Things To Do
in Novato
Novato is a suburban city in northern Marin County known for its rolling hills, open spaces and easy access to both San Francisco and the Sonoma Coast. The town blends a relaxed main street downtown with nearby parks, reservoirs and agricultural pockets, making it popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. Novato has a small-town feel with regional amenities — local shops, farmers markets and a handful of casual restaurants and wine bars.
Its proximity to Point Reyes, Tomales Bay and Marin’s trail network makes it a convenient home base for nature-focused day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the famous Pacheco Plaza, where you can savor fresh pastries and locally brewed coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area, admiring the charming architecture and quaint shops that reflect Novato's rich history. Don’t forget to visit the Novato History Museum to learn more about the town’s fascinating past.
In the afternoon, enjoy lunch at the popular La Toscana, where you can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine. Post-lunch, head to Marin Country Mart for some shopping and exploration of local artisan shops and boutiques. Take a moment to relax in the outdoor spaces, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catching a live performance.
As the sun sets, dine at The Buckeye Roadhouse, a local favorite known for its cozy ambiance and delicious comfort food. After dinner, take a scenic drive through Marin County, savoring the views of the twilight sky over Mount Tamalpais. Conclude your evening with dessert at a local ice cream shop, enjoying a sweet treat under the stars.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café before heading out to the Marin County Open Space, where hiking trails abound. Choose a trail that suits your fitness level and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of the area, surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking views from the hilltops.
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks after your hike, taking in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings. After lunch, explore the nearby Marinwood Community Center, where you might find community events or classes to participate in. Spend some time relaxing by the lake, watching the ducks and soaking up the sun.
After a fulfilling day outdoors, return to Novato and choose a casual spot like the Marinwood Market for a laid-back dinner. Consider trying some local craft beers or wines to complement your meal. Wind down your evening with a gentle walk around the community park to reflect on your day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pint) | $6-9 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
| ⛽Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.50-5.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to diverse natural areas (hills, wetlands, coast) for outdoor activities.
- Laid-back, family-friendly community with local markets and farm-to-table dining.
- Short drive to San Francisco, Sonoma and major Bay Area attractions.
- Limited late-night entertainment and dining compared with larger cities.
- Can be expensive for lodging and dining relative to national averages.
- Commute traffic on Highway 101 toward the Bay Area can be heavy during peak hours.
Places to Visit in Novato
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views over Novato, San Pablo Bay and the surrounding hills — excellent for sunrise, wildflower photos and sweeping landscapes.
A scenic reservoir with reflections, rolling lawns and oak woodlands; good for golden hour shots and family outdoor scenes.
Tidal marsh restoration area with wildlife, mudflats and seasonal birdlife; ideal for nature and bird photography, especially at low tide.
Historic storefronts, murals and tree-lined streets provide charming street photography and local character shots.
Dramatic coastal landscapes, cliffs, beaches and pastoral scenes — a short drive away and worth the trip for seascapes and wildlife.
Architectural detail and mid-century modern lines make this nearby landmark a unique subject for architectural photography.
Food in Novato
Novato Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Menus often rotate with the seasons: look for roasted vegetables, fresh salads, and simple preparations highlighting local produce at bistros and cafés.
Must-Try!
Fresh oysters and local seafood from Tomales Bay and the greater Bay Area are common on menus; try them at seafood-focused restaurants or on a coastal outing.
High-quality tacos, burritos and other Mexican staples are widely available from taquerias and casual spots — a reliable and tasty local option.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market featuring local produce, flowers, baked goods and prepared foods; great for sampling artisanal products and assembling a picnic.
Nearby shopping and occasional pop-up food vendors and evening events offering tacos, sandwiches and desserts — check local listings for dates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Residents are generally laid-back and polite; a simple hello and thank-you go a long way when interacting with staff and neighbors.
Pack out what you bring, stay on marked trails, obey leash rules for dogs and respect wildlife — Marin places high value on conservation.
Appointments and scheduled tours generally start on time; allow extra travel time during commute hours if you have reservations elsewhere.
Safety
Tipping in Novato
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% for sit-down service and $1–2 per drink at bars; tip delivery drivers and rideshare drivers $2–5 or more for large orders. For salon and personal services, 15–20% is customary.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is common. Small vendors and some market stalls may prefer cash — carry a small amount for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild weather, blooming wildflowers on hillsides and comfortable hiking conditions; occasional rainy days early in the season.
Warm inland days and cooler, foggier mornings near the coast; ideal for outdoor activities but expect some marine layer fog in the mornings and evenings.
Often the sunniest, driest and warmest stretch of the year with clear skies and great conditions for hikes and coastal visits; wildfires in the region can affect air quality on bad years.
Cooler and wetter with periodic storms; hikes can be muddy and some coastal days may be windy, but winter rains also green the hills and fill reservoirs.
Novato at Night
Hiking in Novato
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent local ridge with trails to panoramic viewpoints, wildflowers in spring and moderate climbs suitable for hikers of varied experience.
Reservoir loop trails, picnic areas and open hills — family-friendly with easy-to-moderate hiking and good birdwatching.
Known for serpentine soils and rare plants, Ring Mountain offers short trails with views over San Pablo Bay and unique geology.
A short drive west for a network of coastal trails, beaches, lighthouse viewpoints and opportunities to see marine wildlife.
A rewarding coastal hike on the Tomales Point peninsula with sweeping ocean views and tule elk sightings — longer and exposed, so bring water and sun protection.
Airports
How to reach Novato by plane.
Major international airport about 30–45 miles south (drive time varies with traffic). Offers the most flight options and ground transportation into the Bay Area.
About 35–50 miles southeast; often convenient for domestic flights and sometimes lighter traffic depending on route.
Regional airport in Santa Rosa (~30–45 miles north) with limited commercial service — convenient for access to Sonoma County and northern Marin.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Novato is home to many families attracted by schools, parks and suburban neighborhoods.
Many residents commute to jobs across the Bay Area, balancing suburban living with regional careers.
The area attracts retirees seeking a quieter lifestyle with access to nature and local amenities.
A significant Hispanic community contributes to cultural life, dining options and local businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Youth and adult recreational soccer are very popular, with local leagues and fields in parks.
Road cycling and mountain biking are widespread pastimes given Marin’s terrain and cycling culture.
Trail running and community road races are common; local parks host runs and fitness events.
Boating, kayaking and paddle sports are popular on nearby bays and coastal waters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Novato.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common — many restaurants offer salads, grain bowls and vegetable-forward plates. Farmers markets provide fresh produce for self-catering.
Vegan-friendly choices exist but are fewer than in larger cities; check menus ahead or call restaurants for accommodations, and you’ll find plant-based options at cafés and health-focused spots.
Gluten-free requests are usually handled well in local eateries; bakeries and cafés may have specific GF items but always confirm cross-contamination policies if you have celiac disease.