8 Sausalito Houseboats on Airbnb Where You Can Stay & Float Away

If there’s one ubiquitous thing about Sausalito, it’s the city’s houseboats. Everyone knows – and dreams of living on – one of the picturesque floating homes that punctuate the waterfront in basically all of Sausalito’s marinas. If you’re among those many people who want to enjoy the Sausalito houseboat life, you’re in luck: a number of houseboats offer private rooms or the whole boat for rent on Airbnb.

Admittedly, Airbnb is contentious in Sausalito, and the city rules still state that you can’t stay in an Airbnb for less than 30 days. So if you’ve wanted to try living in a floating home for a long short-term stay, these listings are a great option. (They also change frequently, so I’ll do my best to keep this list updated if listings are added or go offline.)

Below you’ll find a current list of the Sausalito houseboats on Airbnb. Browse through each one to find one that fits your (monthly) budget and travel style. Welcome to Sausalito houseboat life!

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.

1. Private Room Aboard the Blue Pirate

Staying in this private room of The Blue Pirate is a mix between relaxing and outdoorsy. Peaceful and spacious, this quiet room with a private bath has extraordinary views of the water and Mount Tam.

Given its excellent location in Marin County, this houseboat is close to several popular attractions. Outdoor lovers can take a hike at spectacular Muir Woods and Mt. Tamalpais (both a short drive away) or soak in the Sausalito sun on one of the decks.

If you’re a foodie, this is one of the top Sausalito houseboats on Airbnb to stay; it’s within walking distance from world-class dining including, Sushi Ran, Avatar’s, Bar Bocci, Fish, Copita, and Le Garage. Don’t miss Live jazz at the No Name plus rock-n-roll (& Latin music) at The Seahorse. 

Oh, and we forgot to mention the furry host who’ll be welcoming you. Leo, the cat, will be with you from day one, just to make your stay only but the best!

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom/1 private bath
• Starts from $96/night

2. Private Houseboat Room with Modern Japanese Soaking Tub

If you liked the look of the previous Sausalito houseboat on Airbnb, you’re in luck: this one is located in the same houseboat!

While the house’s inside has a contemporary vibe, the clean-lined furniture and great sunlight coming from the floor-to-ceiling windows create a warm and inviting atmosphere.  

The best feature of the private room in this houseboat is the spacious, light-filled master bedroom where you’ll be staying. The room has been recently reformed and boasts gorgeous high ceilings and hardwood floors; it also has a Japanese soaking tub for relaxing after long days of exploring in Sausalito and Marin. From the comfort of your room, you’ll enjoy 300-degree views of beautiful Mt. Tam and the Sausalito Bay. The views of the sunsets and sunrises from the room are equally beautiful.

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom/1 private bath
• Starts from $108/night

3. Cozy Houseboat in Bridgeway Marina

Whether you’re working or vacationing, this one-bedroom houseboat has everything you’ll need to have a real Sausalito houseboat experience.

Inside, you’ll find a good-sized kitchen with fabulous views of water and hills (if you’re working from here, make sure to make the kitchen your new office, so that you can brag about the astounding views). There’s also a rooftop deck where you can witness breathtaking sunrise and sunset views while sipping a cup of coffee. 

If you want to explore the gastronomic scene of Sausalito, this cozy houseboat is within a 10-minute walk from the best restaurants on Caledonia Road. You can also enjoy outdoor activities on the rooftop deck, hike a nearby trail or launch the two provided kayaks from the pier. 

Details:

• 2 guests, 1 bedroom/1 bath
• Starts from $140/night

4. Gorgeous Floating Home in Sausalito

Are you looking for first-class Sausalito houseboats on Airbnb? Then don’t miss this gorgeous floating home. Designed with teak floors, a glass-encased dining room, an Italian-tile kitchen and bath, and twelve skylights throughout, this houseboat lives up to its name. 

Located just over the Golden Gate Bridge, this two-level house is perfect for a romantic getaway with your partner. While you can explore the gastronomic scene to get a bite, you can also stay home and cook a nice barbecue on the roof deck while enjoying views of Marin County and San Francisco. Thanks to its location, the houseboat is minutes away from downtown San Francisco, perfect for city-dwellers who want to explore San Francisco’s iconic sights.

