The Complete Guide to Dog-Friendly Sausalito

As a dog-lover, planning any trip requires an important decision: bring your pup or hire your favorite dog-sitter on Rover. But to make that decision, you need to know how dog-friendly any given destination is – from places you can stay with your dog to restaurants that don’t require you to leave your pup outside.

If your travel plans bring you to the Bay Area, you might wonder about dog-friendly Sausalito options. You’re in luck, as Sausalito is a very dog-friendly destination, in part due to the fact that so many residents have dogs too. As you’ll discover, there are plenty of ways to accommodate your travel plans and your pup in Sausalito.

Here’s a complete guide to all things dog-friendly in Sausalito, from restaurants to hotels to parks and more!

Sausalito is the traditional lands of the Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation to the past and present stewards of these lands. To learn more, I invite you to explore Native Land.

Note: This article was updated in late October 2021 to remove Fast Food Français which closed.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Sausalito 

Sausalito has a great variety of eateries that will welcome you and your furry one for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Those looking to dine out with their four-legged friends can pop into any of these dog-friendly Sausalito restaurants and enjoy a nice meal.

Anchorage 5

Open for breakfast and lunch; Anchorage 5 is a classic diner serving up all American favorites: corned beef hash, specialty omelets, Eggs Benedict, and more! The staff, who are thoughtful and dog-friendly, will be happy to welcome you and your pup in their outdoor seating area, where they have water bowls for dogs. 

Fish.

This sustainable seafood restaurant is one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Sausalito. They offer locally sourced mouthwatering food, delectable desserts, a wine menu, and dog-friendly seating with bay views. While you can enjoy the company of your pup when eating at Fish., be aware that you have to place your order inside, where dogs can’t access, so they might have to wait alone outside. 

Fred’s Cafe

Rumor has it that Fred’s Cafe serves the best breakfast in town. If you’re in Sausalito and want to corroborate that the café serves the best breakfast, but fear they won’t let your little guy come in with you, don’t worry. Fred’s Cafe, fortunately, is a Dog-friendly Sausalito restaurant. You both can snag a table in the outdoor seating area and enjoy a sweet and spicy applewood smoked bacon, or an English muffin, or a French toast. Or maybe all three!

Kitti’s Place

Kitti’s Place arguably prepares the best Pho you’ll ever try in Marin County. This dog-friendly Sausalito restaurant serves an eclectic menu of Thai-influenced California Cuisine. For those who attend with four-legged company, Kitti’s offers a few outdoor tables so you can enjoy a bowl of Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup while your furry friend lounges underfoot. 

Le Garage

Following a natural approach to cooking, the chefs at Le Garage conjure up excellent French dishes that enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient and that you can pair with their outstanding wines. The restaurant has a lovely sunny patio with a beautiful view of the boat docks, accommodating diners with dogs. The staff is super attentive and will bring your pup a bowl of water if needed. 

Napa Valley Burger Company

Napa Valley Burger Company serves up fantastic gourmet burgers paired with classic California wines. Plan to go early, as this buzzing lunch spot in downtown Sausalito offers limited dog-friendly outdoor tables. Besides enjoying the best hamburger in Sausalito, you’ll also love the incredible views of the Bridgeway Promenade at Napa Valley Burger Company.  

Poggio

Fresh house-made pasta, a bottle of Carlo Giacosa, and a lovely outdoor seating area under the stars define this Italian trattoria. The mastermind behind the Northern Italian fare Poggio serves every night is Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri. He also welcomes you and your pup (no matter what size) in Poggio’s comfortable dog-friendly patio. 

Sausalito Bakery & Cafe

Are you looking to enjoy a Mocha latte with a view? Sausalito Bakery & Cafe is your top choice. In the morning, this place is a popular hang-out for early birds looking for one thing: an exquisite breakfast. The good news is that they will be happy to accommodate you and your furry companion in their sidewalk seating. 

Saylor’s

Chef/owner Sean Saylor has conjured a fantastic menu combining Californian and Mexican cuisine using fresh local ingredients and seafood. They also have over 200 varieties of tequilas. Don’t be shy; choose your favorite tequila and head to their gorgeous Agave Terrace to sip it while enjoying lovely views. On top of this, Saylor’s welcomes all kinds of guests, including four-legged ones!

