Sausalito, San Francisco

Sausalito is a great little village located by the bay just across the Golden Gate Bridge which transends you a world away.

The village has some really good places to eat, small art galleries, parks and wonderful views of San Franciso which makes this a good day trip from San Francisco. Just spend a few hours or a full day enjoying a nice relaxing atmosphere here in Sausalito.

Getting to Sausalito is quite easy, either by car or ferry. I love coming to Sausalito for a great meal at Scoma's, some excellent ice cream and just a nice relaxing stroll along the bay front.

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This was big fun. People have been living on the waters around San Francisco for over well over a century. Some of them were fishermen who both lived and worked on their crafts, some opportunistic types recycled abandoned ships into cozy dwellings, and still other used houseboats as weekend retreats. Today, Sausalito's waterborne community is one of the most famous in the country and a far cry from slapped-together, self-contained vessels of old. They are not houseboats; they can't go anywhere. Floating homes are permanently berthed on foundations that rise and fall with the tide, and they're hooked up to city sewer, water, electricity and cable services. Owners pay taxes and hefty monthly fees just as you would for a condo or townhome.

The docks are considered public streets - free to wander - and also provide gathering spots and "front yards" for the residents. These wide, wooden walkways are virtual gardens lined with flower pots, children's toys, bicycles, comfortable chairs and various other colorful bric-a-brac to personalize each owner's berth. And the homes? Tiny, rusting scows to great million-dollar mansions and no two are alike.

The community is a two-mile walk north of the ferry dock, past the big marinas, on an uncharted route that you sort of have to figure out as you go. You can follow Bridgeway all the way to Waldo Point Harbor/Gate 5 Road or work your way along the waterfront, cutting over to the next available road when you hit the occasional dead-end (we did). Whatever route you take, you want to end up around Waldo Point/Harbor Gate 5 Road and then explore your way around the nine or so docks that begin at that point. You can also drive (see website) or take a cab from downtown Sausalito but sorry, no bus service here.

See the websites for dock maps, directions, history and more about the community. And while the docks are open to the public, please be respectful and don't wander onto private entrance walks or the homes themselves.

For quieter ferry ride than that of the ride to Golden Gate, go and visit Sausalito.

Sausalito has charming open air cafes, flower bowers, souvenir shops (might be cheaper than those found in Fisherman's Wharf) and a refreshing view of the marina.

When I was there on a Friday (June 27, 2008), there was an afternoon concert in the plaza and a little farmer's market . Go organic and taste the coffee, blueberries, strawberries or better yet sample some Afghan and Indian food

Lots of bikers make the trip to Muir Woods which is just a short bus ride away from Sausalito city center. I just took the 10 minute bus ride to Marin City and engaged in my favorite past-time - shopping! I am not sure if bus fare was included in my ferry fare but the bus driver did not make me pay.

Directions: Take the ferry from the Ferry Building at the Embarcadero and it's only $15 for a roundtrip ferry ride. Don't forget to get your MUNI to FERRY and FERRY to MUNI transfer coupons.

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This neat little city is right off Highway 101 North across the Golden Gate Bridge, take the Alexander Ave exit and just follow the road right to the little downtown. This area has wonderful views of downtown San Francisco. This small city is a haven for gallery shoppers, many galleries, cafes, coffee shops and eateries line the main rd. Kind of a ritzy feel, I found no problem finding a place to park, but you have to go in the morning. You do have to pay though for parking, bring PLENTY of change, because one quarter only gets you 5 minutes.

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This small town lies across the Bay from San Francisco. It is an artists' colony and tourist center. Rather quaint, very picturesque, and friendly place. Catch the ferry boat from Fisherman's Wharf (link is below).

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Sausalito is located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, on the south-eastern tip of Marin County. Sausalito was incorporated in 1893, and named by 18th century Spanish explorers for the "little willow" trees (Saucelito) which were found, in abundance, on the banks of its streams. Sausalito covers a mere two and one half miles; a small town of only 7,500 residents boasting spectacular waterfront views.

What I really like about this quaint little town is the shops and restaurants that's waiting to be discovered by you. The arts and crafts here are fascinating, not surprising as Sausalito is an artist colony as well.

I have to tell you. This is one of my favorite things to do when I come to San Francisco. The ferries here are so good. It really is the sister city to Sydney. You can actually disappear in your thoughts in some of the best scenary out there. Wow. I am getting "home sick" just thinking about it. You can come spend a day in Sausalito or any of the other towns around here. No trip here should be considered complete without doing this.

Sausalito is a great place to venture off to while visiting the San Francsico bay area. Take a ferry or rent a car. It's a nice drive and really pretty. Have lunch on the bay and go shopping. Great bars to sit and watch the people go by, the sail boats, or the seals. Fun place.

Sausalito is a funky and artsy little bayside town just a few miles away from San Francisco. Its main street, with its collection of tiny but impressive art galleries and restaurants, is a popular tourist destination. For more information, feel free to visit my Sausalito page.

A cutesy, artsy place to see and be seen. Shop, browse, have coffee, ice cream, people-watch or just stroll.

You will really like this little town called Sausalito....across the Golden Gate Bridge, just a hop, skip, and jump away from San Francisco.

Take the time to explore...you will be glad you did.