A city in Marin County, Sausalito, California, is a scenic town, famous for its Richardson Bay houseboats, pristine ocean, and rolling foothills and mountains. Visitors can enjoy various things to do such as walking around the city, soaking in the big city views of San Francisco or the Golden Gate Bridge. And, if you are planning a vacation away from the big city, but still enjoy having an amazing view of the city and the ocean from the comfort of your home, Sausalito should be one of your must-visit destinations. For a truly unique experience during your vacation here, stay at one of the Airbnb rentals or these houseboat rentals in Sausalito, California.
1. Uniquely designed houseboat featured in magazines (from USD 331)
The stunning architecture is the first thing you’ll notice when you look at this houseboat. And when you step inside, you’ll discover that this rental is fitted with all the luxurious amenities and facilities. At 3,700 square feet (343.74 square meters), this property features two beautiful bedrooms — one has a fireplace and a hot tub on an adjoining balcony, while the other has a sitting room. There’s also an elegantly appointed gourmet kitchen — preparing meals here will definitely make you feel like a chef yourself.
There are other fantastic amenities that you can enjoy. In particular, there’s high-speed internet access and cable television, so you can enjoy a movie marathon. You can also borrow the single kayaks provided on the dock.
With all these luxurious amenities, this houseboat has been featured in the California Home and Design magazine and on several television programs.
"One of the World's Most Luxurious Houseboats"Sausalito, California, United States
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the roof balcony was awesome the beds were comfortable and sleeping arrangements were quite private and cozyCleanliness:
it was very spacious and comfortable for a grown family of fiveHost:
the owner was helpful friendly and accommodating in every wayRead more reviewsLocation:
friendly neighbors and of course a wonderful locationbut i parked near the boat for a week without problem
Nearby houseboats
2. A vintage guest cottage with panoramic views (from USD 256)
Located twelve minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge this floating cottage features a beautiful blend of vintage decor and amenities from the 1960s and 70s with today’s era. Accommodating up to four people, this space comprises two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchenette, a living area, and a dining area. You can enjoy dining outdoors on the spacious deck situated upstairs by the master bedroom, soaking in the panoramic views. Also, enjoy unparalleled views of the bay, the rolling hills, and majestic Mt. Tamalpais.
Floating Guest Cottage (houseboat)Sausalito, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
nice for having coffee on the deck and a complete kitchen for cooking mealslovely comfortable houseboat with terrific viewsit has just enough amenities to be comfortable yet not clutteredfull kitchen beds very comfortable clean and the views oh the viewsthe hosts provided starter coffee and other appreciated amenities like laundry and dish soapCleanliness:
the place was very clean the area was beautiful and our hosts fantasticgreat place to stay very clean nicely decorated and owners are very responsivenature will nurture and this houseboat was clean and serene perfect combinationgreat location very clean and well stockedHost:
wonderful hosts and very helpfullois was a great host who answered questions promptly and clearlylois is the perfect hostphenomenal digs and a great hostlois and bob were excellent hosts quick to respond with great suggestions and answer any questionsRead more reviewsLocation:
location is ideal for san francisco if inclinedeasy access to the city by bus or ferryunique experience close to many great restaurants in sausalitowonderful play to stay and close proximity to the cityhighly recommend this wonderful location
3. Live on a historic ferryboat (from USD 561)
The SS City of Seattle, a historic ferryboat, launched in 1888 and is only one of the best places to stay for rent for couples or families. This oldest surviving ferryboat on the West Coast has interiors that combine modern luxury and comfort with plenty of natural light and bright colors to amp up the living space.
Set on the open water, this ferryboat has all the modern amenities you need and features three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living area, a kitchen, and a dining space. You can enjoy the nearby attractions, such as the Ancient Redwoods, Golden Gate Bridge, Disney’s Art & Innovation, and more.