Seahorse

Seahorse is a top spot to enjoy classic Tuscan coastal cooking with a modern twist. This Sausalito restaurant creates a lovely atmosphere with nightly live music and entertainment in their historic building. To no surprise, the food is to die for, especially the bruschetta and calamari. The owner is super dog friendly, so bring along your furry friend and enjoy this fantastic place.

Sweet Ginger

A low-key restaurant, Sweet Ginger is a favorite of many Sausalito locals who seek out great sushi. You’ll find their abundant dishes full of fresh sushi across Caledonia Street from Sausalito City Hall. Sweet Ginger has an open and airy outdoor area, where they happily accommodate diners who want to indulge in classic staples of Japanese cuisine in the company of their puppy.

Tommy’s Wok

In the mood for Chinese? Then look no more and head to Tommy’s Wok. The food is fresh and full of flavor; not a single dish will disappoint. The staff is incredibly attentive and friendly too. Although small, Tommy’s Wok has a lovely outdoor eating area that welcomes dogs. 

Dog-Friendly Parks in Sausalito

Thanks to the city leaders from 1870 to 1930 who often turned unused or abandoned space into parks, Sausalito boasts an amazing park system today. Below you’ll find eight dog-friendly Sausalito parks where you can take your pup for some fresh air.

Remington Dog Park

As the name suggests, Remington Dog Park is a great spot to visit if you’re in Sausalito with your favorite four-legged friend. Remington Dog Park is an off-leash dog park where furry ones can run free. Also, Remington Dog Park is a lovely spot to relax after enjoying a good meal. 

Gabrielson Park

Adjacent to the Ferry pier, Gabrielson Park hosts Jazz and Blues by the Bay and the 4th of July Fireworks. This green space is popular among locals who like to sit and take in views over the water. After enjoying lunch or a small picnic, you must check out the great trails for a stroll with your pup. 

Dunphy Park

Dunphy Park is adjacent to the Bay and runs along Bridgeway. It reopened to the public in 2020 after several years of redevelopment and now is a true gem of the Sausalito park system, with green lawns, a nice trail, bocce courts, and volleyball courts. There’s also a tiny beach at Dunphy Park where you can dip your toes in Richardson Bay.

Marinship Park

While about half of the lawn areas of Marinship Park currently have a homeless encampment, the remaining lawn area (closest to The Bay Model) remains open for dog play and recreation. You’ll find a semi-fenced perimeter with lots of dogs and their owners playing with frisbees and tennis balls. 

Marina Plaza Harbor Park

The Marina Plaza Harbor Park isn’t an official city park. However, this green space is open to the public. Within Marina Plaza Harbor Park, you’ll find the shore trail that looks out over the Modern Sailing marina, which is perfect for a picnic or to spend a day out in the sun. 

Clipper Yacht Harbor Park

Clipper Yacht Harbor Park is a small green space in Clipper Yacht Harbor. While it is also not an official city park, it’s a nice spot to take a break with your pup. This park is close to Fish., so you can combine two dog-friendly areas in one day! Being so close to the harbor, it’s a lovely place to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the breeze from the ocean.

Other Good Sausalito Parks for Dogs

• Cazneau Park: Today, most locals know this green space as Cazneau Park, but initially, they called it “Cazneau Playground.” Despite the name change, Cazneau Park still has a lovely children’s playground where kids from the neighborhood go and play. While it’s a tiny spot, the park is perfect to rest your feet with your four-legged friend. 

• Langendorf Park: Langendorf Park is another green space with swings, picnic tables, and a great playground. Most visitors are families with young children who live in the hills in Spring Valley. The park sits at the intersection of Easterby Street and Woodward Avenue. So, Langendorf Park is a great resting spot if you happen to be walking down any of these streets.

Dog-Friendly Hotels & Accommodations in Sausalito

Is Sausalito dog-friendly when it comes to accommodation options? The answer is a big yes! There are many hotels and rentals which will offer you and your furry companion a genuinely warm welcome. 

