Welcome to Sausalito
The iconic creativity and individualism of San Francisco paired with a European serenity
A history rich with free thinkers and an otherworldly European village charm are the pillars of Sausalito, a city tucked between the verdant majesty of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the dazzling shore of the bay. The waterfront promenade in Sausalito is lined with alluring shops, and its proximity to San Francisco makes for stunning views of the city’s skyline.
From the early fishermen and wealthy yachters to the Prohibition-era bootleggers and WWII industrial development, Sausalito’s unique position has enabled it to wear a wide variety of hats. What many consider to be the true modern Sausalito began after the war, when artistic enclaves, houseboat communities, and the spirited members of the Beat Generation took to the city and made it a bohemian paradise.
Now multimillion-dollar homes set among softly sloping coastal hills are the norm in Sausalito, and they offer panoramic views of the bay that never fail to delight. New-build luxury townhomes and magnificent modern estates designed by world-class architects rest side by side with historic homes dating back to the 19th century.
What to Love
- Nature lover’s dream with national forests and water activities at your fingertips
- Great access to San Francisco (just 25 minutes away) without the congestion of metropolitan living
- Hillside homes with staggering vistas and interesting architectural facets
People & Lifestyle
Sausalito is a place for dreamers, boaters, hikers, individualists, hipsters, seaside retirees, artists, and outdoor adventurers who want to live in a city dedicated to cultivating a positive environment. As a community, Sausalito maintains a laid-back personality that finds harmony with its colony of creators.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
Sausalito’s downtown waterfront shopping district is one of its primary attractions for visitors and locals alike and provides a place to truly unwind. Artisan finds, trendy apparel, specialty wine stores, and even purveyors of uncommon goods like those found at
Dynamic Energy Crystals are among the types of retail one might encounter in Sausalito.
The dining scene is just as diverse. Here you’ll find everything from upscale sushi to family-friendly pizzerias. For unbeatable breakfast and lunch fare, locals know to head to
Lighthouse Cafe or the nearby
Fred’s Coffee Shop, a neighborhood hangout that’s been serving delectable cuisine and the best brews since 1966.
Those with an insatiable hankering for Italian fare will appreciate the variety in Sausalito. Fine dining establishments like
Angelino and
Poggio Trattoria meld friendliness with elegance, and inventive restaurants like
Bar Bocce dish out Neapolitan pizza paired with gorgeous bay views and bocce courts. Sushi and seafood — fresh from the ports — are easily found in Sausalito, and locations like
The Spinnaker,
Fish, and
Sushi Ran top the lists of must-try menus.
Barrel House Tavern is another standout eatery that prepares modern California fare from their beautiful downtown venue.
Things to Do
Sausalito’s history and invigorating artistic atmosphere are evident in the community, thanks to many festivals and activities. The
Sausalito Art Festival, for instance, is held annually on Labor Day and brings artists to the waterfront for a juried competition and the chance to view the wonderful work of local creators. To further dive into the city’s colorful history, visitors can additionally sign up for a
tour of the historic boathouses nested in the bay.
During the Fourth of July, the bay lights up with a spectacular fireworks display that’s impossible to miss, and the city itself hosts
several festivities to honor the holiday. The
Sausalito Ferry gives residents a daily cause to celebrate, too and carries those on board to the nearby
Angel Island, San Francisco, or
Cavallo Point. As one of the area’s premier luxury lodging facilities, Cavallo Point combines world-class spa treatments with an unbelievably relaxing natural setting.
Schools
Sausalito is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- Lycée Français de San Francisco, PK & K-12, one of the best private schools in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Willow Creek Academy, K-8, highly rated public elementary school
- Bayside Elementary School, K-8, well-rated public elementary school