💙 Sausalito: The Dreamy Bay Town That Feels Like Europe ⛵️🌸
A cozy European-style coastal town right across the Golden Gate 🌊
Hi everyone! I’m Hattie 👋 and today I’m sharing one of the most underrated spots near San Francisco — a town that looks straight out of Europe: Sausalito 💙
When people think of San Francisco, they usually picture the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, right?
But just beyond that famous red bridge lies a hidden coastal paradise that feels more like southern France than California — welcome to Sausalito 🌊✨
Unlike the busy streets of downtown SF, this place has that relaxed, sunny, “I could totally live here forever” vibe 😌☀️
Think ocean breeze, pastel houses, cozy cafés, and sea views that could make your heart melt 💛
⛵️ Getting There – The Ferry is Half the Fun!
Sure, you can drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, but honestly? The ferry ride is pure magic.
We took the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry from PIER 41, and it was the perfect way to start our little escape.
👉 Tip: You can easily book your tickets in advance on Klook — it’s quick, transparent, and saves you the line-up stress.
⚠️ Remember: Tickets are one-way, so don’t forget to grab both your outbound and return!
⏰ Check the Blue & Gold Fleet website for the latest schedule before you go.
The ferry itself is super cute — blue, white, and yellow — and the views are next level! You’ll pass Alcatraz Island, spot the city skyline from afar, and if you sit outside, the wind will give you that “main character in a travel film” moment 🎬😆
📸 Don’t miss snapping a shot with the San Francisco Pier ferris wheel in the background — trust me, it’s a vibe.
Half an hour later, you’ll arrive at Sausalito with salty hair, a full heart, and maybe 300 photos in your camera roll.
🌊 Welcome to Sausalito – A Hidden Gem on the Bay
As soon as you step off the ferry, you’ll see a charming fountain and a welcoming little plaza.
If you’re visiting during the holidays, there’s even a Christmas tree for the perfect festive shot 🎄✨
The whole town stretches along the waterfront, lined with pastel buildings that look straight out of a French postcard 🇫🇷
There’s no traffic noise, no chaos — just the sound of seagulls, sailboats, the gentle hum of bicycles passing by, and laughter from people enjoying their gelato.
Some say Sausalito feels like “San Francisco’s version of Positano,” and honestly? That’s spot on.
It’s clean, calm, and filled with a quiet kind of luxury — where life feels simple but beautiful 💕
🛍 Cute Shops & Local Finds
If you love discovering unique local shops, Sausalito will totally steal your heart.
There are plenty of art galleries, boutique stores, and adorable souvenir shops you won’t find in the city.
I grabbed a Sausalito-printed T-shirt for just $5 (yes, really!), and it’s now one of my favorite travel souvenirs 🎁
You’ll also find handmade jewelry, postcards, ceramics, and cute coastal trinkets that make perfect gifts.
Take your time wandering — each shop feels like a little story waiting to be told 🛒💕
🍦 Sweet Stop: Lappert’s Ice Cream – A Must-Try!
Okay, dessert lovers — Lappert’s Ice Cream is non-negotiable 🍨💙
It’s a bright little shop near the ferry dock, and their ice cream is legendary.
There are tons of fun flavors, and the staff are super friendly — you can sample a few before choosing (yes, try as many as you want 👀)
Every flavor I tried was a winner, so don’t overthink it — just follow your sweet tooth 😋
📍 Add this one to your “must-eat” list — it’s a simple joy that feels like vacation in a cone!
🍽 Lunch with a View – Seaside Dining
If you want to treat yourself to a real meal with a view, The Spinnaker is the go-to spot for sea lovers.
👉 Visit The Spinnaker’s website
It’s a beautiful oceanfront restaurant that serves fresh seafood with a full Golden Gate view 🌉✨
But I ended up discovering a hidden gem nearby called Aurora Sausalito, and it was such a pleasant surprise!
Warm, cozy interiors, comforting food, and friendly staff — plus prices that won’t make your wallet cry 💸
Sometimes the best meals are the ones you don’t plan for, right?
🚲 Take a Walk (or Ride!) – The Perfect 3-Hour Getaway
Sausalito is small enough to explore on foot — about 3–4 hours is perfect for strolling, eating, and taking photos.
The waterfront path offers endless views of sailboats, seagulls, and the SF skyline across the bay.
You’ll see locals biking, couples walking hand-in-hand, and everyone moving at a slower, happier pace 🤍
If you rent a bike, you can even ride back across the Golden Gate Bridge into the city — adventurous and iconic all in one trip 🌁💪
🌇 Don’t Miss the Sunset!
When it’s time to head back, plan your ferry around sunset — trust me, it’s worth it.
The San Francisco skyline glowing in golden light is one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen 💛
There’s something poetic about ending your day watching the city you just escaped from, wrapped in ocean breeze and pink skies ☁️✨
🌟Hattie’s Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a San Francisco day trip and want something beyond the usual tourist stops, Sausalito is a total must.
Whether you’re craving a romantic ferry ride, seaside dining, or just a quiet place to breathe, this town will give you everything you didn’t know you needed 💙
📍 So, go ahead — book your Klook ferry tickets 👉 here and don’t forget to buy roundtrip!
⏰ Check the Blue & Gold Fleet site for updated schedules before heading out.
Have you been to Sausalito before? Or do you have another hidden gem near San Francisco to recommend? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to hear your stories 💬✨
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