Historic Ferryboat In SausalitoSausalito, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
huge kitchen swinging couch sun room etcthe furniture was comfortable and the rooms spaciousgorgeous view from all rooms on the main floorwe were so comfortable it was truly lovely to wake up to the amazing views of sausalitohuge kitchen with everything a chef would needCleanliness:
everything was clean and well-maintainedthe beds were comfortable with clean towels and linensabsolutely beautiful spacious and cleanwhat a relaxing getaway we arrived to a spotless houseboat with keys waitinga really unique place to stay very clean fully stocked three rooms giant space of a bathroomHost:
the owners were very nice and kept to themselveschris was a great hostthis place is perfect and the hosts are remarkably generous of their time and their water toysone of a kind experiencechris is a very considerate and professional hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was wonderful not far from sonoma and close to san franciscopeaceful and great location for hiking and trip to sonomaidyllic location in a quiet and stunning areathe yellow ferry of sausalito is truly an awesome location and a welcoming place to staywe enjoyed the local restaurants and the ideal location
4. A modern, well-lit, two-level accommodation (from USD 212)
This stylish floating home comfortably accommodates four guests. The two-level houseboat on Liberty Dock features two bedrooms with teak floors, a bathroom and a kitchen with Italian tiles, a dining room, side and roof decks with a barbecue, and twelve skylights. Feel free to cook your favorite dishes in the full kitchen, which is equipped with everything you will possibly need, and make use of the free internet available throughout the accommodation. Most of the attractions are found close to the houseboat, including some of the best hiking and trekking spots in Marin County, beaches and Golden Gate Bridge, making it one of the most sought-after Sausalito floating homes for rent.
Tobiko Houseboat: Top Bay Place to Stay by NBCSausalito, California, United StatesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
clean comfortable beautiful rooftop deck fantastic location sunsets over mtHost:
shannon's floating home is a wonderful sanctuary and shannon is a responsive and considerate hostRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of the boat on the dock is peaceful and provides beautiful views
5. A private houseboat with luxury amenities and fixtures (from USD 825)
The modern decor of this houseboat will make anyone feel like they are vacationing in a beautiful studio apartment. Featuring a long list of luxury amenities, this houseboat is surrounded by pristine views of San Francisco, East Bay, Sausalito, and the seals. Accommodating up to six guests, the houseboat features three bedrooms and two bathrooms with high-end fixtures, a fully equipped kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, two large decks, and a barbecue on the patio deck.
Magical Sausalito Floating Home !Sausalito, California, United StatesAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
loved the style the amount of space and the comfortable yet sophisticated decora wonderful comfortable space with wonderful viewsgreat well equipped comfortable home with fantastic viewskids happily spread out in the lower level bedsit’s a fabulous space with many thoughtful touches and plenty of room to spread outCleanliness:
the place was clean and comfortable and we immediately felt at homevery clean large complete kitchen and nice touches throughoutHost:
all interaction was fast and helpfulpati is a very nice and helpful hosteveryone on the dock was very friendlypati was a fantastic host and communication was easy and quickhe was always responsive available and attentive without being intrusiveRead more reviewsLocation:
absolutely beautiful home and locationwe had a wonderful stay the location is serene but yet so close to everythingvery nice place quiet and close to everythingwonderful houseboat extremely well located and nicely decoratedwe had such a nice time super fun location and wonderful little home
6. A romantic houseboat with well-equipped amenities (from USD 165)
This luxury houseboat comfortably accommodates two people and boasts all the modern amenities for your comfort and convenience. There is one bedroom, one bathroom, a living area, a kitchen, a patio deck, and a dining space. The houseboat also offers kayaks and bike rental for guests looking to explore the water and the town. Step outside and sit on the patio and enjoy watching beautiful sunsets and pristine views by the bay.
Little Lux. Floating HomeSausalito, California, United StatesSuperhost
Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
centrally located in the quaint houseboat community and has all the amenities for a very comfortable stayhuge flat screen tv bbq kayaks bikes etcCleanliness:
clean and modern with beautiful unobstructed viewsstylish decor clean and warwick was always communicative and accommodatingHost:
warwick is the perfect hostwarwick's floating home is simply one of a kindwarwick is a perfect host - friendly and responsivelast but not least warwick himself is a fantastic host - so responsive and accommodatingwarwick was very helpful and easy to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
great location close to 101 nice restaurants and grocery store close bya special location that we hope to visit againhis location is the best in the areaif you want a special place on the outskirts of san francisco you've found it
7. A spacious houseboat with a roof deck (from USD 311)
With aesthetically pleasing interiors and big windows, this is one of the most charming yet quirky Sausalito, CA, houseboats, and accommodates up to five guests. The houseboat features two bedrooms, one bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, a living area with a fireplace, and a dining area. Spend your day grilling meat and veggies with your family or friends out on the spacious roof deck, offering panoramic views of the Bay, Mt. Tamalpais, and San Francisco.
