What to See, Eat, & Do

Should you’ve ever pushed north throughout the Golden Gate Bridge and seemed over to that charming little city hugging the bay on the opposite aspect, likelihood is you’ve noticed Sausalito. With its colourful houseboats, gorgeous water views, and European seaside vibe, this small city is considered one of my favourite simple day journeys from San Francisco. It’s stylish however relaxed, scenic however sufficiently small to discover in a single (great!) day.

Begin Your Day with These Iconic Golden Gate Views

You’ll be able to’t go to Sausalito with out taking in a number of wow moments overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. There are two must-stops within the Marin Headlands which might be excellent for this, Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer, and each are only a brief drive from the bridge’s north finish.

Hawk Hill is a kind of spots the place you’ll discover locals and photographers perched with binoculars or cameras. There’s loads of parking unfold alongside the street, and a brief stroll takes you to panoramic views of the bridge and San Francisco skyline. Should you’re into wildlife (or simply love seeing issues soar), that is additionally a hotspot for birdwatchers—hawk and raptor species actually trip the wind currents right here, which is how Hawk Hill obtained its identify.

Only a few minutes down the street, Battery Spencer offers you that picture-perfect, postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You already know these well-known pictures you’ve seen on postcards? A lot of them have been taken right here. You’ll additionally discover remnants of a coastal protection fort from the late 1800s, which makes it an additional enjoyable cease for historical past lovers. Stroll by means of the previous bunkers and you may nearly think about the troopers stationed right here guarding the Bay many years in the past.

➞ Tip: Go early within the morning earlier than the fog rolls in, or later within the day for that golden sundown glow.

Wander By way of the Floating Properties Group

Subsequent up—one thing actually distinctive: Sausalito’s well-known houseboat group. Head to Gate 6 Highway (Waldo Level Harbor) the place you’ll discover over 240 colourful, privately-owned floating properties bobbing peacefully within the harbor. Some appear to be whimsical storybook cottages, others are modern and fashionable, however all are so cool to see up shut.

Whereas many docks are non-public, there are a number of viewing spots the place you possibly can snap pictures and peek into this one-of-a-kind group. I go these houseboats on a regular basis from the freeway, however strolling amongst them is a completely totally different expertise!

➞ From right here, you possibly can simply stroll (lower than a mile!) to the subsequent two stops: Heath Ceramics and Fish. restaurant.

Pop Into Heath Ceramics

Even should you’re not normally into residence items, Heath Ceramics is value a fast cease. Their easy, handcrafted dinnerware is utilized in many fashionable eating places all through California, and when you see it in individual, you’ll perceive why. The colours are earthy but vibrant, and every bit has that excellent stability between type and performance.

The Sausalito manufacturing facility and showroom has been round because the Nineteen Fifties, and you may browse every part from dinner plates and serving bowls to linen napkins and slicing boards. I didn’t find yourself shopping for something (self-control!), nevertheless it’s the sort of place that makes you need to go residence and redo your whole kitchen dishware.

Lunch by the Water at Fish.

After shopping ceramics, stroll a number of steps over to Fish., one of the vital beloved lunch spots in Sausalito. This bayside eatery is all about sustainably sourced seafood served in an excellent informal, order-at-the-counter setting.

On my final go to, we shared the ceviche—tangy and recent with Gulf shrimp, Peruvian corn, and housemade tortilla chips—and the tuna soften, which was piled with poached native albacore and melted cheddar. If the climate’s good, seize a desk on the patio by the water. Between the sunshine, seagulls, and sea breeze, it’s about as “California coastal” because it will get.

Take a Peek Contained in the Bay Mannequin Customer Heart

Prepared for one thing slightly nerdy however fascinating? The Bay Mannequin Customer Heart is free to go to and showcases a working hydraulic mannequin of the complete San Francisco Bay and Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. It’s run by the U.S. Military Corps of Engineers and was as soon as used to review tides and currents earlier than pc modeling existed.

The size mannequin takes up 1.5 acres, and strolling by means of it offers you an entire new appreciation for the way huge and interconnected the Bay Space actually is.

Stroll Alongside Bridgeway Promenade

No journey to Sausalito is full with out a stroll down Bridgeway, the city’s principal waterfront avenue lined with boutiques, cafes, and eating places. The views of San Francisco throughout the Bay are completely gorgeous.

Pop into a few my favourite outlets: The Marin Service provider for thoughtfully curated residence decor with classic allure or Karl The Retailer for a mixture of mid-century fashionable items, artwork, and jewellery. Each are excellent for shopping and inspiration.

And if you’re prepared for slightly one thing candy, make a pit cease at Lappert’s Ice Cream. Their Kauai Pie taste (espresso ice cream with coconut, macadamia nuts, and chocolate fudge) would possibly simply be among the finest scoops you’ll ever have.

Sip and Savor at Bacchus & Venus

After a busy afternoon exploring, unwind with a glass (or flight!) of wine at Bacchus & Venus, a comfortable tasting room specializing in small-production California wines. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, and the employees is pleased to information you towards one thing you’ll love—whether or not you’re into crisp whites or daring reds (like me!).

Dinner at Le Storage

Cap off your excellent Sausalito day with dinner at Le Storage, a classy French bistro tucked inside a transformed auto store overlooking Schoonmaker Level Marina. The setting is industrial but cozy, with open storage doorways that allow in salty breezes and views of sailboats bobbing within the harbor.

Order a glass of wine and check out a few my favourite menu gadgets, the Salad Niçoise or the mushroom and goat cheese tart, and completely by no means skip the frites maison.

➞ Should you don’t fancy French meals, I additionally love Bar Bocce, Copita and Sushi Ran.

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