Local Cruising Guide: Sail to Sausalito | Modern Sailing

Local Cruising Guide: Sail to Sausalito

Ready for an unforgettable 1or 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.

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

ASA 116 certified? Make the most of your adventures when you add a dinghy and/or outboard motor to your charter on specific vessels. 

CONTENTS

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!

August 29, 2025: Mornings on 2 broadcast live from Sausalito on their KTVU Zip Trips where they feature a local bay area town. Our very own President/CEO, Leigh Hunt, was interviewed on how we balance the needs of our locals and the visitors who come to love our slice of heaven and waterfront. Watch the video here:

 

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 mid-September. See event, parking, and seating information and the 2026 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.

Sausalito Crab Festival, at the Clipper Yacht Harbor with delicious food from Fish or take home oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co. All ticket proceeds support the Sausalito Sustainable Waterfront Association (SSWA) and its mission to protect and grow Sausalito’s working waterfront, including the Marinship’s marinas, maritime services, and the commercial fishing fleet. 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, in September, in the same harbor as Modern Sailing Sausalito's coming location 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, in October 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, Kayak, Marin Magazine, Yelp, or Trip Advisor and check restaurant websites to see menus and find out if reservations are recommended or required. Or, take a ride share 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 Marina Plaza.
Fred's Coffee Shop - 1917 Bridgeway.
Lighthouse Breakfast & Lunch - 1311 Bridgeway.
Sausalito Bakery & Cafe - 571 Bridgeway.

European: Italian / French
Angelino Restaurant - 621 Bridgeway: Southern Italian.
Bar Bocce - 1250 Bridgeway: Pizza, Italian/American, waterfront.
Cultivar Sausalito - 690 Bridgeway: NEW. Farm-to-table, Napa-inspired wine bar and wood-fired kitchen. Downtown waterfront.
Le Garage - 85 Liberty Ship Way: French, waterfront. Directly adjacent to our new Clipper Yacht Harbor facilities.
Poggio Trattoria - 777 Bridgeway: Northern Italian.
Sausalito Seahorse - 305 Harbor Drive: Italian/American. Walking distance from both Marina Plaza and Clipper.
Suzette Café & Bistro - 633 Bridgeway: French, waterfront serving brunch & dinner.
Taste of Rome - 1001 Bridgeway: Italian/American, casual counter service.
Venice Gourmet - 625 Bridgeway: Classic casual deli, sandwiches, and salads.

Eastern: Indian / Asian
Arawan Thai Restaurant - 47 Caledonia Street.
Avatar's - 2656 Bridgeway: Within walking distance of Marina Plaza.
Kitti's Place - 3001 Bridgeway: Thai. Within walking distance of Marina Plaza.
Sartaj Indian Cafe - 43 Caledonia Street: Authentic Indian, cozy seating.
Sushi Ran - 107 Caledonia Street: Award-winning Japanese.
Thai Tanic Streetfood - 1001 Bridgeway, Ste B1.
Tommy's Wok - 3005 Bridgeway: Chinese/Cantonese. Within walking distance of Marina Plaza.

Western: American / Southwest / Mexican
Copita Tequileria y Comida - 739 Bridgeway.
Sausalito Taco Shop - 1115 Bridgeway.
The Joinery - 300 Turney Street: Gastropub, casual waterfront dining.
Zalta Mediterranean - 39 Caledonia St: NEW. Fresh, modern Mediterranean in the heart of downtown.

Seafood / Surf & Turf
Fish - 350 Harbor Drive: Sustainable seafood, grill, and fresh fish market. Directly adjacent to our new Clipper Yacht Harbor facilities.
Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib - 1200 Bridgeway.
Seafood Peddler - 303 Johnson Street: Casual/fine dining.
Scoma's of Sausalito - 588 Bridgeway: Iconic waterfront seafood.
The Spinnaker - 100 Spinnaker Drive: Upscale/fine dining, panoramic waterfront views.

Markets & Specialty Provisions
Molly Stone's - 100 Harbor Drive: Grocery store with deli, salad bar, and hot buffet. Walking distance from both Marina Plaza and Clipper.
Sausalito Farmers' Market (Dunphy Park): Held every Sunday. Perfect for picking up organic produce, local cheeses, and sourdough before a midday sail. Walking distance from Marina Plaza.
Golden Gate Market: 221 Bridgeway. A classic local deli and grocery at the south end of town. Great for high-end wine selections and "Old Sausalito" vibes.
Drivers Market: 200 Hammond Ave. A certified B-Corp organic grocery store. If members are looking for health-conscious, non-GMO, or vegan provisioning, this is the spot. Walking distance from Marina Plaza.


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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  • Andrew Goble, San Francisco

    It has been wonderful sailing with MSC over the years. Please extend my thanks to the owners, management, and staff for unrequited professionalism and high standards in a charter fleet. I have sailed with several in my years and none nearly hold a candle to the quality of business and staff at Modern Sailing.

  • John Boynton

    The class was terrific. I know you must get many compliments about your sailing instructors...But I must tell you that Robert is outstanding. Having taught SCUBA, I really appreciate the way he is so sensitive to all on board, dealing with each so well, knowing quickly their strengths and weaknesses making each feel special and cared for.

  • Warren Leiden, Member

    I try to get out on the water every week: out the Gate, around Angel, up Raccoon - I love it all. After 18 years as a member of OCSC in Berkeley, I learned to sail the bigger boats at Modern by taking ASA 103 and 104. My ASA 104 instructor Dave Russell was terrific. Also, Captain Bill Moreland has been very generous in giving informal advice whenever I’ve asked him. Thanks to Bill, I no longer have any anxiety about docking!

  • Jessica Zittere, Member

    The Full Moon Sail with Skipper Bob Gutsgell was Ah-Mayzing!! The group dynamic was lovely and the views spectacular. I can't say enough good things about the experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful Club Sails, they are really great.

  • Emma & George Stubbs, Sausalito

    We just took our ASA 106 at a school in Rhode Island as we prepare for 6 months of cruising in the Caribbean. The class was great, but more than anything it made us really appreciate the quality of teaching and rigor at Modern Sailing. Even though we were the newest to sailing, the group seemed to think that we had the best fundamentals. We felt very well prepared and we see why Modern Sailing has the reputation it does.

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Modern Sailing School & Club

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

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

Map / Directions