
Sausalito Boardwalk
A picturesque waterfront town offering stunning bay views, charming shops, and unique houseboat communities just across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Sausalito Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque waterfront town offering stunning bay views, charming shops, and unique houseboat communities just across the Golden Gate Bridge.
"Killer views of the Bay and SF skyline; feels like a Mediterranean town!"

🚢 Ferry for Views
Take the ferry from SF for stunning bay views; it's a great value!
🚶♀️ Walk from Golden Gate
Consider walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge for an epic journey. [:athletic_shoe:]

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sausalito Boardwalk Stroll
Waterfront promenade
Wander along the picturesque waterfront, soaking in stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz.

Houseboat Communities
Near the boardwalk
Marvel at the unique and colorful floating homes, a distinctive feature of Sausalito's waterfront charm.

Vina Del Mar Park
Near the ferry terminal
Enjoy this charming park, often featuring a lively elephant statue, perfect for a brief, delightful stop.

Local Boutiques and Galleries
Along Bridgeway and side streets
Discover unique art, souvenirs, and local crafts in Sausalito's charming shops and galleries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting There: Ferry vs. Bike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry for Views
Take the ferry from SF for stunning bay views; it's a great value!
🚶♀️ Walk from Golden Gate
Consider walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge for an epic journey. [:athletic_shoe:]
☕ Grab a Coffee
Start your day with coffee and pastries from a local cafe.
🍦 Don't Miss Ice Cream
Lappert's Ice Cream is a must-try for a sweet treat!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry for Views
Take the ferry from SF for stunning bay views; it's a great value!
🚶♀️ Walk from Golden Gate
Consider walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge for an epic journey. [:athletic_shoe:]
☕ Grab a Coffee
Start your day with coffee and pastries from a local cafe.
🍦 Don't Miss Ice Cream
Lappert's Ice Cream is a must-try for a sweet treat!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
Sausalito is very dog-friendly; bring your furry friend along! [:dog:]
🛥️ Admire the Yachts
The marina is filled with impressive yachts; take time to admire them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sausalito Boardwalk for its stunning bay views, charming atmosphere, and pleasant walking experience. The unique houseboat communities and local shops add to its appeal. While generally loved, some find it can be crowded on weekends and suggest weekdays for a more relaxed visit.
"We visited Sausalito on Sunday and enjoyed a pleasant time here. This is a small, quiet, and very nice town outside SF. The beach street is clean along the coast. It has a beautiful view across the bay!
Few coffee & bakery stores open early for breakfast is a plus!
I recommend you visit Sausalito on Saturday, when more interesting places are open for visitors such as Bay Model,...
Overall, Sausalito is a nice town to visit when you are in SF area. Recommended!"
Trung Vu (TrungSJ)
"Beautiful open area with gorgeous views of the Bay Area including San Francisco and Alcatraz. Lovely little shops, a nice variety of restaurants, and very walkable."
Ellie Pinnock
"Cute shops, cozy cafes, and killer views of the Bay and SF skyline. Feels like a little Mediterranean town just across the bridge. Perfect spot to stroll, grab a coffee, and just slow down for a bit. Bonus: the houseboats nearby are super fun to check out!"
Marwan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Golden Gate Ferry from the Ferry Building in San Francisco to Sausalito, which offers beautiful bay views.
Alternatively, many visitors enjoy biking or walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to reach Sausalito. Driving is also an option, but parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.Yes, walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito is a popular and rewarding experience, covering about 4-5 miles.
The path is scenic, offering incredible views, but be prepared for a moderate hike.Sausalito is very walkable, especially the boardwalk area. Many visitors also rent bikes to explore the town and surrounding areas.
The ferry is a convenient way to arrive and depart.Yes, the Golden Gate Ferry is a primary public transport option from San Francisco. Local bus routes also serve Sausalito, connecting it to other parts of Marin County.
The ferry ride typically takes about 30 minutes. Walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge can take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Sausalito Boardwalk itself is a public space and does not require an entrance fee. However, you will need tickets for the ferry to get there from San Francisco.
The boardwalk is accessible at all hours, as it's a public promenade. However, shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, which can vary, especially on weekends.
There are no general entrance fees for Sausalito. The town is open to visitors, and you only pay for specific attractions, activities, or dining experiences.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
If visiting on a weekend, Saturday mornings tend to be quieter than afternoons.Sausalito hosts various events throughout the year, including art festivals and holiday celebrations. It's best to check the local Sausalito tourism website for an up-to-date event calendar.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include strolling the boardwalk for bay views, exploring the unique houseboat communities, visiting Vina Del Mar Park, and browsing the local shops and art galleries.
Absolutely! The boardwalk offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, making it a photographer's paradise.
Yes, families can enjoy the scenic walks, the park, and the novelty of the houseboats. Many restaurants are also family-friendly.
You'll find a variety of boutiques, art galleries, souvenir shops, and specialty stores offering unique items.
Yes, boat rentals are available in Sausalito, offering a unique way to experience the bay.
Kayak rentals are also an option for those seeking water adventures.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sausalito offers a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale seafood restaurants. Popular spots include Fish. Restaurant for fresh seafood
and Hamburgers Seven Thirty Seven for burgers. Many restaurants offer waterfront dining with bay views.Yes, several charming coffee shops are located near the boardwalk, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a relaxing break. Franko & Co is a recommended spot.
While seafood is prominent, many restaurants offer diverse menus that include vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus online or ask your server.
Dining prices in Sausalito can range from moderate for cafes and casual eateries to high for fine dining establishments. Waterfront restaurants often come with a premium for the views.
Yes, Lappert's Ice Cream is a highly recommended spot for delicious ice cream, offering a sweet treat after a day of exploring.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire boardwalk offers fantastic photo opportunities. Key spots include the views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, the colorful houseboats, and the waterfront cafes.
Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful warm light and stunning views.
Morning light is also excellent for capturing the city skyline across the bay.The houseboat communities offer unique and colorful subjects for photography. Vina Del Mar Park with its elephant statue is also a popular spot.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive bay views and cityscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the houseboats or distant landmarks. A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for most visitors.
Drone usage is often restricted in populated areas and near airports. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in Sausalito.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
couples
Day-Trippers from San Francisco
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sausalito Ferry Experience
Ferry services are frequent, making it a convenient option for day-trippers. The ride provides a unique perspective of the Bay Area that you can't get from land. It's often recommended as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive bay cruises. Arriving by ferry allows you to bypass potential traffic and parking hassles, letting you step directly into the charming waterfront atmosphere of Sausalito.
Walking and Biking to Sausalito
Cyclists can rent bikes in San Francisco and enjoy a dedicated path across the bridge. Pedestrians can also traverse the bridge, taking in the immense scale and engineering marvel. Once you reach the Marin Headlands side, you'll follow signs leading down into Sausalito. This option provides a fantastic workout and a deep connection with the natural beauty of the area, often cited as a favorite weekend activity.
Unique Sausalito Experiences
Another distinctive aspect of Sausalito is its vibrant houseboat communities. These colorful and eclectic floating homes are a testament to a unique lifestyle and are fascinating to observe from the boardwalk or nearby parks. Exploring these communities, even just visually, adds a layer of quirky charm to any visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit