Day Trips to Sausalito, Tiburon and Angel Island
The Blue & Gold Fleet and the Golden Gate Ferry both do the Sausalito-Tiburon-Angel Island loop, have indoor and outdoor seating and offer alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and snacks for the short worthwhile trips across the Bay!
Sausalito
A 30 minute ferry ride from SF, Sausalito is a great option to escape the city or find a warmer/sunnier alternative to the city. Steps away from the ferry docks, the Plaza Viña del Mar water fountain and park is a hangout spot on nice days. To the left is the picturesque town of Sausalito with gift stores, ice cream and candy stores, coffee shops and galleries.
Meander along the waterfront pathway on Bridgeway Boulevard. Halfway along the path, Sausalito’s proud sea lion statue sits perched on a rock noticeable during low tide. For a local experience stop by Avatar’s for the their Indian-fusion food or the Sausalito Taco Shop or get a beer at local dive Smitty’s. For a lively scene that includes a fire pit, waterfront games and thin crust pizza, check out Bar Bocce. The Trident and Scoma’s are tourist traps but it works when you’re:
Watchin’ the tide roll away
I’m sittin’ on the dock of the bay
Wastin’ time
On the other end of Sausalito is where you can rent kayak and paddle boards and the seaplanes take off, as well as the home to the iconic house boats. Respectfully walk along the Liberty Dock and Issaquah Dock to get a look at the fascinating floating structures that became popular in the 1970s, ranging from brazen shacks to multiple story victorian abodes. This is also home to large artist buildings and co-ops, which often have art fairs and open-house hours.
Tiburon
Neighboring Sausalito, Tiburon is a charming town with less tourists but equally amazing waterfront vistas. Walk the panoramic trails including the Tiburon Historical Trail that cross parks and lagoons, or walk up Gilmartin Drive to Hippie Hill for the well loved Eucalyptus tree and a swing.
In town, stroll Main Street and the small shopping boutiques and galleries. At the end, wander up the Eastview Ave path to peek at the multi-million dollar homes with some of the most picturesque parking garages you’ll ever see. On nice days, drinks on the deck at Sam’s Anchor Café are in order. For dinner, enjoy authentic Italian at Servino Ristorante.
Angel Island
Angel Island is an easy destination for those who need some fresh air. With a sad history that includes a quarantine station, US Immigration Station and a nike missile base, the island is now a California Historical Landmark. Hike the North Ridge trail to the summit Mt. Livermore, or take the easier 6-mile Perimeter Loop. Bikes are available to rent on the island and Camp Reynolds to look at the oldest standing group of Civil War buildings in the world.
On summer weekends, it’s not usual to have historic events, presentations or demonstrations on the island. There are two sandy beaches on the East and South of the island, perfect for relaxing or even taking a quick swim. From March-October, the Angel Island Cafe and Cantina is open every day during lunchtime so you can enjoy a waterfront picnic with snacks and beverages.
*Take advantage of all three!
First enjoy a morning hike at Angel Island. Then take the ferry one stop to explore Tiburon and get lunch at Sam’s. From there, take the short ferry ride to Sausalito. Browse the stores, check out the house boats and get drinks at Bar Bocce before completing the round trip ride back to SF.
Alcatraz
Taking the loop from SF to Sausalito, Tiburon or Angel Island means getting a closer look at Alcatraz. To visit the infamous prison and fascinating island, you’ll have to book a separate Alcatraz tour-related ferry. For a full case on why Alcatraz is a must click here.
Check out a detailed SF itinerary or other possible day trip alternatives!
