Living in the Bay Area, I am always on the hunt for the next contender for a day trip. (Looking for more day trip guides? Check out Napa, Half Moon Bay and Capitola for more ideas!) The beautiful sleepy town of Sausalito makes for a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway. Keep reading for a Sausalito day trip itinerary on how to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Sausalito Day Trip Itinerary
Getting to Sausalito
When it comes to getting to Sausalito, there are two options – driving and taking the ferry.
- From San Francisco – Taking the ferry alone is a fun experience and is the ideal method if you’re coming from San Francisco. (Especially since parking can get crazy in the summer). Learn more about the ferry here. If you plan to drive, it is about 25 minutes on the 101 N.
- From the South Bay – You could theoretically drive the 45 minutes to San Francisco and then catch a ferry. However, the easier option would be to make the hour and 15 minute from north on the 101 freeway.
1st Stop: Pastries & Coffee at Sausalito Bakery & Cafe
The Sausalito Bakery and Cafe should be your first stop when you enter town. Sit on the French-style patio on a sunny day or pick up a coffee and pastry to go.
- Location: 571 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
- Hours: Daily 6 AM – 6 PM
- Pro Tip: Depending on when you arrive, have a light breakfast or a snack before a bigger lunch later in the day.
2nd Stop: Walk along the water
After either getting your coffee to go, or having a snack go for a walk along the water. Be careful not to get splashed! (Hint: I may have gotten semi-drenched with a wave). There is a long stretch of water-front paths that you can walk down. This may have been my favorite part about visiting Sausalito. It is so calming, and you’ll likely pass lots of locals walking their dogs. Eventually, make your way into town. There are a couple of local boutiques that you can pop in and out of before visiting the Viña Del Mar Park.
3rd Stop: Check out Viña Del Mar Park
The Viña Del Mar Park, located in the heart of Sausalito is most well-known for its elephants statues. The elephants, along with the fountain were originally part of the 1915 Panama Pacific Fair and Exposition in San Francisco. They were all moved after the fair ended instead of being destroyed.
Stop 4: Have lunch at Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib
Salito’s Crab House has it all – great food, great views, and a great ambiance. The decor makes you feel like you’re always immersed in summer, and the food is fresh.
- Location: 1200 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
- Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Pro Tip: Make a reservation before going (especially on weekends). Know it’s going to be nice weather? Request to sit on the patio.
If you have extra time: Hop over to Tiburon
Have some extra time? Drive 15 minutes to Tiburon. Tiburon is less touristy and more locals only. Check out this guide for more tips!
What Bay Area day trip should we take next?
