Tags
Ark Houses, ferry, Fisherman's wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Photography, Pier 1, San Francisco, San Francisco Bay, Sausalito, travel
Early in the morning we took the ferry from pier 1 behind the Ferry Building at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco across the bay to the world-renowned waterfront community of Sausalito.
Half an hour after leaving foggy San Francisco we arrived in bright and sunny Sausalito. The ferry trip over was delightful offering many great photo opportunities along the way, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, which is the 2nd largest island in San Francisco bay, and the skyline of San Francisco. The ferry ride costs $22.50 round trip, with concession and children’s fares also available. You can also arrive in Sausalito from San Francisco by bus, bike, car or on the hop on hop off bus.
Arriving in Sausalito was like stepping in to another world. It is absolutely gorgeous and a great escape from the madding crowds of San Francisco.
Once we stepped off the ferry our first stop was to visit the small information booth which is just meters from the ferry terminal. We met a friendly, happy and helpful lady who gave us maps and suggestions for a day stay in Sausalito.
From there, our next stop was for coffee and to take the time to sit and make our plan for the day. We found a little café on the waterfront, Piccolo Café that served up excellent coffee and offered magic views overlooking the bay back towards San Francisco and the bridge.
Sausalito offers many attractions, unique tours, enchanting boutique shops, art studios and galleries and a wide selection of restaurants, outdoor cafés and bistros, many with stunning views back across the bay to the city. We only spent the day here however I am sure you would find endless things to do if you are staying in the area for a few days. There are many tours, cooking classes, winery tours, water sports, and the very popular bike rentals or just sit, eat and drink by the Bay.
Wandering along the foreshores not far from the ferry terminal we came across the very interesting Ark Houses. An Ark House is a house built on pilings over the water. As we were standing there a gentleman with his dog came outside. We soon learned that he had been living in his Ark House for 10 years and in fact was the man who built them many years ago. He invited us to take a look inside. We were very impressed with the spaciousness and of course the location and the view looking out over the bay.
After exploring the area and the shops it did not take long to realise that Sausalito certainly has a taste of Italy. There is a terrific selection of restaurants and cafés for lunch – we chose Angelino restaurant.
Sausalito – a great way to spend a few hours or a few days in a relaxed atmosphere
Some people leave their heart in San Francisco but I could have left mine in Sausalito
My favorite place in San Francisco area to gave a drink and look at SF
Thanks George. It is my favorite place in SF also On 24/07/2015 8:29 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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What a beautiful slice of paradise to relax in. Love the pics.xxx
Thanks Donna It was my special place in SF x On 24/07/2015 8:51 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Loved Sausalito – quite upmarket – I think I went to a redwood forest near there?
Yes Gail correct. Muir woods is about 40 minutes away On 24/07/2015 9:26 AM, “Travelling Italy with Lyn” wrote:
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Gorgeous – Love the Ark houses….Kay
The Ark Houses were great Kay. The one we went in to was so nice. You could easily live in it
Such a special place Lyn. Definitely sounds like Italy. Hope you got great food to enjoy the views!
Thanks Ishita. The food was good but not as good as Italy
:) When is your next visit to Italy? I am pining for it already!
I am so hoping to get there before the end of the year. So much on though so not sure. Fingers crossed
Hope you do. And I hope someday we meet there or somewhere at least
Thanks Ishita. I think we will meet.
I think so too :) Have a great day!
Sausalito is certainly a pleasant getaway from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco! And the ferry ride is such a bargain!
Yes Linda. A great escape. The ferry ride was a super way to get there
Looks great Lyn…sounds like you are enjoying San Francisco x
Thanks Mary. It was great. Most certainly my favorite part of SF x
Next time I visit SF, I am going to check this out. I have never been. Great post.
Sausalito is gorgeous and such a lovely escape from the millions of people at Fisherman’s Wharf. It certainly has an Italian flare about it.
On Sun, Aug 30, 2015 at 12:37 PM, Travelling Italy with Lyn wrote:
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Good to know Lyn. I have gone to SF the last 3 years, and I never knew about Sausalito. The things I am learning through Bloggers. Am loving it! You have had so many adventures ☺
Just take the ferry across from pier 1. Of course you can also drive. Very special. Very lovely. Yes blogging information is fantastic