It's common knowledge that the Bay Area is an adventurous food lover's dreamland. San Francisco is one of the top destinations in the U.S. to dine and shop for foods full of flavor, healthy local ingredients, and fine wine.

But don't forget about the foodie community just over the bay - a scenic 30 minute ferry ride north of San Francisco. Sausalito harbors (literally) culinary fantasies realized in its many speciality food stores. And the icing on the cake is a gorgeous climate in which to spend the day stepping in and out of these stores while strolling along the waterfront, people-watching and breathing in the fresh, flower-scented air.

Bridgeway, the main drag in downtown Sausalito, offers numerous gourmet food and wine retailers within a five minute walk. And there are more surprises in these stores beyond the one-of-a-kind products. Many are more affordable than you'd expect. $6 bottles of wines from the many vineyards just to the north and hearty, made-to-order sandwiches are priced comparably to sandwich chains that underwhelm the senses.

One of my favorites is Venice Gourmet (625 Bridgeway). Open since 1969, it's a gourmet boutique gift shop boasting a large variety of fine foods, premium wines, kitchenware and accessories. Visit the store and you are likely to hear one of the friendly deli clerks asking a customer how they'd like their sandwich prepared: "Sourdough roll today? Shaved maple glazed turkey? Coming right up!" You can dress up your wine glasses with some flip flop sandal accessories that slide onto the glass's base, or pick up some San Francisco Love Tea.

Just a few storefronts away is Real Napa (611 Bridgeway), where you can get a taste of Napa Valley without adding any gas mileage. Besides the tasting room, you can purchase beauty products, olive oils, tapenades, and sauces straight from Napa.

Another good bet is Bacchus and Venus (769 Bridgeway). Sample some wine, sign up for a wine club, and browse through the art gallery for a taste of the good life.

If you walk north of Bridgeway, and head one block west and you will hit Caledonia St, home to several world-class restaurants such as Sushi Ran and several specialty food shops. Fresh Organics (200 Caledonia St) is a health food lover's dream. It offers a multitude of organic and vegan items as well as an assortment of groceries for people with food allergies, such as gluten-free breads and lactose-free cheese.

Whatever foods you fancy, from salads and sandwiches to slices of pizza to saltwater taffy, you will find more than you could ask for in the friendly, gorgeous waterfront community that is Sausalito.

For a complete directory of businesses to shop with in Sausalito, visit sausalito.org/business