Things to do in Sausalito: A must-see near San Francisco
We tell you what to do in Sausalito, an unmissable attraction if you visit San Francisco.
When tourists wonder what to do in Sausalito, one of the things that happens is that they don't even know where this beautiful place is. Located in California, a few minutes from San Francisco, this town amazes those who visit it and always leaves you wanting to return.
Known worldwide for its houseboats, Sausalito has a reputation as an artists' colony and bohemian haven, and still does today. In fact, the aforementioned floating houses are mostly residences of prestigious plastic artists.
What will you find in this note:
- Things to do in Sausalito
- Visit the houseboats
- See the 120-meter model of San Francisco Bay
- Take a hike to Muir Woods
- Delight in views of the Marin Headlands
- Enjoy a boat ride to or from San Francisco
Things to do in Sausalito
Despite having only 7,000 inhabitants, Sausalito continues to be a place full of charm where it is worth making a stop on your trip. A good opportunity is when you do the famous California Route 1, whose "main route" is from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
Visit the houseboats
One of the best-known corners of Sausalito is the neighborhood made up of colorful houses on the water. There are around 400 houses with very colorful facades.
The neighborhood's atmosphere is very bohemian and relaxed, ideal for a leisurely stroll. In fact, many well-known artists lived there over the past century. But the idea of living in houseboats came from some wealthy families in San Francisco, who at the end of the 19th century decided to convert old fishermen's shacks into houses to spend their vacations.
See the 120-meter model of San Francisco Bay
Something fun to do in Sausalito is to see the entire San Francisco Bay in miniature. Although this model is not small at all, since it measures 120 meters long.
It was created by army engineers in 1957 with the aim of testing the impact of different currents and tides on bridges and other engineering works that were to be done in the bay. Today, the model is on public display in a visitor center along with educational exhibits on the bay's hydraulic technology, and admission is free.
Take a hike to Muir Woods
Visiting the Muir Woods National Monument is an unmissable plan to do in Sausalito to enjoy nature. In this park are the giant sequoias, the tallest trees in the world (some reach more than 100 meters in height). There are various hiking routes for all levels: from family walks to hikes that will take you all day.
Delight in views of the Marin Headlands
If you like plans related to nature, you have to visit the Marin Headlands area, south of the Golden Gate. Here visitors enjoy walking along the trails and are surprised by cliffs, wild beaches and viewpoints.
A highly recommended place to improve the experience to the maximum is the Battery Spencer, an old military fort from where you can take the best photos of the Golden Gate.
Enjoy a boat ride to or from San Francisco
Another way to get great views of Sausalito is by taking the passenger ferry to or from San Francisco. With a drive of about 25 minutes, you'll have time to spend near Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and Angel Island.