If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and want to take a day trip to Sausalito, here’s the best way to get there and the best things to do in Sausalito!
How To Get To Sausalito from San Francisco
One of the best things to do in San Francisco is ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. Just on the other side of the bridge is the charming seaside village of Sausalito. One of the best day trips from San Francisco is to take a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and spend the afternoon in Sausalito.
It’s very easy to get to Sausalito by bike, because once you get across the bridge, it’s all downhill. And you take the Sausalito ferry back to San Francisco, so you don’t have to go up any hills!
The ride is about 8 miles and takes about 1 hour.
Read More: Best Things To Do in San Francisco
Bike Across the Golden Gate Bridge
We rented bikes from Bay City Bike Rentals. We took the Self Guided Tour from their shop in Fisherman’s Wharf across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito.
San Francisco has a TON of hills, but the route from the shop to Sausalito is fairly easy. And it’s mostly on bike paths, so you don’t have to worry about being on the street with cars. I did have to get off my bike and push it up one particularly steep hill. But once you make it to the bridge, it’s all downhill from there.
We had a comfort hybrid bike and it was very easy to ride. I was super impressed with how comfortable the bike seat was. We rode for 8 miles and I was never sore or uncomfortable, not even the next day.
Sausalito Ferry Tickets
You can also purchase return ferry tickets (from Sausalito back to Fisherman’s Wharf) from the bike shop. See below for more tips on taking the ferry!
Crissy Field East Beach
On your way to Sausalito, there are a few places you may want to stop for photos! Here’s a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field East Beach.
Best View Of Golden Gate Bridge
This my favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge! It was right on the way from the bike shop to the bridge.
Here’s a link to the exact location on Google Maps.
About Our Bike Rental In San Francisco
The bikes are equipped with a small bag (just big enough for a phone, wallet, and small camera) and a map with the route from the shop to Sausalito. Helmets are optional but included. I have this awesome Bike Phone Mount for my bike at home that I REALLY wish I’d remembered to bring!!
View from the Golden Gate Bridge
Almost over the bridge!
Sausalito Restaurants
After 8 miles of biking we worked up a SERIOUS appetite!
Napa Valley Burger Co
We had an amazing lunch at Napa Valley Burger Co. There were so many delicious-sounding burgers on the menu I had a hard time choosing just one. After much deliberation, I finally decided on the Baja Burger, with guacamole, jalapeños, cheddar, applewood bacon, and chipotle aioli. It was delicious. I would highly recommend this burger. And if you go, you HAVE to get the cheesy tater tots!! They were seriously the best!!
Lappert’s Ice Cream
After lunch, we treated ourselves to a giant ice cream cone across the street at Lappert’s Ice Cream. I got the Hawaiian Sea Salt Caramel and Cookie Dough. Amazing!
Read More: Best Restaurants in San Francisco
Sausalito Ferry Tips
When you’re ready to return to San Francisco, you can take the Sausalito Ferry back to Fisherman’s Wharf.
The Blue & Gold Fleet Ferry takes you back to Fisherman’s Wharf, where you can return your bike at the ship.
You can buy ferry tickets in advance online. Fortunately you do not have to choose your return time in advance, you just buy the ticket, and you can come back anytime. Here is the ferry schedule.
You can even reserve a spot for your bike online. In the summer the ferry gets crowded and the spaces for bike fill up. Check the website to see if you need a reservation for your bike.
Arrive 30 minutes early. The ferry is prompt and there’s usually a line. Be sure to get in line early so you don’t get left behind!
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I have visited this bridge many times. Golden Gate Bridge is really beautiful and I was positively surprised because there was no entry fee, neither for the bridge nor for the scenic view points.
Hi Amanda! My husband and I are in San Fran and each used your uber codes for that. We basically planned our trip around this blog post! We did the Muir Woods which was incrediable! We got ice cream in Sausalito and we also tried Napa valley burger which was definitely fantastic, they actually no longer serve the cheesy tator tots! Tonight we’re going on the sunset bay cruise. We are having a fabulous trip, thanks you so much for the recommendations :)
Your blog is absolutely AMAZING! You’ve covered all the things we thought of and also given us a clue on best restaurants. Thank you so much. Photos are priceless.
Thank you Amanda. I am planning a surprise trip this summer. Love your pictures and blog. I live in Alabama too. War Eagle!!!!!!!!
How many days/nights did you spend in SF all together? My husband and I are planning a trip this summer and I hope we have planned enough days to do everything we want. How long was the drive to Muir forest? That would be amazing! Thanks for any info!
Sounds like you had a fantastic trip. Thanks for showing everyone how much fun you can have in this great city!
Hi! Really enjoyed reading about some things to do and eat in San Francisco! My wife and I are heading there in about a month and I am looking to find a special/unique place to eat for our anniversary. My thought was something maybe on the pacific ocean? Do you have any recommendations by chance? Thanks
Love this post! Can’t wait to do some of these things when we go there in October for our honeymoon!!
What kind of pocket camera are you using? Also, what type of tote/purse are you using when you travel?
Hi Daphne! Here is a link to my favorite pocket-sized travel camera. I just carry a tiny, crossbody Coach purse. Here’s a link to one that’s similar to the one I have. Hope this helps! :)
We live less than 2 hours away from San Francisco. All these gorgeous pictures have inspired me to plan a day trip (or two!) for the summer. Looks like you guys had an amazing time!
Wow….your photos r stunning. Looks like a fun filled adventure. Thanks for sharing with us. Hugs, Becky
Love, love, love! I just moved from Northern ca to utah and your gorgeous pics make me homesick (in the best way possible). I love sf! :) thanks for sharing your adventure!
Your pictures are stunning! Can I ask what camera you used to take them? San Francisco is so near and dear to my heart- I’m so glad you had a great time!!!
Hi Kim! I used my new favorite pocket-sized travel camera. I take it with me everywhere when I travel now instead of my DSLR. It is SO nice. It really makes it seem like a vacation when I don’t have to carry my huge camera around! :)
Your pictures are just breathtaking!
Oh my, Thomas would have loved that Millionaire’s Bacon & Dixie Bacon!! And YES, Katrina’s book is awesome! I bought it a few months ago and love it. Loving the views that you had in San Francisco too! I so want to go and take our pups! I wish all hotels were like that!