Photo credit: -
ABOUT
NOVATO, CA
The city of Novato is a contemporary town, yet retains the charm of its past. The nationally recognized Marin Museum of the American Indian is located here and pays homage to its Native American heritage. The first Spanish colonial house was built here and is located on Olompali State Park. In downtown Novato you can see historical buildings as well, including the Novato History Museum, City Hall, and Druid's Hall. Downtown hosts a weekly Farmers Market with local produce, products and live music. This downtown business district is quaint and has boutique shops and delicious restaurants. Vintage Oaks Shopping center is also here and includes more than 50 stores of all kinds.
Defined by its deep-rooted history and unique shopping opportunities, Novato also enjoys more than 3,600 acres of open space. There is Stafford Lake Park for fishing, hiking, biking, and camping, and Scottsdale Marsh, Deer Island Preserve, and Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area for wildlife observers. It is minutes away from Sonoma and Napa Wine country, and also very close to major cities across the Bay Area. Novato is a family friendly, affordable town located in idyllic northern Marin County.
Photo credit: Sophisticatedcat, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
EXPLORE
NOVATO, CA
Located in the picturesque Marin County, Novato is a captivating blend of natural beauty and suburban comfort. With its friendly atmosphere and easy access to both the coast and wine country, Novato offers a perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful yet engaging escape in Northern California.
Known for its scenic landscapes, hiking trails, and serene parks, Novato invites outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to explore its lush surroundings. This charming city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and a welcoming community. Discover Novato's rich history at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art or enjoy a leisurely day at one of its many parks.
Photo credit: Boca Pizzeria, Finnegan’s Marin, Lone Mountain Barbecue
FEAST IN
NOVATO, CA
Novato lies on the northern edge of Marin, with the advantage of being two steps to Sonoma County. Its many small communities and surrounding countryside gives this expansive town with a very large mall a local feeling. Dining options include small cafes and wine bars, along with Marin favorites Hopmonk Tavern, Boca Pizzeria and Finnegan’s.
Boca Pizzeria - Enjoy authentic pizza prepared with house-pulled mozzarella and tomatoes imported from Italy, or go for a grilled rosemary chicken sandwich or the braised beef short rib pappardelle. Weekly specials include half off all wines by the bottle on Wednesdays and half off draft beers on Thursdays.
Finnegan’s Marin - The dark wood-paneled booths and high backs on bar stools mean it is easy to linger over Irish-inspired meals like corned beef and cabbage or nachos made with waffle fries instead of corn chips. They taste just as good on the heated outdoor patio.
Lone Mountain Barbecue - Marin native Chris Stafford moonlights as a pit master, pulling his portable rig to gigs (including regular stops at his Uncle Matt and Uncle Joe’s Indian Valley Brewery in Novato) to serve up what Stafford calls central Texas style ‘cue. A Brandt brisket cut is his signature dish with little more than salt, pepper, Lawry’s Seasoning Salt and time to smoke over oak before the beef gives in to a lacquered crust and a disarmingly pink interior. It is a dish that just might make a name for Marin barbecue.