Sausalito Art Festival Top Vendors & Booths

In virtually every part of the world, you will find artwork and art lovers. Often, they come together at festivals and other events. The same is true in Sausalito and it is one of the most popular events in the area. In fact, people travel from miles around just to see what unique types of artwork they will find at the top vendors and booths.

About the Art Festival

The Sausalito Art Festival is an event that takes place on the waterfront. It is a yearly event that takes place on Labor Day weekend. On average, the event draws more than 250 award winning artists and 30,000 spectators.  Artists who show up are selected for their quality of work, creativity, and much more. The event has earned the title of most prestigious and most anticipated art events in the United States. Each year, you will find entertainment, delicious foods, beer and wine for you to enjoy, and many unique exhibitions.

All proceeds from this massive art festival benefits the local arts community. It goes toward student scholarships and grants to arts organizations as well as community programs.

Hidden Gems at the Festival

When discussing art festivals, most people think only of paintings and photographs. There is some of this type of artwork at the Sausalito festival, but it goes well beyond that. You will find booths where craftsmen show off their amazing jewelry collections, sculptures, and even 2-D or 3-D creations. There are booths where glassworkers and ceramic workers show off what they can do. One of the most fascinating displays is the woodworkers. At one booth demonstration, people watched a casting resin tutorial & easy cast review showing how to use resin to make arts & crafts. You may even find unique styles from clothing designers who dedicate their lives to transforming simple fabrics into masterpieces.

Each year the things that can be seen at this festival change as people push the boundaries of what is considered art in its truest, most beautiful form. This is why each year so many people choose to make it part of their Labor Day tradition.

What Will This Year’s Event Hold?

Each year the art festival draws in a larger crowd than the year before. There are more types of artwork and more ways to keep yourself entertained while you are there. No one knows what, or who, will show up at this year’s event, but already there are people creating special items for the event. Will you be one of the artists or will you be one of the hundreds that leave their backyard grill turned off long enough to visit Sausalito’s most popular festival event?

Propane Powers Sausalito

When you live in a heavily populated area that is famous for being historical, you do not want pollution to be the thing that people remember most when they leave. For that reason, many areas, like Sausalito, rely on businesses that remain as clean as possible. It keeps the area free of heavy pollution, even during the peak of tourist season. This is why propane powers Sausalito and many homes in the area do as well.

The Beauty of Propane

Many local businesses and restaurants use propane to power a variety of appliances that we all use in our home or business. This includes gas stoves for restaurants and heaters during the cold weather months in all businesses. As a bonus, not only does it have less an impact on the environment, but their appliances have a higher efficiency rating, require less maintenance, and are ultimately more convenient than traditional, electric or oil run appliances. This is vital for a town that depends on tourists and having everything running strong when tourists are most prone to visit. It has also helped to know that backup power is also available to businesses that use propane.

Backing Up Propane Power

If you look at places like California where there is an energy crisis. It isn’t hard to understand why so many businesses rely on backup power. It ensures that they do not ever have to worry about losing business because of a problem with the power grid. At one time, the primary backup power sources used gasoline, which adds more pollution, and it is not available in unlimited supply. Natural gas is also commonly used, but shortages are always a potential problem. Even as recently as January, residents of Southern California were urged to cut down on natural gas usage.

In areas like Sausalito, the risk is less severe, but present. Propane offers a viable solution and it comes in the form of a propane generator that is powerful enough to power businesses and restaurants. They are efficient and dependable, which are two of the biggest requirements for businesses throughout the U.S. The fact that they are great for the environment and produce very little emissions makes them perfect for even the busiest areas where pollution could be a problem.

Provide the Best for Visitors and Guests

Whether you are in a little, historical town or a large city with an overcrowded power grid, businesses have to focus on providing the best for visitors. A steady supply of power is important. This means it should be a priority for all to have a reliable primary power source and an even more dependable power source for backup. If you have found a glitch within your business that makes you lose business because of an absent power source, you will miss out on a lot of potentially great business. Do you want to risk it or fix it before there is a problem?

