Sausalito, San Francisco – Off the Beaten Path

Off The Beaten Path in Sausalito, San Francisco

This artists’ colony and tourist center across the Bay from San Francisco is a quaint, picturesque, and friendly place. Catch the ferry boat from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Floating Homes

People have been living on the waters around San Francisco for over well over a century. Some of them were fishermen who both lived and worked on their crafts, some opportunistic types recycled abandoned ships into cozy dwellings, and still other used houseboats as weekend retreats. Today, Sausalito’s waterborne community is one of the most famous in the country and a far cry from slapped-together, self-contained vessels of old.

The docks are considered public streets – free to wander – and also provide gathering spots and “front yards” for the residents. These wide, wooden walkways are virtual gardens lined with flower pots, children’s toys, bicycles, comfortable chairs and various other colorful bric-a-brac to personalize each owner’s berth. The community is a two-mile walk north of the ferry dock, past the big marinas, on an uncharted route that you sort of have to figure out as you go.

Day Trip

Sausalito has charming open air cafes, flower bowers, souvenir shops (might be cheaper than those found in Fisherman’s Wharf) and a refreshing view of the marina. Shop, browse, have coffee, ice cream, people-watch or just stroll.

Muir Woods

Ride a bike over the Golden Gate Bridge. Once on the other side, take a leisurely, steep, downhill ride  to the township of Sausalito and on to Muir Woods. The best place to stop for lunch is the Venice Deli sandwich bar Here you just order your sandwich to your liking and watch the world go by from a nice seat outside.

After, take a ferry ride back with your bike to Fishermans Wharf.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about getting off the beaten path in Sausalito, San Francisco.