Local Cruising Guide: Sail to Sausalito | Modern Sailing

Local Cruising Guide: Sail to Sausalito

Attention Berkeley sailors! Ready for an unforgettable 1 or 2-day Bay adventure? Set sail for Sausalito and see why about a million tourists flock there annually. Immerse yourself in Sausalito's must-see attractions, vibrant cultural events, and unique dining experiences. In this article, learn how easy and fun it is to explore one of the Bay Area's most charming destinations!

As a Modern Sailing member departing from Berkeley, you can dock at our Sausalito location for the day or even stay overnight. We have a couple of dock slips available on a first-come, first-served basis. It's easy - just call our office at (415) 331-8250 in advance to make a reservation.

If you opt to stay overnight, remember that you will receive a Multi-Day Charter Discount. It's 10% off your total charter rate when you charter for two consecutive days, or 15% off for three or more consecutive days. Prepare to make your stay aboard comfortable for you and your crew by checking out these Multi-Day Charter Tips

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Sausalito Attractions

While you're in Sausalito, check out the historic downtown which is renowned for its boutiques, galleries, and exciting restaurants, or stroll along the waterfront taking in the majestic views of the San Francisco city front.


Tour our next-door neighbor, the Bay Model, a working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta river systems. Visit the Marine Mammal Center to see a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rescue hundreds of marine mammals every year. You can Uber, walk, or bicycle to get around. It's easy to access any of Sausalito's charms by bicycle in a single day - Sausalito Bike Rentals will even deliver wheels to your location!

Discover More Sausalito Attractions at VisitSausalito.org

Events in Sausalito

Jazz and Blues by the Bay is a live summer concert series featuring talented local performers in Gabrielson Park every Friday evening through September 13. See event, parking, and seating information and the 2024 lineup of live performers. You can dock at Modern Sailing and go via land, or pick up an SYC mooring ball to experience a concert from the water.

Music and Mariners Concerts: Folk Cabaret! At Spaulding Marine Center on August 17, experience an evening of Wooden Boat and Sultry Folk/Jazz melodies from around the world. From Bossa Nova and misty Basque mountain melodies to 1960’s Greek Taverna Songs, Sephardic lullabies, Jazz Manouche, and more, this concert will carry listeners across vast oceans; exploring the deep connections between music, boats and foldaways.  Learn More / Buy Tickets.

The Spaulding Marine Center, within walking distance of Modern Sailing, is a working maritime museum and educational center that frequently hosts nautical and maritime-themed events. See Current Offerings.

The Sausalito Boat Show, October 4 to 6, within walking distance from Modern at Clipper Yacht Harbor, is a vibrant celebration of the boating lifestyle. Discover an expanded showcase of sailboats, powerboats, and more, along with top brands, engaging seminars, local cuisine, live music, and fun for the whole family. Immerse yourself in Sausalito's rich maritime culture and experience this must-see waterfront event. Learn More / Buy Tickets.

Toast to Sausalito, October 19 on Caledonia Street, features a beer, wine, and spirits festival, multiple artist competitions, local vendors and merchants, musical acts, and an interactive stage with a variety of performances. This event is free to attend, but you must purchase a wristband to sample the spirits. Learn More.

See More Sausalito Events on the Sausalito.gov Parks and Recreation Website 

Sausalito Restaurants

Sausalito also offers a wide range of great cafes and restaurants, from deli-style counter ordering and casual family restaurants to upscale fine dining. We recommend that you read reviews on Google or Trip Advisor and check restaurant websites to see menus and find out if reservations are recommended or required. Or, take an Uber downtown and roam Sausalito's charming streets to spontaneously pick an appealing place to eat. Explore Bridgeway (Sausalito's main street) and Caledonia Street (which is a block west of Bridgeway and begins and ends at San Carlos Avenue and Napa Street) and you'll discover many unique and lively local restaurants and bars.

It's impossible for us to list all of the fabulous establishments in the area, but here are just a few, grouped by cuisine and listed in alphabetic order.

Breakfast and Lunch

Anchorage 5 Cafe - 475 Gate 5 Road, Mexican/American, casual diner, within walking distance of Modern Sailing
Fred's Coffee Shop - 1917 Bridgeway
Lighthouse Breakfast & Lunch - 1311 Bridgeway
Molly Stone's - 100 Harbor Drive, grocery store with deli, salad bar, and hot breakfast/lunch/dinner buffet, within walking distance of Modern Sailing
Sausalito Bakery & Cafe - 571 Bridgeway

European: Italian / French

Angelino Restaurant - 621 Bridgeway, Southern Italian
Bar Bocce - 1250 Bridgeway, pizza, Italian/American, waterfront
Le Garage - 85 Liberty Ship Way - French, waterfront, with walking distance of Modern
Poggio Trattoria - 777 Bridgeway, Northern Italian
Sausalito Seahorse - 305 Harbor Drive, Italian/American, within walking distance from Modern
Taste of Rome - 1001 Bridgeway - Italian/American, pizza, casual, order and pay at the counter
Venice Gourmet - 625 Bridgeway - casual, deli, sandwiches, salads

Eastern: Indian / Asian

Arawan Thai Restaurant - 47 Caledonia Street
Avatar's - 2656 Bridgeway - within walking distance of Modern
Kitti's Place - 3001 Bridgeway - Thai, within walking distance
Sartaj Indian Cafe - 43 Caledonia Street, limited seating, authentic Indian
Sushi Ran - 107 Caledonia Street
Tommy's Wok - 3005 Bridgeway - Chinese, Cantonese, Szechuan, Hong Kong

Western: American / Southwest / Mexican

Copita Tequileria y Comida - 739 Bridgeway
Sausalito Taco Shop - 1115 Bridgeway
Saylor's Restaurant & Bar - 2009 Bridgeway
The Joinery - 300 Turney Street, gastropub, casual dining, waterfront
The Trident Restaurant - 558 Bridgeway - upscale/fine dining, waterfront

Seafood / Surf & Turf

Fish Restaurant - 350 Harbor Drive - American, seafood, grill, within walking distance of Modern, order at the counter
Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib - 1200 Bridgeway
Seafood Peddler - 303 Johnson Street, casual/fine dining
Scoma's of Sausalito - 588 Bridgeway
Sushi Ran - 107 Caledonia Street
The Spinnaker - 100 Spinnaker Drive, upscale/fine dining, waterfront 

Navigation Directions to Modern Sailing Sausalito from the Central Bay

Our Member Resources article How To Find Your Way Back to Harbor in the Dark or Fog includes a bonus section describing how to navigate to Sausalito from the Central Bay

 

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Testimonials

  • Alisa Driscoll, Dual Site Member

    Here are some snaps of Our Saturday, August 20, 2022 Modern Sailing Expedition with Captain Robert Bivin, who was outstanding. Please convey photos and thanks to him. He is an outstanding individual, leader and sailing instructor. His knowledge and experience made us all feel safe and our Farallones Day Trip educational and just amazing. 

    Alisa Driscoll
  • Danny Collins

    The office staff was very accommodating in meeting my availability.

  • John Kipping

    The meeting room was quite adequate and the location most convenient, but the course outline and instruction were outstanding. Modern Sailing is fortunate to have such a well organized instructor in Mr. Stan Lander who teaches very well from a rich professional background. Mr. Lander was generous with his time and patiently in helping students who needed more attention or time in understanding various aspects of the curriculum.

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Modern Sailing School & Club

Contact Us

Modern Sailing School & Club

Sausalito Location
2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

Berkeley Location
1 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710
(415) 331-8250
(800) 995-1668

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