Things to do

20 Fascinating Things To Do In Sausalito, California

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Sausalito is known as a charming town located across the bay from San Francisco. In this city, one may enjoy quite magnificent waterfront views and picture-postcard streets. The marina here is given the Golden Gate Bridge.

The town boasts of beautifully kept boutiques, art galleries, and quaint cafes. One must not forget to visit Sausalito Waterfront Park, where one can have every good pleasure with time to kill while watching boats sail by.

So, in this article we have prepared a curated list of things to do while visiting Sausalito:

1. Wander Through The Bay Area Discovery Museum

The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito offers fun and educational experiences for both kids and families. Located on the waterfront, this Sausalito Discovery Museum provides an array of interactive exhibits and activities for creativity and learning.

Children can have outdoor areas to explore that include art and science labs, or simply enjoy themselves playing in the specially designed outdoor spaces with the aim of inspiring curiosity.

The museum also has exhibits about nature and science, some quite hands-on. Offering extraordinary views of the San Francisco Bay and with its interactive, hands-on exhibits, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is the perfect place to take the family for the day.

2. Take A Ferry At The Sausalito Ferry Terminal

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Sausalito Ferry Terminal is one of those busy terminals that connect the picturesque town of Sausalito with San Francisco and other places that are relatively close. This is going to be essential in the terminal if somebody wants to take a ferry across to Sausalito in a pictorially non-rushed manner across the bay.

So the view of Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island with the great skyline of San Francisco is enough to keep you alive during this trip. By the time you reach the terminal, you will experience the affability of the Sausalito Waterfront with its shops, cafes, and walking paths altogether.

3. Stroll Along The Sausalito Waterfront

Sausalito Waterfront stands on the shores and is noted for its fantastic outlook and merry atmosphere. It stretches right along the bay and gives a wonderful view of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Another waterfront highlight is the Sausalito boardwalk where one can have a delightful walk with picture-postcard views of the marina and floating homes. Lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and water-view cafes where one can have a meal or at least coffee from along the boardwalk.

The Sausalito Waterfront also has parks and open spaces where you can just sit around and just enjoy serenity. This area is great for experiencing laid-back Sausalito with the added beauty of the bay.

4. Explore Marin Country Mart

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Marin Country Mart is that hipster hangout for shopping and dining with its quirky charm. This rather pulsating marketplace offers a mix of high-end boutiques, artisan shops, and foodie restaurants.

There are several high-end specialty shops selling everything from fashion to homeware items. Snacks range from upscale cafes to humble eateries dishing out fresh, locally produced products. 

Marin Country Mart is a spot that keeps its style and fun for locals and visitors alike by offering beautiful outdoor spaces and stunning views of the surrounding area. It is highly recommended for a leisurely day out in exploration of what Sausalito has in store.

5. Discover The Marinship Park

The pretty city of Sausalito, California, has Marinship Park, a nice place that many tourists would wish to know what to do while in this city. It gives picturesque views over the bay and allows for an open carefree space in which one can picnic or take leisurely walks.

The place still hosts some historic artifacts relating to the shipbuilding industry of this area. Some playgrounds are available for children, and plenty of grounds for outdoor games. Its proximity to the water provides views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge.

Whether you like history, want a quiet day by the water, or simply enjoy being in a pretty place, Marinship Park is a great choice to visit in Sausalito.

6. Explore Pottery Barn

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Sausalito Pottery Barn is a charming retail outlet located in the center of Sausalito, California, that offers high-quality home furnishings and decorative items with grace.

This place carries everything from superior furniture to unique accessories that add flair to any living space. In addition, from classic designs down to modern patterns, Pottery Barn carries all you might want to make your home stunningly beautiful and comfortable.

Sausalito Pottery Barn is a sampling of home products that genuinely captured the feeling of the town-sophistication relaxed. Looking to renovate a house or simply searching for a unique gift, this is a nice place to research some very stylish options in a pretty setting.

7. Explore The Marin Headlands

The Marin Headlands create a naturally beautiful area in Sausalito, CA, with an increasing amount of activities to outdoor recreation.

Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area hosts rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, giving sweeping views of the surrounding areas of San Francisco and its iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Other very popular activities are the hiking trails with stunning views, historical places like the Point Bonita Lighthouse, and the ability to observe seals and different species of birds. In general, the Marin Headlands Visitor Center fulfills all the requirements needed to learn in detail about the history, culture, and nature of the place.

8. Relax At The Sausalito Yacht Harbor

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Sausalito Yacht Harbor is a picturesque and lively marina with the real name Sausalito Yacht Harbor focal point of boaters in Sausalito, California.

This beautiful harbor is filled with a variety of boats and yachts, carrying a fantastic view from the water or hills that surround the place. The weather conditions in Sausalito are generally mild throughout the year; therefore, visitors can travel around the area for pleasure. 

Of course, when the sky is clear and the water still, perfect for sailing, kayaking-even taking strolls along the docks-the beauty of the harbor shows.

9. Visit The Sausalito Art Festival

Sausalito Art Festival is the place to be for one of the most venerated events in the region. This event is vibrant for showing fine arts, music, and culture, and happens on an annual Labour Day.

The fact that it is the oldest and most prestigious art festival in the nation, and includes everything from painting and sculpture to jewelry and photography in its variety works, is what gives this event its essence.

There are also live music performances on many stages, available for all in real party fashion, and gourmet foods and drink selections abound.

10. Check Out The Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary

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Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary is situated in the quiet area of Sausalito and has great ecological importance due to its designation to protect local wildlife, with special regard to bird species.

