Novato , California

Area Guide

History

Novato is located within Marin County. Marin is part of the original 27 counties in the state of California. This land is native to the Miwok Indians. Their people inhabited the land for many thousands of years and a few of their descendants still inhibit the land. This land was claimed by Mexico and would later become part of the United States on February 2, 1848 via the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo which ended the Mexican-American War that lasted for 2 years prior. The original town of Novato existed at Novato Creek (now South Novato Boulevard).

Novato Historical Guild
Novato, CA 94945  
www.cityofnovato.org/
(415) 897-4320

Marin History & Preservation Resources
www.marin.org/comres/history.cfm

Parks and Recreation

The City of Novato is located within Marin County which makes all the beautiful beaches of Marin County less than 15 minutes away. This makes for many state parks that you can have a beach day with the family, or take them to see the migration of the Pacific Grey Whale at the start if each year.

Angel Island State Park
www.angelisland.org
(415) 435-1915

China Camp State Park
4 miles east of San Rafael on North San Pedro Road (San Pablo Bay)
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex
(415) 456-0766

Headlands Institute – Retreat & Conference Center
Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Marin Headlands
Sausalito, CA 94965
www.headlandsinstitute.org
(415) 332-5771

McNears Beach Park
201 Cantera Way
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/ParkRes/

Muir Beach & Muir Beach Overlook
www.parksconservancy.org
(415) 388-2595

Novato RV Park
1530 Armstrong Avenue
Novato, CA 94945
www.novatorvpark.com
(415) 897-1271

Paradise Beach Park
3450 Paradise Drive
Tiburon, CA 94920
www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/PK/ParkRes/

Point Reyes National Seashore   
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/beaches.htm
(415) 464-5100

Stinson Beach
www.nps.gov/goga/stbe.htm
Information & Weather:  (415) 868-1922

Tomales Bay State Park
State Route Highway 1
Inverness, CA 94937
www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex
(415) 669-1140

 

Sports and Activities

 

Marin County caters to recreational activities; the City of Novato in particular takes an interest in providing the community with ample activities from playing team sports to skate parks and recreational centers. The City of Novato also has community pool and ranches to ride horses.

City of Novato Athletics
www.teamsideline.com

Five Brooks Ranch
8001 State Route Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
www.fivebrooks.com
(415) 663-1570

Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC)
733 Center Boulevard
Fairfax, CA 94930
www.marinbike.org
(415) 456-3469

Novato Gymnastics Center
950 Seventh Street
Novato, CA 94945
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Novato-Gymnastics/133790764134
(415) 899-8279    

 

Novato Skate Park
1200 Hamilton Pkwy
Novato , CA 94949
(415) 493-4753

Point Reyes Outdoors
11401 State Route Highway 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
www.PointReyesOutdoors.com
(415) 663-8192

Hamilton Pool
203 El Bonito
Novato CA 94949
(415) 883-7126
www.cityofsanrafael.org

Attractions and Activities

The City of Novato is located near a few prime California locations. This leaves for fabulous attractions like the famous Golden Gates Bridge. Novato is not far from the excitement San Francisco, but it has many fun opportunities located within the county of Marin. Enjoy museums, music, and art culture as well.

Art and Garden Center
841 Tiburon Blvd.
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-1853

Agricultural Institute of Marin
76 Pablo Avenue, Suite 200
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.marinagriculturalinstitute.com
(415) 472-6100

 

Bay Area Discovery Museum
Fort Baker
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
www.baykidsmuseum.org
(415) 339-3900

 

Bay Model Visitor Center
2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito, CA 94965
www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc
(415) 332-3871

Bear Valley Visitors Center
Located off Highway 1, 0.5 miles west of Olema,
CA along Bear Valley Road
www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm
(415) 464-5100

China Cabin Maritime Museum
54 Beach Road
Belvedere, CA 94920
(415) 435-1853

Golden Gate Bridge
www.goldengatebridge.org/visitors
Dial 511 (within the Bay area)
(415) 455-2000 (outside the Bay area)

