I paid $8 to take a ferry to a small coastal town near San Francisco. The cute shops and Mediterranean vibes make it the perfect day trip.

Sharon McDonnellSep 24, 2024, 22:52 IST

I love taking the ferry to Sausalito and seeing the beautiful views. Sharon McDonnell<ul class="summary-list"><li>I paid $8 to take a ferry to Sausalito, California, a cute town with a Mediterranean vibe.</li><li>The ferry offered great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.</li></ul>Though I love living in San Francisco, I sometimes crave a more exciting experience within the Bay Area. Lately, when I've needed a change of pace, I take a half-hour ferry ride to Sausalito, a town about 9 miles from <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-to-do-in-san-francisco-2018-4">San Francisco</a>.This adorable seaside area, named one of the <a target="_blank" class href="https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/most-beautiful-coastal-towns">most beautiful coastal towns in the world</a> by Travel and Leisure, has a cute Mediterranean vibe and is packed with restaurants and shops. It's known for its art galleries, museums, and houseboat community.Though I could drive to the town, I've always preferred to ride the Golden Gate Ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito. Here's what the $8 trip is like.

I arrived at the San Francisco Ferry Building and headed to the docks.

I arrived at the San Francisco Ferry Building to begin my journey.Sharon McDonnell

I paid for my trip with a discount-fare card called Clipper.

I used Clipper, but passengers can also take advantage of the ticket machines at the terminal.Sharon McDonnell

When the ferry arrived, I tapped my card and boarded the vessel.

I waited for the ferry at Gate B.Sharon McDonnell

I enjoyed the scenic yet windy ride on the upper deck.

My hair whipped around my face during the ride.Sharon McDonnell

I ventured inside, where the snack bar was located.

I didn't buy anything from the snack bar, but there were plenty of items for sale.Sharon McDonnell

Back outside, I saw beautiful Bay Area landmarks.

As the fog cleared, I got a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge.Sharon McDonnell

When we arrived in Sausalito, I got off the ferry and explored the town.

Sausalito had beautiful statues and landscaping.Sharon McDonnell

I enjoyed looking at painted mailboxes and walking around the shops in Sausalito.

On my walk, I saw mailboxes painted with seaside scenes. Sharon McDonnell

Overall, my experience on the Golden Gate Ferry was great, and I can't wait to return to Sausalito.

I love the views on the ferry and can't wait to take it again.Sharon McDonnell

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