Overview
The Golden Gate Ferry from the SF Ferry Building to Sausalito is consistently ranked one of the best short ferry rides in the world — 30 minutes across the Bay with full views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, and Alcatraz from the open outer deck. Kids can walk freely on the exterior deck, watch the bridge grow and then recede, and feel the chop on the Bay. Sausalito's waterfront is stroller-flat and has good lunch options, a houseboat neighborhood within walking distance, and the Bay Area Discovery Museum under the Golden Gate approach for families who want to extend the day.
How to Do It
Golden Gate Ferry departs from the SF Ferry Building on the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. Boarding is at Gate B for most daytime sailings, Gate C for early morning and late evening — signs at the terminal are clear. Buy tickets at the vending machines at the terminal (cash up to $20 bills, credit/debit cards accepted) or load a Clipper card in advance to get the discounted fare. The ride is 30 minutes. On the Sausalito side, the pier drops you directly onto Bridgeway, the main waterfront street. From there, walk north along Bridgeway for restaurants, galleries, and the houseboat neighborhood, or head toward the Bay Area Discovery Museum (a 1.5-mile walk or short drive/rideshare) at Fort Baker. For bike families: Sausalito is the classic end point for the Golden Gate Bridge bike crossing — the ferry brings you back. Note that summer weekend afternoons have long bike queues; if you're biking one way, get to the pier early to secure a spot on the return ferry.
Tips & Tricks
Dress in layers regardless of what the weather looks like from land. The outer deck on the Bay runs 10-15 degrees colder than shore, and the wind between the bridge towers can be sharp even in August. A light jacket for each kid is non-negotiable if you want them on the deck the whole crossing — and you do, because the views are the point.
Boarding is at Gate B for most sailings, but the terminal boards ferries from both Gate B and Gate C. Don't just follow the crowd — check the departure board or the gate sign to make sure you're in the right line. Confusing Gate B and Gate C is the most common way to miss a sailing.
On the Sausalito side, separate lines exist for bike riders and walking passengers. If you're not bringing a bike, skip the bike queue entirely — it can look long and put you behind people waiting to load cycles. The walking passenger line moves independently.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum (at Fort Baker, off Alexander Ave. at the base of the Golden Gate) is one of the best children's museums in the Bay Area for ages 0-8, with indoor and outdoor exhibits, a water play area, and direct views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's not within easy walking distance of the Sausalito ferry pier, but a short rideshare or the #10 Marin Transit bus connects them. It's worth building around if you have a full day.
Planning
Fares on Golden Gate Ferry: adults $14.00 per one-way (paper ticket) or $8.25 with Clipper card or contactless bank card; youth ages 5-18 pay $7.00; children 4 and under ride free (limit 2 per paying adult). Clipper card fares offer the most savings for families making round trips — $8.25 vs. $14.00 per adult each way adds up quickly. Ferries run daily year-round; weekend service is less frequent than weekdays, with the first morning departures typically around 9-10am from SF on weekends. Check the current schedule at goldengate.org before you go — schedules shift seasonally. Last return ferry from Sausalito is typically around 7-8pm. Bring layers, snacks for the boat, and a carrier or compact stroller. All ages enjoy this; babies in carriers get the wind in their face and typically love it. Storm season (December-February) can bring cancellations or delays — check service alerts if weather is rough.