Marin County Open Space District
Marin County Civic Center
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 415
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.marinopenspace.org
(415) 499-6387

Marin History Museum
Located at the Boyd Gate House
1125 B Street
San Rafael, CA
www.marinhistory.org
(415) 454-8538

Mission San Rafael Arcangel
1104 Fifth Avenue
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.saintraphael.com
(415) 456-3016

Muir Woods National Monument
Mill Valley, CA 94941
www.nps.gov/muwo
(415) 388-2596

Novato Historic Old Town
www.tourism.novato.org
(415) 897-1164

Old St. Hilary’s Historic Preserve
201 Esperanza Street
Tiburon, CA 94920
www.landmarks-society.org
(415) 499-6387

Olompali State Historic Park
Novato, CA 94948
www.parks.ca.gov/parkindex
(415) 892-3383

Point Reyes Lighthouse
Lighthouse Visitor Center
Point Reyes, CA
www.nps.gov/pore
(415) 669-1534

Railroad Ferry Museum
1920 Paradise Drive
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-1853

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve
www.marinopenspace.org
(415) 499-6387

San Francisco Theological Seminary - San Anselmo
105 Seminary Road
San Anselmo, CA 94960
www.sfts.edu
(415) 451-2800
(800) 447-8820

YMCA Point Bonita Outdoor & Conference Center
981 Fort Barry, GGNRA
Sausalito, CA 94965
www.pointbonitaymca.org
(415) 331-9622

Theatre, Culture and The Arts

 

Art Works Downtown
1337 Fourth Street (between C & D Streets)
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.artworksdowntown.org
(415) 451-8119

California Film Institute
Contact: Beau Blanchard,
Development Associate
 www.cafilm.org
(415) 526-5836

Falkirk Cultural Center
1408 Mission Avenue
San Rafael , CA 94901
(415) 485-3328

Marin Indian: Museum of the American Indian
2200 Novato Boulevard
Novato , CA 94945
www.marinindian.com
(415) 897-4064

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art
Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field
500 Palm Drive
Novato, CA 94949
(415) 506-0137

 

The Dance Palace
503 B Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
www.dancepalace.org
(415) 663-1075

Falkirk Cultural Center
1408 Mission Avenue
San Rafael, CA
www.falkirkculturalcenter.org
(415) 485-3328

Marin County Civic Center
3501 Civic Center Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.marincenter.org
www.co.marin.ca.us/visitorservices
(415) 499-7009

Marin Symphony
4340 Redwood Highway, Suite 409C
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.marinsymphony.org
(415) 479-8100

Mountain Play
177 E. Blithdale
Mill Valley, CA 94942
(415) 383-1100
www.mountainplay.org

Steel Jam
Contact:  Mary Spalding
mary@steeljam.com
(415) 731-3550
www.steeljam.com

Infineon Raceway
29355 Arnold Dr.
Sonoma, California 95476
(800) 870-7223
www.infineonraceway.com

Shopping, Dining, Leisure and Attractions

Marin County offers a broad range of shopping opportunities from major department stores, home décor, and electronic stores, to unique antique shops, or hand-made craft boutiques.

Old Town Novato
Grant Avenue
Novato , CA 94945
www.downtownnovato.com

The Village at Corte Madera
1618 Redwood Highway
Corte Madera, CA 94925
www.VillageatCorteMadera.com
(415) 924-8557

Town Center Corte Madera
100 Corte Madera Town Center
Corte Madera, CA 94925
https://www.shoptowncenter.com    
(415) 924-2961

Vintage Oaks at Novato
208 Vintage Way  
Novato, CA 94945
www.shopvintageoaks.com
(415) 897-9999

Antique & Collectables:

 

