Dunphy Park is a beloved waterfront green space in Sausalito, California, offering sweeping bay views, a sandy beach, and a relaxed community atmosphere.
Dunphy Park sits along the southern edge of Sausalito's waterfront, tucked between the town's houseboat communities and the open waters of Richardson Bay. The park reflects the character of Sausalito itself: unpretentious, scenic, and deeply connected to the water. A small sandy beach at the park's edge draws waders and kayakers, while the grassy lawn serves as a gathering place for picnickers, yoga practitioners, and anyone who simply wants to sit with a view.
The surrounding neighborhood tells its own story. Sausalito grew as a fishing and shipbuilding town in the nineteenth century and later became a hub for artists and bohemian communities, particularly after World War II when the area's floating home culture began to take shape. That layered history feels present even in a small park like this one, where working boats share the bay with recreational sailcraft and the houseboat docks visible from the lawn are home to a genuinely distinctive residential community.
Birdwatchers will find the bay productive, as the shallow waters of Richardson Bay are part of a designated wildlife sanctuary that supports shorebirds, diving ducks, and migratory species throughout the year. The park itself is modest in size, which is part of its appeal. It does not overwhelm. It simply offers a well-placed pocket of calm within a town that rewards slow, attentive exploration, making Dunphy Park a worthwhile stop for anyone passing through or spending a full day in Sausalito.
Visit during the early morning to catch the bay at its most still and the light at its most photogenic, before the foot traffic picks up.
Bring a blanket and settle on the grass facing the water for an unhurried afternoon with one of the best unobstructed views of Richardson Bay.
Walk the short waterfront path that extends from the park to connect with other bayside spots and get a fuller sense of Sausalito's shoreline.
Try the local coffee shops and cafes just a few blocks up Bridgeway before heading to the park so you arrive with something warm in hand.
Keep an eye out for harbor seals resting on nearby docks and buoys, especially on calm weekday mornings when boat traffic is minimal.
Visit Alcatraz one day, then ride a 15-mile guided San Francisco e-bike tour
Sail past Alcatraz and under the Golden Gate on a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise
Cruise the Bay at sunset with 1 beer or wine included
E-bike from Fisherman’s Wharf to Sausalito with a guided Golden Gate Bridge crossing
Ride a Mercedes Sprinter to Armstrong Redwoods, Bodega Bay, and Sausalito
Ride an e-bike over the Golden Gate Bridge with the option to ferry back
Ride the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito with ferry return option
1.5-hour sunset cruise with bring-your-own picnic seating