Sausalito

This colorful city has a charming laidback nautical feel in comparison to neighboring San Francisco.

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Welcome to Sausalito, California

Sausalito is one of the most enchanting and visually stunning waterfront towns in the Bay Area—a hillside haven known for its sweeping views, Mediterranean vibe, artistic community and relaxed coastal sophistication. Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito offers a lifestyle that feels worlds away, with colorful houseboats, boutique-lined streets, waterfront restaurants and quiet residential enclaves nestled into the hills. Whether you're drawn to its creative energy, breathtaking vistas or seaside charm, Sausalito is a truly magical place to call home.

What to Love

Sausalito captivates with beauty, culture and an effortless, laid-back elegance.

Highlights include:

  • Spectacular views of San Francisco, Angel Island, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate

  • Mediterranean-style hillside homes and charming houseboat communities

  • A vibrant arts scene with galleries, studios and public art

  • Waterfront dining with unbeatable sunset views

  • Easy access to outdoor recreation—hiking, biking, kayaking and sailing

  • Quick commute to San Francisco via ferry or the Golden Gate Bridge

  • A peaceful, scenic lifestyle with a friendly, eclectic community

Local Lifestyle in Sausalito

Life in Sausalito blends creativity, relaxation and coastal luxury. Mornings begin with fog drifting over the bay or coffee along Bridgeway. Days are filled with waterfront strolls, bike rides along the Bay Trail, visits to art studios or time spent kayaking in the harbor. Evenings often end with wine on a deck overlooking the city skyline or dinner at a waterfront restaurant.

Sausalito appeals to:

  • Artists and creatives

  • Professionals commuting to San Francisco

  • Boating and outdoor enthusiasts

  • Retirees seeking beauty and calm

  • Anyone who loves a colorful, quirky, scenic coastal town

The lifestyle is peaceful yet culturally rich.

Waterfront Living & Bay Views

Sausalito is known for its dramatic geography and seaside layout.

Residents enjoy:

  • Houseboat living in iconic floating-home communities

  • Hilltop estates with panoramic views

  • Waterfront condos and modern architectural homes

  • Easy access to marinas and sailing culture

  • Endless vistas of the bay, skyline and surrounding hills

The views alone make everyday life feel extraordinary.

Things to Do in Sausalito

Sausalito is filled with outdoor adventure, arts, culture and coastal fun.

Outdoor & Waterfront Recreation

  • Bay Trail – perfect for walking, biking and taking in the scenery

  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding – explore the bay, harbors and wildlife

  • Sailing & Boating – through local marinas and yacht clubs

  • Marin Headlands – world-famous hiking, beaches and lookout points

  • Rodeo Beach – a serene oceanside escape just minutes away

Arts, Culture & Shopping

Sausalito’s artistic identity runs deep.

  • Art galleries and studios throughout the waterfront

  • ICB Art Studios – one of the largest artist collectives in the Bay Area

  • Sausalito Art Festival – internationally renowned (seasonal)

  • Boutique shopping along Bridgeway and Caledonia Street

  • Public art installations and sculptures

Dining & Nightlife

Sausalito offers exceptional dining with breathtaking views.

Local favorites include:

  • Scoma’s Sausalito – classic seafood on the water

  • Barrel House Tavern – modern American coastal cuisine

  • The Spinnaker – panoramic bay-view dining

  • Salito’s – crab, steak and waterfront ambiance

  • Le Garage – French bistro tucked beside the marina

  • Arawan Thai and Café Tutti for casual favorites

Schools in Sausalito

Sausalito is served by the Sausalito Marin City School District and the Tamalpais Union High School District, as well as nearby independent schools.

Local schools include:

  • Bayside Martin Luther King Jr. Academy (K–8)

  • Tamalpais High School – a top-rated district high school in Mill Valley

Nearby private options include:

  • The New Village School (Sausalito)

  • Marin Country Day School

  • Marin Montessori School

Families appreciate the close-knit atmosphere and scenic, nurturing environment.

Walkability & Transportation

Sausalito is one of the most walkable and commuter-friendly towns in Marin.

