The Bay Model Visitor Center is a fully accessible education center administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Nested on the Sausalito shoreline, this federal visitor center offers the public the opportunity to view a 1.5 acre, three-dimensional, hand-sculpted, hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System. 

The Bay Model was built in 1958 to help scientists and decision-makers understand the waters of the San Francisco Bay and how engineering projects (such as damming and dredging) could impact the ecosystem. The Delta portion of the Model was later completed in 1969 to explore the regional possibilities of canals. In addition to the world-renowned Bay Model proper, the Visitor Center also features a World War II Marinship Exhibit (find and ring the bell!), local art displays, a native plant garden, and much more! Please click here for more history.

Admission is free and donations are welcome. Please visit our website or Facebook page for announcements and additional information. 

School Groups and Tours

For information about scheduling a school group or private tour, please call 415-289-3007 to speak to a Park Ranger.

Facility Special Use

The Bay Model Visitor Center offers four spaces for meetings and events. All reservations must be made in advance and are done so on a first-come, first-served basis. All events must be held Tuesday – Saturday during normal hours of operation. For more information about reservable space at the Bay Model Visitor Center, please call 415-289-3007.

Hours of Operation:  Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 3:00pm and Saturday 9:00am - 4:00pm 
                                 (Closed on Sundays, Mondays, and all federal holidays)