Yesterday, I drove across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to Sausalito and back again. Measured in time, the journey is a quick half an hour or less from the city by either car or ferry. Measured in vibes, it’s clear why Otis Redding felt chilled out while living on a Sausalito houseboat by a dock on the bay back in 1967.
Getting to Sausalito
For Sausalito, getting there is half the fun is definitely true. San Francisco to Sausalito is widely touted as the world’s second-best ferry ride. Embarkation is from the pier at the rear of San Francisco’s landmark Ferry Building, in itself a top visitor destination. Arrive early enough to stroll among the stalls of high-quality artisan food vendors, grab a delicious cappuccino, and hop on a Golden Gate Ferry for superb panoramic views. Alternatively, a drive across the 75-year-old Golden Gate Bridge ticks another item off the must-do list for San Francisco visitors.
A Mediterranean Splash
Famed for its Mediterranean-like village feel, downtown Sausalito is a collection of picturesque, winding streets affording picture postcard views over San Francisco Bay with the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge framing the city skyline. Wander the town’s 2 square miles on foot, explore by bicycle, relax with an ice cream on a bench, sip a cocktail with a view, dangle your feet off a rock by the water where someone is usually strumming a guitar. Bring a camera, admire the sailboats, watch the city lights illuminate as sunset falls, linger over a fresh seafood meal. No need to rush.
The Sunny Side
Welcome to Marin County, the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge. Sometimes the best surprise of all is the weather. Surrounded by hills and sea and known for its own micro-climate, Sausalito often enjoys warmer, sunnier days than urbanities experience across the bay. But not always! Events include the International Amgen Tour of California Bike Race in February, the Sausalito Film Festival in May, the Easter Parade, the Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza, the Sausalito Art Fair over Labor Day Weekend, and various street parties throughout the year.
America’s Cup 2013
While officials are still working out the exact route and details, it is certain that Sausalito’s shoreline will offer prime viewing for the mega-yachts of the 34th America’s Cup Challenger Series on July 13 through September 1, 2013, and the America’s Cup Finals September 7 through September 22, 2013. Those attending this popular international event should, of course, plan well ahead.
