Decorated with hillside homes and a string of quaint shops and cozy restaurants lining its waterfront, Sausalito seems to have been plucked from the shores of Southern France or Italy’s Amalfi Coast.
Though it shares the bay with one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, this charming hamlet is hemmed by sun-drenched yacht harbors and eccentric floating houses.
Like San Francisco’s famed counterculture, Sausalito residents pride themselves on their progressive spirit and bohemian roots. It is unsurprising to find many local businesses embracing the growing idea of a sustainable livelihood for themselves and those who visit.
Easily accessible by either ferry or a ride across the famed Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito’s beautiful setting has made it one of California’s most cherished getaways.
Barely a summer day slips by without its main street teeming with guests from near and far.
As a seaside village, Sausalito teems with seafood dining. From restaurants offering linen tablecloths and wine stewards to more casual hangouts adorned with picnic tables and self-ordering counters, it would be scandalous to miss a meal or two of bayside cuisine.
One of our favorite eateries is FISH, a casual restaurant that serves lunch and dinner to enthusiastic visitors on an open, dock-side patio. Come early as the restaurant is often populated by a dedicated core of local patrons.
As the travel adage states, it is wisest to dine where locals dine.
The menu is filled with flavorsome choices, such as fish tacos, tuna sandwiches, and fish sticks & fries, but beyond the chef’s unique take on these dishes, the management’s efforts to use sustainable sources in their offerings.
As with a growing number of restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area, FISH supports TwoXSea, a supplier devoted to strict standards for fishery management. The supplier focuses on minimizing habitable destruction and incidental bycatch and works to ensure seafood sustainability for years to come.
FISH
350 Harbor Dr.
Sausalito, CA 94965
415-331-3474
Luckily for Sausalito visitors, one of San Francisco’s premier hotels, The Lodge at the Golden Gate, is nestled into the picturesque headlands beneath the bridge’s northern tower. Conceived as a green and socially responsible resort, the luxurious retreat was created by updating the original buildings of the historical military landmark, Fort Baker.
The Cavallo prides itself on friendly, personal service and takes advantage of it stunning surroundings with an array of outdoor activities. Bicycling, hiking, and even outdoor yoga can make a visit to Cavallo a cherished experience for the entire family.
Treasuring the principles of sustainability and stewardship, the complex has been garnished with multiple awards, including the World Legacy Award from National Geographic, the LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council, and Travel+Leisure’s Global Vision Award for Sustainability.
It is truly a remarkable resort at the edge of a remarkable city on the bay.
Cavallo Point
The Lodge at the Golden Gate
601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker
San Francisco, CA 94965
415-339-4700
The charm of Sausalito reaches beyond its downtown and cliffside neighborhoods. West of the city lays the unspoiled wilderness of the Marin Headlands.
The hiking and mountain bike trails that weave through this open land offer panoramic views of the local mountains and the broad Pacific Ocean.
It is also a gateway to the historical Muir Woods National Monument and Park. Only a 30-minute shuttle ride separates downtown Sausalito from the park’s main entrance. Inside, visitors step into an ancient environment where coastal redwoods tower over Douglas firs and the lush, low-lying ferns. In the dappled shadows, a sharp eye may catch a glimpse of a black-tailed deer or an elusive bobcat on the hunt. Visitors will find entertainment with curious chipmunks and gray squirrels as they dash through the undergrowth. A day exploring the park’s six miles of gently wandering trails and paths is an opportunity to experience nature in one of its most spectacular forms. Muir Woods is not to be missed.
For those with an adventurous streak, an exhilarating way to enjoy Sausalito’s maritime charm is to experience it from the water. A favorite of visitors and locals alike is to travel casually along the shore by self-propelled watercraft. Established in 1982, Sea Trek is one of California’s oldest companies specializing in kayak and stand-up paddle-board tours and rentals.
With some luck, you might catch a glimpse of the local harbor seals, a squadron of pelicans, or a dozen other wildlife creatures that call the Sausalito shoreline home. On the water, you are in control of your pace and destination. Pulling your oar through the gentle waters of Richardson Bay, you are free to explore the seaside town’s rocky shore, the numerous yacht harbors, and its world-famous floating neighborhood of eclectic houseboats.
Sea Trek
Bay Model
2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 332-8494
Another eco-friendly way to explore the hamlet and nearby towns is perched on a bicycle.
Sausalito’s dedicated bike paths run parallel to the shoreline and harbors. A bicycle allows you to breeze past traffic and evade the often overcrowded parking lots. For the adventurous, the routes can take a rider into the highlands and across the Golden Gate Bridge. But to make the most of cruising these pathways is to do so on the latest evolution in two-wheeled transportation. The environmentally friendly e-bike.
Equipped with an electric motor and rechargeable battery, the e-bike offsets the physical requirements of a traditional pedal-powered bicycle. Electric bicycles offer a thrill-bound experience to a broader range of riders. The onboard power alleviates concern about traveling too far or overextending one’s ability or stamina.
New Old School E-bikes, one of our favorite local shops, specializes in electric-powered bicycles for all levels of riders and offer both sales and rentals. Understanding the concept of a powered bicycle might cause some trepidation for first-time riders, the shop’s friendly staff is there for questions and guidance. They also offer a free, 15minute trial ride to be sure you are ready to roll.
Although we cannot guarantee it, we are confident one ride on an e-bike and you will be hooked.
New Old School E-bikes
1617 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 324-7039
