Located in Marin County, this former fishing village on San Francisco Bay at the northern end of the Golden Gate Bridge is a favorite place for excursions. It is named after the region's first ranch, Rancho Saucelito. This was the spelling of Sausalito in vogue until 1900; the Spanish word "sauce" means willow, and "saucelito" is a small grove of willow trees, for which you will search in vain today. Originally it was a port for whale-hunters and other trading ships.
The numerous house-boats which line the harbor today have become the symbol of Sausalito.
The narrow streets, full of little corners and some linked to others by wooden steps, have added to the appeal of Sausalito. Today it is inhabited mainly by commuters from San Francisco. In the upper parts of the town away from the hustle and bustle, a number of artists have settled by the bay. Their work is displayed in the numerous galleries. Most of the shops are on Bridgeway and in Princess Street.
From Sausalito there is a fine view of San Francisco; an impressive scene is when thick mist envelopes the city early in the morning, while Sausalito is enjoying bright sunshine, and only the tips of the skyscrapers can be seen.
Visitors may be interested to learn that it was in Sausalito that a number of moves towards healthier living started, such as holding a national "No Smoking Day". The town council has now decided to make it the first cholesterol-free town in the USA, and in so doing is in competition with Palm Springs. The latter can in fact boast more restaurants offering fat-free food.
Two attractions that you may want to take advantage of while in Sausalito are the Bay Model and the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The Bay Model is actually a hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding area, complete with tides. The model is huge, covering 1.5 acres, that gives an incredible over view of the area. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a great place to take children, even toddlers, if you are looking for a family outing.
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Sausalito