Where To Stay In The Area

A perfect vacation for some includes bright lights and big cities, but this is not ideal for everyone. Some people prefer the quiet laid-back atmosphere that can only be found on a beach somewhere. Then there are those people who prefer to enjoy a place like Sausalito, CA. It is the best of all worlds combined. The town itself is quiet and quaint, but it is very close to both the busy towns and beautiful beaches. If this sounds like a perfect paradise to you; you should check out where to stay in the area.

Where to Stay

Sausalito is just a couple miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. It is just a short trip through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Because of its close proximity to one of our biggest landmark bridges, you should expect to find your choice of fine hotels close by. There is the Casa Madrona Hotel and Spa, the Hotel Sausalito & Suites, and the Gables Inn Sausalito. Each of these hotels boasts a 3-star hotel rating, but it is their charm that will attract most people. 

The Casa Madrona is housed in a mansion that was built in 1885. It overlooks Richardson Bay and allows you to quickly travel to the Bridge or the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Most rooms have a balcony and you have the option to enjoy your meals while overlooking the beautiful Bay.

The Hotel Sausalito is also in a very old building that was built in 1915. It is just two miles away from the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and a one-minute walk to the ferry where you can ride to San Francisco. 

The Gables Inn is just a five-minute walk to the ferry. This beautiful Inn was built in 1869 and not only is it close to the Bridge, but it is only eight miles from Alcatraz Island.  

Things to Do While Visiting

The Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are two of the most well-known areas to visit when you travel to Sausalito. What you may not realize is that there are other things to see while you are there. There are a lot of nice restaurants for you to sample including the Venice Gourmet Market and The Trident Restaurant. There are also more than 500 houseboats. Some of them even offer tours so that you can see the inside of these homes. There are people who come from many miles away to spend a little time looking at all that Sausalito has to offer. People have traveled from as far away as Oregon to see and spend time in this quaint little town. If they are willing to pass up staying in cabins near Trillium Lake Oregon, can you think of a reason to not visit?

Start Planning Your Vacation Now!

Sausalito is just a very tiny portion of California, but its history is quite extensive. Its location in the San Francisco Bay ensures that. Only 7,000 people call it home year-round, but it was once the center for shipbuilding when America needed them the most, during World War 2. Since then, it has become a captivating destination for tourists, and you are cordially invited to walk through history as you pull into town. 

5 Top Tips on How to Have an Awesome Time in San Francisco

Most people around the world know that San Francisco is famous for Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, it’s on the bucket list of many international travelers. If you’re lucky enough to visit and want to make your trip unforgettable, check out these top five tips.

1# Check Out the Free Events:

San Francisco is a notoriously expensive city to both locals and tourists. Admission fees are steep and getting around on public transport is a little pricey too. But, don’t let that put you off. Union Square is one of the hottest places to be in the city. Live entertainment and exhibits are held here on a regular basis. This is one of the best places to come to hang out and see more of the local Bohemian way of life without spending a fortune.

2# Be Smart about Getting to the City:

When you arrive at San Francisco Airport, you need to know the best way to get to the city center. Public transport is fairly reliable but very time-consuming. Taxis charge a huge fee to drive passengers from the airport terminal to downtown, which in fact is only a few kilometers. You also have the option of getting an SFO airport transfer that can be arranged beforehand. Someone will be waiting at arrivals with your name plaque before taking you straight to the city. Blacklane is the best company for private transfers.

3# The San Francisco City Pass:

This pass is good value for money if you want to visit a lot of the attractions and museums. Essentially, for an initial fee, you can get up to 50% discounts on admission fees for quite a few places. And it also doubles up as a seven-day pass for the cable car. If you’re in San Francisco to experience everything the city has to offer, you’re probably going to find this pass to be good value for money. Search online to find the current packages and price range.

4# Avoid Disappointment with Alcatraz:

Alcatraz is probably the most popular attraction. People from around the globe know about its reputation and want to see and experience it for themselves. But, this also puts you at a major disadvantage as the standard tours will sell out weeks in advance. And some of the city tours claim to include Alcatraz on the itinerary and, in reality, it just involves a quick photo stop. Plan your trip and arrange tickets well advance if you actually want to visit.

