Perfectly arranged on a secure little bay harbor, Sausalito is undeniably lovely. Named for the "tiny willows" that once populated the banks of its creeks, it’s a tiny settlement of pretty houses that tumble neatly down a green hillside into a well-heeled downtown. The town is also renowned for its houseboat community, one of the worlds largest and most diverse, ranging from mansions to hippie hovels, all moored along Richardson Bay.
It’s easy to imagine Sausalito as a small seafaring center populated by fisherfolk, as it once was, but there’s no denying that Sausalito today is a fiercely fashionable tourist haven, jam-packed with both junkie souvenir shops and costly boutiques. Much of Sausalito affords uninterrupted views of San Francisco and Angel Island and, due to the ridgeline at its back, fog generally bypasses this charmed spot. A coffee, a quick shopping stroll, and a walk along the bayfront makes for a perfect day trip.
To get to Sausalito by car from San Francisco, take the Alexander Avenue exit (the first exit after the Golden Gate Bridge) and follow the signs into Sausalito. There are five municipal parking lots in town. You can also travel by Golden Gate Transit bus, which runs daily to Sausalito from San Francisco. Get out on the water for a fun and easy method for getting to Sausalito. Golden Gate Ferries operate to and from the San Francisco Ferry Building.