Transportation benefits:

  • Golden Gate Ferry to downtown San Francisco

  • Quick access to the Golden Gate Bridge for drivers

  • Walkable waterfront with shops, restaurants and parks

  • Extensive bike paths connecting to San Francisco and Marin

  • Local bus routes and shuttles

Its proximity to the city makes it ideal for those who want peaceful living with urban convenience.

History & Culture

Sausalito’s history is rich and varied—from its early Native American roots to its days as a maritime hub and later a haven for artists and bohemians.

Cultural hallmarks:

  • WWII shipbuilding heritage

  • 1960s houseboat renaissance, cultivating a counterculture art community

  • Preservation of historic districts and floating-home architecture

  • A long-standing identity as a creative, relaxed and scenic sanctuary

Sausalito has always attracted free spirits, visionaries and those inspired by nature.

Homes in Sausalito

Sausalito’s real estate ranges from houseboats to multi-million-dollar hillside estates, all shaped by its dramatic terrain and coastal environment.

Popular property types include:

Hillside Homes & Luxury View Estates

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows

  • Expansive decks and terraces

  • Panoramic views of the bay and skyline

  • Modern, architectural designs

Floating Homes & Houseboats

One of Sausalito’s most iconic living styles:

  • Unique, artistic design

  • Direct access to the bay

  • Tight-knit, creative communities

Waterfront Condos & Modern Residences

  • Walkability to downtown

  • Luxury amenities and stylish finishes

Mid-Century & Updated Classics

  • Charming, character-rich homes updated for modern living

Housing Market Trends

Sausalito remains one of Marin County’s most desirable and competitive markets.

Key trends include:

  • Strong demand for waterfront and view properties

  • Limited inventory due to geographic constraints

  • High pricing driven by location, scenery and proximity to San Francisco

  • Steady long-term appreciation

  • Strong rental demand for scenic homes

Whether hillside or houseboat, properties here are highly sought after.

Popular Areas in Sausalito

  • Old Town / Downtown Sausalito – walkable, vibrant and waterfront

  • New Town – hillside residences with spectacular views

  • Floating Home Community – artistic, eclectic and iconic

  • Hurricane Gulch – charming homes tucked into unique geography

  • Caledonia Street District – local shops, cafés and neighborhood vibe

Each area offers its own slice of Sausalito’s coastal magic.

Buying or Selling in Sausalito

With its unparalleled views, vibrant arts culture and proximity to San Francisco, Sausalito is one of the most extraordinary places to live in Northern California. Buyers love its serene beauty, unique homes and outdoor lifestyle. Sellers benefit from strong demand and the enduring prestige of Sausalito real estate.

Whether you're dreaming of a hillside home overlooking the bay, a charming floating residence or a modern coastal retreat, Sausalito delivers a lifestyle that is scenic, sophisticated and truly unforgettable.

Overview for Sausalito, CA

7,171 people live in Sausalito, where the median age is 55.8 and the average individual income is $141,034. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

7,171

Total Population

55.8 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$141,034

Average individual Income

Around Sausalito, CA

There's plenty to do around Sausalito, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

72
Very Walkable
Walking Score
45
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Mon Rêve Chocolate Art Studio.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 4.23 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Sausalito, CA

Sausalito has 4,111 households, with an average household size of 1.74. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Sausalito do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 7,171 people call Sausalito home. The population density is 4,065.17 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

7,171

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

55.8

Median Age

42.5 / 57.5%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

  • Less Than 9th Grade
  • High School Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Graduate Degree
4,111

Total Households

1.74

Average Household Size

$141,034

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married
Single
Divorced
Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes
15 to 29 Minutes
30 to 59 Minutes
60+ Minutes

Schools in Sausalito, CA

All ()
Primary Schools ()
Middle Schools ()
High Schools ()
Mixed Schools ()
The following schools are within or nearby Sausalito. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Type
Name
Category
Grades
School rating
A hillside town with colorful houses overlooks a bay filled with sailboats under a clear blue sky.

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