The Bay Model is a 28,000 square-foot working hydraulic model of San Francisco Bay and the San Joaquin Delta showing salt and freshwater movements through all the rivers, channels, marshes and bays from Sacramento to the Pacific Ocean. Originally built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1957 to test the impact of a proposed plan to dam and fill much of San Francisco Bay for commercial development (which failed as a result), the operation today has been superseded by technology but is still really cool. Where else can you see the entire 24-hour tide cycle in just 15 minutes? Our group will have a private tour led by an Army Corps ranger. The tour will take place from 1-2 p.m., after which we can walk around the model on our own. There will also be a new art exhibit on sea level rise by local painter Christa Grenwalt. In addition, the replica brigantine tallship Matthew Turner is docked nearby, and there are several good restaurants in walking distance. The facility is on the Sausalito waterfront and can be reached by car, bus and ferry.
More information:
https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Bay-Model-Visitor-Center/