Bay Model Visitor Center

06/18/2026

In observance of Juneteenth, the Bay Model will be closed this Friday, June 19th. We will resume our regular hours on Saturday, June 20th, opening at 9:00 AM.

Start your weekend with us! Come on by Saturday morning and join Docent Claire for a special tour of the Bay Model starting at 11:00 AM.

Send a message to learn more

06/18/2026

Swimming in open water (lakes, rivers, etc.) is more difficult than in a pool. You can get exhausted in a short amount of time and get into trouble due to waves, current, lack of experience, or from overestimating your abilities. Even strong swimmers can drown so !

06/15/2026

Drowning doesn’t look like it does in the movies. It can happen with 30 seconds for children and 60 seconds for many adults, and often silently, even close to shore. Around 40% of drownings are witnessed. Most of the time others may be nearby but don’t realize someone is in trouble.

Learn the 4 signs of drowning - head back, mouth open, not yelling or calling for help, and arms slapping the water surface (not waving around). Most importantly, always wear a life jacket to avoid an accident becoming a tragedy. Please Wear It

06/12/2026

Saturday, June 12th Schedule of Events!

Looking for the perfect Saturday plans? Come visit us at the Bay Model Visitor Center for two incredible, free presentations!

11:00 AM: Trekking the Model
Join Docent Richard for a one hour fascinating walk around the model as he dives into the when, why, and how of our amazing hydraulic model. As one engineering visitor told us just today: "This is the coolest museum I've ever seen!"

1:00 PM: Natural History of the San Francisco Bay Model (Back by Popular Demand!)
Ever wonder what the SF Bay would look like today if the Bay Model was never built? Join Docent Austin and Ranger Heather for a 45 minute deep dive into Bay-Delta conservation, modern restoration efforts, and how this model literally saved the bay from human impact. Plus, learn what the US Army Corps of Engineers is working on right now to help the San Francisco Bay Delta every single day!

06/12/2026

Water safety is for everyone - human babies and fur babies alike! Make sure your entire family is wearing a life jacket every time you’re in, on, or near open water to ensure that your visit is great. Please Wear It

06/09/2026

To honor Andy, please wear a life jacket when boating to increase your chances of surviving carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Boaters should use a marine CO detector, seat children in the forward-most seating on a boat, avoid idling and exposure to emissions from other boats, and always maintain fresh air circulation.

06/06/2026

You know what isn’t cool? Drowning. USACE data shows 88% of drowning victims are male, meaning men are about 7 times more likely to drown than women. Gentlemen, if you want to impress someone, start by buckling that life jacket.

06/04/2026

Saturday, June 6th Schedule of Events

11:00 AM: The Bay Model & WWII Sausalito History
Join Docent Robert to uncover the history of the Bay Model and the impressive World War II shipyard legacy that happened right here inside our building.

1:00 PM: Natural History & Conservation Walk
Ever wonder what the SF Bay would look like today if the Bay Model was never built? Join us for a 30+-minute dive into Bay-Delta conservation, modern restoration efforts, and how this model saved the bay from human impact. Better yet, learn how we are actively involved in helping the San Francisco Bay everyday!

06/03/2026

Start paddling smart by taking an online safe paddling course. From securing your boat to your vehicle to waterway hazard identification and what to do during challenging weather, this online course covers everything you need to know to ensure your paddling experience is safe and enjoyable.

Get started here:

Get ready for your day on the water with this free online paddlesports training program brought to you by the ACA and the U.S. Coast guard!

05/30/2026

Saturday, May 30th at the Bay Model!
🔹 11:00 AM: "Trekking the Model" – A expertly guided tour around the Bay with Docent Richard.
2:00 PM: Ranger/Docent Talk – Afternoon talk on the Bay Model, why it was built and the unique history of our building.
While you’re here, don't miss:
*The Marinship Exhibit (WWII history!)
*Stunning local art from our Artist in Residence
*Cyril’s famous ocean-crossing kayak
Come say hi and feel free to ask the rangers about water safety! Come for the model and stay for our occasional seals.