Getaway Guide: A Weekend in Sausalito

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Surely you’ve heard of California’s Amalfi Coast, or the hidden gem of San Francisco; however it may be referred to, we’re all introducing the same divinity – Sausalito, California. A 30-minute ferry ride from the S.F. Ferry Building and you’ll be looking across the water at the sensational San Francisco lights. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a relaxing staycation, or a vacation to meet the city anew, Sausalito will dazzle you with its perfect weather, palatable eateries, and glorious architecture of homes and boutiques.

How to get to Sausalito?

Getting to Sausalito, California, feels like half the adventure. Whether you want to drive, bike, walk across the Golden Gate, or traverse the water on the Sausalito Ferry, you’ll want to stay forever at this unworldly place.

Tantalizing all of your senses and inspiring future adventures, you’ll find the world at your fingertips in this rocky enclave at Sausalito, San Francisco. Relish the presence of the merciless number of possibilities with Muir Woods, Point Reyes, and Sonoma all within an hour’s reach. Feast your eyes on the sceneries of the delicate mansions lying scattered across the hills, spilling out in the form of floating homes, as you take in the warmer weather of this must-see North Bay town.

How to Get to Sausalito From San Francisco?

If you’re driving down to Sausalito from San Francisco and crossing the famous bridge into town, you’ll be greeted with the coastal city’s beauty on your arrival. Arriving into Sausalito downtown, and with so many awesome things to do, it can get challenging to figure out what to do first.

Starting off your adventure by driving along the water and up to the northeastern tip, you’ll get to Laurel Whole Plant Organics. Home to glamorous skin care products, this second-floor studio has a high range of formulated ingredients, gathered within 100 miles of San Francisco’s Sausalito. And with the perfect introduction to the region’s abundance, carry the luxurious feeling of the high-quality seed-to-bottle skincare into the rest of your trip.

Best Places to Stay in Sausalito

California weekend getaways are a decent time to sit back and relax. Treat yourself to California’s best retreats at Cavallo Point Lodge and get a soothing experience with a light touch of Sausalito’s flair. Pamper yourself with a 90-minute Himalayan salt stone massage and a 60-minute signature facial. Having indulged in these restorative experiences, you’re more than ready to start a fascinating vacation that will leave you feeling like an entirely new person.

If you’re a beach lover, guaranteed fun awaits in this two-in-one experience that will rock your world. Famed from Otis Redding’s well-known song, The Dock of the Bay, the floating homes are a unique take on the trending tiny-home movement. As you start planning your next trip,  you might want to consider booking an Airbnb stay at one of Sausalito’s most popular landmarks. 

Places to See in Sausalito

Stroll Along the Floating Houseboats

You’ll never be short on things to do in Sausalito. This friendly town is bursting with love and excitement. Walking around the beach, you can familiarize yourself with Sausalito's most iconic local landmarks – the floating homes.

Set Out to Muir Woods

This famed natural landmark is less than 10 miles from Sausalito California, making it the perfect afternoon destination. On the drive over, take some time to check out the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, where you can admire breathtaking ocean views before continuing your journey. Whether you are looking for a quick hike or a longer trek that extends into the late afternoon, you can find your ideal trail at Muir Woods.

Venture into a tremendous change from San Francisco skyscrapers and quaky energy by embracing a rejuvenating experience at this dog-friendly trail with fresh air and towering trees of the forest. Though Muir Woods feels so remote, it is incredibly accessible from the Bay Area’s various attractions and serves as a welcome respite. As you walk amongst the wildflowers, mosses, and ferns, a deep relaxation takes hold and makes you want to linger for the rest of the day.

Heading to Marin Headlands

If you make your way to the Marin Headlands, you can check out the five-mile expanse of basalt bluffs and the wide open waters surrounding it. Take a short hike, go to Kirby Cove, visit Black Sands Beach, or check out Point Bonita Lighthouse before continuing your drive home. 

Romantic Things to Do in Sausalito

From Vina del Mar Park to simply popping over to Sausalito California’s unique Health Ceramics shop to admire their selection of home decor, this townlet is full of romantic things to do.

If you’re on your way back from Muir woods, be sure to check out the Artists at Work open studio event at the Industrial Center Building to explore a bit of inspiration in the creative local art scene. Displaying the work of numerous painters, sculptors, photographers, and other artists, the ICB reflects the local landscape from its picturesque location overlooking the Sausalito Marina.

If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs, a box from ‘Pick Me Up Chocolate’ would be the perfect way to treat your loved one. You can also choose between artisanal chocolate bars from San Francisco’s ‘The Good Chocolate’ or Fresno’s "Raphio Chocolate."

If you’re wondering what to do in this Northern California beach town, shimmy into your yoga clothing, throw on a sweater and drive north to OnBoardSUP Yoga to test your balance on the Bay. Paddling out on the water and jumping into yoga poses on your board can be a lively and unforgettable experience on your romantic vacation.

Must-Try Eateries in Sausalito

Copita Tequileria y Comida

Location: 739 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965.
This underrated small town of California is flooded with restaurants all prepped with the most organic farm-to-table ingredients, courtesy of the townlet. An alfresco experience at the Copita for a decadent lunch of Mexican fusion will most certainly mark a memorable time in California, Sausalito. Eat your heart out at this vibrant Tex-Mex cuisine, with guacamole, serrano chile, cilantro, and onion as starters, and the fried pork belly taco and the Coctel Mixto ceviche as mains. You might want to jump on the menu to see if the crab empanadas are in season. Wrapped in plantain masa, alongside tomatoes and peas, and served with chipotle aioli, the dish perfectly encapsulates the flavors of Sausalito, California.

Fish

Location: 350 Harbor Dr, Sausalito, CA 94965.
This coastal village has a reputation for its ocean harvest. Seafood dinner at Fish will set your taste buds in motion while feasting on the national delicacies. Bask in the luxury of the chilled oysters on the half shell for a balanced burst of the sea - served with house-made mignonette, lemon, and Tabasco. For the main event, you wouldn’t want to skip the crab roll – fresh seafood nestled inside perfectly toasted bread, a comforting classic featuring California, Sausalito.

Le Garage

Location: 85 Liberty Ship Way #109, Sausalito, CA 94965.
For the perfect send-off meal, enjoy brunch at Le Garage where house-made berry compote and crème fraȋche top off brioche french toast, and goat cheese-laced hollandaise is poured over ham, poached eggs, and an English muffin.

Lappert’s Ice Cream

Location:  689 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965.
Lappert’s Ice Cream. This local favorite is known for having 260 flavors, dedication to organic ingredients, and an affinity for Hawaiian-inspired pairings.

With such an amazingly relaxing weekend in the books, it’s just a matter of time before you begin planning your next adventure. But where will your wanderlust take you next?