13 Awesome Things To Do In Sausalito

Across the bay from San Francisco is a small waterfront town by the name of Sausalito. Resembling a Mediterranean fishing town, this Marin County gem is a perfect option for a close-to-home weekend getaway in Sausalito. Exquisite restaurants, sweeping bay views, historical landmarks, and plenty of relaxation awaits you over the bridge in Sausalito. Want to get a taste? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or hoping to explore for longer, these are the things to do in Sausalito to add to your itinerary.

13 Fun Things To Do in Sausalito

1. Admire the Views From the Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point

The Golden Gate Bridge View Vista Point is a parking area and lookout spot in Sausalito with unbeatable panoramas. Drive up to this incredible place to visit in Sausalito, marvel at the picture-perfect views, and hike the trail leading to the bridge.

2. Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum

There is no other children’s museum quite like the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito. A one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor facility that offers tons of fun for kids of all ages, this Sausalito place to visit is where children’s creativity and curiosity sparks.

3. See the Rescued Animals at the Marine Mammal Center

The Marine Mammal Center is a private, non-profit organization that was established to rescue, rehabilitate, and release marine mammals. This incredible Sausalito attraction is open to visitors—you can meet the adorable animals and see the wonderful work the organization does in person.

4. Stroll Along the Sausalito Bridgeway Promenade

Sausalito boasts numerous places to stretch your legs, but the Bridgeway Promenade might just be the most scenic of them all. Besides all the locally-owned shops and restaurants you’ll find here, this Sausalito attraction also features fantastic views of San Francisco Bay and Angel Island State Park.

5. Check Out the Sausalito Floating Houseboats

You haven’t really explored the city if you didn’t check out the local floating Sausalito houseboats. Quintessential things to see in Sausalito, the unique and high-end houseboat communities in the area should be an integral part of your itinerary.

6. Head Over to the Scenic Battery Spencer

Completed in 1897, Battery Spencer is a concrete gun battery located on Fort Baker with fantastic views of San Francisco. Located at the top of the Marin Headlands, this Sausalito attraction is about eye-level with the Golden Gate Bridge’s north tower and offers totally Instagrammable views.

7. See the Incredible U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model

You’ll find a one and a half acre working pneumatic model of the San Francisco Bay in the Marinship neighborhood. Checking out this model is a one-of-a-kind activity and a strictly Sausalito thing to do; it even simulates currents, river inflows, and tides.

8. Have a Picnic with your Pooch at Rodeo Beach

Up to visit a beach in the center of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area? Make your way towards Rodeo Beach. Thrilling, windswept, and covered with red and green pebbles, Rodeo Beach is a great Sausalito place to visit with your dog.

9. Enjoy a Fun Sausalito Treasure Hunt

Want a unique thing to do in Sausalito? Go on a treasure hunt. Dock by dock and boat by boat, this treasure hunt will have you uncovering hidden treasures in Sausalito. Using a guidebook, you’ll read about the boats, the history of the area, and engage in activities that’ll have you learning about Sausalito.

10. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Wish to get in the water instead of just admiring it from afar? Go stand-up paddleboarding with Sea Trek. A super fun thing to do in Sausalito, stand-up paddleboarding is an excellent way to get out into nature, squeeze in a bit of exercise, and see Sausalito from a different perspective.

11. Go on a Historic Walking Tour of Sausalito

If you want to explore the city without breaking a sweat, book a historic walking tour of Sausalito. Get up close and personal with the city’s extraordinary past and marvelous present, and cross off many of the best Sausalito attractions from your list as you go.

12. Have Lunch or Dinner at the Waterfront

While the majority of the Sausalito waterfront is residential, there are a few restaurants in town that offer great food as well as spectacular views. Bar Bocce, Barrel House Tavern, Le Garage Bistro, and Scoma’s of Sausalito are all great places to have lunch or dinner by the water. Besides, what’s a list of things to do in Sausalito without an entry that pays homage to its incredible food scene?

13. Ride the Sausalito to San Francisco Ferry

Didn’t arrive in Sausalito on the ferry? You should at least leave in it. Running several times throughout the day and only taking about 30 minutes total, riding the ferry is a can’t-miss thing to do in Sausalito. As you’re leaving this charming small town in California, admire the views of the bay and start planning your next trip back. There’s no such thing as visiting Sausalito’s attractions too many times.