Day trip to Sausalito: what to see, eat and do

If you’ve ever driven north over the Golden Gate Bridge and looked at that charming town across the bay, chances are you’ve seen Sausalito. With its colorful houseboats, breathtaking water views, and European seaside vibe, this small town is one of my favorite easy day trips from San Francisco. It’s chic but relaxed, quaint but small enough to explore in one (amazing!) day.

Start your day with those iconic Golden Gate views

You can’t go to Sausalito without trying some Wow moments with a view of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are two must stops in the Marin Headlands that are perfect for this, Hawk Hill And Battery Spencerand both are just a short drive from the north end of the bridge.

Hawk Hill is one of those places where you encounter locals and photographers with binoculars or cameras. There is plenty of parking along the road and a short walk takes you to panoramic views of the bridge and the San Francisco skyline. If you’re into wildlife (or just like watching things fly), this is also a hotspot for bird watchers: hawk and raptor species literally ride the wind currents here, which is how Hawk Hill got its name.

Just a few minutes away, Battery Spencer gives you that perfect postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You know those famous photos you’ve seen on postcards? Many of them were brought here. You’ll also find remains of a late 1800s coastal defense fort, making it an extra fun stop for history buffs. Walking through the old bunkers, you can almost imagine the soldiers stationed here decades ago guarding the bay.

➞ Tip: Go early in the morning before the fog rolls in, or later in the day for that golden sunset glow.

Wander through the floating home community

Next up – something truly unique: Sausalito is famous houseboat community. Go to Gate 6 Road (Waldo Point Harbor) where you’ll find more than 240 colorful, privately owned floating homes floating peacefully in the harbor. Some look like whimsical storybook houses, others are sleek and modern, but they’re all so cool to see up close.

While many boat docks are private, there are a few spots where you can take photos and get a glimpse into this unique community. I pass these houseboats all the time from the highway, but walking among them is a completely different experience!

➞ From here you can easily walk (less than a mile!) to the following two stops: Heather Ceramics And Fish. restaurant.

Dive into Heath ceramics

Even if you normally don’t like household items, Heather Ceramics is worth a short stop. Their simple, handmade tableware is used in many trendy restaurants throughout California, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why. The colors are earthy yet vibrant, and each piece has the perfect balance of form and function.

The Sausalito factory and showroom has been around since the 1950s and you can see everything from dinner plates and serving dishes to linen napkins and cutting boards. I didn’t end up buying anything (self-control!), but it’s the kind of place where you want to go home and recreate your entire kitchen utensil.

Lunch on the water at Fish.

After looking at ceramics, walk a few steps to Fish., one of the most beloved lunch spots in Sausalito. This eatery on the bay is all about sustainably produced fish, served in a super informal atmosphere, where you can order at the counter.

On my last visit we shared the ceviche– spicy and fresh with Gulf shrimp, Peruvian corn and homemade tortilla chips – and the tuna meltswhich was full of poached local albacore tuna and melted cheddar. If the weather is nice, take a table on the terrace by the water. Between the sunshine, the seagulls and the ocean breeze, it’s about as “California coast” as it gets.

Take a look at the Bay Model Visitor Center

Ready for something nerdy but fascinating? The Bay Model Visitor Center is free to visit and shows a working hydraulic model of the entire San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. It is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers and was once used to study tides and currents before computer models existed.

The scale model covers 1.5 acres, and walking through it gives you a whole new appreciation for how vast and interconnected the Bay Area really is.

Stroll along the Bridgeway Boardwalk

No trip to Sausalito is complete without a hike down Bridge Roadthe city’s main waterfront street, lined with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The view of San Francisco across the bay is absolutely breathtaking.

Visit some of my favorite stores: The Marinkoopman for a carefully composed interior with vintage charm or Karel De Winkel for a mix of mid-century modern pieces, art and jewelry. Both are perfect for browsing and finding inspiration.

And when you’re ready for something sweet, make a pit stop Lappert’s ice cream. Their Cloboek flavor (coffee ice cream with coconut, macadamia nuts and chocolate fudge) might be one of the best scoops you’ll ever have.

Sip and enjoy Bacchus & Venus

After a busy afternoon of exploring, relax with a glass (or a flight!) of wine Bacchus and Venusa cozy tasting room specialized in Californian wines from small production. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff are happy to guide you to something you’ll love, whether you like bright white or bold red (like me!).

Dinner at Le Garage

End your perfect Sausalito day with dinner at The garagea chic French bistro tucked into a converted car shop overlooking Schoonmaker Point Marina. The setting is industrial yet cozy, with open garage doors letting in a salty breeze and a view of the sailboats bobbing in the harbor.

Order a glass of wine and try a few of my favorite menu items, the Niçoise Salad or the mushroom and goat cheese pieand absolutely never hit the homemade fries.

➞ If you don’t fancy French food, I love it too Bar jeu de boules, Hoof And Sushi was running.

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