5# Be Prepared for Chilly Weather:

One of the most surprising things tourists find about San Francisco is how cold it gets during the summer. Whilst California and Los Angeles bath in the balmy sunshine, San Francisco doesn’t. This chilly weather catches many tourists off guard. Check the weather forecast and the monthly average temperature before you plan your trip.

The Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a trip of a lifetime to one of the best cities in the United States, head down to the Golden Gate City. And make sure you check the weather forecast and book your tour to Alcatraz before you arrive.

Major events you should attend in Sausalito

Sausalito, California has a fair amount of events that have a large impact on the whole city. Some, of those events, correspond with other national or federal events while others are only held on a local level, and they happen only in this town. We can’t list all events because we like to add some info about each of them and thus we will mention few more notable things that happen in Sausalito.

Events you might be interested in

Sausalito Film Series is a festival that starts on August 7, and the location is Cavallo Point Resort which is also one of the sponsors of the event. Tickets cost only 25 dollars per person, and anyone that buys a ticket can attend a screening of a lot of new movies. Other sponsors and supporters of the Sausalito Film Series include Ro-co films, Remember to Forget, Stella Artois and much more.

The Sausalito Art Festival is a three-day event that happens during Labor Day weekend and it the largest outdoor art festival in the country. The event allows both professionals and amateurs, as well as kids, to show off their artistic skills and there are also venues that sell various forms of art. Various musicians also perform at this event which is another reason to visit it. Ticket price varies, and you can pay 100 dollars per day to have a front-row seat at the main stage. Other tickets are cheaper, and you have a general ticket for 50, senior for 20 and junior for 5 dollars per day.

National events in Sausalito

Halloween is celebrated on a large-scale in many cities in the USA as well as in the world. Sausalito also has a large celebration on the Halloween Eve, and it involves several events. The most recognized and the most popular events are the Trick and Treat Lane and Dog Costume Contest. Other activities are added or removed as the year’s pass.
Sausalito, like many other American cities, celebrates 4th of July with fireworks. The celebration also includes a parade as well as picnic which are things that only a few other cities do. If you want fun, then come to Sausalito and experience something new.

The best lunch locations in Sausalito

Sausalito, California isn’t a major tourist spot, and that is good because the prices aren’t same like in some cities that attract a lot of attention. Still, Sausalito draws in a good amount of tourists, and they have quite a good number of choices when it comes to eating.

The majority of the restaurants in Sausalito are owned by locals, and the price doesn’t change during tourist seasons. You might find some exotic cuisine, but the majority of these locations serve straightforward and tasty meals that won’t cost you a fortune.

Places where you might want to eat

“FRED’S Place”

A small breakfast and brunch restaurant that is located at 1917 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94987. It’s open from 7 in the morning until 2:30 PM, and it serves only American breakfast and lunch classics. If you are a fan of some traditional meals that are served by people who have been preparing them for over a decade, then you found a right place.

“Le Garage”

Individuals that are looking for something interesting might like “Le Garage”, a small establishment that serves French food. You can find this restaurant at 85 Liberty Ship Way #109. The name comes from the fact that the restaurant is an auto shop that was converted. The parking area might not be suitable, but the food is excellent for those that love French cuisine.

“Bayside Café”

Is located at 1 Gate 6 Rd and it’s a family-operated café that serves simple breakfast and lunch meals. This place is perfect for people that like peace and quiet as well as simple food like omelets, smoothies, and sandwiches. The service in this place is exceptional even though the price is a bit inflated.

“Poggio Trattoria” – Fresh Italian food

One of the, if not the best location to eat through the day in Sausalito is the “Poggio Trattoria,” a Northern Italian restaurant that serves dishes that are made out of produce that is grown in the nearby garden. People that like fresh, and Italian, the cuisine will like this place even though the price of some dishes is higher and that is due to the cost of some fresh ingredients the restaurant has to buy.