Olema Trading Company
9940 Highway 1
Olema, CA 94950
(415) 663-1547

AD INFIN ITEM
Contact:  Michael Bates
39 Pleasant Lane
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.adinfiniteminc.com
(415) 459-1146

Department and Clothing Stores:

 

Northgate Mall
5800 Northgate Mall
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.ShopAtNorthgate.com
(415) 479-5955

 

Art, Crafts, & Photography

 

Art Works Downtown, Inc.
1337 Fourth Street (between C & D Streets)
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.artworksdowntown.org
(415) 451-8119

Vita Collage
11101 State Route 1
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
www.vitacollage.com
(415) 663-1160
 

Beulah Gallery
Highway 1 at Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Olema, CA 94950
www.beulahgallery.com
(415) 663-0380

Discover Art on Fourth
Fourth Street in Downtown San Rafael
www.ArtonFourth.com

 

Dining

Come experience excellent dining endeavors for all taste buds and occasions. In Marin County there are casual and fine dining locations, catering services, carry out, dessert shops, coffee and tea cafes, organic options and fresh from the farmer’s market products, as well as bars and night life for the mature crowd.

An Affair to Remember Catering
196 Market Street
San Rafael, CA 94901
aatrcaters@aol.com
www.remembercatering.com
415-459-6505

Anokha Cuisine of India
811 Grant Avenue
Novato, CA 94945
anokharestaurant.com
(415) 456-6958

Batika India Bistro
868 Grant Ave
Novato, CA 94945
batikaindia.com
(415) 895-5757

Black Point Bar & Grill
Located inside StoneTree Golf Club
9 StoneTree Lane
Novato, CA 94945
www.stonetreegolf.com
(415) 209-6090

Boca
340 Ignacio Boulevard
Novato, CA 94949
www. bocasteak.com
(415) 883-0901

Boudin SF at The Village
1734 Redwood Highway
Corte Madera, CA 94925
www.boudinbakery.com
(415) 737-1849

Cowgirl Creamery & Cantina
80 Fourth Street
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
www.cowgirlcreamery.com
(415) 663-9335
(866) 433-7834

Deer Park Villa Restaurant and Catering Service
367 Bolinas Road
Fairfax, CA 94930
www.deerparkvilla.com
www.deerparkvillacatering.com
(415) 456-8084

Drakes Bay Oyster Company
17171 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Inverness, CA 94937
www.drakesbayoyster.com
(415) 669-1149

 

Fernando's Restaurant
1561 South Novato Boulevard
Novato, CA 94947
(415) 897-2425

Fresh Choice
124 Vintage Way
Novato, CA 94945
www.freshchoice.com
(415) 897-9593

Ghiringhelli Pizzeria Restaurant & Grill
1535 E. South Novato Boulevard
Novato, CA 94947
ghiringhelli.com
(415) 878-4977

Golden Egg Omelet House
807 Grant Avenue
Novato, CA 94945
www. goldeneggomelethouse.com
(415) 897-7707

Grille 101
At the San Rafael Embassy Suites
101 McInnis Parkway
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.sanrafael.embassysuites.com
(415) 479-1623

Hilltop 1892
850 Lamont Ave
Novato , CA 94945
www. hilltop1892.com
(415) 893-1892

Jennie Low’s Chinese Cuisine
120 Vintage Way, Suite D-9
Novato, CA 94945
www.jennielow.com
(415) 892-8838

Marin Farmers Market
www.agriculturalinstitute.org
(800) 897-FARM
(415) 472-6100

Marin Steak & Spirits Company
At the Four Points Sheraton
1010 Northgate Drive
San Rafael, CA 94903
www.marinsteaks.com
(415) 755-6161

Marin French Cheese Company
7500 Red Hill Road
Petaluma, CA 94952 
www.marinfrenchcheese.com
(800) 292-6001

Marvin's Restaurant
1112 Grant Avenue
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 892-4482

