Across the bay in Sausalito, the holidays take on a small-town tone, with a gingerbread contest (local businesses compete with the creations inside their establishments), Winterfest (a community event that includes a lighted boat parade and fireworks) and various art gallery openings and other events. An ideal place to stay, The Inn Above Tide sits right on the water, and its City Lights Suite faces the San Francisco skyline. On a clear night, the buildings, the Bay Bridge and all the lights glow from across the water. Sit outdoors on the deck, fireplace blazing—it’s an indoor/outdoor see-through gas system—and you’ll feel like you’re on a boat, with the lights from the inn and Bridgeway (Sausalito’s main drag) shining on the swells. It’s a beautiful space, with a massive bathroom (including a deep jetted tub), king bed, all manner of lighting (important if you like to read in bed while your partner snoozes), lots of current magazines and the deck that functions as a second room, complete with double lounger, dining table and plenty of plants. Ferries come and go into the adjacent dock, chugging out across the bay. Get up early and—before hitting the lobby for breakfast—walk the waterfront, fantasizing about a Sausalito lifestyle. You could ride your bike to the ferry or get a real workout riding across the Golden Gate to work each day, dine at Poggio (California Italian with windows open onto Bridgeway) or Fish in the harbor (freshest fish possible), take weekend sails on the bay. Heck, maybe home itself is a houseboat. To complete the fantasy, take a wooden houseboat tour—weekends only, with a local guide who shares area history. (Call for reservations: 855-715-8090.) One last thing about Sausalito: Parking can be a challenge. Once you’ve found a spot, stay there and cruise around town on bikes from Sausalito Bike Rentals. You’ll see Blazing Saddles bicycles everywhere, but don’t look for a shop in town—those folks likely rode over the Golden Gate from San Francisco and will take the ferry back.