue & Gold Fleet, City of Sausalito.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito?
About 25 to 30 minutes from the Ferry Building or Pier 41.
Can you bike from San Francisco to Sausalito?
Yes. The ride across the Golden Gate Bridge is about eight miles, and you can take the ferry back with your bike.
Is Sausalito worth visiting?
Yes. It is an easy, scenic half day with great bay views, and it combines well with Muir Woods.
Can you visit the Sausalito houseboats?
You can see them from public docks and walkways. The homes themselves are private.
Photo credits
Featured image: Brocken Inaglory / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; What to do in Sausalito: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.