Sausalito 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.
Sausalito at a Glance#
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.
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#
Sausalito Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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February
February is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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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.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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).
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#
The quickest public route is ferry from San Francisco; driving or rideshare gives more flexibility but is subject to bridge traffic. For local movement, Sausalito is compact and easy to cover on foot once you arrive.
- Golden Gate Ferry (USD 8-14) - The ferry from San Francisco Ferry Building to Sausalito is the simplest public option-about a 25-35 minute crossing with scenic views. Ferries run frequently during peak hours and are well timed for commuters and tourists.
- Golden Gate Transit bus / Local bus (USD 2-6) - Golden Gate Transit buses connect San Francisco and Marin County with Sausalito. Buses can be cheaper than ferries but are more exposed to bridge traffic-useful for budget travel or if you prefer direct bus stops in Marin.
- Taxi / Rideshare (USD 40-120) - Taxis and rideshares provide door-to-door service and are often faster outside commute hours. Expect higher fares when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge from SF (tolls and traffic add to time and cost).
- Bicycle (USD 0-20 (bike rental or ferry bike fee)) - Cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito is popular; it’s an enjoyable ride and there are bike racks and rental shops in Sausalito. Note downhill return to SF by ferry with a bike is common-check ferry bike policies and fares.
- Walking - Sausalito’s downtown and waterfront are compact and very walkable; however, walking from the Golden Gate Bridge area into central Sausalito is uphill at times, so be prepared.
Where to Stay in Sausalito#
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.
Sausalito Inn - Simple rooms close to town and ferry.
Inn Above Tide - Intimate waterfront inn on Sausalito’s waterfront.
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.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa - Waterfront boutique with elegant rooms and spa.
Inn Above Tide - Intimate waterfront inn on Sausalito’s waterfront.
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.
Cavallo Point - Historic lodge with views of Golden Gate.
Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa - Waterfront boutique with elegant rooms and spa.
Where to Eat in Sausalito#
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
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.
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.
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.
