If you had a choice to select one location to visit by ferry from SF which one would it be?

Sausalito would be my choice. More to see, for sure.

Tiburon, hands down. Way cooler, far less touristy. One of the best outdoor dining experiences in the entire Bay Area is Sam's Anchor Cafe, about 100 yards from where the ferries dock. Excellent people watching, worth waiting for an outdoor table. Burgers and Ramos Fizz's are the specialties. Or next door is Guaymas, a Mexican restaurant with outstanding guacomole and tasty margaritas. There are a dozen or more cute little shops to stroll around. Sausalito is one tacky art gallery after another.....

Amen hallelujah, I love Sam's Anchor Cafe! But watch out for the birds -- if you're not paying attention, they'll steal the food right off of your table!

What activities do you want to do? Better dining in Tiburon, as previous posters have said, but Tiburon has 1 short block of shops and restaurants within easy walk of the ferry. Sausalito has a much larger commercial area, with lots of shops, more activity, better people-watching, etc.

I'd definitely do Tiburon and then jump on the short ferry over to Angel Island. You can do both Tiburon and Angel Island in an afternoon. Some of the best views in the entire Bay Area are from the island, plus lots of wildlife and historic sites.

Tiburon can be done in 10 minutes that is without spending time in one of the cute restaurants. Sausalito is a larger town, but more touristy, and more shopping if that is what you are looking for. I do agree about making a stop on Angel Island for a great hike and wonderful views.

Thank you for all of your suggestions.

I think that SF will satisfy me with it's variety of shops.

I think that Tiburon is an excellent choice with lunch at the mexican restaurant, Guaymas or Sam's Anchor Cafe.

Has anyone taken the Tram Tour at Angel Island? What activity would you recommend on the island?

Glad you've decided to go to Tiburon AND Angel Island -- that was a great suggestion. The whole point of going to Angel Island is to see the view of SF. It's breathtaking. Other activities would include picnicing, biking and hiking. Have not done Tram but if you're fit and can hike up some hills, you'd want to allow 90min. - 2 hrs. to hike at least part way around the island to view The City and then hike back to the cove where the ferry departs.