Sausalito visitors have access to some of the most unique and enchanting museums and historical attractions during their stay in addition to all of the outdoor recreation that the area has to offer. Interspersed throughout the many scenic and historic areas in and near Sausalito are a collection of historic sites and museums that are not to be missed. Plan on seeing a few of these hidden gems during your stay in Sausalito and you won’t be sorry that you did!
The United States Immigration Station at Angel Island State Park
The wooden structures that make up the Immigration Station at Angel Island were the West Coast’s version of its Eastern counterpart – Ellis Island. The Immigration Station saw the most enormous influx of immigrants to the west coast at any point in U.S. history. Recent renovations and exhibit additions make this museum a fascinating look into the lives of some of these immigrants to United States soil in hope of a better life.
Bay Model
The United States Army Corps of Engineers constructed the world’s most detailed hydraulic research station and modeled the entire seafloor of the San Francisco Bay in order to do so. The three dimensional model helps scientists and visitors understand the impact of the changing tidal and other water conditions have on the Bay as a whole. Now closed for research, the Bay Model Visitor Center is fully accessible to the public for self guided, guided, or audio tours.
Bay Area Discovery Museum
One of the most innovative and interactive children’s museums in the world, the Bay Area Discovery Museum has been delighting both children and parents for years. Bring your child into any of the more than 6 distinct areas and help them learn to enjoy education and have fun with expanding their horizons! Live animals and Bay wildlife, artistic, and educational exhibits will keep them occupied for hours.
Old St. Hilary’s
One of the few remaining Carpenter Gothic churches to remain in its original setting and open to the public, this historic building will amaze and inspire you. Take the short trip to Tiburon to see this stunning original wood church and marvel at the construction and attention to detail.
China Camp Museum
Located inside China Camp State Park, the museum gives insight into the lives of early Chinese immigrants to the North Bay Area. Situated at the site of an old fishing village, the museum itself was the home of a shrimp processing plant and contains historical exhibits, artifacts, and photographs of the area during its heyday.
Mission San Rafael de Arcangel
One of twenty six missions in California that have stood for several hundred years and predate California’s inclusion in the United States, Mission San Rafael houses many historical and cultural artifacts that will amaze you. A history of the migration of western Europeans to the area that is now known as California, the indigenous peoples that lived here for thousands of years, and some history of the changing times that altered the shape of the west are sure to entertain while educating.
