A short ferry ride across San Francisco Bay will take you to this sassy and sophisticated waterfront community, with a Mediterranean feel.
You could almost believe you’re on the French Riviera in Sausalito with its warm, mild climate, its pleasure boats dotted around the harbour and the hillside bungalows surrounded by beautiful bougainvillea.
Sausalito is a great place to go for some peace and relaxation after a busy sightseeing schedule. The best way to get here is to take the 30-minute ferry ride from San Francisco. Take a ferry from Pier 41 at Fisherman’s Wharf or from the San Francisco Ferry Building located towards the southern end of the Embarcadero. It’s likely to be chilly on the water, so bring a warm, windproof jacket. On the ride from Fisherman’s Wharf, you’ll take in wonderful views of Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate bridge.
As you approach Sausalito, you’ll be able to make out the impressive floating houses and quaint cottages that line the cliffs. The town is surrounded by beautiful forests and rolling fields of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
When you arrive, take a stroll along the waterside esplanade lined with restaurants along picturesque piers. Browse the upmarket boutiques and art galleries and stop for a while in one of the open air cafés or bistros to enjoy a latte or a light lunch.
Although distinctly upmarket, Sausalito still retains a bohemian vibe harking back to the 1950s and 1960s when it was known as an artists’ colony. The many galleries are well worth a look and are packed with local arts and crafts.
Sausalito is also known for its houseboat community. There are hundreds of houseboats around the bay. Some are more ‘shabby chic’, fitting in with the bohemian feel, while others are smart and luxurious, with plush, expensive interiors. In fact, this community was the inspiration behind Otis Redding’s hit song ‘Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay’, which he penned while staying on a houseboat here.
