'California's Italian Riviera' Is A Stunning Bayside City Just Outside Of San Francisco

The Italian Riviera in northern Italy is well known for its opulent architecture, fine cuisine, and perfect weather. Despite being nearly 6,000 miles away, you'll find sights reminiscent of Liguria and the Italian Riviera on the California coast in Sausalito, California. Located just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, minutes outside of San Francisco, Sausalito has developed into the centerpiece of "California's Italian Riviera," with vibrant colors along the waterfront, breathtaking sights, and award-winning Italian restaurants. You may even forget you're just outside of busy San Francisco until you look up and see gorgeous views of the city's financial center.

Like Italy's coastline, Sausalito is widely known for its maritime past. It slowly developed in the 19th century due to being difficult to reach, but by the late 1800s, the city became a retreat for the wealthy from San Francisco, before developing into a cosmopolitan, working-class city of European merchants, Chinese fishermen, and Portuguese shipbuilders. Until the Golden Gate Bridge was built, visitors and residents hopped on ferries or trains to reach the sleepy city, which transformed into a shipbuilding hub for the Second World War. Later, musicians, artists, and authors, including Shel Silverstein, Alan Watts, and Otis Redding, moved to the city, adding their touches and developing Sausalito into an eclectic arts center in the Bay Area.

From San Francisco, Sausalito is reachable by car, bus, bicycle, or ferry. For a scenic half-hour trip, hop on the Golden Gate Ferry, leaving from the city's ferry terminal or the Blue & Gold Fleet at Pier 41. Bikes are allowed on board, though you should arrive early to ensure space.

From views of its stunning cliffs to the restaurants serving authentic cuisine, Sausalito's waterfront evokes scenes of the Italian Riviera's stunning Cinque Terre. Along the Bridgeway Promenade, you'll find parks, shops and boutiques, and fine dining; take your time as you head south to Sausalito's historic Old Town neighborhood, wrapping yourself in the charming environment along the way. If you have the energy, press on another mile to underrated Fort Baker, where you'll get some of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco, one of the most beautiful cities in the U.S., according to visitors. For those who'd prefer to take in scenes of the bay from the water, Sea Trek provides paddleboard and kayak rentals, tours, and lessons. For optimal weather on the water, late summer and early fall are the best times of year.

San Francisco's "Little Italy" is known as one of the best destinations in the country for authentic flavors of Europe, but they don't stop there. Home-cooked meals and Italian heritage continue north to Sausalito, which has authentic Italian eateries, from the cuisine to the setting. Scoma's of Sausalito is noteworthy, not only for its spectacular views, but also for its popular (it's the top-rated restaurant in Sausalito on Tripadvisor) Mediterranean cuisine and sustainably caught seafood and shellfish. Poggio Trattoria's menu features Northern Italian cuisine and has a wide range of pizzas and pastas in a comfortable environment. The restaurant has been awarded a Diners' Choice badge on OpenTable and a Bib Gourmand from Michelin. If you've saved room for dessert, head over to Lappert's for a taste of Hawaiian ice cream or an evening coffee.

Similar to the Italian Riviera, Sausalito prominently displays its local arts scene for the public eye, which combines the city's nautical history and beatnik edge with a modern twist. After World War II, the city's shipyard and surplus ships were converted into a floating neighborhood at Waldo Point Harbor that evolved into a community of about 400 unique floating homes (what locals prefer over the term "houseboats"). If you are visiting, please be respectful of the residents' privacy and property while walking around the docks. For visitors with a deep interest, guided walking tours with a local community member are available, such as the Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour.

To get more insight into the city's nautical past, visit the Spaulding Marine Center and take a walk around the boatyard, museum, and library, open during the week from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Next door, the city's Industrial Center Building (locally called "the ICB") is a buzzing hub of creativity that opens for public events and private showings.

Despite being a small city of 7,000 and a popular spot for day trips, Sausalito has a handful of historic hotels with European charm and stunning views on the boardwalk, including the Victorian-inspired Casa Madrona Hotel and the French Riviera-inspired Hotel Sausalito. For a more contemporary stay, consider The Inn Above Tide on the waterfront. All three hotels have hundreds of four- and five-star reviews on Google Maps. After spending a day or a weekend in Sausalito, you may be inspired to visit Italy. If you're so inclined, here are some of the country's top tourist attractions to plan your trip. Buon viaggio!