Vacation spots in Sausalito you might like

Sausalito has a perfect geological position as it oversees the Richardson Bay. The view one can get from some of the rental locations is beautiful, and thus it raises the price of the property that is near the water. It’s all about the view, but we also think about affordability, and thus we will recommend some locations that have an average price and a great view as well.

Prime holiday rentals in Sausalito

Sausalito has many hotels, but you should avoid them as their price is same as the price of multi-room houses. For example, you got a Garden Studio that has two rooms, and it offers everything from the internet to the kitchen. The price of this location is 125 dollars per day with a minimum of two days of rental. If there are more than two people, then the price goes up 25 dollars per person.

Another perfect place can be found just nine blocks away from downtown. It has an excellent view of the Bay and Tiburon, and the view of the sunrise is perfect. The price per night is 200 dollars with a minimum deposit of 500$. This deposit will cover cleaning fee as well. There isn’t any limit for some people, but this place is perfect for up to four individuals. The price of the lodging is mostly due to the expensive interior, but the location plays a part in the price as well. It’s located on the Caledonia Street that has some excellent shops and restaurants.

Other suitable holiday locations in Sausalito

People that don’t fancy being too close to the pier can rent a house on the nearby hillside which is around four blocks away from the water. The location we are talking about is located among many restaurants and shops, and thus it won’t take you a lot of time to walk to one of the international restaurants or to visit one of many shops around the area.

These three locations are just examples of the property you can rent in Sausalito, California. Check our website for more property that you can rent as well as addresses and Google map of all of the locations we offer.

The Very Best spots for Dinner in Sausalito

If you are staying in one of the fine accommodation places that Sausalito has to offer, you may choose to have dinner “in house” on one of your overnights. However, many people prefer to get out and about, maybe have a few drinks and enjoy a nice dinner in the city, away from the hotel scene.

Luckily, Sausalito has many great spots where you can dine of an evening, regardless of your tastes or budget.

These are some of the top spots definitely worth checking out while you are in the city:

Scoma’s of Sausalito:

Being so close to the sea, it is almost criminal to visit this city and not sample some fish dishes! And Scoma’s has some of the freshest seafood you could imagine.

This is the number 2 rated restaurant in all of Sausalito on Trip Advisor, with a pretty extensive menu. Although a little on the pricey side, it is well worth it for that special night out.

Napa Valley Burger Co.

Who does not love a good burger? I know I find it very hard to turn down quality meat in between soft buns! This is the leader, the number 1 restaurant in all of Sausalito according to Trip Advisor. And it is for good reason.

The selection of burgers is immense, ranging from beef to fish, and there are a great number of salads as well, should you be in the mood for a healthy option, or choose not to eat meat. Local wines, an extensive cocktail menu and freshly squeezed juices round out what is a fantastic menu.

Avatar:

No, this is not a James Cameron themed movie experience, rather one of the finest Indian restaurants in all of Sausalito. Sometimes, I like to heat things up a little on the palate, a craving only a good curry can satisfy. And Avatar certainly can scratch that itch.

Featuring a menu that is a fusion of multiple ethnic tastes, there is something to satisfy everybody. The Jamaican jerk chicken enchiladas come highly recommended by yours truly!

Bar Bocce:

When it comes to pizza, many of us are very fussy. Quality pizza can be hard to come by, but Bar Bocce has you covered. The freshest ingredients, perfect wood fired pizza, an amazing selection of starters and desserts to die for are all on offer here.

Best of all, you can get an entire 4 course meal for just a few dollars – this place in no way breaks the holiday budget!

Sushi Ran:

If you are into sushi, you must visit Sushi Ran. Sister restaurant to the famous Nomica in San Francisco, here you will find an astounding array of the finest sushi.

Everything you can imagine is featured on the menu, and this place also holds events regularly too, from cocktail menu introductions to tasting dinners and much more. If you are in the mood for Maki, head down here, but be prepared to part with some dollars, this ain’t gas station sushi!

Getting About While in Sausalito

Many people head off on their holidays or for short weekends, without first looking into how they are going to get from A to B when they arrive at their chosen location. I myself was guilty of this when I visited Sausalito the first few times.

