Though I love living in San Francisco, I sometimes crave a more exciting experience within the Bay Area. Lately, when I've needed a change of pace, I take a half-hour ferry ride to Sausalito, a town about 9 miles from San Francisco.
This adorable seaside area, named one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the world by Travel and Leisure, has a cute Mediterranean vibe and is packed with restaurants and shops. It's known for its art galleries, museums, and houseboat community.
Though I could drive to the town, I've always preferred to ride the Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. Here's what the $8 trip is like.
I arrived at the San Francisco Ferry Building and headed to the docks.I arrived at the San Francisco Ferry Building to begin my journey.
This building is along the Embarcadero, a roadway next to the waterfront. However, it's not just a ferry terminal — it's also the city's famous food hall and marketplace, complete with Cambodian, Arab, Chinese, French, and seafood restaurants.
I paid for my trip with a discount-fare card called Clipper.I used Clipper, but passengers can also take advantage of the ticket machines at the terminal.
Sharon McDonnell
I paid for my ride with Clipper, a card that can be used for bus and train transportation in the multi-county Bay Area.
To board the ferry, passengers can add money to their Clipper account, buy a brand-new Clipper card, or purchase a paper ticket through machines on the ferry dock.
However, I think it's best to avoid the latter. A one-way ride on the ferry costs $8 with Clipper and $14 with a regular paper ticket.
When the ferry arrived, I tapped my card and boarded the vessel.I waited for the ferry at Gate B.
Sharon McDonnell
I arrived at the gate 10 minutes early, since it closes one minute before departure.
Once the ferry arrived, I tapped my Clipper card at the fare gate and boarded the vessel.
I enjoyed the scenic yet windy ride on the upper deck.My hair whipped around my face during the ride.
Sharon McDonnell
The upper deck on the 715-passenger ferry was very windy. Tourists are often stunned by the cool San Francisco weather and usually regret not wearing a jacket or long pants.
The ferry I took had lower, middle, and top decks with different indoor and outdoor seating arrangements.
As always, I opted for a seat on the open deck, away from the edge of the boat. I know from experience that sitting too close to the edge means I'll probably get wet.
I ventured inside, where the snack bar was located.I didn't buy anything from the snack bar, but there were plenty of items for sale.
Sharon McDonnell
The ferry also had a snack bar on board. When I walked over, I saw items like wine, beer, soda, chips, pretzels, and peanuts for sale.
However, I didn't buy any food, as the ride was just a mere half-hour long.
Back outside, I saw beautiful Bay Area landmarks.As the fog cleared, I got a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Sharon McDonnell
The ferry offers great views of several landmarks, including the San Francisco skyline and Angel Island, a processing center historically used for Asian immigrants seeking US citizenship.
Seeing San Francisco's Bay Bridge was easy, as it's fairly close to the Ferry Building. The ferry also passed Alcatraz Island, which once housed a fort, military prison, and federal jail.
However, the orange Golden Gate Bridge was more difficult to spot because of fog in the area. But as the view of homes climbing Sausalito's wooded hills approached, I saw the bridge peeking out.
When we arrived in Sausalito, I got off the ferry and explored the town.Sausalito had beautiful statues and landscaping.
Sharon McDonnell
The ferry arrived at a dock near the heart of Sausalito, at Humboldt Avenue and Anchor Street.
As I disembarked, I passed dozens of people with bikes waiting to board — the ferry can accommodate bikes on a first-come, first-served basis. Biking over the Golden Gate Bridge and then taking the ferry back to San Francisco is a popular activity.
As I walked through town, I saw a Portuguese-style mosaic sidewalk, palm trees, and elephant sculptures.
I also came across two plaques about Cascais and Viña del Mar, seaside resort towns in Portugal and Chile, respectively. Turns out, they're sister cities to Sausalito, which means the California town maintains relationships with these cities to foster cross-cultural relationships and education.
These small landmarks gave Sausalito a coastal vibe and, having been to Chile and Portugal, conjured up fond memories for me.
I enjoyed looking at painted mailboxes and walking around the shops in Sausalito.On my walk, I saw mailboxes painted with seaside scenes.
Sharon McDonnell
As I walked, I also saw mailboxes painted with maritime themes, as well as Bridgeway — a street of shops, galleries, and restaurants across from the docks.
Some restaurants have outdoor seating with waterfront views, and others, like Scoma's (a seafood place), are built on docks in the bay.
Overall, my experience on the Golden Gate Ferry was great, and I can't wait to return to Sausalito.I love the views on the ferry and can't wait to take it again.
Sharon McDonnell
Though I've been to Sausalito dozens of times, it never gets old. Taking the ferry to the seaside town is simple, and I always enjoy exploring the area.
I plan to keep taking day trips to Sausalito, as the ferry ride is inexpensive and fairly short. But next time, maybe I'll bring a cap to tuck my hair under.