Photo: Brian Barg
Photo: Rebecca Aires
Photo: Poojitha Srikante
Sausalito Boardwalk
★4.8(412 reviews)FreeActivity
🕑 1-2 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy watching boats and sea lions from the safety of strollers, while older kids (6+) can walk independently and appreciate the views, wildlife spotting, and opportunities to read about the colorful houseboats.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
About
The Sausalito Boardwalk offers families a relaxed waterfront experience with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Kids love spotting playful sea lions, exploring the unique houseboats bobbing in the marina, and watching sailboats glide by while enjoying an easy, stroller-friendly walk along the scenic promenade.
Highlights
- ✓Spotting sea lions basking on floating docks near the marina
- ✓Viewing the iconic San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge from across the bay
- ✓Exploring the colorful, quirky houseboats and reading about their unique history
- ✓Watching sailboats, ferries, and kayakers navigate the bay waters
- ✓Easy, flat walking path perfect for scooters, bikes, and strollers
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (8-10am) on weekdays to avoid tourist crowds and secure easier street parking along Bridgeway Boulevard.
- 2.Bring binoculars for kids to spot sea lions lounging on the docks and identify boats in the marina,it adds an interactive element to the walk.
- 3.The boardwalk is completely stroller and wheelchair accessible with wide, flat pathways, making it ideal for families with little ones.
- 4.Stop at the public restrooms located at the adjacent plaza area before starting your walk, as facilities are limited along the route.
- 5.Combine your visit with a stop at nearby Gabrielson Park, which has a small playground perfect for burning off energy after the stroll.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid peak tourist hours. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather, while summer can be surprisingly chilly and foggy,the famous Sausalito micro-climate means layering is essential year-round.
What to Know
The boardwalk is free to visit with metered street parking available along Bridgeway ($2-3/hour). Several family-friendly cafes and ice cream shops line the route, and public restrooms are available near the main plaza area.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but dress in layers regardless of season as Sausalito experiences cooler temperatures and fog even in summer. Winter months (December-February) may have rain, so check weather before visiting. Sea lion sightings are most common in fall and winter months.
Nearby Eats
Lappert's Ice Cream is a boardwalk favorite with kid-friendly flavors just steps away. For a sit-down meal, Lighthouse Cafe offers casual dining with a kids' menu and harbor views that keep children entertained.
More Activities Near Sausalito
Activity
Sausalito
★4.2$❤️23
The Sausalito ferry offers one of the Bay Area's most magical family adventures - a scenic voyage across San Francisco Bay where kids can spot playful dolphins, watch seabirds soar alongside the boat, and sail directly under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This 30-minute journey transforms simple transportation into an unforgettable experience, with open-air decks perfect for little explorers and comfortable indoor seating when you need a break.
Park
Dunphy Park
Free
Dunphy Park is a waterfront gem in Sausalito that combines classic playground fun with breathtaking Golden Gate Bridge views. This compact but well-equipped park offers the perfect blend of active play for kids and stunning scenery for parents, making it an ideal stop when exploring Marin County with the family.
Park
Gabrielson Park
Free
Gabrielson Park is a beloved hillside neighborhood gem in Sausalito that offers families a peaceful retreat with stunning views and classic park amenities. This local favorite features a well-maintained playground, basketball court, and plenty of grassy areas for picnicking, making it an ideal spot for families seeking a low-key outdoor adventure away from the tourist crowds.
Park
Marinship Way
Free
Marinship Way offers families a refreshing waterfront escape with stunning San Francisco Bay views and plenty of room for kids to run and play. This peaceful park along Sausalito's historic shipyard district features grassy open spaces perfect for frisbee and kites, scenic walking paths ideal for strollers and bikes, and shaded picnic areas where families can relax while watching sailboats glide by.