Sausalito Boardwalk
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Sausalito Boardwalk

4.8
·347 reviews·Sausalito, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Sausalito Boardwalk

Sausalito Boardwalk

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.8
(347 reviews)

"Killer views of the Bay and SF skyline; feels like a Mediterranean town!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 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:]

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sausalito Boardwalk Stroll

Sausalito Boardwalk Stroll

Waterfront promenade

Wander along the picturesque waterfront, soaking in stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and Alcatraz.

Houseboat Communities

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

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

Local Boutiques and Galleries

Along Bridgeway and side streets

Discover unique art, souvenirs, and local crafts in Sausalito's charming shops and galleries.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Sausalito Boardwalk is charming year-round, but consider visiting on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds. If you opt for a weekend, aim for Saturday as more attractions are open compared to Sunday. The ferry is a popular way to arrive, so book tickets in advance if possible, especially during peak season.

Getting There: Ferry vs. Bike

Many visitors arrive via ferry from San Francisco, offering stunning bay views.TikTok+1 Alternatively, biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito is a popular and scenic option.TikTok+2 Both offer unique perspectives of the area.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday afternoons
Why
More shops and attractions open
Crowd
Medium
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour views are magical
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Walk with me from San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito (3.97 Miles) #GoldenGateBridge #SanFrancisco #SF #VisitSF #VisitSanFrancisco #VisitMarin #MarinCounty #walkwithme #equatorcoffee #walk #walks #tourism #Sausalito #BayArea #SFBayArea #FreeThingsToDo
@tundemodupee
76.8K likes • 504.8K views

🚢 Ferry for Views

Take the ferry from SF for stunning bay views; it's a great value! TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Golden Gate

Consider walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge for an epic journey. [:athletic_shoe:] TikTok+1

This is the perfect day trip from SF or the East Bay 🤗 | 📍 @Sausalito Boat Rentals #sfbayarea #sf #sfthingstodo #sausalito #sausalitoboatrental
@naeemahtravels
29.3K likes • 232.1K views
Wanted to take hooman on the kind of stroll where the air feels like a whisper and every step sounds like a memory. Where the sun lingers above, warm and unhurried. I knew just the place. . . . #sausalito #bayviews #boardwalk #bayarea #giantschnauzer #dogfriendlytravel
scoopthegiant
66 likes • 567 views

☕ Grab a Coffee

Start your day with coffee and pastries from a local cafe. Instagram+1

🍦 Don't Miss Ice Cream

Lappert's Ice Cream is a must-try for a sweet treat! TikTokInstagram

Take a walk along the boardwalk and catch the best views ever. . . . . . #fridayvibes #coffee #boardwalk #sunshine #sausalito #february #valentines #visitsausalito #cityviews #sanfrancisco
sausalito_chamber
28 likes • 348 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry for Views

Take the ferry from SF for stunning bay views; it's a great value! TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Walk from Golden Gate

Consider walking or biking from the Golden Gate Bridge for an epic journey. [:athletic_shoe:] TikTok+1

☕ Grab a Coffee

Start your day with coffee and pastries from a local cafe. Instagram+1

🍦 Don't Miss Ice Cream

Lappert's Ice Cream is a must-try for a sweet treat! TikTokInstagram

🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls

Sausalito is very dog-friendly; bring your furry friend along! [:dog:] Instagram

🛥️ Admire the Yachts

The marina is filled with impressive yachts; take time to admire them. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.8
(347 reviews)

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

Beautiful bay views
Charming waterfront town
Walkable boardwalk

What People Dislike

Can be crowded on weekends

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.TikTok+1 Alternatively, many visitors enjoy biking or walking across the Golden Gate Bridge to reach Sausalito.TikTok+2 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.TikTok+1 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.TikTok 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.TikTok

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.Reddit

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.Reddit 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.Instagram+3

Absolutely! The boardwalk offers stunning panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz, making it a photographer's paradise.Instagram+2

Yes, families can enjoy the scenic walks, the park, and the novelty of the houseboats. Many restaurants are also family-friendly.Instagram

You'll find a variety of boutiques, art galleries, souvenir shops, and specialty stores offering unique items.Reddit

Yes, boat rentals are available in Sausalito, offering a unique way to experience the bay.TikTok 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 Instagram and Hamburgers Seven Thirty Seven for burgers.TikTok Many restaurants offer waterfront dining with bay views.Reddit

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.Instagram

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.TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 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.Instagram+2

Golden hour, just before sunset, provides beautiful warm light and stunning views.Instagram 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.Instagram

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.TikTok

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

Sausalito is a delightful destination for families. The boardwalk offers a safe and scenic place for kids to walk and explore, with plenty of open space. Vina Del Mar Park, with its playful elephant statue, is a hit with younger children.Instagram Many restaurants are accommodating to families, and the novelty of the houseboats can spark imagination. Consider a short ferry ride for a fun boat trip experience.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Sausalito can be enjoyed on a budget by focusing on free activities. Walking or biking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a fantastic, free way to arrive.TikTok+1 Strolling the boardwalk, admiring the houseboats, and enjoying the views are all free. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the bay, or opt for more affordable eats like burgers TikTok or ice cream TikTok instead of fine dining.

couples

Sausalito offers a romantic escape with its charming atmosphere and stunning bay views. A sunset stroll along the boardwalk is particularly magical.Instagram Consider a ferry ride for a scenic date,TikTok or explore the unique Fjord floating sauna experience for a memorable outing.TikTok Enjoying a meal at a waterfront restaurant with bay views adds to the romantic ambiance.Instagram

Day-Trippers from San Francisco

Sausalito is an ideal day trip from San Francisco. The ferry is a popular and efficient way to get there, offering beautiful views and a relaxing journey.TikTok+1 Once there, you can easily explore the boardwalk, browse shops, enjoy lunch, and take in the scenery within a few hours.TikTok Combining a visit with a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge is also a popular day trip itinerary.TikTok+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sausalito Ferry Experience

Taking the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito is more than just transportation; it's an integral part of the Sausalito experience. The journey itself offers breathtaking panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.TikTok+1 Many visitors describe it as a highlight, a scenic and enjoyable way to arrive that sets a relaxed tone for the day.

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.TikTok 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

For the adventurous traveler, the journey to Sausalito via the Golden Gate Bridge is an unforgettable experience. This route is highly recommended by many visitors and content creators.TikTok+2 The approximately 4-5 mile walk or bike ride offers unparalleled views of the bridge and the bay, making the destination feel earned and the scenery even more appreciated.TikTok

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.TikTok

Unique Sausalito Experiences

Beyond the typical boardwalk stroll, Sausalito offers some truly unique activities. One such experience is Fjord, a Scandinavian-inspired floating sauna and cold plunge located right on the bay.TikTok+1 This offers a relaxing and invigorating way to enjoy the waterfront, complete with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a memorable way to unwind and experience the bay from a different perspective.

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.Instagram+1 Exploring these communities, even just visually, adds a layer of quirky charm to any visit.

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