Masa's Sushi
813 Grant Ave
Novato, CA 94945
(415) 892-0081

Moylan's Brewing Company
15 Rowland Way
Novato, CA 94945
www. moylans.com
(415) 898-4677

Rickey's Restaurant
250 Entrada Drive
Novato, CA 94949
www. rickeysrestaurant.com
(415) 883-9477

Seafood Peddler Restaurant & Fresh Fish Market
100 Yacht Club Drive
San Rafael, CA 94901
www.seafoodpeddler.com
(415) 460-6669

Station House Café
11180 State Route One
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
www.stationhousecafe.com
(415) 663-1515

StoneTree Golf Club
9 StoneTree Lane
Novato, CA 94945
www. stonetreegolf.com
(415) 209-6090

The Caprice Restaurant
2000 Paradise Drive
Tiburon, CA 94920
www.thecaprice.com
(415) 435-3400

Tiburon Grill
At The Lodge of Tiburon
1651 Tiburon Boulevard
Tiburon, CA 94920
www.tiburongrill.com
(415) 435-5996

 

Toast
5800 Nave Drive
Novato, CA 94949
www. toastnovato.com
(415) 382-1144

WildFox Restaurant
225 Alameda del Prado
Novato, CA 94949
www. wildfoxrestaurant.com
(415) 883-9125

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Events

Marin County has an amazing sense of community. The county host several annual events within the community which cater to all age groups and work well for a family outing. The next county over is Sonoma County, which is known as “Wine Country” and offers several food and wine experiences year-round. Additionally, the city of San Francisco is not far either offering more events and fun all within 40 minutes of the City of Novato.

Marin Farmers Market

Year round on Thursdays and Sundays at the Marin Civic Center
Sells farm-direct specialty foods and organically grown produce.
www.marinfarmersmarkets.org
(415) 472-6100

Downtown San Rafael Farmers Market (May-September)

Only from May through September on
Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 on Fourth Street. The market features food, produce, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and more.
www.sanrafaelmarket.org
(415) 492-8007

Whale Watching on the Coast (January-March)

Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Pt. Reyes
Witness the California gray whale migration south to Baja.
www.nps.gov/pore
(415) 464-5100

Marin Show: Art of the Americas (February)

Marin Center, San Rafael

The most substantive and extensive showcase focused on the indigenous arts from across North, Central and South America. With more than 200 noted dealers, the show is described as the “Superbowl of Native American art collecting”.
www.marinshow.com
(415) 472-3500

Antique Show (March)

Marin Center, San Rafael
Over 65 distinctive dealers selling fabulous antiques and collectibles ranging from pieces of furniture to jewelry and vintage clothing.
www.goldengateshows.com
(415) 472-3500

Egret and Blue Heron Nesting (March)

Audubon Canyon Ranch, Stinson Beach
A rare glimpse of these majestic birds. Audubon Ranch is open late March through early July, on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. For week days, please call for appointment.
www.egret.org
(415) 868-9244

Tiburon International Film Festival (March)

This event seeks to provide a greater understanding of the world and its many cultures through the artistic medium of film, and through the top quality films from around the world.
www.tiburonfilmfestival.com
(415) 381-4123

Opening of Yacht Season (April)

Tiburon, Sausalito
Pleasure craft are decorated and blessed during celebration.
(415) 435-4771

Human Race (May)

Marin Center, San Rafael
Benefit 10K run-walk for all Marin non-profits. (415) 479-5660

May Madness Classic Car Parade and Street Dance (May)

Fourth Street, San Rafael
The County’s oldest and biggest classic car show and parade, with live rock 'n roll throughout the day.
www.downtownsanrafael.org
(415) 720-5591

Marin Open Studios (May)

Art tour of over 280 studios during two Weekends throughout Marin County.
www.marinarts.org
(415) 499-8350

Marin Sonoma Concours D’Elegance (May)

Marin County Fairgrounds - Civic Center
Concours d’Elegance will showcase over 180 unique and elegant vehicles in 18 different classes.
www.marinsonomaconcours.org

