Welcome to Sausalito
The beautiful waterfront community of Sausalito brings together stunning views, small-town charm and a combination of maritime and artistic vibes. Sausalito is characterized by many as a tourist town and for good reason. The setting is spectacular and people want to visit it. But it is more than just a tourist destination. It has a rich history and culture and a true sense of community with regular events around town that draw many to this San Francisco bedroom community. Reminiscent of the French Riviera, it sits at the edge of the Bay on the steep slopes of the Marin Headlands with spectacular views of San Francisco, Angel Island, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge.
While the quaint downtown area of Sausalito is an iconic destination in the Bay Area with its harbors, boutiques, beautiful art galleries, restaurants on the water and jaw-dropping views, it can be quite busy with visitors. For a quieter and more local experience, the Old Town area along Caledonia Street is the place to go.
Sausalito has a long history as a maritime village, but also has a well-deserved reputation as a refuge for free-thinkers, artists and those with an independent streak. During World War II, the marshy area in north Sausalito was hastily filled in and turned into Marinship Shipyards producing merchant ships to carry supplies around the world. After World War II when the shipyard was abandoned nearly as quickly as it was built, artists and craftspeople began to move in filling the void. Many small naval and civilian vessels, as well as decommissioned ferry boats were left behind which ushered in the beginning of Sausalito's famed houseboat communities and the area provided a place for Sausalito's already active artist community to grow. During the 1950's and 1960's, Sausalito's fame as an Artist's Colony continued growing. Attracted by Sausalito's striking beauty and cheap rents, artists, writers, musicians, actors and hippies took refuge here, bringing their culture and free-thinking ways.
Today's Sausalito retains many elements of its historical past. It continues to be a magnet for those who love the water with a bohemian spirit woven into an upscale lifestyle. The housing options embody the towns history with varied options such as condos, townhomes, house boats, bungalows, victorians, old world mansions and spectacular cliff-hanging modern marvels. Boasting amazing hiking and biking trails, a plethora of maritime activities and community events, a temperate climate, old world charm, terrific proximity to San Francisco and some of the regions most spectacular views and prized residences, Sausalito is a great choice to make home.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Downtown Sausalito and the Bridgeway Promenade along the waterfront serve as the city's Main Street. The downtown district is highly-walkable and contains unique boutiques, art galleries and specialty shops of all kinds. In addition, there is an assortment of fine restaurants and coffee shops where locals and visitors alike love to gather. One of the many famed restaurants in Sausalito is
The Trident with its storied and racy history. This landmark structure was originally constructed in 1898 to house the San Francisco Yacht Club and eventually became the iconic 60's restaurant built out over the water that served as a regular gathering place for luminaries of the time and culture such as Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, Clint Eastwood, the Smothers Brothers and Bill Graham to name a few. It still maintains a 60's era decor and vibe. Other over-the-water mainstays that offer fresh seafood and stellar views are
Scoma's and
Spinnaker. The Downtown area features several other popular restaurants such as
The Barrel House Tavern,
Poggio Trattoria and
Real Napa Tasting Room. If you'd like to listen to some live music, pop in to
The No Name Cafe.
Cavallo Point Lodge is a former military base overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Today, it is a luxury resort and spa with exquisite dining options. Grab drinks with friends at the lodge’s lounge or spend the day relaxing at the on-site spa.
Sausalito's houseboat community on Richmond Bay, known locally as
Waldo Point Harbor, has drawn tourists since its first construction after World War II by local artists and veterans. These charming and unconventional houses are worth exploring.
Visit the
Bay Model Visitor's Center in Sausalito to explore a fully functional 3D hydraulic model showcasing the rise and fall of the bay. The US Army Corps of Engineers created this slice of high-tech science.
Things to Do
Pay a visit to the
Marin Headlands for a rugged and rocky adventure at a coastal wildlife haven. At this park, you’ll get a first-hand look at a variety of California’s diverse wildlife, including deer, bobcats, coyotes, and numerous bird species. Science lovers flock to
The Marine Mammal Center. This non-profit organization offers rehabilitation services for all types of marine mammals in need.
Sausalito features a handful of local community events. The annual Fourth of July celebration features a parade, activities, cuisine, and a professional fireworks display. Meanwhile, the annual Sausalito Cook-Off held at Dunphy Park has attracted hundreds of visitors for 40 years. Here, guests can sample various chili combinations from local vendors and restaurants. Thirty thousand people converge on Sausalito at the yearly
Sausalito Art Festival. This waterfront festival is held every Labor Day weekend and celebrates the community with fine art, classic fare, and live music.
Schools
Sausalito’s private and public schools are served by the Sausalito Marin City School District or the Tamalpais Union High School District.
- Bayside Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Academy, Grades K-8, top-rated public school
- Tamalpais High School, Grades 9-12, ranked as the second-best public high school in Marin County
- The New Village School, Grades PK-8, a high-performing private school
- The Marin School, Grades 9-12, a private school located in San Rafael
