When picking a place to stay in Sausalito or Marin City, you’re in for a treat. These areas offer a diverse selection of hotels and bed and breakfasts. Each has its unique charm, whether nestled in the picturesque hills or near the bustling waterfront.
You’ll find destinations perfect for both relaxation and exploration, with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and convenient access to local attractions. From cozy inns to luxury hotels, the accommodations here cater to all tastes and preferences. Get ready to enjoy a memorable stay in this beautiful part of California.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Cavallo Point Lodge
When you visit Cavallo Point Lodge, you’ll find a beautiful mix of historic charm and modern luxury. Nestled in Sausalito, the lodge offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. You might enjoy the peaceful surroundings and scenic hiking trails nearby.
The lodge features elegant rooms, some with cozy fireplaces. You can treat yourself to a relaxing session at the on-site spa, where you can unwind with a massage or facial. The hotel restaurant serves delicious dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
If you’re looking for events or activities, Cavallo Point offers cooking classes, guided hikes, and photo tours. There’s always something to do, whether you prefer spirited adventures or just want to relax in a beautiful setting.
Rating: 4.7 (214 reviews)
Location: Sausalito, California
Contact: (415) 339-4700
Website: Visit Website
The Inn Above Tide
Welcome to The Inn Above Tide, a luxury retreat in Sausalito. Nestled on the picturesque San Francisco Bay, this intimate spot offers a unique stay with its panoramic views. Imagine waking up to sights of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and Angel Island right from your room. Each room boasts private decks, perfect for soaking in the stunning surroundings.
The Inn’s prime location makes it easy to explore. Just steps away, you can catch a brief ferry ride to San Francisco. If you prefer to stay local, you’re only a short stroll from charming galleries, restaurants, and shops in Sausalito. This unique hotel balances luxury with a sense of being a peaceful escape.
For those who want to venture a bit farther, the scenic vineyards of Sonoma and Napa are just a short drive away. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a relaxing retreat, The Inn Above Tide offers an experience that’s both luxurious and conveniently connected to major attractions nearby.
Rating: 4.9 (326 reviews)
Location: 30 El Portal, Sausalito, CA 94965
Contact: (415) 332-9535
Website: Visit Website
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa
You will adore Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa for its mix of history and luxury. Located on a hillside, the hotel boasts stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. It provides a relaxing atmosphere with its beautiful blend of Victorian charm and modern touches. The property is perfect for those who enjoy a calm and soothing environment.
The guest rooms are modern and offer either views of the harbor or access to a serene courtyard. Each room gives a comfortable and elegant vibe. You will enjoy the spacious and beautifully appointed interiors. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who love attention to detail and a touch of elegance.
The spa at Casa Madrona focuses on your well-being, offering a peaceful and revitalizing experience. It’s a great place to unwind with treatments that cater to both your body and mind. Events here are unforgettable, with breathtaking views and unique spaces like the historic Alexandrite Suite for weddings and gatherings.
The location is also fantastic, sitting just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito. This makes it easy to explore the best attractions in the Bay Area. You can even stroll to nearby restaurants and shops.
Rating: 4.3 (545 reviews)
Location: 801 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
Contact: (415) 332-0502
Website: Visit Website
The Gables Inn Sausalito
Nestled in the charming town of Sausalito, The Gables Inn stands out with a rich history dating back to 1869. This was Sausalito’s first hotel and captures an elegant blend of the area’s artistic and bohemian flair. It’s an ideal retreat for those looking to experience the unique charm of Sausalito.
Located just steps away from the vibrant downtown, this cozy inn offers you a perfect mix of convenience and tranquility. Many visitors find it a hidden gem with its delightful staff and exceptional rooms. The ambiance adds a special touch to your stay, making it a favorite for guests who return time and again.
If you’re planning a visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, this quaint hotel presents a fantastic base for exploring nearby attractions. The blend of history and elegance makes it a destination in itself. You are not just booking a room, but an experience.