Casa Madrona 

Housed in an 1885 mansion overlooking Richardson Bay, Casa Madrona is a favorite among travelers visiting Sausalito. This modern hotel is an excellent option for dog owners seeking a relaxing stay for themselves and their pup. Casa Madrona not only is one of the best Sausalito dog-friendly hotels but even has a unique assortment of services and amenities available to you and your pup! For you, Casa Madrona has an amazing spa with all sorts of wellness treatments. The hotel has dog bowls, doggie beds, crates, clean-up bags, and leashes for your pup. 

Dog-Friendly Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in Sausalito

There are plenty of Airbnb and rentals for those who want a more economical option when visiting Sausalito. From houseboats to flats to cozy hillside houses, you’ll find the ideal home for you and your pup.

• Sittin’ on a Dock of the Bay (Sausalito Floating Home) – If you and your dog are up for an adventure, stay directly on the water! The owners of the RMS Atlas have completely updated this classic south-facing floating home. The house also offers wonderful views of San Francisco, Tiberon, Mt. Tam, and the Sausalito Hills and lagoons. From $261/night; book on Airbnb or VRBO.
• Getting “Nauti” – Renting a houseboat is one of the unique experiences you’ll find when visiting Sausalito. The Getting Nauti is a Tri-Deck Tiny Home on water. The place describes itself as “perfect for an active couple with a pet.” From $190/night; Book on VRBO.
• Cute Houseboat in Amazing Location –  Here’s another cute houseboat for those pondering on the boat experience. This multilevel one-bedroom houseboat in Sausalito suits travelers looking for tranquility. There’s also a rooftop deck if you want to take a break and enjoy the sun and breeze. From $155/night; Book on VRBO.
• 1 Bed & Bath with Stunning Views – Located in the heart of Sausalito, this comfortable and bright bedroom is a great choice if you want to enjoy a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay. This cozy bedroom is also perfect for taking in terrific sunrise and sunset views during your visit to Sausalito, plus snuggling with your pup. From $115/night; book on Airbnb or VRBO.
• Big Home in Sausalito with Water Views – The Sausalito Grand Townhome is another great option for families who travel with all their members, including furry ones! The best part is that this rental is close to many of the dog-friendly spots we’ve mentioned in this article! From $216/night; Book on Airbnb or VRBO.
• Sausalito Butterfly House – Sausalito Butterfly House is a quirky rental on a beautiful hillside spot in the banana belt – Sausalito’s best region. This house has plenty of room, so it makes an excellent choice for families traveling with kids – and dogs, of course. From $325/night; Book on VRBO.

If you prefer Airbnb, there are a number of other great dog-friendly options; I made a list of them here. Keep in mind that there’s a 28-day minimum stay on all VRBO and Airbnb properties in Sausalito.

Other Dog-Friendly Sausalito Activities & Experiences

Besides lovely walks in the park and eating yummy treats at restaurants, there are many other activities you can enjoy with your pup in Sausalito. For those who are curious about them, we have listed three more dog-friendly activities. 

Riding the Sausalito Ferry

As you might know, one of the best ways to travel to Sausalito is to take the ferry. There are two options available, both of which run throughout the day at regular intervals. Unless you have a small dog, visitors who want to take their ball of fur aboard have to take the Blue and Gold Fleet between Sausalito and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. 

Hiking in the Marin Headlands

The steep Marin Headlands are an outdoors gem located at the very south end of Marin County. Besides offering plenty of hiking trails you can walk with your pup, the headlands are a destination full of wildlife, beaches, history, natural beauty, and sweeping vistas of the Pacific and San Francisco. The Lagoon Trail and the Rodeo Valle are favorite hikes for families and dog-owners.

Playing in the Surf at Rodeo Beach

You and your pup can trek down to Rodeo Beach from Marin Headlands through the Coastal Trail. As its name implies, Rodeo Beach is a beautiful, semi-sheltered cove in the Marin Headlands., whose most loyal visitors are bold surfers trying to tame the dangerous waves. Rodeo Beach is one of the few dog-friendly beaches in Marin, so prepare for furry chaos, with many dogs frolicking in the sand. 

Have any other questions about planning your Sausalito trip with your pup? Let me know in the comments!