Sausalito: A small willow grove with a big view
Standing at the Sausalito waterfront along Bridgeway and looking afar, you will find the city of San Francisco pops up in the background. Of course, this requires a clear day, before Karl the Fog rolls in with force.
The name Sausalito came from the willow trees that once clustered along the creek banks here; Spanish settlers called the place “sauzalito,” or little willow grove. The spelling wandered for decades, Saucelito, Sausalito, Saucelito again, until the U.S. Post Office settled it for good in 1888.
Today, it’s one of those places where you wander and spend a good afternoon along Bridgeway, exploring small shops, cafés, or just relaxing. An hour or two here rearranges your whole sense of pace.
Tips
- There is plenty of metered parking along the boardwalk. Rates climb on holidays, so budget a little extra.
- You’ll see long lines in front of Lappert’s Ice Cream, one of the delicacies you’ll want to try if you haven’t.
- Look for Tiffany Park on the map. Right by it, a staircase leads up and gives you a higher viewpoint of the bay.
- Swing by Battery Spencer on your way back if you’re traveling from the south. This historic hilltop has one of the best angles of the bridge. Heading south back into the city is the direction that gets tolled, just over $10 with FasTrak, no cash accepted.
