If you’ve ever driven north across the Golden Gate Bridge and looked over to that charming little town hugging the bay on the other side, chances are you’ve spotted Sausalito. With its colorful houseboats, stunning water views, and European seaside vibe, this small town is one of my favorite easy day trips from San Francisco. It’s chic but relaxed, scenic but small enough to explore in a single (wonderful!) day.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the itinerary:
- Golden Gate Views at Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer
- See the Floating Homes
- Pop Into Heath Ceramics
- Lunch at Fish.
- Go to the Bay Model Visitor Center
- Stroll Along Bridgeway Promenade
- Wine Taste at Bacchus & Venus
- Dinner at Le Garage
Here’s my video of this itinerary:
➞ Looking for another day trip in Marin? See my Dreamy Day Trip Itinerary to Mill Valley, California or check all my San Francisco Day Trip recommendations.
Start Your Day with Those Iconic Golden Gate Views
You can’t go to Sausalito without taking in a few wow moments overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. There are two must-stops in the Marin Headlands that are perfect for this, Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer, and both are just a short drive from the bridge’s north end.
Hawk Hill is one of those spots where you’ll find locals and photographers perched with binoculars or cameras. There’s plenty of parking spread along the road, and a short walk takes you to panoramic views of the bridge and San Francisco skyline. If you’re into wildlife (or just love seeing things soar), this is also a hotspot for birdwatchers—hawk and raptor species literally ride the wind currents here, which is how Hawk Hill got its name.
Just a few minutes down the road, Battery Spencer gives you that picture-perfect, postcard view of the Golden Gate Bridge. You know those famous shots you’ve seen on postcards? Many of them were taken here. You’ll also find remnants of a coastal defense fort from the late 1800s, which makes it an extra fun stop for history lovers. Walk through the old bunkers and you can almost imagine the soldiers stationed here guarding the Bay decades ago.
➞ Tip: Go early in the morning before the fog rolls in, or later in the day for that golden sunset glow.
Wander Through the Floating Homes Community
Next up—something truly unique: Sausalito’s famous houseboat community. Head to Gate 6 Road (Waldo Point Harbor) where you’ll find over 240 colorful, privately-owned floating homes bobbing peacefully in the harbor. Some look like whimsical storybook cottages, others are sleek and modern, but all are so cool to see up close.
While many docks are private, there are a few viewing spots where you can snap photos and peek into this one-of-a-kind community. I pass these houseboats all the time from the freeway, but walking among them is a totally different experience!
➞ From here, you can easily walk (less than a mile!) to the next two stops: Heath Ceramics and Fish. restaurant.
Pop Into Heath Ceramics
Even if you’re not usually into home goods, Heath Ceramics is worth a quick stop. Their simple, handcrafted dinnerware is used in many trendy restaurants throughout California, and once you see it in person, you’ll understand why. The colors are earthy yet vibrant, and each piece has that perfect balance between form and function.
The Sausalito factory and showroom has been around since the 1950s, and you can browse everything from dinner plates and serving bowls to linen napkins and cutting boards. I didn’t end up buying anything (self-control!), but it’s the kind of place that makes you want to go home and redo your entire kitchen dishware.
Lunch by the Water at Fish.
After browsing ceramics, walk a few steps over to Fish., one of the most beloved lunch spots in Sausalito. This bayside eatery is all about sustainably sourced seafood served in a super casual, order-at-the-counter setting.
On my last visit, we shared the ceviche—tangy and fresh with Gulf shrimp, Peruvian corn, and housemade tortilla chips—and the tuna melt, which was piled with poached local albacore and melted cheddar. If the weather’s nice, grab a table on the patio by the water. Between the sunshine, seagulls, and sea breeze, it’s about as “California coastal” as it gets.
Take a Peek Inside the Bay Model Visitor Center
Ready for something a little nerdy but fascinating? The Bay Model Visitor Center is free to visit and showcases a working hydraulic model of the entire San Francisco Bay and Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. It’s run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and was once used to study tides and currents before computer modeling existed.
The scale model takes up 1.5 acres, and walking through it gives you a whole new appreciation for how massive and interconnected the Bay Area really is.
Stroll Along Bridgeway Promenade
No trip to Sausalito is complete without a stroll down Bridgeway, the town’s main waterfront street lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The views of San Francisco across the Bay are absolutely stunning.
Pop into a couple of my favorite shops: The Marin Merchant for thoughtfully curated home decor with vintage charm or Karl The Store for a mix of mid-century modern pieces, art, and jewelry. Both are perfect for browsing and inspiration.
And when you’re ready for a little something sweet, make a pit stop at Lappert’s Ice Cream. Their Kauai Pie flavor (coffee ice cream with coconut, macadamia nuts, and chocolate fudge) might just be one of the best scoops you’ll ever have.
Sip and Savor at Bacchus & Venus
After a busy afternoon exploring, unwind with a glass (or flight!) of wine at Bacchus & Venus, a cozy tasting room specializing in small-production California wines. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff is happy to guide you toward something you’ll love—whether you’re into crisp whites or bold reds (like me!).
Dinner at Le Garage
Cap off your perfect Sausalito day with dinner at Le Garage, a chic French bistro tucked inside a converted auto shop overlooking Schoonmaker Point Marina. The setting is industrial yet cozy, with open garage doors that let in salty breezes and views of sailboats bobbing in the harbor.
Order a glass of wine and try a couple of my favorite menu items, the Salad Niçoise or the mushroom and goat cheese tart, and absolutely never skip the frites maison.
➞ If you don’t fancy French food, I also love Bar Bocce, Copita and Sushi Ran.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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