The Best Things to Do in Sausalito

One of the most historic cities in the Bay Area, Sausalito is also arguably one of the most picturesque. Our charming bayside town sits along the San Francisco Bay, providing scenic beauty amidst fine dining options, boutique shops, and world-renowned sites and attractions. These are some of the best things to do in Sausalito.

Explore the Bridgeway Promenade

The pedestrian-friendly avenue runs along the water on the eastern side of Sausalito and is home to superb dining options, boutiques, and sweeping San Francisco downtown and bay views. Stick to the southern stretch of the promenade between Richardson and Princess Street for the sights before venturing north to waterfront restaurants, shops, Dunphy Park, and the ferry terminal.

Go on a Houseboat Tour

Nestled in the northern part of town off the Bridgeway Promenade, Sausalito’s houseboats give a certain allure to our bayfront community. Learn about the history of the houseboats on a 3-hour walking tour offered every Saturday and Sunday, from San Francisco’s maritime history and culture to the personalities that made their homes aboard the floating abodes. Although far between, the Floating Homes Association hosts a houseboat tour that gets you inside the historic structures, with the chance to talk to the homeowners. Stay up to date with the FHA to see when the next all access tour is.

Survey the Arts Scene

Sausalito’s endearing downtown has attracted artists, gallerists, and art enthusiasts to set up permanent residency, essentially transforming the town into a vibrant arts community. The Bridgeway Promenade is a haven for art galleries. Peruse imaginative contemporary artworks like paintings, mixed-media, and ceramic pieces at places like Gallery Sausalito, Galerie Elektra, and Studio 333.

The Industrial Center Building is the creative and commercial home for over 140 artists who work in various mediums. The landmark historic building frequently hosts open studio events, so mark your calendar for the next chance to see the artists hard at work.

The Sausalito Art Festival has been recognized as one of America’s premier outdoor art shows and has been a staple in the community for 67 years. The Labor Day weekend festival is taking a break this year to regroup, but expect them to return with an experience that tops all others.

Visit Fort Baker

The waterfront 335-acre former 1905 U.S. Army post consists of over 25 historic buildings, a harbor, gun emplacements, and trails and forested areas. The unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge attracts the most visitors, but the fishing pier, seacoast fortifications, wildlife, and boat rentals available at the small yacht harbor enhances the bayside experience. Fort Baker is free and open daily to the public.

See Conservation in Action at the Marine Mammal Center

Located in the Marin Headlands, the Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals who were sick, injured, or abandoned. The Conservation Champion award-winning center is leading the field in conservation efforts, veterinary medicine, scientific research, and education aimed at protecting our shared ocean environment for future generations. View sea lions and marine animal presentations in their state-of-the-art facility, open daily from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Shop Local

Sausalito has long attracted independent shopkeepers offering a distinctive shopping experience. Plan for a day of window shopping in downtown near the ferry pier and along the Bridgeway Promenade and its side streets. The south shops (beyond Princess Street) and those along the promenade include traditional souvenirs and clothing shops, while the quieter Caledonia Street has a small town feel with several specialty stores that are perfect for finding a piece of Sausalito to take home with you.

Enjoy a Wellness Day

Make Sausalito your destination for self-love, no matter the season. Plan a wellness day with The Spa at Casa Madrona. Our on-site spa offers a variety of luxurious treatments like facials, peels, massages, body treatments, and curated Wellness Journeys like spiritual counseling and cellular rejuvenation. For a happier, healthier you, check out our holistic wellness guide. The Spa at Casa Madrona is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Click here for more information and to book your Sausalito spa experience today.

Dine at Michelin Guide Featured Restaurants

Award-winning chefs, dedicated passions for everything local, and too many seafood places to name any one of them as the best, Sausalito’s restaurants run the gamut north of San Francisco. Local eateries stand out for their culinary chops, but only a few have landed on the Michelin Guide. Bar Bocce, Sushi Ren, Copita, Barrel House Tavern, and Poggio Trattoria have all proven that the town’s coastal eats are as diverse as they are delicious. Visit Poggio’s elegant dining room for Northern Italian inspired cuisine, located adjacent to Casa Madrona.  The esteemed menu can also be enjoyed from within the comfort of your own guest room with our room service options.

Take a Ferry Ride to San Francisco

Skip the traffic and visit San Francisco by boat. Two ferries depart from Sausalito daily, cruising through the bay and by Alcatraz Island before docking along San Francisco’s Embarcadero. Visit the Golden Gate Ferry or Sausalito Ferry to check rates, schedules, and a route map. Walk to the Sausalito ferry terminal in minutes from Casa Madrona.

Stay in the heart of downtown Sausalito at Casa Madrona. Choose from our best rates and special offers when you book direct with Casa Madrona, a historic destination known for its luxurious suites, on-site Spa, and prime location within walking distance of popular restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and the ferry terminal.