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World Class view from Sausalito

Marin's southernmost town is often compared to the French Rivera. This small seaside town, with its striking vistas of San Francisco to the south and Mt. Tamalpias to the west, was originally settled by Portuguese and Italian fisherman. Many people have appreciated its splendid setting, with water on three sides: William Randolph Hearst once owned a large property at the south end of town where he intended to build a second San Simeon.

Before the building of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito was a stopping place for sailing ships to buy firewood and fresh water from its mountain springs. From the beginning it has been a mixture of a good-time town and a private retreat.

Today, Sausalito provides a wide mix of houses, from restored Victorians with world-class views to cozy condos.And, there is a unique community of about 600 houseboats on Richardson Bay that range from funky to spacious and elegant.

Sausalito is a tourist town, but tourists concentrate at the southeast end of the peninsula and rarely go into the adjacent neighborhoods. Most of Sausalito is quiet and residential. Adding variety and charm to the city, there is a Bohemian element descendent from the 60’s and 70’s, when Sausalito was a center of the Beat movement.All the residents of Sausalito seem to appreciate that they are living in a rare location, and they are fiercely proud of their town.

Downtown Sausalito has a ferry terminal for an efficient but addictive commute to the Financial District in San Francisco.

 The Best Sausalito Web Site

Access to all official city information. Also provides information on parks, a list of schools, photos, weather, and more.

Favorite Places to Visit

• The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is at the south end of town. You have beaches and breath-taking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. If you like a moderate walk (some steep uphill on the way home), visit Kirby Cove.
• The houseboat community is at the north end of town. You can start at Gate 5 Road and walk down the boardwalks between the boats. The boardwalks are lush gardens most of the year, the houseboats are richly imaginative, and the locals are very friendly.
• Bridgeway Street at the south end of town is where the tourists go, for good reason. The views are wonderful, many of the galleries and boutiques are great, and the restaurants are good. This is an outstanding walking area.
• Caledonia Street. This is an upcoming shopping area for locals, with good restaurants.
• The waterfront and marinas---anywhere in Sausalito.
• The Bay Model is an impressive hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay, simulating tidal flows.

Restaurants

• Sushi Ran on Caledonia Street is a world-class Japanese and California restaurant with a massive collection of sake and fine wines. 332-3620
• Angelino’s on Bridgeway has classic Italian food. 331-5225
• Poggio is a newer, slick Italian-themed restaurant on Bridgeway with good food and charming street-side seating. 332-7771
• The Spinnaker, in the marina close to downtown, has one of the best locations in town, jutting far out into the water, but ordinary food. The large bar is a great location to appreciate Sausalito. 332-1500
• Fish is a café that sells great seafood plus bait and tackle for the early-morning fisherman leaving the nearby docks. This is an friendly, informal place worth a trip to the north end of town.When you see Molly Stone’s Market, make a right turn and go down to the water. Fish is to your right. 331-FISH
• Café Davino is a small café on Caledonia with a truly Italian atmosphere. The food is good and the atmosphere relaxed during the day and party at night. On most Friday nights, you can enjoy the Norris Clement Trio playing excellent jazz. 331-9355
• Kitti’s Place on Bridgeway at the north end of town serves very good and unpretentious Thai food with a California twist. It is best when Kitti is cooking, usually at dinner. 331-0390

Special Occasion Places

• Ondine’s at the south end of Bridgeway is a restaurant that opens only for weddings and special parties. With its views and décor, you can’t find a classier place for your party. To learn more, check with Horizon’s Restaurant downstairs. 331-1133
• Alta Mira is a refurbished small hotel on the hill above the downtown that specializes in wedding and parties. It is worth checking out.

Hotels

• Inn Above Tide is tucked away off the main downtown square. Your room hangs over the bay and gives you a direct view of San Francisco and the East Bay. Can’t get much better than this.
• Casa Madrona is in the hill above Bridgeway. It has beautiful garden cottage suites and newer hotel rooms with views of the water.
• Hotel Sausalito is a small, charming, and renovated hotel on the square in the center of town.

Check our Photo Gallery for great snapshots!