Guest Author - Louise Aiello
A fabulous waterfront walkway, fine dining, and views of the San Francisco Bay, make Sausilito the perfect romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day. Whether you stay overnight or only through dinner, it’s the perfect place to spend with someone special.
Sausalito has the highest concentration of marinas and boats in all of Northern California. Besides yachts and sail boats, Sausalito's marina is also home to one of the oldest houseboat communities in California. Over 400 houseboats rest in the Sausilito marinas ranging from giant multi-level structures to simple cottages; taking the houseboat tour is a fun way to spend a few hours.
If you and your loved one are more adventurous, you can take to the waters. Those with sailing experience can rent sailboats of varying lengths for enjoying the protected waters of Richardson Bay or heading across Raccoon Strait to Angel Island. Or, you can rent a kayak for a more leisurely exploration of the area; no experience is necessary for the sit-on-top kayaks.
Before heading out, stop by one of the numerous epicurean shops in downtown Sausilito to pick up lunch.
For those who prefer staying on land, a bicycle ride or walk over the hillside road along the water to Cavallo Point and Fort Baker offers spectacular vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge. What could be more romantic than enjoying your picnic on the lawn looking out onto the San Francisco Bay? After lunch you can wander the hillside trails shaded by the willow trees for which Sausilito was named (saucelito in Spanish means small willow).
If you want to give your Valentine something out of the ordinary, try a Segeway Tour. Sausilito’s Electric Tour Company offers guided tours on these little one person scooters during which you can discover the town’s many parks and historic sites.
For a particularly romantic dinner go to the Spinnaker for a sunset meal. Its floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, Angel and Alcatraz Islands and the Oakland-San Francisco Bay Bridge.
Cap off your Valentine’s evening at the famous No Name Bar where you’ll find live jazz and local musicians almost every night of the week.
End Valentine’s Day with an overnight stay at the historic Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa. Nestled in the lush hillside overlooking Sausilito and the water, the hotel easily blends vintage architecture with modern hospitality. Brick-laid paths, adorned with flowers and fountains, and cozy rooms lit by fireplaces and complimented with private balconies create a perfect setting for romance.
Activities and sites above were visited anonymously, paid for personnally, and not compensated for the visit or review.
