A day trip from Hyatt Regency San Francisco: Sausalito by ferry
From Hyatt Regency San Francisco, walk across the Embarcadero to the Ferry Building (a 1–3 minute stroll). Regular passenger ferries depart the Ferry Building for Sausalito; the crossing takes about 30 minutes and makes for an easy half-day or full-day trip.
In this guide
Walk to the Ferry Building from Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco sits at 5 Embarcadero Center directly across from the Ferry Building. Follow the Embarcadero waterfront east from the hotel's front entrance to reach the Ferry Building plaza in about 1–3 minutes on foot.
Before you go, the hotel offers breakfast at Eclipse Kitchen & Bar during morning hours if you want a sit-down meal; The Market provides grab-and-go coffee and snacks for a quick start.
- Hotel address: 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111
- Eclipse Kitchen & Bar breakfast hours: Mon–Fri 6:30 AM–11:00 AM; Sat–Sun 7:00 AM–12:00 PM
- Grab-and-go: The Market for coffee and packaged meals
| From the hotel | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Hotel front door to Ferry Building plaza | 1–3 minutes on foot |
| Hotel to Embarcadero BART/Muni | Steps (same area) |
| Powell–Hyde cable car boarding (front entrance) | Immediate |
Ferry options and what to expect
Passenger ferries run between the Ferry Building and Sausalito on a frequent schedule; the crossing time is roughly 30 minutes. Ferries operate year-round but schedules vary by season and operator.
Tickets are sold at the Ferry Building and often online. On-bay weather can be cool and windy; bring a light layer even on days that feel warm in the Financial District.
- Typical crossing time: about 30 minutes
- Buy tickets at the Ferry Building or online with the ferry operator
- Bring a jacket — bay conditions can be windy or foggy
| Point | Notes |
|---|---|
| Where to board | Ferry Building (Embarcadero) |
| How long | Around 30 minutes each way |
| What to bring | Layered clothing, camera, water bottle |
Top things to do in Sausalito
Sausalito is a waterfront town with boutiques, galleries, and waterfront dining clustered near the ferry terminal. Stroll the main promenade, browse art shops, or sit at a cafe and watch boats in the marina.
If you have more time, consider renting a bike in Sausalito to explore the shoreline or take a short water taxi to nearby points along the bay.
- Walk the waterfront and visit local galleries and shops
- Eat at a waterfront restaurant or grab seafood from a casual counter
- Rent bikes for a short ride along the bay (rental availability varies seasonally)
| Activity | Good for |
|---|---|
| Window-shopping and galleries | Couples, families, visitors on foot |
| Waterfront dining | Lunch or relaxed early dinner |
| Bike rental | Active visitors wanting more shoreline views |
Timing your trip and practical tips
Plan morning departures if you want quieter streets and more seating on ferries; afternoons and weekends can be busier, especially in summer and on Ferry Building market days (Saturday).
Check the ferry operator’s schedule the day of travel — times change seasonally — and give yourself time to return to the Ferry Building if you have evening plans at the hotel or need to catch transit.
- Ferry Building Farmers Market: Saturdays 8 AM–2 PM (if your visit coincides, expect crowds)
- Allow extra time for ticket queues on busy summer or holiday weekends
- Carry cashless payment or buy tickets online where offered
| When to go | Why |
|---|---|
| Weekday morning | Quieter ferries and Sausalito |
| Weekend midday | More shops and restaurants open but larger crowds |
| Late afternoon return | Good light for hotel bay views back at the Embarcadero |
Return to Hyatt Regency San Francisco and evening ideas
After your return ferry, the hotel is a short walk from the Ferry Building. Eclipse Kitchen & Bar is open for dinner and late-night drinks if you want to dine in the atrium lobby when you get back.
If your room has a view, Room, Balcony, Bay View or Room (Ferry View) categories can offer water- and Ferry Building-facing perspectives to watch the city lights after sunset.
- Eclipse Kitchen & Bar evening hours: daily 5:00 PM–12:00 AM
- Consider relaxing in the atrium lobby near Eclipse Kitchen & Bar after your day out
- If you need to store luggage before check-in or after check-out, the hotel offers luggage storage
| Room options mentioned | Feature |
|---|---|
| Room, Balcony, Bay View | Bay-facing balcony (385 sq. ft.) |
| Room (Ferry View) | Ferry Building / bay-facing option |
| Club Room (Regency Club Breakfast) | Access to Regency Club amenities (rooftop lounge) |
Packing, accessibility and family notes
Bring layers, sunscreen, and a small backpack for purchases — the ferry and Sausalito are both pedestrian-friendly. The hotel is family friendly and can provide rollaway beds or cribs on request for Room and suite types.
Hyatt Regency San Francisco offers accessible rooms with mobility-friendly layouts. If you need specific ferry boarding assistance, check with the ferry operator in advance.
- Hotel can provide rollaway beds or cribs on request
- Accessible guest rooms include roll-in showers and 32-inch clear doorways
- Pets are allowed at the hotel for an additional fee; notify the hotel at least three days before arrival
| Hotel service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Luggage storage | Available before check-in and after check-out |
| Fitness center | 24-hour access free for guests |
| Parking | Valet and covered self-parking available nearby |
