My wife used to live in Sausalito so I know it well, been to most of these place

[theking]

9 U.S. Coastal Cities That Feel Like a Mediterranean Getaway California and Florida both offer a handful of destinations that feel like the Mediterranean.
9 U.S. Coastal Cities That Feel Like a Mediterranean Getaway

01 of 09. Palm Beach, Florida. ...
02 of 09. Santa Barbara, California. ...
03 of 09. Alys Beach, Florida. ...
04 of 09. Sausalito, California. ...
05 of 09. Venice, Florida. ...
06 of 09. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. ...
07 of 09. Coral Gables, Florida. ...
08 of 09. St. Augustine, Florida.

I took these photos when we were on the roof of her home watching the Angels fly as well as tourist watching down below:

[theking]

View from inside of her home:

[theking]

And watching the Angels fly over Sausalito:

[theking]

YUP:

This Little City Is Known As ‘California’s Italian Riviera'—With Cute Houseboats, Ocean Views, and Mediterranean Vibes
Plus, it's less than 10 miles from San Francisco
Driving north across the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll quickly notice a collection of colorful houses stretching uphill, standing out from stands of trees as the sleek skyscrapers of San Francisco fall away behind you. Though you'd be forgiven for assuming that you're just in another suburb of S.F., you're actually looking at one of the Bay Area's most charming small towns—there's good reason why Sausalito is known as "California's Italian Riviera."

Though it's minutes away from one of the densest urban centers in the country, Sausalito regularly earns comparisons to the Mediterranean. Here, wealthy techies rub elbows with artists living on houseboats anchored in Richardson Bay. And don't be fooled by the town's size: Sausalito has no shortage of things to do. Visitors are a stone's throw from the wide-open grasslands and beaches of the Marin Headlands, and the town is exceptionally bike-friendly. As for the great indoors, Sausalito's waterfront comprises a vibrant hub of art galleries, locally run eateries, and one-of-a-kind attractions.

"You could spend a week here easily and not run out of things to do," says Brit Thurston, historian at Cavallo Point and a lifelong Bay Area resident. "If you're into hiking or biking, this place is for you. There are miles and miles of hiking trails. And the rest of Marin County's just right out there."

Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Sausalito, California.

Best Things to Do

Many of Sausalito's attractions are walkable (or at the very least, bikeable), so you can park your car in town and set out on foot. Start by making your way around the nooks and crannies of Bridgeway Promenade, Sausalito's heart. The Daniel Merriam Gallery (also known as Bubble Street Gallery) is famous for its surrealist works, while Galerie Elektra showcases oil paintings and sculptures from artists worldwide. You can also pop into independent retailers like Sausalito Books by the Bay and Soxalito to snag gifts and souvenirs.

If you continue making your way along the waterfront, you'll eventually reach a series of buildings operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Get a bird's-eye view of the San Francisco area at the Bay Model Visitor Center, home to a scale hydraulic model of the regional tides and waterways.

"It's an actual physical model that will depict the tides and the currents of the bay," says Thurston. "And it's interesting and a scientific thing, but aesthetically, it's a beautiful thing to just check out." You'll want to set aside at least half a day to explore the ins and outs of the model, as well as exhibits on watercraft and World War II.

From the Bay Model Visitor Center, keep strolling to one of California's most famous neighborhoods. Waldo Point Harbor is a veritable floating art gallery, a community of eclectically decorated, historic houseboats anchored just offshore. Visitors can wander out onto one of the publicly accessible docks to view the boats—see if you can spot the "Evil Eye," once the residence of artist and poet Shel Silverstein, known for works like "The Giving Tree."

Sausalito's city limits essentially end at Waldo Point, but there's still Richardson Bay to explore. Though the Bay Area weather can, of course, be moody, if you happen to visit during a sunny day, get out on the water in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard rental from outfitters like Sea Trek. You can take a closer look at those houseboats and may even catch a glimpse of animals like harbor seals and leopard sharks in the waves.

Outdoorsy types will find even more recreation opportunities over on the other side of the peninsula. Double back through town (you'll likely need a car or, at the very least, a bicycle for this part) to get to the Marin Headlands, a 2,100-acre expanse of grasslands, sheer cliffs, and gorgeous beaches. Rodeo Beach is a popular pick for surfers, while Black Sands Beach has incredible views of the Bay.

"You could ride into the Headlands and easily spend a day there," says Thurston. "There are beaches; there's a lighthouse. The Marine Mammal Center is there, which is a facility that rehabilitates distressed marine mammals."

Where to Eat and Drink

Given its prime location on the San Francisco Bay, seafood is typically the name of the game when it comes to dining in Sausalito. But no matter what you're craving, you won't have any trouble finding something that suits your fancy.

"Sausalito has so much to offer," says Thurston. "From sushi to upscale Mexican food, it's pretty hard to go wrong."

You can chow down on ultra-fresh catches with ocean views at Scoma's Sausalito, known for its clam chowder and locally sourced oysters, and Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib, a Sausalito institution with fresh Dungeness crab on the menu. Slightly uphill from the waterfront, there's also Sushi Ran, a beloved Japanese eatery raved about by visitors and locals alike. "Sushi Ran is a nationally renowned restaurant providing traditional Japanese cuisine and sushi," says Thurston. "It's wonderful."

As far as other global cuisines, Sausalito won't disappoint. Avatar's Restaurant dishes up Indian fusion eats like Punjabi enchiladas and ravioli in a mango and rose petal sauce. Down on the water at Richardson Bay, Bar Bocce prepares an array of sourdough-crust pizzas in a wood-fired oven, Neapolitan-style, for anyone who wants to soak up Sausalito's Mediterranean atmosphere and eat al fresco.

"You can play Bocce ball there and dine on pizza," says Thurston.

Where to Stay

Sausalito has an impressive selection of accommodations that won't disappoint even the pickiest traveler. One of the town's most iconic stays is the Cavallo Point, located within the borders of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with unbeatable views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Housed in the historic Fort Baker on the edge of the Marin Headlands, Cavallo Point has a full-service spa, cooking classes, and a collection of both renovated and contemporary rooms done up to the nines in modern luxury. On-site eateries Farley and Sula serve California cuisine in casual and fine dining settings, respectively.

If you prefer to stay right in the thick of things, book a stay at Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa. Housed in a renovated Victorian mansion along the Bridgeway Promenade, Casa Madrona has bayview and courtyard-facing rooms with crisp, modern furnishings that lean into Sausalito's beach town vibes.

Anyone seeking a waterfront stay, meanwhile, should look no further than The Inn Above Tide. As its name implies, this hotel's 33 rooms and suites are perched right above the Pacific Ocean waves so guests can take in the fresh sea breeze.