If you still doubt a floating house can be this good, the Gorgeous Floating Home in Sausalito has been featured in San Francisco Magazine and The Guardian and voted a top rental in America by TripAdvisor.

Details:

• 4 guests, 2 bedrooms/1 bath
• Starts from $227/night

5. Sittin’ on the (Houseboat) Dock of the Bay

Named RMS Atlas, this houseboat is perfect for those who prefer expansive great rooms and outdoor open spaces. The RMS Atlas has gone under a wonderful transformation. On the inside, this south-facing houseboat showcases a classic style with small, colorful pieces of decor that liven up the place. 

The floating house is super roomy and features new, top-of-the-line appliances everywhere. It has two bedrooms and two baths (both perfectly equipped, even with bidets!) and can house up to four people. So, if you’re traveling with kids, this houseboat could be a good option. As for the open spaces, there is a complete roof deck, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of natural beauty, a floating dock, and a front deck. 

Details:

• 4 guests, 2 bedrooms/2.5 baths
• Starts from $240/night

6. Floating Guest Cottage

Just 12 minutes across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, this floating Guest Cottage offers a top Sausalito houseboat experience. The houseboat is in the Yellow Ferry Harbor of Waldo Point, at the end of Marin’s most coveted houseboat docks.

The nicest feature of this houseboat is the nostalgic feeling it evokes on guests, taking them back to the houseboat scene of the 1960s and ’70s. The house is equipped with today’s amenities while retaining the good vibes of a bygone era in Sausalito history.

Besides offering sweeping views of the bay, the floating guest cottage is an excellent spot to admire the rolling hills and the majestic slopes of Mt. Tamalpais. Being conveniently located, this houseboat works as a perfect base for those who want to explore nearby towns. It’s just a five-minute drive from downtown Sausalito, ten minutes from Mill Valley, twelve minutes across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco, and approximately an hour to the wine country.

Details:

• 4 guests, 2 bedrooms/1 bath
• Starts from $256/night

7. Experience Sausalito Houseboat Living

Painted inside with shades of blue that mirror the tranquility of the surrounding water, this Sausalito houseboat is a unique experience on its own. The houseboat is part of the historic Sausalito houseboat community, with its surroundings being very family-friendly and quiet. If you’re looking for a peaceful stay, this is the place! 

The location is an easy walk away or a very short drive to the main parts of the city. But on top of all, the best thing about this houseboat is the lovely roof deck. This Sausalito houseboat is home to a gorgeous terrace, which offers beautiful views of the bay, Mount Tam, and San Francisco. Once you get there, the terrace will become your favorite spot to relax after a long day or enjoy brunch before heading out to explore the city. 

Details:

• 5 guests, 2 bedrooms/1 bath
• Starts from $311/night

8. Historic Ferryboat In Sausalito

Not many houseboats in Sausalito on Airbnb can brag about having such a history as this historic ferryboat In Sausalito. 

This historic ferry, known as the Yellow Ferry, was originally launched in 1888. She is the oldest surviving ferryboat on the West Coast. Today, the Yellow Ferry combines luxury and convenience in a spectacular and memorable setting to create the perfect getaway for couples or big families. 

Surrounded by open water, the whole house has been remodeled and features floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the bay, a 120-year-old deck made of wooden timbers and beams, a huge solarium, and a carpeted master bedroom. 

If you’re one of those people who love to spend time in the kitchen, oh boy, this houseboat is for you. Aside from being completely remodeled, the kitchen has an extraordinary Wolf six-burner range, with a gas grill and huge oven. The setup is perfect for taking out that recipe book and preparing some delicious gourmet meals.

Details:

• 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
• Starts from $561/night

Now you have eight options for Sausalito houseboats on Airbnb – at least as of today. Listings change regularly so I’ll do my best to keep them updated. If you notice any links don’t work, let me know. Otherwise, let me know all your questions about (short-term) houseboat living in the comments too!