Rating: 4.4 (138 reviews)
Location: 62 Princess St, Sausalito, CA 94965
Contact: (415) 289-1100
Website: Visit Website
Hotel Sausalito & Suites
Hotel Sausalito & Suites is a charming getaway nestled in downtown Sausalito. You’re just a stone’s throw from the excitement of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. The hotel features beautiful design with furnishings made by local artisans, giving the place a welcoming and stylish feel.
Set amid the hustle and bustle of Sausalito, this hotel offers an ideal spot for relaxation. The artwork by Napa Valley artist Kelleen Sullivan adds a unique touch to the hallways. Its location is perfect for exploring nearby attractions, including boating, biking trails, and art galleries.
The hotel includes modern comforts in its 16 luxurious rooms and suites. Though there is no on-site parking, Van Accessible parking is conveniently available nearby. If you’re arriving by ferry, it’s just a short walk to this delightful retreat.
Rating: 4.3 (162 reviews)
Location: 16 El Portal, Sausalito, CA 94965
Contact: (415) 332-0700
Website: Visit Website
Top Sausalito Hotels and Unique Stays
Sausalito’s got a mix of places to stay, from waterfront hotels to quirky old inns. It’s not a huge town, but you’ll find something with personality.
Luxury Waterfront Hotels
The Inn Above Tide is probably Sausalito’s most iconic waterfront hotel. Every room has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you get sweeping views of the bay and San Francisco. Private balconies mean you can watch ferries drift by or just take in the city lights after dark.
Cavallo Point Lodge sits right under the Golden Gate Bridge in what used to be Fort Baker. They’ve turned historic military buildings into upscale rooms, and there are new ones too if you want something more modern. There’s a spa, a cooking school, and even a Michelin-recognized restaurant—so you can pamper yourself or just eat really well.
Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa mixes up old-school Victorian style with modern comforts. It’s perched on a hillside, so the views are pretty epic, especially from the Mansion rooms or the ultra-fancy Alexandrite Suite. The building dates back to 1885, but inside it’s all updated.
Boutique Inns and Historic Properties
The Gables Inn is a restored 1869 Victorian with just 13 rooms, so it feels personal. A lot of rooms have fireplaces, and they throw in breakfast and a wine reception every evening—nice touch.
Hotel Sausalito anchors the downtown area. The current building went up in 1915 after a fire took out the original. It’s got that vintage charm but with modern perks. You’re right in the middle of things—shops, restaurants, the waterfront—all just steps away.
The old Alta Mira Hotel used to be a big deal for its views, but it’s now something else entirely. The building still stands out in town, even if you can’t book a room there anymore.
Family-Friendly and Value Options
Best Western Corte Madera is technically outside Sausalito, but it’s only a short drive away. If you need more space or want to save some cash, it’s a solid pick—bigger rooms, lower prices.
Waters Edge Hotel keeps things comfy without breaking the bank. It’s smaller and cozier than the big hotels but still gives you those great bay views.
If you’re staying longer or with family, check out vacation rentals around Sausalito. These often give you more space and a kitchen, but they book up fast, especially in peak seasons.
On a tight budget? Staying in Mill Valley or San Rafael and just day-tripping to Sausalito can save you a bundle. You’ll still get to see everything without paying waterfront prices.
Essential Amenities and Guest Experiences
Sausalito’s hotels and inns don’t just offer a bed—they throw in a bunch of thoughtful extras that make your stay more memorable.
Bay Views and Water Access
A lot of hotels here make the most of their location, offering sweeping views of San Francisco Bay or Richardson’s Bay. Some rooms even have private balconies or patios right over the water.
The Gables Inn and a few other spots put you steps from walking paths along the bay. Mornings can start with sailboats drifting by, and sunsets here? Pretty hard to beat.
Some rooms come with binoculars for boat-watching or spotting wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few hotels rent out kayaks or paddleboards so you can get out on the bay yourself.
