Where to Stay in Sausalito

The statelyCasa Madrona (801 Bridgeway) weaves Victorian elegance with clean, modern decor at its landmark mansion, hillside cottages, and harborside courtyard. Fluffy four-poster beds, deep blue textiles, and old brass maritime instruments give the rooms a subtle nautical feel, although the priceless views of the bay really drive the point home. If you’ve got a squad, try the luxurious, 5,000-square-foot Alexandrite suite, complete with professional kitchen, expansive outdoor patio, and private fitness center. // The Inn Above Tide (30 El Portal) is a coastal charmer with killer views well worthy of a romantic staycation. Both the elaborate suites and more modest rooms are full of tasteful seaside splendor—think grey silk wallpaper, heated tile bathroom floors, rainwater shower soaking tubs, expansive patios, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and cozy lounge chairs. Recent upgrades include Bvlgari toiletries, plush McRoskey beds, and curated in-room tasting packages in partnership with renowned local chefs. // The lodge at Cavallo Point(601 Murray Cir.) is about as close as you can get to the Golden Gate Bridge without actually setting foot on it. Choose from historic Colonial Revival accommodations with front porches and panoramic windows or modern rooms with cozy fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and certifiably green architecture. If that’s not enough to sell you on the iconic location, their Healing Arts Center & Spa, which offers treatments, wellness events, and integrative medicine consultations, will complete the job.

Where to Eat + Drink in Sausalito

Elevated Restaurants

Inhale precious dollops of caviar and roe at California Caviar Co.'s Bump Bar(1403 Bridgeway). The sophisticated seafood spot has recently reopened for dinner service in both a la carte (Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays) and tasting menu (Saturdays) formats under chef Lance Dillard, inspired by Japanese cuisine and Marin County bounty. // Sula (602 Murray Cir.), which opened at Cavallo Point in late 2022, takes a deep dive into seafood-forward small plates like charred Monterey octopus and top-shelf mains like grilled rack of lamb. Though the chic restaurant, with its shades of mid-mod decor, is only open Thursday through Saturday, they serve drinks and bites daily in the fireplace-warmed Sula Lounge. // Also at Cavallo Point, American bistro Farley(601 Murray Cir) specializes in elevated farm-to-fork fare like sesame crusted swordfish and Niman Ranch New York steak with truffle-scented potato puree. Reserve a table on the terrace for views for days. // Tucked off the tourist route,Le Garage(85 Liberty Ship Way) is Sausalito’s answer to refined French food. The lively bistro has classics like bouillabaisse and beef Bourguignon, and is oh so good at weekend brunch when they trot out plates of quiche Lorraine, croque monsieur, and pain perdu. //Poggio (777 Bridgeway), Sausalito’s exceptionally delicious Italian trattoria, is a charming location for rich ragus, pillowy gnudi, and creamy risottos. // Don't be fooled by the row of rental bikes parked on the sidewalk outside Scoma's (588 Bridgeway)—this iconic, decades-old seafood restaurant isn't just for tourists. Come for the fresh seafood dishes including a rich lobster risotto and a tangy cioppino, and stay for the view of the Bay. // Celebrity chef-author Joanne Weir's Copita(739 Bridgeway) is hailed for its margaritas, ceviches, and lamb birria, plus a refined weekend brunch menu that includes the oddly satisfying Yucatecan favorite, huevos motuleños. // If you're in the mood for some of the best sushi in the U.S., Sushi Ran(107 Caledonia St.) is the place to be. One of the first in the Bay to take Japanese food upscale over 30 years ago, the restaurant remains at the top of its game.

Casual Eats, Treats, and Coffee

Beach club vibes rule the day at Bar Bocce(1250 Bridgeway) where patio seating, a bocce ball court, and a swath of warm sand make for a fantastic mini-escape from the city on a sunny day. Grab a beer or a glass of rosé, order a crispy pizza. and spread out your blanket for an extra-special picnic. Go early—space fills up quickly. // For a laid-back lunch that promises soft naan dipped in buttery masala sauce, Sartaj(43 Caledonia St.) has a menu full of tasty classics such as saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, samosas, and hot lamb curry. // Ask anyone where to find the best Dungeness crab roll and they'll most likely point you toward Fish(350 Harbor Dr.), a restaurant known and loved for its sustainable sourcing practices. Don't sweat the line—it's worth the wait. // You can almost smell the Mediterranean breeze wafting through sunny, blue-tiled Zalta (39 Caledonia St). On the menu, find dishes from around the region, which include everything from Lebanese- and Moroccan-style mezze to Roman-style pinsas (pizzas), along with a hearty list of Mediterranean wines and an immensely intriguing feta-brine vodka martini. // Located in the unassuming industrial part of town, Sausalito Seahorse(305 Harbor Dr.) serves such Tuscan coastal dishes as octopus steamed in seafood broth, and their signature cacciucco, a seafood stew that hails from owner Mauro Dosolini's birthplace of Viareggio. Go on the weekends for live music and DJ sets, as well as Sunday afternoon salsa classes out on the patio. // The menu at Joinery(300 Turney St.)—a cavernous beer hall, biergarten, and rotisserie on the waterfront—doesn’t stop at its perfectly roasted free-range chicken. The killer view pairs well with the eatery’s porchetta sandwiches, fattoush salads, and frosty cold pints of craft beer, too. // Mexico meets Nantucket atSalsalito(1115 Bridgeway), a colorful snack shack where lunch means simmered pork or Baja-style fish tacos, as well as fajitas, chicken and goat cheese–stuffed chiles. Cool the spice with a homemade agua fresca. // At the unassuming Avatars(2656 Bridgeway), Punjabi cuisine goes global. Look for border-hopping mash-ups like Punjabi enchiladas and Indian-style pastas and raviolis alongside more traditional curry and rice dishes. // Date night? Look for winemaker dinners and discounted Wine Wednesdays at Angelino(621 Bridgeway). Special occasion? Put in an advance order online for a Saturday seasonal pie pick up. // Just around the corner from the crowded Bridgeway shops is Driver's Market(200 Caledonia St.), a local grocery store with well-curated products from small-batch olive oil to local cheese and handcrafted chocolate. Fresh deli menu features sandwiches, wraps, and bagels, plus juices, smoothies, and kombucha on tap. Take it to go or grab one of the handful of tables on site. // There’s nowhere better for a homestyle breakfast than the Lighthouse Cafe(1311 Bridgeway), where the pancakes are fluffy, the omelets are cheesy, and the stuffed hash browns are overflowing. // Munchies of Sausalito(607 Bridgeway) will draw you in with barrel after barrel of fresh saltwater taffy in an eclectic assortment of flavors, from mango to molasses. There are other confections from which to choose—jawbreakers, circus peanuts, and Sunkist fruit gems—so be sure to stock up.

