Sausalito house boats
Sausalito Houseboats: A Floating Community
Sausalito: A Picturesque Waterfront Escape
Discover Sausalito: A charming waterfront town with stunning views, art galleries, and delicious dining, just across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sausalito, a charming town nestled on the northern edge of the Golden Gate Bridge, offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and a relaxed, artistic atmosphere. With its waterfront promenade, unique shops, and delectable dining options, Sausalito provides a delightful escape from the bustling city.
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A brief summary to Sausalito
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Sausalito, California, US
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Getting There
Ferry
The most popular way to reach Sausalito is by ferry from San Francisco. Both Golden Gate Ferry and Blue & Gold Fleet offer regular service. Golden Gate Ferry departs from the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero, while Blue & Gold Fleet departs from Pier 41 near Fisherman's Wharf. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes, offering stunning views of the bay. Upon arrival at the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, you'll be steps away from downtown. As of July 2025, a one-way ticket on Golden Gate Ferry costs $14 for adults, or $8 with a Clipper Card. Blue & Gold Fleet charges $14.75 for adults.
Public Transport
Golden Gate Transit and Marin Transit buses connect Sausalito to San Francisco and other Marin County locations. Several bus routes serve Sausalito, including routes 2, 4, 30, and 92. From San Francisco, take a Golden Gate Transit bus from the Transbay Terminal. Bus stops in Sausalito are located along Bridgeway. As of January 2025, the bus fare between Sausalito and San Francisco is $8.50 for adults, or $6.80 with a Clipper card. Within Marin County, the fare is $2.00 for adults, or $1.80 with a Clipper Card.
Driving
Sausalito is accessible by car via Highway 101. From San Francisco, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and take the Alexander Avenue exit. Follow Alexander Avenue into Sausalito. Parking is available in several public lots downtown, but can be limited, especially during peak season. As of July 2025, parking in public lots costs $5 per hour with a maximum of $50 per day from May 1st to September 30th. From October 1st to April 30th, the rate drops to $2-$3.50 per hour with a maximum of $20-$35 for 24 hours. Metered street parking is also available for a maximum of three hours, enforced from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Local tips
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Take the ferry from San Francisco for a scenic and convenient way to reach Sausalito.
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Explore the unique houseboats of Sausalito, a reminder of the town's artistic and bohemian history.
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Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants while taking in the stunning views.
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Visit the Bay Model Visitor Center to learn about the San Francisco Bay and its watershed.
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Hike in the Marin Headlands for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific coastline.
Discover more about Sausalito
Sausalito, California, a captivating waterfront town, boasts a rich history and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Originally inhabited by the Coast Miwok people, it later became a Spanish settlement known as "Sauzelito," meaning "little willow," due to the abundance of willow trees along its creeks.
During the 19th century, Sausalito transformed into a whaling and fishing village, attracting Portuguese and Italian immigrants. Regular ferry service spurred the construction of summer homes for wealthy San Franciscans, adding to the town's unique character. The town further evolved during World War II when the Marinship factory produced Liberty cargo ships, contributing significantly to the war effort.
Today, Sausalito is a vibrant tourist destination renowned for its art galleries, boutiques, and waterfront restaurants. Visitors can explore the iconic houseboats, a legacy of the town's bohemian past, or take a bay cruise for panoramic views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Hiking trails in the nearby Marin Headlands offer breathtaking vistas, while the Bay Model Visitor Center provides an intriguing glimpse into the San Francisco Bay's ecosystem.
Whether strolling along the Bridgeway Promenade, indulging in fresh seafood, or discovering local art, Sausalito offers a memorable experience for every visitor.
A brief summary to Sausalito
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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