5 Great Spots to Celebrate Special Occasions in Sausalito

When you have an important date coming up on your calendar – be it a holiday or a special occasion – it’s important to plan ahead to make it a special day. Did you know that Sausalito is a great place to celebrate those kinds of milestones? There are plenty of great restaurants throughout the small waterfront town for any occasion you want to celebrate.

Below, I’ve detailed some of the best places you might celebrate various special occasions in Sausalito; from birthdays to impending nuptuals, these are the best spots to start your planning process. Admittedly, all of the will likely work for any of the special occasions mentioned, and others too! No matter what you’re planning to celebrate or where you decide to go, I recommend getting a reservation or reaching out to see if the host events to make it the best experience possible.

Whether you’re visiting the Bay Area or call it home, let’s get your special occasion planned – in Sausalito! Here are the places to consider celebrating.

Sausalito is the traditional lands of the Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation to the past and present stewards of these lands. To learn more, I invite you to explore Native Land.

1. Barrel House Tavern  – Best for Birthdays

Barrel House Tavern is a great spot for any special occasion in Sausalito, from a casual lunch, to drinks, or even a date. But if you ask me, it’s the perfect place to celebrate your birthday. 

The waterfront restaurant has a friendly and laid back atmosphere that will make everyone feel comfortable, especially if you’re inviting kids. Moreover, Barrel House Tavern has a fantastic culinary offer that will satisfy all palates and ages. They serve classic American comfort food and fancier options for more refined palates. Their selection of drinks is also astounding, with alcohol and non-alcohol drinks galore.

If a big, elaborate birthday party was what you had in mind, Barrel Tavern House also has you covered. The restaurant offers packages for private events. They provide the whole service, with cocktails, appetizers, and delicious buffet dinner. 

 2. Scoma’s of Sausalito – Best for Anniversaries

Scoma’s of Sausalito is the go-to spot to celebrate special occasions in Sausalito for locals (both Sausalito residents and those across the Bay Area). The seafood restaurant is an excellent alternative for various reasons: the food is delicious, the wine menu is impeccable, and the service is attentive. 

But what makes it ideal for your anniversary? The ambiance. Scoma’s has intimate nooks where you and your special one will be able to indulge in decadent food and wine while celebrating the time spent together. To make it even more romantic, book a table by the window and enjoy lovely views of the Bay and San Francisco skyline.

3. The Trident – Best for a Retirement Party

Retirement is a huge milestone and The Trident is the best place I can think of for celebrating this special occasion in Sausalito. 

The Trident’s best selling point is its history. This Sausalito landmark has been in the gastronomic scene for over fifty years. First as a bar for the counterculture musicians of the 60s and slowly evolving into the elegant and still funky venue it is today. Its charm and essence have remained intact; it also has preserved its psychedelic murals.

The food is as good as the history, which is saying a lot. The chef crafts delicious seafood and American dishes with organic ingredients, perfect for hors d’oeuvres before speeches.

4. Dunphy Park – Best for a Graduation Party

When thinking of places for where celebrate special occasions in Sausalito, we rarely think of parks. But, the truth is they are a fantastic alternative venue for special occasions, especially in a town with lovely weather and landscape like Sausalito.

Dunphy Park reopened in 2020 and since then has grown to become one of the local’s favorite parks. It features a waterfront gazebo, volleyball and bocce courts, sprawling green lawns, and a small beach. The city government issues permits to rent the park for special events, with rates running from $16 to $105 an hour. 

5. California Caviar Company – Best for an Engagement Party

A list of places to celebrate a special occasion in Sausalito wouldn’t be complete with a venue for celebrating the joy of a recent engagement. 

California Caviar Company offers its tasting room, The Bump Bar, for special events. It is the perfect blend of intimate and formal. The atmosphere is very rich and elegant, with upscale, clean, and new décor. What’s there to expect? This is a caviar bar. 

While the menu revolves around the finest caviar selection, their wine menu is a curated selection of Old and New World wines, with an emphasis wines and bubbles made with grape varietals from Champagne. Perfect to toast for the newly-engaged couple!