Paddling near Sausalito, CA

Sausalito sits in Marin County on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, putting paddlers within easy reach of San Francisco Bay, Richardson Bay, and the waters around Angel and Alcatraz Islands. Richardson Bay's sheltered position makes it one of the more approachable paddling spots on the Bay, with calmer conditions than the open water near the bridge. Kayak and SUP tours run year-round from the Sausalito waterfront, with routes past the historic houseboat community, views of the San Francisco skyline, and regular sightings of harbor seals, sea lions, and pelicans. Tomales Bay, reachable for guided trips, adds a bioluminescence night-paddle option to the local scene.