When you find yourself in the Bay Area and craving an escape from the city, a visit to Sausalito, California is bound to deliver. Located just north of San Francisco, the quaint town is home to a wonderful waterfront main street where you can explore shops, restaurants, and breathtaking views. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon (or an entire day!) when you feel the desire to unwind and relax. Here’s why you need to hop on the ferry and plan a trip to the most charming waterfront main street in Sausalito.

Drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and you'll soon come across Sausalito, California. With a plethora of waterfront shops and restaurants plus breathtaking views of The Bay, this quiet town is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon or more.
YU-JEN SHIH/Flickr
Sausalito is a small town of just around 7,000 residents; its tranquil atmosphere is quite the change from the big city located just south of here! For such a small city, first-time visitors are often impressed by the lively downtown shopping district on the waterfront.
duluoz cats/Flickr
The heart of this seaside community is the Bridgeway Promenade which is where you'll find a variety of restaurants, shops, landmarks, and more. And it's located right along the waterfront, so the views are incredible!
Hector A Parayuelos/Flickr

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Walking along the waterfront main street, you'll pass a variety of small, local businesses like souvenir shops, book stores, gift shops, wine bars, clothing boutiques, and more. There's something for everyone here, so be sure to peek your head into a few of the storefronts and look around.
psyberartist/Flickr
Additionally, Sausalito is home to a variety of dining spots with something for everybody's tastes. You'll find plenty of casual eateries like seafood shacks and beer bars. But you'll also find some world-class eateries, like Scoma's, a classy seafood restaurant that's literally on the water.
Mariano Mantel/Flickr
Even if you aren't here to shop or dine, you'll find plenty to love about this gorgeous little city. Viña del Mar Park is an excellent spot to walk around and enjoy the seaside setting and fresh ocean air.
Peter Miller/Flickr
Sausalito is a true gem in the San Francisco Bay Area. Spend the afternoon exploring this timeless city by the sea and plan your visit soon! Plan your trip by visiting the city's website.
YU-JEN SHIH/Flickr

Want to get a better idea of what you’ll see driving in Sausalito, California? Check out this video for a driving tour.

Have you spent any time exploring Sausalito’s waterfront? This little town just north of the Golden Gate Bridge is serious bliss. Share your favorite thing about this small town and its beauty-packed waterfront main street in the comments.

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Sausalito, California

Libby Monson | January 20, 2023

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What are some other charming towns I can visit in Northern California?

Northern California is full of charming small towns. So, hop in the car and head out on an adventure to find your favorite one. You can visit small mountain towns, seaside villages, or inland crossroads. Give these picturesque spots a try.

  • Nevada City
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  • Mariposa
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  •  Los Gatos
  • Mendocino
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  • Ferndale
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  • Tahoe City
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What are some scenic hikes in Northern California?

Since Northern California is absolutely beautiful, it's challenging to find a hike that isn't scenic! So lace up your shoes, pack the camera, and try these incredibly gorgeous trips in Northern California.

  • Stout Grove Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
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  • General Grant Tree Trail in Kings Canyon National Park
  • Fern Valley Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
  • Siskiyou Trail in the Siskiyou Wilderness 
  • Prairie Creek Trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
  • Founder's Grove Trail in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
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Sausalito, CA 94965, USA