Sausalito house boats, Bay Area Travel Guide

4 (9)

Discover Sausalito's iconic floating homes: a vibrant community where art, history, and unconventional living meet on the water.

Home
Travel Guides
California
Bay Area
Sausalito house boats

The Sausalito houseboats are a unique community of floating homes with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. What began as simple dwellings for fishermen and vacationers evolved into a haven for artists, musicians, and free spirits, creating a vibrant and unconventional waterfront neighborhood.

A brief summary to Sausalito house boats

Sausalito, California, 94965, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sausalito house boats.

Explore the houseboats on foot via a walking tour around the Gate 5 Road and Waldo Point Harbor areas.
Be respectful of the residents' privacy and keep noise levels to a minimum while exploring the docks.
The best views of the floating homes are often from the shore.
Consider visiting during the annual Floating Homes Tour for a chance to see inside some of these unique residences.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

San Francisco Carousel at Pier 39

Oakland Zoo

Filbert Steps

Ripley's Believe It or Not!

East Bay Monument

Explore Sausalito house boats on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sausalito house boats, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Sausalito houseboats are located in several areas, including the Gate 5 Road area and Waldo Point Harbor. From central Sausalito, walking to the Gate 5 Road area takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Head north along Bridgeway, then turn left onto Gate 5 Road. The houseboats will be visible along the docks. Please be mindful of the residents and keep noise levels low.
Public Transport

From San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Transit bus route 130 to Sausalito. The bus fare is approximately $8.50 for adults, or $6.80 with a Clipper card. The bus will drop you off on Bridgeway in Sausalito. From there, you can walk north towards the Gate 5 Road area (approximately 20-30 minutes) or take a local bus to get closer to Waldo Point Harbor.
Ferry

From San Francisco, take the Golden Gate Ferry to Sausalito. The ferry departs from the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero and arrives at the Sausalito Ferry Terminal. The one-way fare is $14.00 for adults, or $9.25 with a Clipper card. From the ferry terminal, you can walk north along Bridgeway to reach the Gate 5 Road area (approximately 20-30 minutes) or take a local bus towards Waldo Point Harbor.
Driving

From San Francisco, take US-101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge. Take the Sausalito exit and follow the signs to Bridgeway. Parking in Sausalito can be challenging, especially during peak season. Metered street parking is available, with rates ranging from $3.00 to $6.00 per hour. City parking lots are also available, with hourly rates from $2.00 to $5.00 and daily maximums ranging from $20.00 to $50.00. Parking is enforced from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Be aware of time limits and permit parking areas.

Discover more about Sausalito house boats

The Sausalito houseboats offer a glimpse into an unconventional and captivating lifestyle. This floating community, nestled in Richardson Bay, boasts a rich history that dates back over a century. In the late 1800s, fishermen's shacks and simple houseboats served as vacation homes for San Franciscans. The 1906 earthquake and fire drove more people to seek refuge on the water.The community blossomed after World War II when a nearby shipyard closure left behind surplus materials. Artists, beatniks, and others seeking an alternative lifestyle flocked to the area, building homes from salvaged materials and creating a unique architectural landscape. Today, the Sausalito houseboats range from quirky, ramshackle dwellings to luxurious, modern homes, reflecting the diverse personalities and creative spirit of its residents.Visitors can stroll along the docks, admiring the colorful and eclectic designs, each houseboat a unique expression of its owner's vision. While some houseboats have been modernized, many retain their original bohemian charm. The community fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, with impromptu concerts and informal gatherings adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Please be respectful of the residents' privacy and keep noise levels low while exploring the area.