Bay Tripper

Sausalito, a small but charming enclave on the Marin coast, often gets overshadowed by its cosmopolitan neighbor just across the Golden Gate Bridge. But this houseboat-heavy town deserves status as a weekend destination in its own right—packed with great food, plenty of shopping and a historic hotel that’s perfect for your next out-of-town event.

Getting There:

No car required … in fact, don’t even bother. Fly direct into SFO and make your way to the Ferry Building in San Francisco. Enjoy a short ferry ride across the bay to Sausalito. This pedestrian-friendly town is best enjoyed on foot.

BY THE BAY | Top to bottom: a sailing excursion; the Mansion at Casa Madrona; a dish from Sushi Ran and cupcakes from Cibo

Stay: 

The Mansion at Casa Madrona, originally built in 1885, seamlessly pairs sophisticated, contemporary style with Victorian accents. With 11 extraordinary accommodations and 5,000 square feet of living space, this makes an ideal venue for a family reunion, couples escape or special event. Highlights include a bay view from every room, a dedicated concierge and mansion staff, Mercedes ML350 BlueTEC with driver, multi-screen media wall, spa services, a private chef, gym and more.

801 Bridgeway, 800-288-0502, casamadrona.com

Eat: 

Dining’s a delight at Cibo (pronounced “chee-bo”). With a simplistic vision for how food should be purchased, prepared and enjoyed, Cibo serves breakfast and lunch in a contemporary, relaxed environment. Their fresh fare, including some drool-worthy baked goods, combines products sourced locally and seasonally through long-standing relationships with purveyors.

1201 Bridgeway, cibosausalito.com

A fresh and eclectic blend of Japanese and Pacific cuisine, Sushi Ran’s kitchen is a laboratory for innovation and thrives on creating new ways to present the best ingredients each season has to offer. Sushi Ran receives fresh fish daily, whether from the local catch or hand-picked at the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo. Be it flavor-intense vegetarian dishes, tender lamb chops, exotic shaking beef or mouthwatering sushi, your selection will be a celebration of the best seasonal ingredients. And don’t forget the sake.

107 Caledonia Street, sushiran.com

Play:

Join the crew of SF Bay Adventures’ classic restored Freda B yacht for an afternoon of sailing on the beautiful San Francisco Bay. The company has served locals and visitors for more than a decade with the most diverse fleet of sail and motor yachts on the San Francisco Bay. The “International Orange” Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognized bridges in the world, and sailing under it is a must-do when traveling to the Bay Area. Enjoy breathtaking views along with a privately catered, locally grown, organic lunch and refreshments.

All aboard! sfbayadventures.com