Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito is worth a visit. Often called the French Riviera of the West, Sausalito is home to artists, boat dwellers, nature lovers, musicians, and writers alike. Visitors tend to cluster in downtown Sausalito, but there is so much more to this town. Here are a couple of spots I recommend:
Marin Headlands: Whether you want to hike, bike, or just relax at the beach, Marin Headlands is a must-see. I enjoy hiking on Tennesse Valley trail, a 4 mile loop with sweeping views of the ocean, Mount Tam, and San Francisco.
A little known fact about this area is that it stored enough nuclear firepower to decimate much of the world. Called the SF-88 Nike Missile Site, it was established in 1952 and became nuclear in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This was one of 12 sites dotting the San Francisco Bay Area. When the United States signed a nuclear arms agreement with the former Soviet Union, the sites had to be destroyed. Years later, a group of veterans asked Congress and the U.S. Army Historical Society to restore one of the sites and create a “living museum.” The SF-88 Nike Missile Site is the only one in the country that has been restored.
Marine Mammal Center: The Marine Mammal Center seeks to educate, conduct research, and rescue and rehabilitate sink or injured marine mammals, including seals, porpoises, and even dolphins.
2000 Bunker Road
Sea Trek: At Sea Trek, you can rent a paddle board and kayak and take in the views from the water. You can get up close to Sausalito’s harbor seals on Sausalito’s boat docks.
You can also see Sausalito’s houseboats. They range from an amazing recreation of the Taj Mahal, to mini castles, to quaint cottages. The history of Sausalito’s houseboat community traces back to more than 100 years ago when some people started living on their boats anchored in the Bay nearby. During World War II, Sausalito’s shoreline was overtaken by shipbuilding yards where some 20,000 people worked. From 1942 to 1945, a Liberty Ships were built and sent to war. When the war ended, the yards were abandoned, leaving scrap metal behind. People looking for affordable housing scooped up the leftover metal to make houseboats. In the 50s and 60s, Sausalito became a mecca for Bohemians. Today, the houseboat community still includes many artists, musicians, and writers. The Floating Homes Association hosts an annual Floating Homes Tour where homes will be open to the public and art by residents will be offered for sale.
85 Liberty Ship Way
Spa at Cavallo Point: The spa is a zen-like sanctuary hidden among a grove of eucalyptus and pine trees. You can soak in the heated outdoor meditation pool, get a massage, relax by the fireplace, or savor tea and tonics at the Tea Bar.
601 Murray Circle
Wellington’s Wine Bar:
Wellington’s offers a casual, British pub atmosphere where friends can meet to have a drink, enjoy the views of Richardson Bay, or to play a few rounds of Scrabble. You can grab a seat inside or out on the patio that is right on the water’s edge.
300 Turney Street