In this sanctuary, the guests can experience a beautiful, conserved area, watching a variety of bird species, most of which migrate through the area. Especially with its walking trails, educational programs, and guided tours, the center turns out to be quite an attraction for nature lovers, ornithologists, and families.

The sanctuary is invaluable in the conservation of the extensive tidal habitats in Richardson Bay, forming a crucial stopover and feeding ground for many species of waterbirds.

11. Discover The Marinwood Community Center

The Marinwood Community Center is one of the easily recognizable centers for activities and events in the Marinwood area of California, just close to Sausalito.

It runs programs for seniors down to all ages: therapeutic classes for the former, physical fitness programs for all, and other cultural activities.  There is a large pool, sports fields, and picnic areas that offer great times with the family outdoors.

The community center also operates other activities, such as holiday celebrations, artistic classes, and summer camps, which are of heightened interest both to residents and visitors for the realization of fun and cognitive experiences.

12. Enjoy A Meal At A Waterfront Restaurant

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Foremost, it offers fine dining in one of the premier waterfront restaurants in Sausalito. These are generally restaurants that offer alfresco dining as one has a great meal amidst fabulous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco skyline.

Much of the top eating in Sausalito line the water and serves up fresh seafood, from clam chowder to oysters and grilled fish.  What is more, they give one the perfect venue for a romantic dinner a casual lunch, or that special-occasion place.

The waterfront restaurants in Sausalito assure a dining experience that cannot be forgotten, with great food and beautiful scenery in the perfect mix.

13. Walk Through The Sausalito Historical Society Museum

The Sausalito Historical Society Museum is a haven of local history, with many exhibits depicting the richly diverse past of Sausalito.

Appropriately situated right in downtown Sausalito, it puts meaning into the growth of the town from a small fishing village to a shipbuilding stronghold during World War II and onward to becoming the lively artistic community that it is today.

The museum showcases the photographic, artifact, and document treasures that tell the story of Sausalito's singular cultural and architectural heritage. This museum will point out the maritime history of the town, the famous Sausalito houseboats, and some of the interesting people who helped forge its character over the years.

14. Stay At The Inn Above Tide

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The Inn Above Tide is a sumptuous boutique, waterfront hotel in Sausalito, affording an incomparable experience with its unmatched views across the San Francisco Bay.

Richly appointed rooms and suites have private, waterside-view balconies affording guests spectacular vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco city skyline. 

All these within easy reach from the Inn is the delightful town of Sausalito, where local shops, galleries, and famous Sausalito boat houses are assessed. If looking for a romantic getaway or a tranquil retreat, The Inn Above Tide offers an ideal combination of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty in the heart of Sausalito.

15. Visit The Gabrielson Park

Gabrielson Park is a beautiful waterfront park along the waterfront that boasts stunning views of the Bay and the San Francisco skyline. This nice park remains a cool place for the town's residents and visitors to chill out in the excellent natural settings.

It features open grass areas to come layout and have a nice picnic with friends or alone, benches for relaxing, and paths leading one in and out for a leisure walk.

It hosts various community events, from outdoor concerts to the annual Sausalito Art Festival. Quiet surroundings and a great location let one relax in this park observe the boats pass by, and see the sunset over the bay.

16. Drive Along The Conzelman Road

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Conzelman Road is a scenic drive through Marin Headlands, it peers out across the natural beauty of the San Francisco Bay area. It's high, twisty, low-speedy, curvy, and roller-coaster with views of the Golden Gate, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline from California's Marin Headlands side.

It is a favorite of photographers, tourists, and residents alike, accessing the road to several hiking trails, other historic military sites, and the iconic Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Tempting all who visit the Marin Headlands to experience stunning views and capture the beauty of Sausalito and beyond, Conzelman Road is the drive, bike ride, or walk not to be missed.

17. Explore The Marinwood Community Garden

The Marinwood Community Garden near Sausalito, California, was one of the hotspots where this positive interaction took place; community people bonded together for fresh, organic produce and to share gardening passions.

Community gardens provide gardeners with all degrees of experience with a private plot to interactively plant fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. It also offers a place of social activity spot where neighbors can greet each other, share gardening tips, and join in seasonal activities or workshops.

Other than providing a bonding atmosphere, the garden will incorporate green practices that promote healthy lifestyles, allowing people to grow their own food.

18. Visit The Golden Gate Bridge

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The Golden Gate Bridge is such a world-famous and magnificent landmark due to its design and bright orange color. It's approximately 1.7 miles in length and presents fabulous city, bay, and Pacific Ocean views. A person can also walk, ride, or drive across this bridge and revel in the beauty surrounding it.

It is especially popular at sunrise and sunset when the light creates beautiful effects in the water and the bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is indeed an important transportation link, not merely a symbolic piece denoting the place as a showcase of beauty and engineering excellence, attracting millions of visitors annually.

19. Dine At Sausalito Bakery And Cafe

Sausalito Bakery and Cafe is that warm nook within Sausalito serving up a lovely variety of baked goods while letting guests dine casually. Locals and tourists alike can be treated to the bakery's cozy atmosphere and kind service.

Every type of pastry, cake, and bread gets freshly prepared in this bakery with premium ingredients. They also offer a variety of breakfast items, sandwiches, and coffee drinks. It's a great place for starting your day or taking a break while exploring the town.

20. Visit The Mill Valley Public Library

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The Mill Valley Public Library offers residents of Mill Valley, California a plethora of services and programs that are quintessential to the community.

The library shall ensure access to books, audiobooks, and digital media collections in the library; free Internet service; and quiet areas for study. It hosts many activities, from storytime for children to book discussions and information workshop sessions.

Indeed, one may say that the Mill Valley Public Library is an institution highly treasured in this locality, for the commitment the library makes toward cultivating this love for reading.