I paid $8 to take a ferry to a small coastal town near San Francisco. The cute shops and Mediterranean vibes make it the perfect day trip.

• I paid $8 to take a ferry to Sausalito, California, a cute town with a Mediterranean vibe.
• The ferry offered great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
• I loved taking the Golden Gate Ferry and plan to continue traveling to the town.

Though I love living in San Francisco, I sometimes crave a more exciting experience within the Bay Area. Lately, when I’ve needed a change of pace, I take a half-hour ferry ride to Sausalito, a town about 9 miles from San Francisco.

This adorable seaside area, named one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the world by Travel and Leisure, has a cute Mediterranean vibe and is packed with restaurants and shops. It’s known for its art galleries, museums, and houseboat community.