Are you looking for a great family day trip from San Francisco? In this article I will cover best things to do in Sausalito with kids and best Sausalito attractions that the whole family will enjoy.
Sausalito is a pretty little town in Marine County just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. It has a cool seaside resort vibe and though it is located very close to the San Francisco downtown it feels like hundreds of miles away.
Sausalito floating homes
Start the day early in the morning with a visit to Sausalito floating homes. This is a unique waterfront community consisting of over a hundred beautiful and whimsical house boats located on San Francisco Bay. Each house is an architectural wonder in itself. On top of that, most of the houses are decorated by different works of art, handmade crafts and beautiful little gardens. You can find out more information about Sausalito floating homes HERE.
There is no fee to wonder along the docks and admire Sausalito floating homes but please, follow these simple rules when you visit: don’t trespass, don’t touch what is not yours and don’t generate too much noise because these are people’s homes and they naturally want their peace and quiet at home.
I put this this walking tour of Sausalito floating homes on my list of best things to do in Sausalito because it is really a one-of-a-kind experience that you cannot replicate anywhere else in Bay Area.
US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model
After visiting Sausalito floating homes take a one mile stroll to US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model. This is another unique Sausalito attraction, in fact, I have not seen anything like this anywhere in the world and I have been to nearly 30 countries and 25 U.S. states.
It is precise scaled model of San Francisco Bay watershed. It has all the streams and rivers, bays, islands and bridges. It even models the tides coming in and going out. It is quite amazing! You get to learn how the water travels from the Sierra Nevada mountains to San Francisco Bay it is really a fascinating story. I consider visiting US Army Corps of Engineers Bay Model the best educational thing to do in Sausalito with kids.
The Bay Model is located on a huge pavilion so it is a great place to visit on a rainy day. And the best part? It is absolutely FREE of charge. However, please, note that the Bay Model’s Visitor Center is closed on Sundays.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
The most fun Sausalito thing to do with kids is, obviously, visiting the one place that is designed specifically with children in mind – Bay Area Discovery Museum. This museum is more appropriate for younger kids. It has several hands-on and exploration exhibits (both inside and outside) that are STEM based and that inspire creativity. We also like special events that are organized at the museum from time to time such as Chinese New Year celebration, for instance, which brings in more activities, performances, etc.
One thing absolutely not to miss at Bay Area Discovery Museum is the views of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Museum’s location has a perfect vantage point for viewing the most famous San Francisco attraction, so don’t forget your camera!
In general the scenic views is one of Sausalito attractions that the town is famous for. I suggest strolling along Bridgeway and just enjoying yourself. Don’t miss a cute sea lion sculpture along the way.
Sailing in San Francisco Bay
Would you like to experience the most exhilarating thing to do in Sausalito with kids? If so then you definitely need to try sailing from Sausalito marina. It may sound a little scary and complicated but it is NOT if you are booking a tour with an experienced captain.
I recently wrote a detailed guide to sailing in San Francisco Bay from Sausalito for beginners and it will ease all your worries and provide you all the information you need about when, where and how to enjoy sailing in and around the Bay. My 7 and 13 year old kids LOVED our sailing adventure – there is also a video of our experience imbedded in the guide.
ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR VISITING SAUSALITO
How to get to Sausalito from San Francisco?
The easiest way to get to Sausalito from San Francisco is to drive. There is free plentiful parking near Sausalito floating homes, Bay Model and at the Discovery Museum. But the most fun way is to take a ferry from San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and while you are at it you can also explore unique things to do at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Where to eat in Sausalito?
Sausalito has a lot of great restaurants for any taste. The majority of restaurants are located along the Bridgeway where you will be walking so you can pick and choose one according to what type of food you like to eat. Bay Area Discovery Museum also has a café. We like to take a picnic with us especially if we are driving or sailing.
Are there aby beaches in Sausalito?
No, there are no beaches in the town of Sausalito proper. There are nearby breaches in Marine Headlands.
What is the weather in Sausalito?
Weather in Sausalito can actually be much warmer than in San Francisco even though the latter is located just a short ride across the bridge. The reason for that is that Sausalito is often protected from the coastal fog due to its geography.
If you found this information about things to do in Sausalito helpful, please, share it with others as it may well help them with their travel plans.
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