Hi All,

We will be in San Francisco from May 10-14 and thought it would be a good idea to visit Sausalito while we are here since we've heard good things about it.

Question: I've seen ads for bus tours and I've got a feeling that they will take us there and give us a couple of hours to spend sightseeing. That wouldn't work for us since we'd like to spend at least half a day there. Would it make more sense to drive? Would we have trouble finding places to park there?

I've heard something about taking a ferry....is a car absolutely necessary in order to take it? Could we take a bus to the pier where the ferry is located then simply board it? What would the ferry ride cost and how can I find out more info about it?

Now...regarding Sausalito....what are the must-sees while we're there?

TIA...for tolerating these silly questions....I just want to make sure that I'm fully educated before we leave. \/

We took the ferry from the Ferry Building Marketplace. The ferry ride was the highlight of our trip.

You can walk around Sausalito, visit the shops, and eat in one of their restaurants, then take the ferry back. A car is not necessary.

Thanks, Budman! How much did the ferry cost and did you have to make a reservation prior to boarding?

I don't remember the cost but I walked up and boarded without a reservation. The view of the SFO skyline from the ferry is superb.

Here's the website. The Ferry building is kinda neat to walk around in with all the shops.

We had lunch at a Thai restaurant in Sausalito. As you get off the ferry, it is off to the right.

http://www.goldengateferry.org/servi...rs/escape.html

You're the BEST!

Dear Renee,
If you can time your trip back to San Francisco from Sausalito so that you are on a ferry late afternoon to sundown, do so. The lights coming on and the twilight views of the bridges will enchant you.

The ferry costs around $3-$5, I think. It's probably easier than taking a car, and a tour sounds completely unnecessary to me.

Another option people seem to enjoy is renting bikes, probably from Fisherman's Wharf area, then riding along the water, over the GG bridge, and into Sausalito. You can take the ferry back to SF with the bikes. I've never done it, but it's popular enough that you should be able to do it if you're in average shape.

Just to support the info you've gotten, absolutely take the ferry. You don't need a tour. Getting out on the Bay is a must for any visit to SF because the views are so great. These are just passenger ferries, no cars. Bikes are welcome though. If you're interested in renting a bike, check out www.blazingsaddles.com If you're up to it you can ride to Sausalito and bike back.

Pop up to the Equinox Room, the revolving bar at the Hyatt Embacadero for a drink. It takes about as long to drink one drink as it takes to make a full revolution. Also, the Cable Car in front of the hotel never has a line.

Have a great visit!

The ferry to Sausalito is a commuter ferry, taking people back and forth from SF to Marin. You don't need reservations, it runs on a schedule but it's like catching a bus. Just remember it does not leave from Fisherman's Wharf like the tour boats, but from the Ferry Building which is at the foot of Market Street.

Proof once again that Fodor's members are fantastic! Thanks so much, guys!!