Sausalito houseboat livingSausalito, California, United StatesAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
lots of light easy parking well equipped and very comfortableCleanliness:
it was quiet well furnished and cleanhouse has all you need and it is really cleangreat place very well located but not exactly a modern or clean placeHost:
alan is a very attentive host and his home is really comfortable and spaciousalan is a great host the boat house is a unique experiencealan is a wonderful host his place is a is simply spectacularif you want a peaceful stay this is the place very family friendly and quietRead more reviewsLocation:
great place in a houseboat community close to downtown sausalito and the highwaythis is a great place to stay for a couple or family
8. A bright floating home, featuring a sundeck (from USD 100)
This houseboat is bright, modern, and roomy, with a large living area that easily accommodates up to five people. The fully furnished floating home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a remodeled kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a refrigerator, and a microwave. From the sundeck of the houseboat, one can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Tamalpais and Bay Bridge, while chilling on the lounge chairs.
Sittin' on the Dock of the BaySausalito, California, United StatesAccommodates: 5
Top guest reviews
Host:
owner was quick to respond and very friendlygreat place and great host - would definitely stay again - sherizach is a great host awesome locationRead more reviewsLocation:
zachary’s lovely houseboat was the perfect location for our san francisco tripif you’re looking for some ware close to san francisco you can't go wrong with this lovely house boatgreat location the space is unique and is exactly as described
9. Relax and see great sights while on this cozy Sausalito houseboat (from USD 125)
For those looking for houseboat rentals in the Bay Area, this accommodation could be an ideal option. It will let you experience authentic Sausalito living while you stay at a unique type of accommodation. And it is also quite easy to embark on some of the best day trips from Sausalito, California, from this amazing houseboat.
SAUSALITO HOUSEBOAT WITH A GREAT VIEW!Sausalito, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
very clean such a great ambience and locationHost:
susan is a wonderful host i’m sure everyone will enjoy personalitysue is a generous welcoming hostsusan was a fabulous hostsusan is so friendly and kind and knowledgeable about the area and gave us lots of great recommendationsour stay was with a casual friendly host who lives on the houseboat with one other personRead more reviewsLocation:
this is a unique interesting convenient and fun place to stayher place is artistically eclectic and fun
10. Spacious houseboat with San Francisco Bay views (from USD 285)
A family or group of six guests will love staying in this spacious houseboat that offers fantastic views of San Francisco Bay and beautiful sailboats bobbing on the water. Originally constructed in 1910, this property is completely remodeled and comes equipped with modern conveniences like WiFi, Sonos sound system, heating, and more. Enjoy alfresco meals on the outdoor deck, lounge about in the furnished living room, rustle up delicious meals in the full kitchen or sleep soundly in the three well-appointed bedrooms. Two luxe bathrooms, an office and a den are also accessible to guests. Golden Gate Bridge is just 4.6 mi (7.4 km) away.
Spectacular 3Br/2Ba Houseboat For RentSausalito, California, United States
11. Stylish houseboat close to attractions
This pet-friendly houseboat is the perfect accommodation option for a small group or a family of four. It has a unique shape and a luxurious, contemporary interior. A gorgeous kitchen, a cozy dining area, two sleek bathrooms, a welcoming living room, and two inviting bedrooms are available in the houseboat. Take in Bay Bridge and mountain views from the well-appointed and covered porch or spend time on the rooftop deck. Downtown San Francisco is just a 20-minute drive away.
Beautiful, renovated floating home
12. Remodeled houseboat with Mt. Tamalpais views (from USD 217)
Those who wish to stay in a houseboat in Sausalito that provides unhindered views of Mt. Tamalpais will be interested in this listing. Ideally suited for up to four adults, this remodeled houseboat is chic and well-appointed. Decked out in modern furnishings, it has an open-concept living area and kitchen with large windows to take in the views. A furnished den, two beautiful bathrooms and bedrooms, a lovely top deck with seating, and an additional front deck are also accessible to guests. All the attractions of San Francisco are a quick, short drive away from this houseboat.
