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Sausalito Family-friendly activities

Our most recommended Sausalito Family-friendly activities

San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise

1. San Francisco: Bridge to Bridge Cruise

See both the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge on a single boat tour with personal headphone audio included. Explore San Francisco's famous landmarks, history, natural history, architecture, and Native American culture on board this unique bay cruise. During the 90-minute round trip cruise you'll depart from Fisherman's Wharf, one of the city's busiest tourist attractions. From there, sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. Completed in 1937, the Golden Gate is one of the world's most famous and beautiful bridges, and was at one point the largest suspension bridge in the world. Cruise past Alcatraz Island, once home of one of the world's most infamous prisons, and take the chance to enjoy the stunning San Francisco waterfront. The boat will pass along the harbor before heading under the colossal San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Then it's time to head back to the charming city of San Francisco by the sea.

San Francisco Bay: Adventure Boat Tour

2. San Francisco Bay: Adventure Boat Tour

Travel along the San Francisco Bay in a small group on a boat tour. Travel faster and go farther out into the bay than most other boat tours. You will be as close as possible to the sights and wildlife, in a personal setting.  Depart from the world famous Pier 39. You will be outfitted with weather appropriate gear to keep you warm and dry from the occasional splash. Take in the historic waterfront from a new angle. Make a quick visit to the world famous Pier 39 sea lions, where you can see them eye to eye. There is no need for binoculars on this trip because you will see everything up close. Listen to the narration from your expert captain and learn something new about this historic area. See the waterfront in a way that is unlike any other experience on the bay. Take photos, make memories, and enjoy one of the finest ways to see it all up close. This small group boat tour is limited to 12 guests which provides an intimate family-friendly experience, perfect for adults, seniors, youth, and children ages 5 and older. You will get an opportunity to get up close to the world famous Alcatraz prison, once-home to some of the most notable criminal masterminds. Learn about some incredible points of interest, such as Coit Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Palace of Fine Arts, the Presidio, the Ferry Building, Treasure Island, and other historic landmarks.

From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Group Tour

3. From San Francisco: Muir Woods and Sausalito Group Tour

Cross one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge, on your way to the beautiful redwood forests in Muir woods on this guided tour. Begin your tour by taking in the skyline of San Francisco, the Bay, and Alcatraz Island from the Golden Gate. Stop for photos and admire the Art Deco style and bright orange-colored steel. Then, head to the Muir Woods National Monument. Pass by the majestic Mount Tamalpais and down a hilly coastal route along the Marin Headlands. Reach the Muir Woods and enjoy a free walk of 1 hour and 15 minutes to stroll among the old-growth redwoods and soak up the atmosphere. Follow winding trails and admire the diversity of flora and fauna. Stop for a break and buy food or a little redwood tree souvenir in the visitor center. Next, visit the beautiful Mediterranean-style seaside city of Sausalito. Walk around the picturesque town with your guide and pass by sea-view houses, shops, and cafes lining the waterfront. See the Sausalito colorful houseboats community, and discover architectural gems with your guide. See repurposed working boats and vessels dating back to World War II. From here, you can decide to explore more of Sausalito or take the ferry back across the bay.

San Fransico/Sausalito: Muir & Marin Headlands Private Tour

4. San Fransico/Sausalito: Muir & Marin Headlands Private Tour

Starting from San Francisco, this guided tour takes you to Muir Woods National Monument and Sausalito. Discover the mystery of 400-feet (130 meters) tall redwood and sequoia trees at Muir Woods before stopping in Sausalito to sightsee, shop, and more. After pickup, start your tour with a scenic and informative drive to the Golden Gate Bridge through several of the best San Francisco neighborhoods as well as the presidio, a former military area of great beauty. Crossing the GG Bridge, stop at the northern vista point for stunning views of the bay and the bridge. Scenic views continue as the tour passes above the town of Sausalito and through portions of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Mount Tamalpais State Park, which merge with Muir Woods. Arriving at Muir Woods National Monument, your guide will inform you of the best way to experience the grove and where the oldest trees are located. An approximately 1 hour and 20-minute stay gives you time to see much of the grove and to explore the gift shop, café, and visitor center. Included in the tour is a stop in Sausalito to enjoy the art galleries, shops, cafes, restaurants, and yacht marinas. Views from Sausalito include the Bay Bridge, parts of the east bay, and San Francisco. After about an hour in Sausalito, you’ll get driven to Marin Headlands. Enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from Marin Headlands. Ascend to the top of Hawk Hill and learn about its role in WWII. In 1942, army engineers began constructing a coast artillery battery to protect the entrance to the Bay. Two gun positions and underground storage areas were carved into the mountain. Designated as “Battery Construction #129,” it would be similar to Battery Townsley, located a few short miles northwest. See the site of two Nike nuclear missiles - a Cold War museum in the heart of the Marin Headlands. During the tense years of the Cold War, from 1953 to 1979, the United States Army built and operated close to 300 Nike missile sites in the United States. Visit the world’s largest marine mammal hospital to see animal care experts providing life-saving care to patients so they can be released back into the wild. Tickets are free but must be booked online in advance. A secret jewel of the Bay Area, the Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855, was the third lighthouse built on the West Coast and helped shepherd ships through the treacherous Golden Gate straits. Today, the lighthouse is still active and is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Discover Point Bonita's wild landscape, geology, and fascinating history by hiking the partially steep half-mile trail to the Point Bonita Lighthouse!

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What people are saying about Sausalito

We had a blast on this cruise! Luckily we thought to bring very warm coats, because it was FREEZING and the wind wanted to blow up over. Unfortunately the Golden Gate Bridge was so fogged in that we could barely see it (it didn't even look red!), but it was sunny and nice with a blue sky over at the Bay Bridge - typical SF weather in the fall. We were thrilled to find a bar inside with warm drinks - Irish coffee and adult (spiked) hot cocoa hit the spot!

This cruise was fantastic. Being able to see Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, the Bay Bridge, and the San Francisco waterfront so close was an awesome experience. The commentary throughout the cruise provided interesting facts about the locations and their history which added to the experience.

Family ranging from teenagers to elderly all enjoyed comfortable indoor seating as well as open-air seating on top deck. Beautiful, up-close views of the bridges, Alcatraz and the entire port of San Francisco to the back of Palace of Fine Arts and Presidio make for lovely photo op.

Informative, fun and friendly crew. They made our first day in SF so much better. I loved the presentation and smooth ride. Makes all the difference.

Enjoyed it so much, and I am a local! Will do it again soon :)