FAQ + What To Pack
The Venue
NatureBridge is a nonprofit organization that provides nature camp programs for children. All proceeds from groups like ours go directly toward nature programs for Bay Area kids, so our dollars stay in the community and serve a very worthy cause!
Venue webpage: naturebridge.org/retreat-space/golden-gate
How do I get there?
If you are arriving from outside the region, the best nearby airport for this event will be San Francisco International Airport. The Marin Airporter costs $27 and leaves SFO airport every hour on the half-hour. Follow signs from baggage claim to the center island/green and white curb under signs labeled “Airporters”. You can ride to Sausalito (first stop “Spencer Ave”, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County) where an event coordinator will pick you up.
Fort Cronkhite is approx. 24 miles from SFO airport and 30 miles from Oakland airport. Driving takes 45 minutes to an hour by car. The drive from Oakland airport includes the Bay Bridge westbound toll of $7. There is no toll for the Golden Gate Bridge northbound.
A Lyft/Uber from either major airport to Fort Cronkhite runs around $60-70 at non-peak times. BART is also an option from either airport to get you to the city, where a taxi ride to the venue may be cheaper.
The address is:
NatureBridge at Golden Gate, 1033 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito, CA 94965
What are the accommodations?
NatureBridge at Golden Gate provides lodging for guests in historic military barracks. These bunkhouse accommodations consist of simple beds in a communal dormitory- style setting.
Are meals provided?
Yes, all meals will be provided. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included with each night of lodging. Meals are served in the dining hall buffet-style, and NatureBridge can accommodate special diets, including vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free, for individuals within the group. We will also have snacks and beverages on hand for attendees between meals.
Are we required to participate in hikes and other activities?
Nope! All activities, including the 3.4 mile out-and-back hike to Tennessee Valley Beach after lunch on Saturday (which we understand could be demanding for some), are entirely optional. We encourage everyone to join in the fun, but if you want to take an easy walk around the lagoon or sit on the beach and relax for 2 days, no one will stop you!
Can I bring my dog?
Sadly, no pets are allowed in the NatureBridge dorms. Service animals are allowed.
Who will be there?
We invite all seafaring women+, past, present, and aspiring, to attend this retreat. We also welcome people in maritime shoreside positions. Doesn’t matter if you just graduated from academy or sailed 30 years ago; we want to meet you!
Our Pledge: This retreat and the NatureBridge facility is a safe space for all.
What should I pack?
Here is a list of what you should bring to be prepared for the retreat:
Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen - Fall can be very sunny on the California coast!
Comfortable shoes, i.e. sneakers or hiking boots, for moderate hiking
Comfortable clothes for hiking and lounging
A light jacket or warm layer (no telling if that coastal fog might pay us a visit)
Bedding: blanket or sleeping bag, pillow; we will provide bed sheets and towels
Toiletries
Earplugs
And be sure to save some room in your suitcase for a retreat swag bag!
See you there!