Ryan Bluestone, local SF adventurer, asks are you looking for a fun and exciting day trip from San Francisco? Look no further than the charming town of Sausalito! Sausalito is the perfect spot for a day trip with its picture-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge and its endless attractions. In this article, he’ll share his top tips for a day trip to Sausalito, from taking the iconic Golden Gate Bridge across the bay to treating yourself to some delicious food and sweets. Plus, Ryan Hunter Bluestone will show you the best places to shop and unique attractions in Sausalito.
For those who aren’t avid travelers, Ryan Hunter Bluestone can’t recommend getting out and exploring more. Having visited nearly every town and city in California, Ryan Bluestone can say with confidence that a day spent traveling is a day well spent. There’s rich history in California and every local community has a unique flair. Now, let’s get inspired to see Sausalito!
While downtown Sausalito may not be as big as San Francisco, it has plenty to offer visitors in terms of restaurants and shops. And if that’s not enough, there are also many recreational activities available nearby, such as sailing, nature hikes, fishing, kayaking and more. So, grab your camera and your walking shoes, and let’s head to Sausalito!
Experience The Iconic Golden Gate Bridge To Cross The Bay
The Bay Area is a beautiful place to visit, and Ryan Bluestone’s favorite sight is the iconic Golden Gate Bridge which you’ll take to get over to Sausalito, very close across the other side. The bridge is as well-known as any city icon in the USA. From a distance, the sprawling bridge looks like it’s made out of gold at times, and you can’t help but be in awe of its beauty.
Before heading over the bridge, one added way to get the most out of your visit to the Bay Area, Ryan Hunter Bluestone recommends visiting the Marin Headlands at Golden Gate Park. Last year, 2022, marked the 50th Anniversary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. From here, you can capture truly breathtaking views with photos of the bridge from above without ever having to go near it. If that’s not enough, take a guided tour to learn more about the bridge’s history and construction – it’s an experience you won’t forget!
To add a little context to your trip, be sure to look up all of the iconic appearances the Golden Gate Bridge has made in the world of Hollywood. From television to movies, Ryan Hunter Bluestone always loves spotting the famous bridge in his favorite bits of entertainment.
Other ways to explore the bridge and trip to Sausalito
While driving over the bridge is most common, and quickest route due to its 1.7 miles long traverse, many folks prefer a bicycle. There are many shops near the bridge to rent bikes, but not right on the bridge. The east and west sidewalks allow bikers all year.
For more information, Ryan Hunter Bluestone suggests that at the South end there is the Golden Gate Welcome Center, an excellent place to start. Open most every day, 9 am to 5 pm, it has many exhibits to see the history of this iconic bridge, and information for tourists.
If you are adventurous, and fit, and you’d like to walk the bridge, many people do. There is an accessible East sidewalk for pedestrians to walk. There are security features, gates and handrails. While it can get windy, there may be few walks with a cooler view in the US. Gates are usually open from 5 am to 9 pm but check local time updates.
Some folks like to head over one way but come back another way – by ferry ride.
There’s no better way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the bay area than by taking a ferry ride. Taking a ferry ride provides scenic views of the bay area that are sure to put you in a good mood. If you’re interested in taking the Ferry over to Sausalito from the start, they depart from the famous Ferry Building on The Embarcadero. Be sure to check the weather before you go as the views are much better on a sunny day.
Ryan Hunter Bluestone notes that with its long white sides and tall white clock tower, the Ferry Building is a destination of its own with indoor booths and restaurants of all kinds – from oysters to sweets to empanadas, to wonderful gifts. One can spend a great morning or afternoon strolling inside the Ferry Building stands. On Saturday mornings they have a wonderful, large outdoor farmer’s market along the whole side and back of the building. Quite the treat says Ryan Hunter Bluestone. It’s the perfect place to fill up a bag of treats, or even a lunch, to take on your day trip to Sausalito.
On your ferry ride over, you’ll see the beautiful Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and more sights along the San Francisco Bay.
