There’s also no shortage of Sausalito restaurants and shops to explore, many with the bridge and city skyline in clear view.
Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz, spokesperson for Golden Gate Ferry, said this route was his personal favorite on the service, particularly in the direction back to the city.
“You just can’t beat the postcard views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from that trip,” he said. Jump straight to more tips on traveling by ferry to the North Bay.
Departs: Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal by the Ferry Building (Gates B or C)
Arrives: Sausalito Ferry Landing
Cost: $14 each way without Clipper, $8.25 with Clipper.
Transit time: 30 minutes each direction.
Timings: First ferry departs San Francisco at 10:15 a.m., last ferry departs Sausalito at 6:55 p.m.
Ferry tips for designing your own day out via boat
Traveling by ferry to East Bay
To find fares, schedules and routes around San Francisco, South City and the East Bay, visit the San Francisco Bay Ferry website.
The easiest way to pay for the ferry is via a Clipper card. Those without one can download the agency’s app and purchase tickets there.
While it’s not yet active, the ferry will begin accepting credit card payments on board on Dec. 10 as part of an effort to help make purchasing tickets easier for visitors to the Bay.
Tickets can be purchased on the SF Bay Ferry app and are valid for 90 days, so you can stay flexible with your plans.
The San Francisco Bay Ferry currently offers two fare promotions: $1 tickets for riders aged under 17 and a $20 day pass to ride for a flat rate for 24 hours.
While spokesperson Matsui said they don’t expect to sell out of spots on boats over Thanksgiving weekend, “it can happen, so just make sure you get there early enough,” — around five or 10 minutes early is a safe bet, as boats are first-come, first-served.
“They’re high-capacity boats, but we don’t want people trying to run on last-minute,” Matsui said.
All the East Bay ferry terminals, but Vallejo also has free parking at the terminal, and you can get paid parking validated on board the ferry.
And if you miss out on a Thanksgiving ride? Matsui said that during December, in celebration of the holidays, the “Merry Ferry” featuring Santa will be running on three separate dates and routes, with live music for Friday nights coming to select routes in January.
Traveling by ferry to North Bay
The ferry that serves most of the North Bay is the Golden Gate Ferry, part of the transit system that also crosses the Golden Gate Bridge and serves Marin. Fares, schedules and more route information are available online.
While using your Clipper card will offer the biggest discount on fares, people without Clipper cards can purchase tickets from vending machines or attendants at the ferry terminals. Ticket prices range from $15.50 without a Clipper card to $8.25 with one.
Before you head out, be sure to check the agency’s comprehensive page on attractions at each ferry destination, so you can design the perfect post-Thanksgiving outing.
“You really can’t go wrong with any of the routes,” spokesperson Cosulich-Schwartz said. ”They all end up in beautiful destinations with great access to restaurants and activities — especially for families — and just make for great excursions during the holiday season.”
Throughout the next month, winter events like the Tiburon Holiday Festival and Sausalito Gingerbread House Competition are accessible via the ferry, Cosulich-Schwartz said.
Want to visit wine country via boat? You can connect to the SMART train, an around 15-minute walk from the Larkspur ferry terminal, and ride through Novato, Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and as far north as Windsor for just $10 total through a promotional “Sail and Rail” fare.
“It’s a really great way to combine travel modes and connect to all sorts of activities and outdoor recreation in the North Bay,” Cosulich-Schwartz said.
