Get ready for a day of iconic views, bay breezes, and enough steps to justify that extra mimosa at brunch. Today’s WanderLyn adventure takes us from the heart of San Francisco, across the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, and into the charming waterfront town of Sausalito — complete with floating homes, local flavor, and a little rainy-day shopping detour in Japantown. Whether you’re here for the steps, the sights, or the snacks (I see you), this is one walk that captures everything I love about the Bay Area: history, creativity, and a bit of wind in your hair.
So lace up those walking shoes and let’s get our 10K in — San Francisco style!
First Stop: Coffee with a View
First things first, you’ve got to get yourself to the Golden Gate Bridge — and what better way to arrive than by Waymo, the futuristic self-driving ride service that’s popping up all over San Francisco. Think Uber, but with no one in the driver’s seat (don’t worry — there’s always a remote operator keeping tabs). It’s smooth, safe, and honestly kind of thrilling to sit back, sip your coffee, and let the car handle those hills.
Once you’re dropped at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Plaza,
you’ll find parking, restrooms, and the charming Round House Café — a
classic Art Deco circular building perched right at the base of the bridge.
Round House Café – Golden Gate Bridge Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94129
This spot serves up local Equator Coffees, flaky pastries, and killer views.
There’s something so special about sipping your latte while staring up at one
of the most iconic bridges in the world. Happily caffeinated, let’s go walk
that bridge!
Step by Step Across the Golden Gate
Walking the Golden Gate Bridge is pure San Francisco magic — even if it’s foggy, windy, and your hair is doing wild things. The 1.7-mile stretch takes you from the city to Marin County with nonstop views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline behind you. The orange towers peek through the mist like something out of a dream.
Pro tip: bring a jacket, wear a beanie [mine had 2 puffs for extra fun], and take your time. The views change every few steps, and the sound of the wind and cars creates a rhythm that makes the walk feel almost meditative. It is very cool!
Vista Point Pause – H. Dana Bowers Rest Area
On the Marin side, the H. Dana Bowers Rest Area (aka the Golden Gate Vista Point) is your victory stop — bathrooms, benches, and those postcard-perfect views of the bridge and bay. This is where you’ll want to snap that “I did it!” photo with the towers stretching behind you.
Take a few deep breaths — you’ve earned them — because now it’s time for brunch and a little Sausalito adventure.
Brunch and Houseboats – Bayside Café
Hop into a Lyft or Uber and head just a few minutes down the road to Bayside Café, a locals’ favorite tucked right into the heart of the houseboat community.
Bayside Café – 1 Gate 6 Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
This cozy café dishes out all the brunch classics — The fresh orange juice, and the eggs Benedict were eggcellent as well as the oatmeal because it warm and sweet and perfect on a cool, blustery day.
Fully, fueled, let’s wander the Gate 6 houseboat piers — this floating neighborhood is one of the most unique in California. Every houseboat tells its own story — colorful decks, quirky art, and today, one decked out in full pirate mode for Halloween. It’s a happy mix of bohemian spirit and bayside bliss.
Stroll from houseboats to downtown Sausalito
From the houseboats, the walk into downtown Sausalito is about a mile of easy, scenic steps. Here’s how:
Start along Gate 5 Road, where you’ll pass more marinas and maritime businesses. Turn onto Harbor Drive, then stroll along the side path that parallels Marinship Way — a quieter stretch lined with boats, artists’ studios, and seagulls keeping watch.
Soon, you’ll come to Galilee Harbor, a working waterfront community of artists and craftspeople who live aboard their boats. This area hums with creative energy — painted hulls, wind chimes, and the sound of seagulls mixed with the faint strum of a guitar.
Keep following the pathway and you’ll find yourself at Dunphy Park, a lovely open space with lawns, picnic tables, and sailboats bobbing just offshore. It’s the perfect place to sit, stretch, and admire the view before heading onward.
Continue along the water until you reach Bridgeway Road, where the sidewalk widens, the shops start appearing, and you’ll feel that charming small-town buzz of downtown Sausalito.
Shopping & Sightseeing Downtown
Downtown Sausalito is packed with boutiques, galleries, and cafés. We stopped at Only in Sausalito, a fun shop full of coastal-chic clothing, fun gifts, and handmade jewelry — the kind of shop that makes you say, “Okay, just one little souvenir…” Only in Sausalito – 684 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965
And because it’s Sausalito, there was an open-air market by the ferry terminal — complete with fuzzy llamas greeting visitors. Yes, llamas. Adorable and totally unexpected.
You can catch the ferry back to San Francisco here, but this WanderLyn does better on land (especially when it’s blustery), so we grabbed a Lyft and headed to Japantown for some indoor fun.
Japantown Meander
Japantown is one of only three remaining historic Japantowns in the United States — and it’s bursting with culture, flavor, and charm. The Peace Plaza pagoda stands at its heart [currently being refurbished] above
The Japan Center Malls which are a wonderful mix of culture, food, and fun. Shall we indulge in some rainy-day shopping? Yes, please. With so many stores and restaurants to chose from, let me focus on a favorite few.
First, Daiso Japan – 22 Peace Plaza #400, San Francisco, CA 94115
So many wallet-friendly cute, clever, and “why didn’t I think of that?” items.
I dare you to leave without a bagful of treasures. They have baskets by the
door to assist – they know. A gorgeous Halloween display greeted us at the
door, how fun!
Further on, is Asakichi – 1737 Post St #365, San Francisco, CA 94115
This serene little shop is filled with handcrafted pottery, incense,
calligraphy supplies, and traditional Japanese art pieces. The scent alone
could calm a samurai. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and soak
in the beauty of detail and make a purchase or three.
After a bit of retail therapy, I needed a snack (shocking, I know). I found Andersen Bakery – 1737 Post St Suite 304, where I devoured a Hokkaido double-cream bun and sipped a decaf coffee because, well, bedtime matters. Fluffy, sweet perfection – the perfect little break.
We wandered around the plaza – they were having a corgi meetup where the pets were in costume for Halloween – so cute. We popped in to more stores and then headed back to the hotel to chill.
The Step Count
By the time we were done — bridge, brunch, houseboats, Sausalito stroll, and Japantown wander — our trackers showed a solid 10,000+ steps (and maybe a few more if you count all that mall meandering). Done and dusted!
Another Great Wander My Friends
From misty bridge views to floating homes and Japanese treats, this day was the perfect blend of iconic and unexpected. San Francisco and Sausalito is a powerful combo for fun and adventure.
Until next time,
Lyn – WanderLynTravel
Follow along for video walk-throughs and travel inspo on socials: @WanderLynTravel
P.S. I had an afternoon flight home, so on my way to the airport, we couldn’t resist one last San Francisco bite (or four) and stopped by George’s Donuts & Merriment — 163 West Portal Ave, SF.
And honestly, it’s pure royalty in the donut world. The case gleamed with pastel perfection and sugary sparkle, but don’t stop at the donuts — the kitchen’s breakfast game is just as strong.
We picked a crème brûlée, a Key lime, a Nutella-filled, and a chocolate sprinkle — each one a tiny masterpiece, but the chocolate creations? Off. The. Charts. I had a gorgeous coffee, my friend ordered a raspberry hot chocolate (like a dessert hug in a mug), and we shared breakfast sandwiches and avocado toast that were next-level delicious.
If you’re craving something special, and you know you have gone the distance getting those steps in, treat yourself royally at George’s — great donuts, great breakfast, and, true to its name, plenty of merriment. I may or may not have seen a few champagne bubbles floating by. ✨🍩
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