Chic Floating Home In Scenic SausalitoAccommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 31
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 60 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
janet was very helpful and responsive and made our stay easy and comfortablethe house was immaculate and the beds were perfect for a good night's sleepcomfortable bedding great towels (including the black makeup washcloths ) arrival flowers and spirits and so much moreboth beds were first rate the kitchen was very well equipped and the entire unit was very brightCleanliness:
super clean and cozyit is spotless comfortable and furnished beautifullyvery clean and was ready before we got to san franciscothe home is tastefully decorated and well appointed impeccably clean very comfortable and carefully maintainedHost:
met the owner and everything was more & better than expectedowner thought of everything and has great instructions in a nice book if something comes upthe houseboat neighbors were very welcoming and friendly and were happy to talk about houseboat lifejanet is easily the most experienced organized and thoughtful host we've ever dealt withRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was absolutely perfecttam is calming and upliftingperfect home perfect locationwalking up and down the docks was an adventure in and off itself
Nearby houseboats
13. Cozy floating home for four (from USD 217)
This 900-square-foot (83.61-square-meter) floating home features one bedroom with a king-size bed, but if you have two extra guests, then you can use the queen-size sofa sleeper in the living room. In addition to this, there’s a well-equipped kitchen for your dining needs and a living room with internet access and cable television.
Sausalito and San Francisco are two of the closest cities to this houseboat. For this reason, you can easily head down to these places to do some sightseeing. Some of the places you should include in your itinerary are Golden Gate Park, Marin Headlands, Rodeo Beach, and Alcatraz Island.
Amazing Floating Home! Modern, Elegant, Fun!Accommodates: 4
Minimum Nights: 30
Refund Policy : 100% refund if you cancel at least 30 days before check-in.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very relaxing and sitting on the deck having breakfast or a sundowner watching the birds was perfectit was great fun to be on the water the unit is very comfortable and nicely furnishedvery modern and comfortable would definitely stay here againCleanliness:
very clean and well equipped unitHost:
anna the host incredibly easy to work withanna the host was so easy to communicate with and gave us all the privacy we needed tooRead more reviewsLocation:
location too was awesomethe location was great as in 10 minutes you can be in the heart of san franciscowell equipped and comfortable houseboat in a convenient locationwe loved this amazing houseboat and location we used the kayaks every day at sunset to explore the baywe stayed during the sausalito art festival during labor day weekend and could walk to the festival area
14. Charming home with a private hot tub (from USD 285)
This 1,640-square-foot (152.36-square meter) A-frame house is just a few minutes away from San Francisco, so you shouldn’t miss your chance to do some sightseeing while staying here. Some of the places that you should definitely visit include Golden Gate Park, Nike Missile Site SF-88, the Walt Disney Family Museum, and Baker Beach.
After your day of adventure, head back to this home to rest. You can soak in the hot tub on the deck to soothe your worn-out muscles, and when you’re hungry, you can whip out a delicious meal in the fully equipped kitchen. Then, you might want to watch an engaging movie in the living room before going to sleep.
Unique floating home on Richardson BaySausalito, California, United States
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
very comfortable beautiful views great locationall the amenities of a nice hotel with the added bonus of a well stocked kitchenthe beds are comfortable and the linens and bedding are superior qualitythe rooms are large and well furnished and the living areas are perfect for socializingCleanliness:
the property is spotless and beautifully appointedthis home was so clean and cozy that we didn't want to leaveall appears new and sparkling cleansea chalet is a cute compact clean and comfortable floating home with all needed amenitiesthe house is very comfortable clean and has gorgeous viewsHost:
amy was wonderful very helpful on the front end making our arrival easy and stress-freeamy was so friendly and helpfulRead more reviewsLocation:
easy parking close to the ferry to sf close to downtown sausalito convenient to mill valleyhome is as advertised great location for seeing the san francisco bay areaeasy drive into the city or down to ferry dock and close to wine country reyes pte etc
15. Bright and colorful houseboat with spectacular views (from USD 200)
With its bright colors and charming design, this houseboat will make you feel like you’re on a fantastical and whimsical getaway. It’s also wonderfully furnished, so your experience will definitely be memorable. The kitchen and the living room share an open floor plan, so you can watch movies while preparing your meals. The living room also has a free-standing wood-burning fireplace, so you’ll always be warm and toasty.
There’s an extra room in this rental that you can use as an office or a yoga room. You can also find two balconies that boast spectacular views. You can hang out in one of them, sipping your coffee and wine while admiring the views of the water and the sunset.
