Just to the north of San Francisco, past the Golden Gate Bridge, is the slightly bohemian, eccentric town of Sausalito. The seemingly impossible blend of millionaires, tradesmen and struggling artists rubbing elbows in working class beer joints gives this hamlet of 8,000 people most of its charm. Stretched along the waterfront, Sausalito has plenty of posh digs as well, making it a popular getaway from the bustle of San Francisco.
Sausalito lies entirely along the waterfront street named Bridgeway and a few parallel blocks inland, so it’s preferable to cover the town on foot. The ferry landing along the water carries passengers to San Francisco and back in style, providing an easy way to get here if you’re staying in the city. Yachts pack the marina and the steep hills behind are covered in expensive Mediterranean-style houses and cute shops.
The town has a great selection of art galleries, boutique shops, fine dining and other indulgences tucked away down small alleys that wind up the steep hills off Bridgeway and Caledonia streets. Don’t be afraid to poke around staircases and narrow passageways because they probably lead to a quaint shop hidden away. If you want to see more of the area, rent a bike and head up Mount Tamalpais or along the coastal path towards Mill Valley and Tiburon.
Highlights
Bay Model Visitor Center: this one and a half acre scale model of San Francisco’s bay was originally used to study the changes in the bay’s water flow, but is now a fascinating educational look at how the tides rise and fall and the water flows.
Muir Woods National Monument: walk among the last remaining stand of towering redwood trees in this wonderful, magical park just minutes from town.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area: the views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline are stunning from this park, which also features the Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Angel Island State Park: just offshore from Sausalito is this tiny island with historic sites, walking and biking trails, and a tram if you don’t feel like walking.
Golden Gate Sausalito Ferry: this 30-minute trip runs from downtown Sausalito to the historic San Francisco Ferry Building at the foot of Market street, providing a wonderful experience to go with this great transportation option.