Learn the history of Sausalito's houseboat community on a 3-hour walking tour that delves into the San Francisco Bay Area's maritime history and culture. You'll get close views of the boats as you walk around this storied waterfront area with your guide. See shipyards from World War II, and hear about wooden boat builders, bohemian artists, and other colorful characters who have made their homes aboard the houseboats.

3-hour tour of the Sausalito houseboats and waterfront
Explore with a local guide who knows Sausalito's history and personalities firsthand
See WW II–era shipyards, wooden boat artisans, and fanciful houseboats
Learn about the fascinating maritime history of the San Francisco Bay Area

What's Included

Local guide
Free Parking

Lunch
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

6 Gate 6 Rd
6 Gate 6 Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965, USA

Start time

Opening hours

1/1/2023 - 12/31/2023

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to 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 tour/activity will have a maximum of 25 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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.

Historic Houseboat Tour

From $64.94

Select Date and Travelers

Overview