Magical, light-filled houseboat with spectacular views.Sausalito, California, United States
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
are better than many home kitchens) and lots of extra high quality towels sheets etcthe kitchen bedrooms and bathrooms are surprisingly well equipped with first-rate equipment (pans knives etcRead more reviewsHost:
it was a lot of fun and our host was incredibly responsive and accomodating for our entire stay
16. A lovely two-story dwelling (from USD 400)
Whether you’re heading to Sausalito for a relaxing time on the water or exploring its attractions, this lovely two-story houseboat in Marin County is the ideal dwelling to book. Its front deck allows you to admire the waterfront views but if you’re quite adventurous, you can use the two kayaks and life vests to embark on the waters. A recently renovated houseboat, it features an updated kitchen for all your cooking needs and is equipped with a smart speaker and two 54-inch flat-screen TVs with cable services. Free WiFi also comes with the booking.
You can effortlessly explore the nearby points of interest using the unit’s bicycle on a fine day. Golden Gate Bridge is just 10 minutes away from the property while the heart of San Francisco can be easily reached through a short ferry ride.
Cozy & Cute Sausalito BoathouseSausalito, California, United States
17. Bright and airy houseboat (from USD 165)
Relax on your private and peaceful deck while you savor the feeling of true houseboat living. This bright accommodation is only a five-minute drive from downtown Sausalito so you’re guaranteed prime access to several hotspots. While it’s easy to explore the district, the highlight of your experience will be your indoor stays in the unit.
The modern space has a cozy living room with a fireplace that extends to a furnished deck, perfect for savoring the waterfront views. The stay is made more convenient by the availability of a smart TV and WiFi. Its kitchen has got all your meal plans covered as it is equipped with the essential appliances and cookware.
Make your way up to the dreamy bedroom that has a full-size bed and a furnished private balcony to recharge. Note that you’ll need to book the property for at least 29 days to enjoy its amenities.
A Parisian ‘Nook’ — A Sausalito Houseboat w/ Private deck, fireplace & kayakSausalito, California, United States
18. Spend a beautiful getaway at the Happy Place (from USD 147)
Looking forward to spending some quality time with your significant other? Then you must see what this houseboat has to offer. Situated north of the Golden Gate Bridge, this floating home is roomy and cozy and features a bedroom and a bathroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a dining area, all equipped with modern amenities. And, if you want to explore the city, you can rent a car and head to the nearest wine country to sip some of the tastiest wines or go discover the local hiking trails of the country.
The Happy Place - A Floating Home (Houseboat)Mill Valley, California, United StatesAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
beautiful views wonderful trip loved the bathroom nightlightCleanliness:
but it’s clean safe and michael is a really nice guy that clearly respected our privacyHost:
micheal was a wonderful host thoughtful flexible on check out and the setting was beautifulfabulous hosts of this cute floating homeRead more reviewsLocation:
walking distance to a great breakfast place and a short drive into sausalitopeaceful and authentic houseboat community and great central location just minutes from the highway and mill valleylocation is outstanding the house boat community is very friendly
19. Take in the beautiful views from this floating home (from USD 275)
This floating home can sleep up to four guests, making it great for a small group of friends or a family. Nestled at the end of the dock, this home has a lot of natural light flowing in because of the floor-to-ceiling windows. It comprises two bedrooms, one bathroom, a living area, a dining area, and a kitchen with a farm sink, a Wolf stove, and a dishwasher.
Guests have full access to the grills outside and can also venture out to the closest restaurants and supermarkets nearby. Because of its perfect location amidst the city and nature, you will love sitting on the deck, soaking in the stunning views.
Beautiful Floating Home at the End of the DockMill Valley, California, United StatesAccommodates: 4
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the view from the living room is even better than in the picturesi enjoyed the hammock; the space was stylish and comfortable and the gas heater kept us warma very unique experience with a beautiful view sunset and sunrises are beautiful from the living roomthe inside is spacious the kitchen well-equipped the bedroom comfortable (with a small private deck)loved staying there & hoping to return soon super comfortable and oh the views of sunrise- amazingCleanliness:
the place was clean quiet and exactly as describedHost:
great communication with our host as wellRead more reviewsLocation:
wonderful style location vibe and just as expectedvery charming place great location and great hostthe place is beautiful if sort of uniqueour stay at sasha's place was great; our son had a tremendous time watching the birds
Witness the beauty of the city from the ocean
If you are planning a getaway to Sausalito and want to see the city in a whole different way and experience something new for a change, here is your chance. Stay at one of these best Sausalito houseboat rentals in California during your next vacation.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Facebook Log in with Twitter Log in with Google ×