Historic Sausalito Houseboat Walking Tour

Make your own way to the meeting point in Sausalito to meet your guide for your walking tour.

Gain insight into how the houseboat community became a haven for artists, eccentrics, and bohemians as you stroll through the old wooden shipyards and floating docks that line Richardson Bay. Your guide is a local writer and artist with firsthand knowledge of the lively community that developed among the houseboat residents.

See the oldest surviving wooden hull ferryboat on the west coast, then move from dock to dock as you hear how WWII briefly transformed the Bay Area into the busiest shipbuilding region in the world. Understand the vibrant alternative culture of the houseboat dwellers that arrived after the war, which contrasted with the increasingly affluent communities of the nearby hills.

Wrap up the tour with a visit to the historic Marinship company, which once launched WWII Liberty Ships, and currently builds and restores houseboats, yachts and ferries.

Visit Sausalito’s famed houseboats and learn the storied history of one of the bay’s most iconic landmarks on this 2 hour walking tour.  Hear stories of the bohemian writers and influential artist who defined an era, Like Southern transplant Otis Redding, who spent his short time here recording the song “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” just days before his fatal plane crash.  Learn how the dozens of seemingly unconnected threads of history combine to create a rich tapestry of people, personalities, and art forms known as Sausalito from a local artist and author. Free parking

Minimum of 6 people required.

Note: If you have fewer than 6 people in your party, please call the day before to check on availability.

Children must be accompanied by an adult
Subject to favorable weather conditions. Tour is only cancelled in case of storms - DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Minimum of 6 people per booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers