5 Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sausalito (2023)

It’s that time of year: a time for celebrating, looking back on all that happened in 2022, and preparing for the new year. Where better to mark the start of a new calendar than by celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sausalito?

After almost two years of uncertainty, several local businesses are optimistically planning events for New Year’s Eve and the San Francisco fireworks are set to light up the skies at midnight as usual.

In this post, I’ll cover all of the New Year’s Eve events I’ve found in Sausalito, so you can plan something if you feel comfortable doing an out-of-house experience. It goes without saying that you should call and confirm any of these events/businesses before just turning up on New Year’s Eve – even if they don’t require reservations. It’s possible that plans will change between now and the 31st, due to Marin County health rules.

And with that, let’s get into it – here are all the ways to ring in 2023 and celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sausalito.

This post was originally published in December 2021, and was updated in December 2022.

1. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party at The Trident

If you want a traditional New Year’s Eve party, head to the Trident. (Be sure to grab reservations first.) They’re planning a big event from 9pm to 12:30am on January 1st; there’s also a special dinner menu offered from 5-11pm if you want to have your entire evening’s plans sorted out with one reservation. Best of all? There’s no cover. Now that’s worth celebrating.

2. Live Music at No Name Bar

No Name Bar typically has live music on Saturday nights (actually, every night!); New Year’s Eve is no reason to change the schedule. As this year’s New Year’s Eve falls on a Saturday, you’ll be serenaded by their standing Saturday band – Darryl Rowe & Fuzzy Slippers –, and the jams will continue through midnight when everyone toasts before heading home. (If you’re not ready for the night to end, they’re open until 2am.)

3. New Year’s Eve Party at Smitty’s

At this point, Smitty’s plans to hold their annual New Year’s Eve party, starting “whenever people get there” through 2am when the bar typically closes. If you’re looking for a laid-back, low-key option but with plenty of people to socialize with, Smitty’s is always great spot.

4. Watch the San Francisco Fireworks

Most locals don’t typically head out for big New Year’s festivities; instead, we prefer to enjoy the free fireworks show put on by our neighboring city, San Francisco – you might have heard of it before. While the show isn’t as big and impressive from Sausalito as it might be from Aquatic Park near Fisherman’s Wharf on the SF side, it’s far less crowded.

Here are some good options for where to see the fireworks in Sausalito. You’ll want a good southerly view, wherever you choose to view them.

From a Sausalito Restaurant

While there are great Sausalito restaurants along the water, there aren’t a ton of options if you want to be indoors to see the New Years fireworks from San Francisco, but I did confirm a few places are staying open late specifically to cater to revelers:

• Barrel House – They normally close at 10pm, but they’ll keep the bar open and serving through midnight.
• The Spinnaker – A great option, they’re staying open til midnight… but if you don’t have reservations, it seems unlikely you’ll get them at this point. (Open Table is showing nothing after 3pm, so try calling to see if they have any last-minute availability.)

On the Scoma’s Boardwalk

Scoma’s of Sausalito is closing at their normal time of 9pm on New Year’s Eve – which makes the boardwalk around their restaurant a primo spot to see the fireworks! If you can snag a spot, be prepared for a panoramic view of the Bay and the fireworks.

Along Bridgeway Promenade

Bridgeway Promenade is great for viewing the San Francisco skyline on a nice day, so it’s no surprise that this is also a nice area to stand and watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. You can stand anywhere with a clear view, though the best spots will be nearer the north end, like Yee Tock Chee Park.

5. Lucky Drive New Year’s Bash at Travis Marina Bar

While not technically in Sausalito, Travis Marina Bar is down in Fort Baker – which is close enough, right? They’re planning their Lucky Drive New Year’s Bash on New Year’s Eve from 8:30pm through midnight with live music by The Recyclists starting at 9pm. It’s $20 to attend, but the views will be worth that alone!

Bonus: New Year’s Day Hike in Marin Headlands

Whether you plan to burn off your indulgences the night before or start the new year on a fitness-forward foot, the New Year’s Day hike that sets out from Sausalito is a great way to commit to whatever 2023 will bring.

Meet fellow hikers at Morning Star Trailhead (off the 101 on the west side of the highway) at 8am – bright and early despite how late you may (or may not) stay up the night before. The group will hike up toward Slacker Hill, then follow Julian Trail down to Black Sand Beach. It’s a 13-mile out-and-back hike, so be prepared with snacks and water – and furry friends are welcome too.

Which way will you celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sausalito? Let me know in the comments – or any questions you have about these events.