Shop Small, Shop Sausalito

Celebrate Independence Day and Support Sausalito's Local Shops and Restaurants All Summer Long!

This 4th of July, let's come together to celebrate our nation's independence by showing our love and support for the incredible local businesses that make Sausalito a unique and vibrant community. Our local shops and restaurants are the heart and soul of our town, and they need our support now more than ever.

By choosing to shop and dine locally, you're not only enjoying the finest offerings Sausalito has to offer but also helping to sustain the livelihoods of our friends and neighbors who pour their passion and creativity into their businesses. From charming boutiques filled with one-of-a-kind treasures to cozy cafes and waterfront dining experiences, Sausalito has something special for everyone.

When you support local businesses, you're contributing to the local economy, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of community. Every purchase you make and every meal you enjoy helps to keep Sausalito thriving and ensures that our town remains a wonderful place to visit, dine, shop, and play.

But don't let the celebration end with the fireworks on the 4th of July! Extend your support throughout the summer and experience all that Sausalito has to offer during these sun-soaked months. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's always something new to discover:

• Unique Shopping: Explore the unique boutiques on Caledonia Street, and find treasures in the galleries and shops on Bridgeway and Princess Street. Each store offers something special, perfect for finding gifts or treating yourself.

• Delicious Dining: Savor meals at Sausalito's diverse range of restaurants. Enjoy waterfront views, fresh seafood, and cozy café delights. Every meal supports local chefs and restaurateurs dedicated to bringing you the best culinary experiences.

• Sun-Soaked Adventures: Take part in the many outdoor activities that Sausalito offers. From boating and kayaking to leisurely strolls along the waterfront, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning scenery.

This summer, let’s make a pledge to support the local businesses that make Sausalito so special. Explore our unique shops, savor delicious meals at our local restaurants, and take in the stunning views that our beautiful town has to offer. Together, we can ensure that Sausalito continues to shine brightly for years to come.

Happy Independence Day, Sausalito! Let's celebrate all summer long by supporting our local businesses and showing the true spirit of our community.

There is a reason we say: Think Local, Buy Local, Stay Local. For every $100 spent locally, $68 goes back to the community. Our local businesses – the hotels, restaurants and retail shops as well as the service industries and B2B businesses in town (accountants, attorneys, ad agencies, etc.) generate more than 50% of the City’s operational budget. In other words, without a strong, sustainable economy, our City would struggle – the programs and services the city provides would be at risk, whether it’s parks, public safety, the library, or operational infrastructure such as street repair and waterfront maintenance.

In other words, why leave town? Downtown parking is not a big issue–every resident gets three FREE hours of parking in the downtown lots and there is ample street parking in other business neighborhoods. We pride ourselves on being a “no-chain-store, no-big-box-store” town ... but the charming boutiques and small businesses need our support to survive.

Also don’t forget or underestimate the value of our out of town visitors–the hospitality and tourism industries are critical to the health of our local economy. Be nice to our visitors; they are ambassadors for us throughout the world and they fuel our local economy with an estimated $82 million a year.

In addition to supporting our retail merchants, service providers, and the hospitality sectors in town, the Chamber works closely with civic leaders to ensure a diversified mix of other businesses in Sausalito that are low-impact and environmentally conscientious, always striving to preserve our small-town, marine-oriented character. Empty storefronts, poorly-utilized space and blighted areas do nothing for our economy or the complexion of our town. Every business has what is called a “multiplier effect”. If a new graphic design agency generates $1M in revenue, it is calculated that this growth will generate 14 new jobs, $510k in business revenue at other local businesses and $240k in business-related tax revenues. The “visitors” who work here on a daily basis are also an important part of our economy–they, too, stay, shop and dine locally. Clearly it behooves us to be a “business-friendly” community.

To learn more about what your Chamber does to support economic development, access a copy of the “Economic & Community Development Report” prepared by the Marin Economic Forum report from the City or Chamber websites. You may also access the “Business Start-Up Guide” on either website, as well as information and meeting minutes from the City’s Business Advisory Committee (BAC) on which Chamber, business and community representatives serve. The BAC is tasked with ensuring a sustainable economic future in Sausalito; meetings are usually held the third Thursday of every month and are open to the public.