Now of course, if you intend to drive your own car about, this is not a concern for you. But if you are just “winging it” to see how things are once you’ve arrived, my guide to getting about Sausalito and the Bay area will be of help to you.

Cycling:

For me at least, cycling is chief among transport methods for getting around Sausalito (and in general), as you can travel at your own pace, and can really take the time to soak in all the magnificent views that this wonderful place has on offer.

There are several bike hire companies in Sausalito, and can cater to your needs, be it mountain biking or something more suited to road use.

Car Hire:

For some, the only way to get about is via car – you have all the benefits of in car entertainment, air conditioning, and the ability to come and go as you please.

Admittedly, Sausalito has little in the way of car hire, but further up the road in San Francisco or Marin City, there are plenty of options. Many people arriving to Sausalito will have arranged their car hire at the airport on the way in anyhow, so this is rarely an issue.

Public Transport:

Sausalito is extremely well catered to, public transport wise. Whether it is the BART railway system or one of the many busses traveling in all directions, you will have plenty of choice.

You even have the option of taking a Ferry, if you fancy a trip to San Francisco, and just do not want to travel over via the Golden Gate Bridge. The Ferry trip is quick and inexpensive, and is an experience all of its own.

Walking:

I suppose this could be considered the most traditional of all transportation methods, and it’s certainly the cheapest! Joking aside, if you wish to walk around Sausalito, this is certainly a viable option. Everything you need is generally within reach, or a pretty short walk away.

Of course, it may take you a little longer to get to where you need to go, but you will be surrounded by breath taking views the entire time. I’d say that is a pretty even trade! It is even possible to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, should you choose to – many people do every single hour!

Whatever method you choose to get around, just make sure to take your time. Slow down, and drink in all of your surroundings in Sausalito – this is truly an amazing place. Take it from me; I’ve seen many sights on my journeys, but its here that I keep coming back to.

Sausalito rivals the best places in the world for views!

Looking For the Perfect Fishing Spot in California? Sausalito is where it’s at!

It is now the time of year where those who like to fish, for sport, pleasure or a combination of both, start to take their fishing poles and tackle boxes out of storage, and head for the water. There is no other activity quite like fishing when it comes to relaxing environment and the thrill of the catch.

If you are looking for a perfect fishing spot in California this year, or maybe are planning a holiday with some fishing activities included, you can not go far wrong by considering Sausalito.

If you are hoping to cast a line in this area, there are some things you will need to know before hand. I’m here to help you understand what you need!

Fishing License:

First off all, if you intend to fish anywhere in the state of California, you will need a fishing license – this is mandatory. You can pick up a license in pretty much any sports store or online.

If you feel like you may return to Sausalito at some stage during the year, a 1 year license is a worthy investment, costing a little less than $46 for the whole year.

Common Fish:

You can look forward to a huge range of species in this area, from massive rays, to leopard sharks. Perch, Salmon, Striped Bass and Halibut are commonly reeled in also.

So, regardless of if it is a huge fight you are after, or just some fish for the BBQ after your day, you can find it all at the end of your line in Sausalito.

A Word of Warning:

If you intend on eating some of your catch, beware of signs in the area. It is recommended that you don’t consume fish caught in the Bay area often, due to high levels of mercury and PCBs.

Signage erected in the area will advise of what is safe to eat and what you should avoid, based on their chemical levels.

Tackle Hire:

If you are not bringing your own fishing gear with you, unfortunately, you may have to head a little ways outside the city to hire gear for a trip out fishing. There are several fantastic places in nearby San Rafael however.

What Bait to Use?

It really depends on what it is you want to catch. Baits that are commonly used in the area include worms, shrimp, sardines and anchovies. If you wish, live bait can be purchased in San Rafael and in San Francisco, for just a few bucks.

Where is the Best Spot?

Fort Baker has long been considered the best fishing spot in all of Sausalito. You can fish right off the pier and can look forward to huge fish and excellent conditions throughout.

My tip – grab some squid and try for some leopard shark – just be prepared for one hell of a fight on the end of your line! That is of course, if a Ray doesn’t get to it first!