When you arrive at Sausalito, located just 30 minutes by ferry from San Francisco itself, you'll feel yourself transported to an entirely different continent. This waterside community seems as though it ought to belong somewhere in the French Riviera, with its warm, mild climate all year round and the pleasure boats dotted throughout the spacious harbour. You'll also be treated to the sight of hillside bungalows decked with bougainvillea.
You can reach Sausalito by taking the ferry from Pier 41 at Fisherman's Wharf, or from the San Francisco Ferry Building on the southern side of the Embarcadero. On the ride you'll pass by the famous Alcatraz Island and get up close and personal with the Golden Gate Bridge. It can get chilly crossing the harbour, so wrap up warm.
When you finally come close to Sausalito you'll be able to see the details of the stunning houses built on the cliffs, as well as the picturesque cottages which date back to the start of the 20th century. Set in the forests and fields of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, you'd be hard pressed to find a more stunning backdrop anywhere around San Francisco.
Take a walk along the piers, past the restaurants dotted along the waterside esplanade towards the downtown plaza, where you'll find enticing boutiques, as well as some inviting cafés and bistros. Here too you will find a remarkable array of art galleries, a remnant of the days in the 1950s and 60s when this area had a reputation as a bohemian haunt for artists. You can still find arts and crafts on sale to take home as a souvenir.
Before you leave, make sure you see the houseboats along the shore. Hundreds of houseboats can be found here, for all kinds of residents. Indeed it was here that Otis Redding found the inspiration for his song Sittin' On The Dock of the Bay. You can perch here and see why!
