Sausalito is a picturesque waterfront destination and a quick trip from San Francisco. One of the best ways to get to Sausalito from San Francisco is by ferry. It is a short ride and provides beautiful Bay Views along the way. In this case, the journey is half of the fun.
Catch the Sausalito Ferry behind San Francisco's Ferry Building. You can bring bikes on the ferry, if you want to have a way to get around once you get to Sausalito, but everything is accessible via walking.
Sausalito has the highest concentration of marinas, boats, and marine businesses in all of Northern California, and boating culture here is second to none. Originally the home of the Miwok Indians, Sausalito was discovered in 1775 by Spanish Explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala who is credited for giving Sausalito its name (little willow).
Because Sausaltio is a tourist destination many Bay Area residents avoid it. This article will provide you with a richer Sausalito experience of things to do from a locals' perspective. Discover places tourists never find. My next article will include Sausalito dining and lodging suggestions.
Upon arrival at the ferry dock walk along the waterfront away from town. This park near the ferry landing is the site of Friday Night Jazz in the Park. As you stroll along the waterfront admire the water views.
Walk along the docks admiring the collection of large yachts that dock here. This is an active boating community. You will also find there is a large houseboat community located here too, they offer tours several times each year. When you are finished exploring, walk back toward downtown, South along Bridgeway Street visiting the shops and restaurants along the way.
Stop at the Sausalito Visitor Center and Historical Society located on Bridgeway Street at the North end of the Park, to find maps and learn more about the history of Sausalito. Walking several blocks towards Scoma's Restaurant there are spectacular views of San Francisco and the Bay. Here is a partial listing of things to do in Sausalito.
Shopping in Sausalito:
A lot of visitors come here just for the shopping and the selection of art galleries. This is a city that takes art very seriously. For more information about the art community and list of galleries, click here. In this charming town there are a variety of shops to visit and you will want to take time to explore them. One of my favorites is Pegasus Leather, which sells leather clothing, handbags and accessories. Their selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry is remarkable. Click here for a list of additonal boutiques in Sausalito.
Outdoor Activities:
What most visitors to Sausalito miss entirely are the outdoor adventures. Located on the water, Sausalito offers a range of water activities. There are several marina's here as well as the Sausalito Yacht Club. You can rent kayak's, charter a boat or learn to sail.
Rent bikes in San Francisco and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. After enjoying your day in Sausalito, take the ferry back to San Francisco.
Sailing: Rent a sailboat and enjoy the San Francisco Bay. Modern Sailing provides sailing courses and charters.
Rent kayak's and paddle out in the Bay from a sandy beach. Sea Trek provides rentals and instruction to make your foray perfect. They can be rented at Schoonmaker Harbor, see photo below.
Go to the beach at Schoonmaker Harbor, see above photo. You will see locals sunbathing, enjoying the water and kayaking from this small beach in Sausalito.
Segeway Tour: See Sausalito on a guided tour via Segeway by Electric Tour Company Segeway Tours. Explore and discover the many parks, harbors and fascinating houseboat communities in Sausalito. Enjoy the area's beautiful bike paths and bayside estuaries.
Have a picnic: Go to Molly Stone's Market and pick up a gourmet picnic to eat at Schoonmaker Harbor Beach. Or go to the Sausalito Gourmet Delicatessen on Caledonia Street and assemble a picnic from their supply of delicious food.
Visit the Marine Mammal Center where you can take a docent led tour of the animals and the facility. Their mission is to rescue distressed marine mammals and restore them to health and back into their natural habitat.
Visit Fort Baker a historic Fort located a few minutes from downtown Sausalito. Operated by the National Park Service, there are lots of activities, sights and walking trails to explore. You can also visit Cavallo Point an urban conference center with a restaurant.
Indoor Activities:
Bay Model Visitor Center: This is a complete working model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta System maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. It is the only one of its kind in the world. This is a facinating place and provides an overview of our complex water system. The Bay Model is undergoing some renovations and will be re-open on June 16, 2010.
Spa at Casa Madrona - Enjoy some pampering and indulge yourself in this tranquil environment. They offer a full range of body treatments, massage, skincare and nail therapy. Make an appointment in advance. See above photo of Casa Madrona.
Movie Time: Catch a film at the Marin Theater located on Caledonia Street. Click here for a list of movies and showtimes.
Upcoming Events:
Jazz By the Bay beginning on June 18, 2010 on Friday nights through August 27, 2010 at Garbrielson Park. Bring a blanket, a picnic and enjoy a free jazz concert in the park.
July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza at the Gabrielson Park from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. The Parade begins at 10 am and the live music commences at noon culminating in fireworks after dark.
Sausalito Film Festival on August 13-15, 2010 at Cavallo Point in Fort Baker.
Floating Homes Association Tour on September 25, 2010 from 11 am to 4 pm. Tour 20 houseboats of the 400 that make up Sausalito's Floating Homes Association.
Sausalito Classic Car Show on October 3, 2010 held in nearby parking lots and Gabrielson Park near the Ferry Dock.
Don't miss the slideshow for more photos of Sausalito. Click on View Slideshow at the conclusion of the article to see more images.
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Comments (2)
Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour! Ths insider's nautical tour led by local artist and author, Victoria Colella traverses the historic houseboats, WWII shipyards, art studios and wooden boat center. Tour finishes with tea and cookies in the boat lettering shop next to the WWII Shipways. Don't miss this!
For more information, photos, video, Sausalito Sea Chanty and testimonials - visit SausalitoWoodenBoatTour
What a great treat. This town is special and you caught the verve and the sizzle.. Come one, come all.
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