Novato

Marin County

The Novato Guide

Novato is Marin's northernmost town, and it runs warmer and sunnier than the fog belt down in Sausalito, Mill Valley, and Tiburon, since it sits further inland from the coast and the marine layer. You get an actual yard instead of a postage stamp, a downtown that feels like a real small town, and a farmers market where you run into people you actually know. You're also about a 30 minute drive from Sonoma wine country, some of the best in the world.

The Vibe

It's sunnier here, and it shows: open hills, wide skies, and neighborhoods with soul. Cyclists hit the trails before the sun is all the way up, kids fill the parks on weekends, and Downtown Novato runs on farmers markets, live music, and familiar faces. There's a quiet sophistication underneath it too, a food loving crowd that doesn't need a scene to prove it. You'll love living here if you want Marin sunshine, more square footage, and a town where people wave at each other from their cars.

Each pocket of Novato carries its own personality. Downtown, centered on Grant Avenue, moves at small town speed with historic storefronts, family run restaurants, and a weekly farmers market. Hamilton, built on the old Air Force base, blends restored Art Deco architecture with newer construction in a walkable community just off San Pablo Bay. Ignacio Valley, tucked into the hills to the southwest, is where Marin Country Club anchors a golf loving, ranch style pocket, alongside the newer homes of Pointe Marin and the family neighborhoods of Loma Verde. Bel Marin Keys is Novato's answer to waterfront living: a lagoon community built for boats, docks, and long summer evenings on the water. Black Point sits between Novato and the Petaluma River, a rural retreat with wide lots and few neighbors. And San Marin and Indian Valley, framing the western hills, deliver classic mid-century ranch homes with trail access practically out the back door.

Local Lore

Novato's roots run through ranch land, dairy country, and the U.S. military. Hamilton Field, now the Hamilton neighborhood, opened in the 1930s as a bomber base built in the Spanish Eclectic style: hollow tile construction, stucco walls, and mission tile roofs. On December 7, 1941, twelve B-17s left Hamilton Field bound for Hickam Field in Hawaii. They landed in the middle of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The base trained fighter pilots through World War II and into the Cold War, and its restored hangars, including the one that now houses the Contemporary Art Museum Marin, still carry that history in their bones.

Novato has quietly hosted its share of famous names too. Metallica frontman James Hetfield owned a home here through the 1990s, five acres complete with a saltwater pool and an outdoor timber kitchen. NFL quarterback Jared Goff calls Novato home as well. It's the kind of town where you might be standing behind a rock legend at the farmers market and never know it.

Eat + Drink

• Creekside Bakery: This one is at the top of our list, no contest. So much thought and love goes into everything they make, and their salmon toast is a genuine work of art. Get there early on weekends.

• Perry's Novato: Took over the old Wildfox space and made it their own. Classic American comfort food, and the bar gets lively on weekends.

• Ayawaska Hilltop: Peruvian food and pisco drinks on a knoll overlooking downtown, the same hilltop spot with the sweeping views that Hilltop 1892 used to have. Go for sunset.

• HopMonk Tavern: Beer garden energy and cold drinks on tap, the easy, no rush feeling Novato does so well. Check the live music calendar for a night out.

• Finnegan's Marin: A true neighborhood pub. Order the fish and chips, pull up a stool, and you'll feel like a regular by your second visit.

• Grazie: Honest, homemade Italian downtown since 1998, the kind of place where the owners greet you at the door themselves.

• Toast: Where everyone ends up for brunch. Expect a wait on weekends, and know it's worth it.

• Rustic Bakery: Grab a sandwich or a pastry on upper Grant. Simple, always fresh, never fussy.

• Blue Barn Gourmet: California salads and grain bowls that actually make you feel good after. Our go to for a lunch that isn't heavy.

• Flour Craft Bakery: Proof gluten free doesn't mean flavorless. Their pastries are the real deal.

• Dr. Insomniac's Coffee Shop: Vintage coffee shop charm done right. Grab a seat outside and watch the town go by.

• Masa's Sushi: Downtown, hearty, affordable, and run by Chef Toshi, who's been feeding this town for years.

• Taki Japanese Restaurant: Tucked into Ignacio, the neighborhood's go to sushi spot for over 25 years. Family run, and it shows.

• Las Guitarras: A Novato institution since 1973. Grab a seat on the patio by the fountain and order the margaritas.

• Nugget Market: Took over the old Paradise Foods spot. Same aisles, new name, everyone's neighborhood grocer.

