Sausalito by Ferry or Bust

Several weeks ago when we were visiting San Francisco the boys told us that they wanted to ride the Golden Gate Ferry. It was too late in the day for us to do this, so we told them the next time we were in San Francisco we would take the ferry.

We opted to take the ferry to Sausalito. We didn't really think this one threw though. The ferry ride to and from Sausalito is packed with tourists, many with rented bikes following a recommended itinerary. We could have chosen to go to Tiburon or Larkspur, but no... we chose Sausalito.

The ferry leaves every hour and 25 minutes on the weekend. We opted to catch the 1:25 pm ferry. We also chose to take the double stroller. We figured that we would do a lot of walking (which is true) and that both boys may want to sit (which they did).

The Golden Gate Ferry is not stroller friendly, especially the Sausalito trip. You board in San Francisco on the second level, and disembark in Sausalito on the first level. I'm not saying it is not kid friendly though ... kids five and under ride for free, which if the boat ride is the focus (which it was for us) then it is more cost effective than opting for a tour boat.

Once on board novices head outside and squat there space quickly. We opted for a window seat inside, and boy were we glad we did. Once the boat gets going the wind and spray can intimidate the most fearless child or adult.

The boys loved the ride. Caleb and I went outside and took in the views. Xander stayed inside with Jonathan. When the wind got too much, Caleb and I went back inside for a visit.

Once in Sausalito we made our way to Sausalito Gourment Deli, and enjoyed tasty greek food outside in the back patio. The Deli was one block off the beaten path, so we could avoid the crowds.

Once we got back to ferry terminal we realized our mistake. There were two lines to board the ferry. One bicycle line that was already about 350 people deep, and a pedestrian line. We were about 20th in the pedestrian line (45 minutes before scheduled departure). By the time boarding began the pedestrian line had swollen to 300 people.

Then came the announcement... the boat holds 600 people, and bicycles would be boarding first. Twenty minutes later the bicyclists were cut off, stranding 100 or so people until the next ferry. Then we were allowed to board.

Why, oh why did we chose to take the ferry to Sausalito on an absolutely perfect day during the height of tourist season.

So lesson learned. Next time we go for a boat ride with the boys we'll go on a nice cold foggy day during the winter, or we'll opt for a lesser traveled port.