Sausalito Travel Guide

City San Francisco Bay waterfront town with scenic views

Perched across the Golden Gate, Sausalito’s waterfront hosts houseboats, seafood shacks and contemporary galleries. Visitors take the ferry from San Francisco, photograph the skyline and bike the Marin Headlands and coastal bluffs beyond.

Costs
Around $220 per day (expensive)
Expect high prices for dining and lodging; day budgets often $150-$300.
Safety
Safe overall; watch petty theft
Generally safe; petty theft can occur in busy tourist areas.
Best Time
April-October (best weather)
Late spring to early fall offers best weather and clear Bay views.
Local Time
2:36 PM
GMT-7
Weather
Mostly Clear 60°F
Mostly Clear
Population
7,156
Infrastructure & Convenience
Excellent ferry links to SF, very walkable downtown, tourist services abundant.
Popularity
Very popular day-trip from San Francisco; draws couples, photographers, and gallery-goers.
Known For
Bay views, Marin Headlands, waterfront restaurants, houseboats, art galleries, ferry to San Francisco, boutique hotels, coastal walks, sailor culture
Sausalito's famous houseboat community grew from WWII shipyard workers and later became a bohemian enclave and tourist attraction.

Why Visit Sausalito? #

Perched across the Golden Gate from San Francisco, Sausalito appeals to visitors seeking waterfront charm, art galleries and fresh seafood. The ferry ride is part of the draw, and the floating-house community, maritime museums and waterside restaurants famous for Dungeness crab and clam chowder give the town a coastal character. Nearby Marin Headlands and hiking trails add natural variety, while boutique shops and galleries make for leisurely afternoons ashore.

Best Things to Do in Sausalito

All Attractions ›

Sausalito Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Sausalito Waterfront and Houseboat Community - Stroll the waterfront boardwalk past cafés, galleries, and colorful houseboats.
  • Bay Model Visitor Center - Working hydraulic model demonstrating San Francisco Bay tides and regional water systems.
  • Cavallo Point and Fort Baker - Historic fort grounds with walks, viewpoints, and a celebrated lodge by the bridge.
Hidden Gems
  • Hillside view points on Gate 5 Road - Short uphill walks reward with quieter views of the bay and city skyline.
  • Small art galleries on Bridgeway - Independent galleries featuring local painters, sculptors, and maritime-themed pieces.
  • Sausalito Sunday Street Fair - Seasonal fair offering live music, crafts, and street food in the summer months.
Day Trips
  • Muir Woods National Monument - Coastal redwood forest a short drive, with easy boardwalk trails and old-growth trees.
  • Point Bonita Lighthouse and Marin Headlands - Coastal headlands offering lighthouse access and panoramic views of the Golden Gate.

Best Time to Visit Sausalito #

Best late spring through early fall for the sunniest, calmest weather and easier water access; expect cool summers with frequent morning fog and mild, rainy winters.

Winter
December - February · 8 - 15°C (46 - 59°F)
Mild and rainy with dramatic skies; museums and cafés are cozy but expect frequent overcast and gusty bay winds.
Spring
March - May · 10 - 18°C (50 - 64°F)
More sunshine and calmer winds - ideal for walking the waterfront and visiting marinas before summer fog builds, with great outdoor dining.
Summer
June - August · 11 - 19°C (52 - 66°F)
Cool, foggy mornings that often burn back to sun in afternoons - great temperatures for strolling, but pack a jacket for the bay breeze.

Best Time to Visit Sausalito #

Climate

Sausalito's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in September) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1002 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 40 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (210 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

210 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.4
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

174 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
Very High
13.0h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
14.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.

84 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.5h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and partly cloudy skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
14.3h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.

90 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
12° 23°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.9
UV Index
Very High
13.4h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.

92 Ideal

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
11° 24°
70%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

86 Excellent

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
10° 22°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.9
UV Index
Moderate
11.1h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

172 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

How to Get to Sausalito

Sausalito is most easily reached from San Francisco by ferry or by car across the Golden Gate Bridge. SFO and OAK are the main airports; from either, combine BART + ferry or take a direct taxi/rideshare.