• Beso Bistro and Wine Bar: A palm shaded patio at Hamilton Field. This is our pick for date night.

• HenHouse Brewing Co., Record Room: Live music and a cold local beer, tucked into a converted Hamilton hangar.

• Fox Pizza: Coming soon to Alameda del Prado. Anna and Jeff Fox are the husband and wife team behind it, they built their name on naturally leavened sourdough pizza at pop-ups around the Bay before deciding Novato deserved a home base of its own. Keep an eye out for opening day.

Photo: HopMonk Tavern

Where to Shop

• Grant Avenue: Downtown's main strip, boutiques, galleries, and small town storefronts you could spend an afternoon in.

• Copperfield's Books: The literary heart of downtown, hosting author events year round.

• Vintage Oaks Shopping Center: Target, Costco, Nordstrom Rack, everything else you need, all in one place.

• Hamilton Marketplace: Cafes and shops tucked inside restored Deco hangar buildings, worth the drive just for the architecture.

• Contemporary Art Museum Marin (CAM Marin): A converted Hamilton Field hangar turned rotating art exhibit, modern art meets Marin history.

• Wild Fennel: The perfect gift shop. Anna has such a great eye, her flower arrangements alone are reason enough to stop by.

• Beauty Heroes: Started right here on Grant Avenue and grew into a global clean beauty brand. A true local hero, and where we buy our own skincare and cosmetics.

• Made Local Marketplace: Grant Avenue's newest addition, handmade goods from North Bay makers.

• Accents: A well edited eye for women's clothing. Downtown's spot for a quick wardrobe refresh.

• Celine's Sweets: The neighborhood candy shop, a Grant Avenue favorite for all ages.

Photo: Wild Fennel

Where to Learn

Families attend schools in the Novato Unified School District, known for strong academics and community support. Highlights include Pleasant Valley Elementary, San Marin High School, and Novato High School. Nearby private options include Good Shepherd Lutheran and Marin Christian Academy.

Wellness + Movement

• Indian Valley Golf Club: Marin's affordable public course, tucked into oak studded hills. No membership required, just show up.

• Marin Country Club: Private, 18 holes, tennis and pickleball too, right at the heart of Ignacio Valley.

• Bay Club Rolling Hills: Formerly Rolling Hills Club, now part of Bay Club. Tennis, pickleball, swim, group fitness, the works.

• Novato Yoga Center: Our go to local studio for flow, calm, and a real sense of community.

• Club Pilates Novato: A solid boutique reformer studio for the best full body workout in Northern Marin.

• Novato Pilates: Around since 2004, mat and reformer work in an unpretentious, welcoming studio.

• X.CORE Novato: High intensity, low impact, pilates inspired workouts that actually deliver.

• CrossFit Novato A longtime local favorite for strength and conditioning, and the community keeps people coming back.

Where to Get Outside

Novato offers endless open space, from Mount Burdell Preserve to Rush Creek Open Space, plus Indian Valley Preserve and Stafford Lake Park for shaded trails, picnics, and disc golf. Bike paths link neighborhoods to the Bay Trail through the Hamilton Wetlands, and every sunset over the hills feels cinematic. Families head to Bahia Park for waterfront views, and Morning Star Farm, tucked between Novato Creek and O'Hair Park, has offered riding lessons and pony parties since 1981.

• Mount Burdell Preserve: Panoramic summit views and wildflower fields, the payoff at the top is real.

• Indian Valley Preserve: Shaded hiking and horseback trails, a good one on a hot day.

• Stafford Lake Park: Picnic spots, disc golf, lakeside relaxation, an easy weekend outing.

• Rush Creek Open Space: Marshland trails that link right into the Bay Trail.

• Bahia Park: A low key waterfront green space in east Novato, good for a sunset walk.

Photo: Indian Valley

Events + Happenings

Weekly Favorites

• Novato Farmers Market on Grant Avenue — produce, music, and neighborly charm.

• Live music at HopMonk Tavern every weekend.

Annual Traditions

• Novato Festival of Art, Wine & Music — Downtown’s signature summer event.

• Music in the Park — Picnics, jazz, and warm evening air.

• Fourth of July Parade — Small-town Americana at its finest.

Why We Love It

Novato is everyday Marin with room to breathe: big skies, golden hills, and a pace that feels unhurried but never empty. It's approachable and easy. Less about show, more about soul.