Get Drinks in Sausalito

The Best Shopping in Sausalito

Heath Ceramics’(400 Gate Five Rd.) mid-century design heritage, plus the glorious heft of each lovingly handcrafted piece, elevates even burnt Pop Tarts. Swing by the Sausalito factory to browse the seconds—priced at a 20 percent discount. See what goes on behind the scenes on a factory tours on weekends. // The Marinship Studios are home to a couple of 7x7's favorite artists: Textile printmakers When Simon Met Ralph and ceramics Studio Susan are both open by appointment, and both participating in Sausalito Design Week 2024. // California meets Nordic style at Salt(42 Caledonia St.), where a former art director turned shopkeeper is curating thoughtfully crafted nature-inspired wares—think hand-woven wall tapestry, vases made of recycled materials, and geometric brass mobiles. // Who knew that Karl had style? His manifestation in shop form, Karl the Store(1201 Bridgeway), stocks an eclectic and attractive combination of mid-century furniture, home goods, jewelry, and art. // Part spacious studio, part shop, and part events space with an outdoor lounge, Studio 333(333 Caledonia St.) is a good place to pop in for a cocktail party or trunk show to admire work from local designers. In the boutique and at their downtown location (803 Bridgeway), you’ll find everything from beachy accessories and handmade jewelry to soaps and homewares. // Tivoli Decor(333b Caledonia St.) is stuffed to the rafters with bespoke furniture, vintage decor, and contemporary oddities. Hunt through their treasure to find the perfect off-beat gift or that bingo ball spinner you’ve always wanted. // Get thrifty at Willow Grove Consignment(1001 Bridgeway, Ste. C-1), which carries casual and upscale pieces from the likes of AG Jeans, Madewell, and Theory.// Find socks to match any style at the adorably named Soxalito(771 Bridgeway). // Sausalito Books by the Bay(100 Bay St.) has an unbeatable harbor-side location of books as well as unique gifts and puzzles.

Fun Things to Do in Sausalito

Arts + Culture

If you haven't seen the floating homes(1 Issaquah Dock), you haven't been to Sausalito. Perched on pontoons and connected with jetties full of plants and DIY art, Sausalito's famous houseboats comprise one of the most unique neighborhoods around. While some are gated off, several of the piers are open for a stroll to peepers—just be sure to respect the natives. //The Marine Mammal Center(2000 Bunker Rd.) in the Marin Headlands researches, rescues, and rehabilitates marine mammals—mainly seals, sea lions, and otters—from all over Northern and Central California. You can visit any time for free (advanced online reservation required), or join a docent-led tour ($15, Fridays through Mondays). // With their artist residency programs, the Headlands Center for the Arts(944 Simmonds Rd.) nurtures creativity across multiple disciplines. Come during open hours to see their work in progress and to visit completed exhibitions and installations. Keep an eye on the calendar for public events, which can include everything from intimate artist talks to dinners. // If you’ve got kiddos to entertain, head to the Bay Area Discovery Museum(557 McReynolds Rd.) where the interactive exhibits include treehouses, iceless skating, cardboard construction, and a spot just for tots.

Outdoor Fun

Rise, shine, and arrive at the Morning Sun Trailearly for a short but steep 0.4-mile climb to one of the Bay Area's best views of the sunrise, looking east toward Angel Island. // On most days, Sausalito’s bay is calm enough for a nice stand-up paddle excursion or a kayaking adventure. Rent boards and boats or take a tour (bird watching or photography, anyone?) withSea Trek(2100 Marinship Way). // For a winning combination of wilderness and walking (or jogging), head to Tennessee Valley, for a 1.7-mile hoof to the ocean through the beautiful, wild Marin Headlands. // You're probably not going to be tempted to swim at Rodeo Beach—water temps hover around 55 degrees—but don’t worry, you'll be plenty distracted by the scenery: a lagoon, funky rocks that jut gracefully out of the water, old military forts on the surrounding hilltops, and uniquely colorful minerals shining in the sand at your feet. // Bit by the sailing bug? Learn the ropes at Modern Sailing(2310 Marinship Way), which offers courses, clinics, charters, and yacht club memberships in both Sausalito and Berkeley.