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Spring in Sausalito, California, is a delightful time when the weather starts to warm up, and the town comes alive with various activities and events. Here are some wonderful things to do in Sausalito during the spring season:

1. Hiking in Marin Headlands: Explore the scenic trails of Marin Headlands, located near Sausalito. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, rugged coastline, and diverse flora and fauna. Popular trails include the Coastal Trail and Tennessee Valley Trail.

2. Bay Cruise: Take a bay cruise from Sausalito to enjoy panoramic views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, and the city skyline. Many cruise companies offer narrated tours that provide insights into the bay's history and landmarks.

3. Art Walks and Galleries: While the Sausalito Art Festival may not be happening, you can still explore art galleries and studios in the area. Discover a wide range of art styles, from contemporary to traditional, and meet local artists showcasing their works.

4. Historic Tours: Join guided tours to learn about Sausalito's rich history and architectural landmarks. Visit sites like the Bay Model Visitor Center, Sausalito Historical Society exhibits, and the World War II-era Marinship shipyards.

5. Waterfront Dining: Enjoy waterfront dining at Sausalito's restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating with stunning bay views. Indulge in fresh seafood, California cuisine, and international flavors while soaking in the coastal atmosphere.

6. Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore Richardson Bay and nearby waterways. Experience the tranquility of paddling on the water while admiring the natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes.

7. Wine Tasting: Take a short drive to nearby wineries in Marin County or Sonoma County for wine tasting experiences. Sample a variety of wines, enjoy vineyard tours, and learn about the winemaking process in the region.

8. Live Music and Performances: Check out local venues for live music performances, theater shows, and cultural events. From intimate concerts to outdoor performances, Sausalito offers a range of entertainment options for music and art enthusiasts.

The activities mentioned can benefit both the local businesses and resident community in Sausalito in several ways:

1. Boost in Tourism: By offering a variety of engaging activities, Sausalito can attract more tourists and visitors during the summer months. This influx of tourists can lead to increased foot traffic in local businesses such as restaurants, shops, and galleries, boosting sales and revenue for these establishments.

2. Support for Local Economy: Increased tourism and patronage of local businesses contribute to the overall economic health of Sausalito. Local businesses, including restaurants, cafes, tour operators, and shops, rely on summer visitors to generate income and sustain their operations throughout the year.

3. Job Opportunities: The uptick in tourism and business activity can create job opportunities for local residents, especially in sectors like hospitality, tourism services, retail, and entertainment. This can lead to employment opportunities and income generation for community members.

4. Community Engagement: The availability of diverse activities fosters community engagement and a sense of vibrancy in Sausalito. Residents can participate in events, enjoy local amenities, and interact with visitors, creating a lively and connected community atmosphere.

5. Cultural Enrichment: Events such as Jazz and Blues by the Bay, art galleries, and cultural experiences enrich the local community by promoting arts, music, and cultural diversity. Residents have access to cultural events and activities that contribute to the overall quality of life in Sausalito.

6. Positive Image and Reputation: A thriving summer season with a range of activities creates a positive image of Sausalito as a desirable destination. This can lead to repeat visits from tourists, positive word-of-mouth recommendations, and enhanced reputation for the town, benefiting both residents and businesses in the long term.

The diverse activities in Sausalito contribute to a dynamic local economy, create opportunities for residents, enhance community life, and promote the town as an attractive and welcoming destination.

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.