Welcome to the enchanting floating homes of Sausalito, where a unique, charming, and even a little quirky style of living awaits. After spending a month aboard one of the floating homes on Richardson Bay, I fell in love with the scenic views, architectural charm, nautical lifestyle, and quaint atmosphere of Sausalito.
Exploring the Floating Homes of Sausalito, California
Marin County boasts over 400 floating homes spread across five residential marinas. The small town of Sausalito, just a few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, has a population of just over 7,000. It is renowned for its unique bohemian culture, a vibrant arts scene that is a testament to its creative spirit, and stunning views of San Francisco.
A Glimpse into The Floating Community
As you stroll along Sausalito's waterfront promenade, you will be greeted by a colorful and eclectic community of floating homes. These homes have concrete, wood, or fiberglass hulls meant to move up and down with the tide. The difference between a houseboat and a floating home is that the houseboat has a motor, but a floating home does not.
The floating homes of Sausalito consist of various vacation, second, and primary homes. Some residents have lived in their floating homes for over 30 years, making it a lifestyle they couldn’t imagine leaving. It’s a way of life, a community, and, in some cases, an artistic and creative adventure.
As you approach the homes, you will first notice the gardens, flowerpots, floral trellises, and garden art. Some homeowners proudly display their antiques, decorative statues, and benches to rest on in front of their homes. It’s all a bit surreal.
There are no garages to park your car, and everything from groceries to home décor is delivered to your door by grocery or moving cart. The homes are small, some even tiny. Most have one, maybe two bathrooms, and many have kayaks resting on docks attached to the front of the house.
The floating homes are all attached to a series of hoses and pipes that run under or along the docks, disposing of personal waste from a holding tank. A Floating Home Association helps ensure the community's safety and maintain its beautiful appearance.
A Lifestyle on the Water
Life on the water is not a new concept. People have lived on boats for generations. Perhaps it’s the draw of waking up each day to the gentle lapping of waves against your doorstep. Maybe it’s the connection to nature, wildlife, or the scent of the salty bay. Whatever draws people to live on board, the floating communities of Sausalito have been designed to have their own unique and creative atmosphere.
The sense of community is real here. In many instances, the homes are very close to one another and often within earshot of a conversation on the decks. You get to know your neighbors well, and it feels like help from a neighbor is always close. It's a place to make lifelong friends or look for a new start.
The floating homes of Sausalito have attracted writers, artists, professors, and free spirits from all walks of life. In the 1960s, it became an attractive place for creatives to live, and that vibe still exists today.
A land-based alternative may be better if you seek solitude and privacy. It’s certainly not for everyone, but it does offer a lifestyle all its own. And, if you are looking to party on a boat for the weekend, this probably isn’t the place for you either. It’s a quiet, working community of like-minded people enjoying an alternative to life on land.
A Brief History of the Floating Homes of Sausalito
The fascinating history behind Sausalito's floating homes dates back to the 1906 earthquake and fire in San Francisco. It became a solution for families who had lost their homes. However, it was the end of World War II that jump-started the community.
Richardson Bay in Sausalito was the site of a significant shipyard during the War. Like many shipyards, Sausalito Shipbuilding closed in 1945, with the end of World War II. The shipyard employed over 20,000 people who worked day and night on the shores of Sausalito to build ships. After its closure, the site became the start of the Sausalito houseboat community.
What seemed like a junkyard of ships became a treasure for the local people. The community used the barges and junk from the shipyard to establish a whole community of affordable floating homes. Cash was short back then, and people were eager to build. A community of colorful, friendly, and very unique was born.
An Architectural & Mystical Wonderland
This is your place if you want to live in a home that doesn’t look like the other ten on your block. Sausalito's floating homes combine whimsical, modern, Victorian, and contemporary chic architecture. Each home showcases the homeowner's personality, creating a mosaic collection of styles and tastes.
Walking the docks of the floating communities is like walking into a candy store of colors, shapes, and tastes. There is no one-size-fits-all, which makes it a wonderfully open and creative space to live and explore.
Experience The Magic of The Floating Community
Guided tours are available for curious souls looking to experience the magic of Sausalito’s floating homes. The docks with gates are generally not open to the public, but the communities with open entry welcome daily walkers and tourists to stroll down the docks.
Please be aware that this is a working community, and residents may be sleeping their night shift off or caring for a loved one. Respect for the residents’ privacy is always the best practice.
However, if you see a local willing to share their own stories about living on the water, it’s a great way to discover and learn about the challenges and joys of life in a floating home. People are genuinely open and excited to share their unique world and vibrant culture of this oasis on the bay.
This gentleman spent an afternoon with us and shared his journey and unique lifestyle here on the docks of Sausalito. He even wrote a book.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Sausalito's floating homes is a journey into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine, tradition meets innovation, and ordinary lives play out daily. As you wander the docks, you will be inspired by the creative lives, sense of community, and resiliency of the homes floating on the bay.
Go slow. Capture life's tranquility, beauty, and magic in this small slice and captivating corner of California.
Until next time,
Marla
Are you looking for wall art from the floating homes in Sausalito? Visit my collection here in my ART SHOP.
