Things to do in Sausalito, California
- During World War II, Sausalito was a major shipbuilding center, producing 93 Liberty ships at the Marinship yards in less than three years.
- The city is home to a unique community of approximately 400 floating homes, many of which originated from repurposed vessels and houseboats from the 1960s counterculture era.
- Sausalito was incorporated in 1893 and has historically been a favored retreat for film stars and writers, including Sterling Hayden and Shel Silverstein.
- Due to its location, the city experiences a 'microclimate' where fog often rolls over the hills, creating distinct temperature differences compared to nearby inland valleys.
About Sausalito, California
Sausalito is a historic waterfront city in Marin County, famously nestled on the steep hillsides overlooking the San Francisco Bay. Originally a bustling 19th-century whaling station and later a Prohibition-era bootlegging hub, it maintains a distinct Mediterranean atmosphere with its floating home community. Visitors often begin their journey by accessing the nearby Golden Gate National Recreation Area or crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge into the Marin Headlands. The town serves as a gateway to rugged coastal terrain and historic sites like Fort Baker, providing a tranquil contrast to the dense urbanity of neighboring San Francisco.
Highlights of Sausalito, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Walk or cycle across this suspension bridge for a premier view of the San Francisco skyline.
Parks
Explore the extensive network of trails and coastal ecosystems surrounding the bay's entrance.
Places of interest
Visit this historic gun emplacement for one of the most famous photographic vantage points of the bridge.
Historical places
Tour this former military post to see preserved historical structures and bay-front park space.
Museums
Engage with interactive exhibits focused on the bay environment at this family-oriented facility.
Top things to do in Sausalito, California
The 48 highest-rated places in Sausalito, California, ranked by travellers.
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Places of interest
The Golden Gate Bridge is a 1.7-mile suspension span connecting San Francisco to the Marin Headlands. Completed in 1937,...
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Parks
Muir Woods National Monument protects an old-growth coast redwood forest located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of Marin Co...
3
Parks
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) spans over 80,000 acres, encompassing diverse coastal landscapes, histo...
4
Parks
The Marin Headlands is a mountainous peninsula located at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge within the Golden G...
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Places of interest
Battery Spencer is a historic coastal defense site located on the Marin Headlands cliffs directly above the northern end...
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Parks
The USS San Francisco Memorial is a maritime monument located on the bluffs of Lands End, incorporating actual pieces of...
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Historical places
Fort Point National Historic Site is a Third System masonry fortification situated directly beneath the southern anchora...
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Places of interest
Muir Beach Overlook is a clifftop vantage point situated within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It provides an...
9
Historical places
Fort Baker is a former U.S. Army post located on the northern shore of the Golden Gate Bridge within the Golden Gate Nat...
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Parks
Mount Tamalpais State Park features a high-altitude coastal mountain range offering panoramic views of the San Francisco...
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Museums
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a 7.5-acre interactive children's museum situated within the Golden Gate National Recre...
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Historical places
The Sutro Baths are the concrete ruins of a massive, privately owned saltwater swimming facility originally constructed...
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Historical places
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park preserves the history of the civilian mobilization effort in...
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Parks
Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline is a 307-acre park located on the Richmond Inner Harbor of the San Francisco Bay. The sho...
15
Beaches and ponds
Marshall's Beach is a secluded stretch of rugged coastline located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It i...
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Places of interest
The Lands End Labyrinth is a stone-path formation situated on a cliffside promontory at the edge of San Francisco. It of...
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Parks
Paradise Beach Park is a 19-acre waterfront park located on the Tiburon Peninsula, offering panoramic views of San Franc...
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Historical places
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Parks
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Museums
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Parks
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Parks
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Natural attractions
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Parks
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Museums
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Historical places
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Parks
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Sausalito, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Sausalito, California
September to October, as the coastal fog typically retreats, providing the clearest views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.
1-2 days, providing sufficient time to explore the waterfront village and adjacent coastal parklands.
The downtown area is highly walkable, while accessing surrounding parks and overlooks is best achieved by bicycle, rental car, or local shuttle services.
Stay near the Bridgeway waterfront for immediate access to ferry terminals and local dining, or seek lodging in the hills for panoramic bay views.
Expensive; the area is a high-cost coastal destination with premium pricing for dining and waterfront accommodations.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 48 curated attractions in and around Sausalito, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Golden Gate Bridge is the highest-rated place to visit in Sausalito, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 19 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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