Why so many parks in a city of only 7,000 people? Two reasons:
1. A century ago Sausalito was the second largest town in Marin County (after San Rafael) and the city leaders from 1870 to 1930 often turned unused or abandoned space into parks. It's 19th century public policy that has paid off for us in later generations.
2. Bequests to the City by residents, as well as new parks tied to real estate development in the last 30 years, have added some gems to our Sausalito park system.
See also our page on Beaches in Sausalito, the GGNRA and the Marin Headlands.
Note: Organized activities in Sausalito parks generally require permits. Contact the Sausalito Dept. of Parks and Recreation for application forms.
Here's our list:
Major Sausalito Parks near Bridgeway
Bridgeway Promenade (Bridgeway Promenade) -- Not technically a park, but includes two long levels of public sidewalks from which to appreciate the beautiful views of the Bay and San Francisco.
City Hall (Caledonia St. and New Town)
Dunphy Park (Caledonia St. and New Town) -- Location of the Farmers Market, the 4th of July city BBQ each year and many other events. Location of the town Bocce Ball court.
Gabrielson Park (Downtown Sausalito & Ferry Pier) -- Adjacent to the Ferry pier, Gabrielson Park plays host to Jazz and Blues by the Bay and the 4th of July Fireworks.
GGNRA and the Marin Headlands (Fort Baker and the GGNRA) -- It's not a City park, but it's a Sausalito address!
Marinship Park (Spring Valley and Marinship South) --- Home to the Sausalito Art Festival each Labor Day Weekend, Marinship Park also has public tennis courts and a soccer fireld popular for summer league play.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park (Nevada Valley and Marinship North) -- A large park in Northern Sausalito with tennis courts and athletic fields. Also the pocation for the Sausalito Dog Park.
Robin Sweeny Park (Caledonia St. and New Town) -- Features popular basketball courts and a children's playground, as well as a broad lawn.
Sausalito Dog Park (Nevada Valley and Marinship North) -- Sausalito's only enclosed off-leash dog exercise and socializayion spot, located within Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Schoonmaker Beach (Spring Valley and Marinship South) -- Nestled in the calm waters inside a yacht harbor, this is an ideal destination for families with small kids.
Viña del Mar Park (Downtown Sausalito & Ferry Pier) -- The heart of downtime Sausalito, with the famous fountain and the 14-foot elephant statues.
Yee Tock Chee Park (Bridgeway Promenade) -- We list this as a major park despite its tiny size because its perfect location for views of San Francisco makes it one of the busiest spots in Sausalito.
Smaller Sausalito Parks Near Bridgeway
Municipal Fishing Pier (Bridgeway Promenade)
Shoreline Park (Spring Valley and Marinship South) -- Adjacent to the larger Marinship Park, this is a tiny gem with a broad lawn next to a marsh and a marina, very popular with dog owners.
Swede's Beach (Old Town) -- A small secluded beach in southern Sausalito, adjacent to the sewage pumping plant.
Tiffany Beach (Old Town) -- A small beach accessible from Swede's Beach at low tide.
Tiffany Park (Bridgeway Promenade) -- Hidden at the side of Bridgeway in southern Sausalito, this small park has a couple of peaceful benches.
Turney St. Boat Ramp (Caledonia St. and New Town) -- Public boat ramp with access to Richardson's Bay.
Neighborhood Sausalito Playgrounds & Retreats
All of these parks except South View Park are small neighborhood playgrounds with a patch of lawn and a play structure for young children. If possible you'll want to walk to these neighborhood gems, since the small parks have very little parking nearby.
Cazneau Playground (Above Caledonia St. and New Town) -- A small neighborhood playground for kids in the hillside neighborhood above Caledonia St.
Cloud View Park (Above Bridgeway Promenade) -- A small neighborhood playground for kids located high on the Hill above Bridgeway.
Harrison Park (Above Downtown Sausalito & Ferry Pier) -- A small neighborhood park with play equipment for little residents of "The Hill."
Langendorf Park (Above Spring Valley and Marinship South) -- This playground serves families who live in the hills in Spring Valley, and is best suited for young children.
The Daniel O'Connor Memorial Bench (Above the Bridgeway Promenade) -- A quiet place just blocks away from the busy crush of Bridgeway, with an important lesson for those of us who visit.
South View Park (Above Old Town) -- A tennis court, a basketball court, a playground, a small lawn... all on one of the steepest blocks in Sausalito!
