Things to do in Novato, California
- Novato was originally established as a Spanish land grant known as Rancho Novato, named after a local Coast Miwok leader.
- The city is home to Hamilton Field, a former United States Army Air Force base that played a strategic role in the defense of the West Coast during World War II.
- Novato holds the unique status of being one of the largest cities in Marin County by land area, despite its relatively low population density compared to neighboring towns.
- The city's topography is defined by the Novato Creek watershed, which flows through the center of town before emptying into the San Pablo Bay.
About Novato, California
Novato is a sprawling suburban city in Marin County, California, uniquely characterized by its preservation of diverse natural landscapes ranging from marshlands to oak woodlands. It serves as a quiet gateway to the North Bay, anchored by significant outdoor recreational hubs like the Mount Burdell Preserve and the family-focused Miwok Park. Visitors frequently utilize the local trail networks, such as the Dwarf Oak Trail Trailhead, to explore the rolling hillsides that dominate the city's western and northern borders. Beyond its trails, the city maintains a suburban community feel while offering specialized educational resources like the Marin Treks Natural History Museum.
Highlights of Novato, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Parks
Provides specialized terrain and jump lines for mountain bike enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Parks
Features open green space and playground facilities centered within a quiet residential neighborhood.
Parks
Offers expansive hiking trails with panoramic views of the North Bay and surrounding hills.
Parks
A modern outdoor venue serving as a focal point for community performances and public events.
Parks
A small, tranquil water feature surrounded by walking paths suitable for bird watching.
Natural attractions
Serves as a primary access point for exploring the unique ecosystem of Mount Burdell.
Museums
Displays natural history artifacts and educational exhibits focused on regional wildlife and geology.
Top things to do in Novato, California
The 14 highest-rated places in Novato, California, ranked by travellers.
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Parks
Point Reyes National Seashore protects over 71,000 acres of coastline on the Point Reyes Peninsula in Marin County. The...
2
Parks
Samuel P. Taylor State Park encompasses over 2,800 acres of redwood forests and chaparral in the Lagunitas Creek watersh...
3
Historical places
The Point Reyes Shipwreck, locally known as the S.S. Point Reyes, is a wooden-hulled vessel beached on the shoreline of...
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Parks
5
Parks
6
Places of interest
7
Parks
8
Natural attractions
9
Parks
10
Parks
11
Museums
12
Historical places
13
Parks
14
Museums
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Novato, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Novato, California
Late spring and early autumn offer the most temperate weather, avoiding the heavy coastal fog of summer and the frequent winter rains.
2-3 days, allowing ample time for hiking the local preserves and exploring suburban parklands.
A car is essential for navigating the spread-out neighborhoods and reaching trailheads located on the city outskirts.
Stay near the downtown Grant Avenue corridor for easy access to dining, or choose a hotel near the Highway 101 corridor for convenient regional travel.
Expensive, reflecting the high cost of living standard in Marin County.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 14 curated attractions in and around Novato, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Point Reyes National Seashore is the highest-rated place to visit in Novato, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 8 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bayonne, New Jersey, Downtown Los Angeles, Washington, D.C..
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