We're planning a long-weekend trip to San Francisco (not our first visit, so we've done all the "touristy" things), and we're thinking of taking the ferry over to Sausalito for lunch one day. Does anybody know how often the ferry runs? How long does it take to get from SF to Sausalito? Fare? Would appreciate any inputs.

I would check out the ferry schedule on the internet. http://www.transitinfo.org/Ferries/

Sausalito is great, but of course can be a bit touristy. There aren't as many great restaurants. The new Ondine has received good reviews and is on the water with good views.

another option if you're just going for lunch is to take a ferry to Tiburon and eat at Guayama's which has fantastic food and views.

Oh yes, take Kim's suggestion and go instead to Tiburon to Guayama's.

By all means go to Tiburon insted of Sausalito. I don't know what the fare is - since I come from the northeast I've only taken that ferry a few times over the years. But it isn't much and runs frequently. After lunch in Tiburon take the ferry (5 minutes) over to Angel Island and spend the rest of the afternoon. The last boat off of the island leaves at 5:30 so you would have a few hours to roam around before going back to Tiburon to catch the ferry back to SF. Angel Island has amazing views of the whole bay plus there are civil war baracks and other historic site and lots of wild life (the only cars on the island belong to the park rangers so it is a unique place in the Bay area)

If you are set on Sausalito, I have found the Horizons to be the best place to grab a bite to eat. Not because it is great food, but because I like the deck and the feel of the bar area etc. The deck is over the water and is a great place to have brunch or lunch and watch the boats.

Scoma's is famous in SF and also has a restaurant in Sausilito overlooking the water.

Another good view spot for drinks is the Spinaker Restaurant. You will see it as you depart the ferry. You can have dinner there, but it also has a small lounge area with a view of SF.