Dining and Culinary Highlights
Sausalito’s food scene is a big draw, and many hotels get in on the action. Complimentary breakfasts often include local pastries and fresh ingredients.
At The Gables Inn, you get a buffet breakfast and an evening wine-and-cheese hour, featuring California wines. It’s a chill way to meet other travelers and sample some local flavors.
You’re never far from a good meal—restaurants like Poggio (Northern Italian) and Sushi Ran (Japanese) are close by, and The Spinnaker serves up seafood with panoramic bay views.
Some hotels even team up with local restaurants for room service or delivery, so you can eat well without leaving your room.
Parking, Services, and Accessibility
Parking in downtown Sausalito can be a pain, so on-site parking is a big plus—even if some places charge extra. It’s worth it just for the convenience.
Many hotels offer concierge services to help with ferry tickets, bike rentals, or snagging a table at a busy restaurant. Free Wi-Fi is pretty much standard, and bigger hotels have business centers if you need to get some work done.
Accessibility really depends on the property. Newer hotels usually have elevators and ADA-compliant rooms, but some of the older inns are a bit limited by their original layouts.
Most places will hold your luggage if you arrive early or want to explore after check-out. Some even offer shuttles to nearby attractions or transit stops.
Exploring the Best of Sausalito
Sausalito’s got a little bit of everything: natural beauty, art, and that whole waterfront thing. Even though it’s small, there’s a lot packed into this bayside town.
Things to Do and Local Attractions
The Golden Gate Bridge is basically the town’s backdrop. You can catch some of the best views from Bridgeway, the main drag along the water. It’s a favorite photo spot for obvious reasons.
The Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands is just a quick drive away. They rescue and rehab sea lions, seals, and other marine mammals. You can tour the place, learn about their work, and sometimes see the animals up close.
Families with little kids should check out the Bay Area Discovery Museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Fort Baker. It’s got interactive exhibits and outdoor play areas for children under 10.
If you want to walk among ancient redwoods, Muir Woods National Monument is just a short drive from town. The trails are peaceful, and you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy them.
Shopping and the Sausalito Art Festival
Bridgeway and nearby streets are lined with boutiques selling local art, cool clothes, and handmade stuff you won’t see anywhere else.
The Sausalito Art Festival happens every Labor Day weekend and is a big deal—one of the country’s oldest and most respected outdoor art events. Over 260 artists show their work, and there’s live music and food, too.
Art lovers can wander through galleries all year, checking out paintings, sculpture, and photography. Plenty of artists have studios here, so the creative streak is alive and well.
Downtown’s also got specialty shops for home décor, jewelry, and gourmet foods. Everything’s close together, so you can just stroll and browse at your own pace.
Outdoor Activities and Waterfront Adventures
Kayaking and paddleboarding are fantastic ways to get up close with Sausalito’s shoreline. You’ll find a handful of rental shops along the waterfront—most will happily set you up with gear and show you the basics if you’re new to it.
Schoonmaker Beach sits tucked away with soft sand and calm water, ideal for swimming or just stretching out in the sun. The views? Absolutely lovely, and honestly, it’s a lot more mellow than those wind-whipped Bay Area beaches everyone warns you about.
Bicycle rentals make it easy to cruise along the waterfront or pedal out to nearby spots. Plenty of folks ride over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, then skip the uphill ride back by catching the ferry.
And about that Sausalito Ferry—it runs pretty regularly to San Francisco. The trip takes about half an hour and, honestly, the views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline are worth it even if you’re not in a rush to get anywhere. Some people hop aboard just for the ride.
If you’re itching for a hike, the Marin Headlands aren’t far. The trails there wind up into the hills and, if you’re willing to work for it, the sweeping views of the ocean, bay, and Golden Gate Bridge are something you won’t forget.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Marin County Bed & Breakfasts
Marin County Boutique Hotels
Marin County Budget Lodging
Marin County Hotels
Marin County Motels
Marin County Vacation Homes
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
