Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco lies Sausalito, a charming waterfront town known for its scenic bay views, boutique shops, dining scene, and iconic houseboat communities.
The town’s relaxed pace and artistic spirit make it a favorite coastal destination, and now it’s home to a new on-the-water experience: Fjord, a floating sauna and cold plunge offering a restorative wellness escape with panoramic views of the bay.
Sausalito is also home to The Inn Above Tide, a luxury retreat perched directly on the water. Every room at the inn offers floor-to-ceiling views of San Francisco Bay, plush McRoskey beds, luxurious bathrooms, and many feature fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and private furnished decks.
The property includes a daily artisanal breakfast and a sunset wine and cheese hour highlighting selections from nearby Sonoma and Napa wineries. Dining options in Sausalito include Sushi Ran, a highly acclaimed destination for Japanese cuisine; Poggio Trattoria, known for its rustic Northern Italian fare; and Copita, a lively, casual restaurant serving seasonal Mexican dishes with local ingredients.
The city offers a blend of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and coastal charm, making it an ideal setting for both relaxation and discovery. Just minutes from town, the Marin Headlands beckon with scenic hiking trails like the Coastal Trail and Tennessee Valley Trail, where sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, rugged cliffs, and local wildlife create an unforgettable backdrop.
Out on the water, a bay cruise provides a different perspective, with panoramic vistas of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Narrated tours share the region’s history and landmark stories as you glide across the water. For those looking to be a bit more active, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in Richardson Bay offer a tranquil way to explore the shoreline and spot local marine life.
Art lovers will find plenty to explore in Sausalito’s many galleries and artist studios, where a variety of works are on display. Even without the Sausalito Art Festival, the town remains a hub for creativity, offering opportunities to meet local artists and see their work firsthand. Historic sites add another layer of interest, with guided tours highlighting the World War II-era shipbuilding past at the Marinship shipyards.
These tours also include stops at places like the Bay Model Visitor Center and Sausalito Historical Society exhibits, which delve into the town’s unique cultural heritage. The town also excels in waterfront dining, with restaurants that serve fresh seafood, California fare, and global cuisine, all paired with breathtaking views of the bay. Many offer outdoor seating, ideal for watching sailboats drift by as the sun sets over the water.
Evenings in Sausalito are far from quiet, with a lineup of live music and cultural performances that span cozy indoor venues and open-air events, creating a lively soundtrack to this scenic coastal town. Whether you’re drawn by nature, art, food, or wine, Sausalito delivers an experience that feels both sophisticated and effortlessly laid-back. Learn more at visitsausalito.org.
