San Francisco California Golden Gate Bridge Unisex T Shirt

The "Lost Behind the Shelves" 1776 San Francisco Heritage Tee

Every retail store has its hidden corners, but at the Sausalito Ferry Co, ours apparently double as a time capsule.

We first opened our doors back in 1980. In those early days, we used to make custom heat-transfer t-shirts right here in the shop, pressing bold graphics onto tees for locals and commuters stepping off the ferry. Decades passed, trends shifted, and those old design bins were eventually replaced.

Then, during a massive stockroom cleanup, we pulled out some heavy old shelving that hadn't been moved in a generation. Tucked flat against the back wall, covered in a fine layer of historic North Bay dust, was a forgotten stash of original early-1980s heat transfers.

Right there in the pile was this exact design.

We fell in love with it immediately. It captures that perfect, effortless retro California aesthetic because it is an authentic retro California aesthetic. With a bit of digital updating to clean up the lines of the original graphic while preserving its unmistakable throwback soul, we are incredibly proud to bring this version back to life for 2026.

The design features a classic, vibrant San Francisco print highlighted by a bold silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge. Emblazoned across the graphic is "1776"—the historic year of the founding and incorporation of the City of San Francisco—giving it a timeless, collegiate heritage feel.

We've traded the stiff, heavy fabrics of the '80s for a premium, ultra-wearable blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester. This modern blend gives the shirt excellent durability and wrinkle resistance, while the cotton ensures it stays incredibly soft, lightweight, and comfortable from the very first wear. Featuring a relaxed unisex fit that looks great on everyone, it is available in adult sizes Small through Extra Large (S–XL).

Whether you’re a Bay Area local, a frequent ferry rider, or just a collector of genuine vintage style, this tee is a wearable piece of our shop's history.