City Guide: Sausalito, California

When talking with San Francisco natives about Sausalito, they speak of the town as a distant, foreign land. Although the two cities are only separated by a few miles, the mindsets of the locals couldn't be more different. Most travellers know Sausalito for saltwater taffy and tourist tat; it's the place you roll into after cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge, where Otis Redding wrote "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay". The nautical town emulates the French Riviera, where fishermen rub shoulders with yacht owners and dog walkers. Thanks to an incredible dining scene and impressive "Frisco Bay" views, perhaps it's time to flip the standard order and consider Sausalito as a base from which to explore San Francisco's buzz.

hotel

Casa Madrona

Sausalito, United States

The shape of the town of Sausalito is a slither following the main road, Bridgeway, and the baby-blue Casa Madrona hotel sits right in the centre overlooking the water. A maritime theme continues throughout the hotel with navy armchairs and crisp, white walls. The complex is made up of several large rooms and self-catering apartments slotting in, above and next to each other up the hillside; it’s wonderfully private and peaceful. The spacious room includes a kitchen, dining table and even an office – but forget any chance of work, it’s far too easy to become mesmerised by the sway of the boats. There is no hotel restaurant, but downstairs Poggio offers Italian food and hearty breakfast options. Whether it’s baked eggs or fruit scones, croissants or homemade granola, the sea air is a delicious accompaniment.

Address

801 Bridgeway CA 94965