Discover Shopping And Unique Attractions In Sausalito
Once over to the city of Sausalito, Ryan Hunter Bluestone notes you’ll find a charming and historic seaside city located right on the shore of the bay looking back at San Francisco in the distance. With its beautiful views of the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is a perfect place to spend a day. Not only does Sausalito have some of the best shopping in the Bay Area, but it also offers many unique attractions and events that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re traveling with a bigger group, Sausalito is a great location as it has a little something for everyone to enjoy. Below, Ryan Hunter Bluestone will take you on a tour of some of the best places to visit in Sausalito.
To start your visit, learn about the city’s rich history at one of its many museums. There are plenty of museums located throughout Sausalito – each with its own unique story to tell. From antique shops to art galleries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Sausalito. Afterwards, head over to one of the city’s many shopping districts for some great deals on clothes, jewelry, electronics, souvenirs, art, and more.
If you’re looking for an unusual but fun experience while in Sausalito, take a ride on one of the houseboats in the harbor! These boats offer stunning views of San Francisco and Oakland while you’re cruising around town. For an even more scenic view of town, climb aboard one of the ferries that cross between San Francisco and Sausalito every hour or so. These ferry rides provide a chance to get off your feet and enjoy a peaceful ride.
When it comes time for meals, there are numerous great restaurants located around this small town that will satisfy any appetite (or budget), says Ryan Bluestone. For a great start to the day, try Le Garage, an actual converted garage, which serves outstanding breakfast and lunch or a Sausalito staple, Fred’s Place known for great breakfast. For lunch, try Bar Bocce with its pizzas and bocce ball court or Taste of Rome for some light Italian and pizzas. For dinner, try a bit more luxury than average diner food can offer, and stick to seafood as that is THE thing in the bay-side town. Ryan Bluestone’s favorites include Scoma’s, Poggio Trattoria, or Spinnaker’s. All are going to provide an unforgettable dining experience!
If you are traveling from the middle of the country, you are in for a treat. Due to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the area has some of the freshest seafood in the country. Ryan Hunter Bluestone notes that some of his favorite Sushi restaurants in the country are located right in California for this exact reason.
Experience Northern California’s Nature And Culture In Sausalito
Northern California is a beautiful place, and Sausalito is one of the most scenic locations in the area. With stunning views of San Francisco Bay, Sausalito is a great place to explore both nature and culture. Sausalito offers gorgeous views of San Francisco Bay from almost anywhere in town. Not only can you see the cityscape from many different vantage points, but you can also enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County coastline. Downtown Sausalito is also a historic district with many notable sites, including Fort Point National Historic Site and The Presidio Officers’ Club.
If you’re feeling adventurous once at Sausalito, take a boat ride out to explore the picturesque shoreline near Sausalito Municipal Marina or explore some nearby water activities like kayaking or stand up paddleboarding at Fort Cronkhite State Park Preserve. Both activities have guides or instructors that can help those new to these activities. Ryan Hunter Bluestone especially recommends paddleboarding as it is one of his favorite ways to manage stress and connect with nature.
If you’re looking for an activity that will truly relax your muscles, take a hike or bike ride around nearby areas. Not only will this be a fun outing, but it will also help to invigorate your body and mind. If you’re looking for a really great place to spend part of your day, check out some of the local hiking and biking trails in Sausalito or venture just a bit farther north to the very nearby Muir Woods National Monument, part of the US National Park Service. The extra trip there will be well worth it! The whole park is stunning, filled with giant redwood trees and many other species, and fun things to see. The easy, family-friendly trails through the woods are very beginner-friendly, so do not be deterred from a trip to Muir Woods as it’s a delightful walk and a sight you’ll never forget.
Bottom Line
Ryan Hunter Bluestone says that Sausalito is an incredible destination for a day trip and offers something for everyone. Just over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, with delicious food and sweet treats, shopping, beautiful views and attractions, and plenty of outdoor activities and fresh air, Sausalito is truly a one-of-a-kind town to visit. So, if you’re looking for an exciting adventure close to San Francisco, make sure to add Sausalito to your itinerary. Start planning your day trip today and make some memories that will last a lifetime. Ryan Hunter Bluestone promises you won’t regret a trip to the beautiful town of Sausalito.