By Air

San Francisco International Airport (SFO): SFO is the largest airport serving the Bay Area. From SFO the quickest public option is to take BART to the Embarcadero or Ferry Building then transfer to the Golden Gate Ferry; total travel (including transfers) is typically 60-90 minutes. A taxi or rideshare direct to Sausalito across the Golden Gate Bridge usually takes 30-50 minutes and costs about USD 70-110 depending on traffic.

Oakland International Airport (OAK): From OAK take BART into San Francisco and then the ferry or bus, or take a taxi/rideshare across the Bay Bridge and over the Golden Gate; expect 45-75 minutes to Sausalito by car (longer in commute traffic).

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no Amtrak station in Sausalito; the nearest Amtrak station is in Martinez or San Rafael/Larkspur area for some connections. Rail + ferry is common: BART to Embarcadero then ferry to Sausalito.

Bus & Ferry: The Golden Gate Ferry runs from the San Francisco Ferry Building to Sausalito (roughly 25-35 minutes); typical one-way fares are in the low double digits (expect about USD 8-14). Golden Gate Transit buses also serve Sausalito from San Francisco and Marin County; local bus fares are lower (a few dollars) and travel times vary with traffic.

How to Get Around Sausalito #

Sausalito is very walkable along its waterfront and main commercial strip on Bridgeway; many visitors explore on foot. Regular Golden Gate Ferry service connects Sausalito to San Francisco, and Golden Gate Transit buses and regional bike routes make it easy to arrive without a car.

Driving is possible but parking is limited and often paid; cycling is popular-expect hills if you ride in from Marin or across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Where to Stay in Sausalito #

Budget
Bridgeway / Waterfront - $120-250/night
Budget options in Sausalito are scarce; a few motels and basic inns are nearby but expect to pay more than usual due to waterfront location and limited supply.
Mid-Range
Downtown Sausalito - $180-350/night
Mid-range inns and boutique hotels offer comfortable rooms and easy access to the ferry; many properties are family-run and fill quickly in summer months.
Luxury
Waterfront / Bridgeway - $300-600+/night
Luxury stays include waterfront boutique hotels and resort-style properties just steps from the bay; expect higher rates and limited availability during peak season.

Where to Eat in Sausalito #

Waterfront Seafood
Fresh, dock-to-table seafood and sweeping bay views define dining in Sausalito, with classic fish houses and casual spots along the waterfront.
  • Scoma's of Sausalito - Classic seafood house on the water
  • Salito's Crab House - Seafood and prime rib with bay views
  • Bar Bocce - Pizza, drinks, and bocce on the waterfront
Cafés & Casual Bites
Small cafes, artisan bakeries, and bistros offer sandwiches, pastries, and coffee - perfect for strolls along the waterfront and Marin Headlands views.
  • Café Salito (local café) - Breakfast, sandwiches, and espresso to-go
  • Cibo - Italian small plates and wood-fired pizza
  • Local deli and bakery options - Grab-and-go sandwiches and pastries available

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sausalito's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Chinese
Japanese
Pizza
Mexican
Italian
Sandwich
Burger
American
Sushi
Thai
Vietnamese
Indian
Seafood
Korean
Mediterranean
Asian
Chicken
Ramen
French
Breakfast

Nightlife in Sausalito #

Nightlife in Sausalito is low-key and centered on waterfront restaurants and bars rather than clubs. Expect evening dining with views, casual bars and occasional live music at local venues.

  • Bar Bocce - Waterfront bar with pizza, bocce courts and relaxed outdoor seating.

Shopping in Sausalito #

Sausalito’s shopping is focused on galleries, gift shops and boutique clothing stores along Bridgeway and nearby streets. You’ll find art studios, homewares and tourist-oriented boutiques clustered close to the waterfront.

Nearby Cities #