Grecian Festival (May)

Nativity of Christ Church, Novato
Greek food and entertainment. Held on Memorial Day weekend.
www.nativityofchrist.org
(415) 883-1998

Annual Home Show and Jazz Festival (June)

Marin Center, San Rafael
www.marinhomeshow.com
(415) 456-5209

Dipsea Foot Race (June)

Mill Valley

1,500 runners navigate a tortuous, hilly route
in this famed cross-country race.
www.dipsea.org
(415) 331-3550

Marin Art Festival (June)

Marin Civic Center Lagoon
Elegant lawn party featuring a juried exhibit of top level art, a variety of ethnic foods, and music ranging from jazz to classical.
www.marinartfestival.com
(415) 388-4836

Novato Art, Wine and Music Festival (June)

Grant Avenue, Old Town Novato
Artists and craftspeople, two dozen wineries, food and continuous free entertainment.
www.novatochamber.com
(415) 897-1164

San Anselmo Art & Wine Festival (June)

Buy exceptional art directly from the artists at the best prices!
www.sananselmoarts.com
(415) 258-4600

Mill Valley Wine & Food Tasting (June)

Taste many hard to find wines, plus imports.

Gourmet food tasting under the redwoods.

www.millvaleywinefestival.homestead.com

(415) 388-9700

Larkspur Flower & Food Festival (June)

On Magnolia Avenue, an exciting daylong schedule of colorful festivities surrounding the theme of flower related arts & crafts and gourmet food exhibitors.
www.larkspurcityhall.org
(415) 383-3470

Marin County Fair ( July)

Civic Center Fairgrounds, San Rafael
Annual fair features free carnival rides, fireworks on the lagoon, and special juried exhibits.
www.marinfair.org
(415) 499-6400

Twilight Criterium San Rafael ( July)

Downtown San Rafael
World-class professional competitive bicycle race. Begins and ends on Fourth Street.
www.srtwilight.com

Corte Madera-Larkspur Fourth of July Festival and Parade ( July)

Corte Madera and Larkspur
Hometown parade for Marin’s Twin Cities.
www.cortemadera.org
(415) 924-0441

Indian Big Time Celebration ( July)

Point Reyes at Kule Loklo
Native American celebration involving native dance, song and food.
www.nps.gov/pore
(415) 464-5100

Marin Shakespeare Festival (August)

Dominican University, San Rafael
Weekend performances of Shakespeare under the stars. Amphitheater seating.
www.marinshakespeare.org
(415) 499-4488

San Rafael Food and Wine Festival (August)

Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
Come taste the wine, plus food and entertainment on the grounds of a Victorian mansion.
www.sresproductions.com
(800) 310-6563

Tiburon Art and Wine Festival (August)

On Historic Ark Row in downtown Tiburon
Live Music, Family Entertainment & Activities, Wine, Beer & Champagne, all steps away from the waterfront of the San Francisco Bay.
www.tiburonartfestival.homestead.com
(415) 435-5633

Annual Sand Sculpture Contest (August)

The Sunday of Labor Day Weekend in Point Reyes at Drakes Beach
www.nps.gov/pore
(415) 464-5140

 

Marin Designers Showcase (September)

Marin’s top interior designers take over a stately Marin home to create an interior fantasy.
marindesignersshowcase.com
(415) 479-5691

Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival (September)

Fine Art exhibit with food booths and live entertainment in a redwood grove.
www.mvfaf.org
(415) 381-8090

San Rafael Business Showcase (September)

Civic Center Exhibition Hall, San Rafael
San Rafael’s largest business-to-business and business-to-consumer trade show draws over 2,000 guests. Food tastes, gifts, prizes.
www.SRChamber.com
(415) 454-4163

Mill Valley Film Festival (October)

Sequoia and Rafael Film Centers
This eleven-day fest includes screening that draw 40,000 ticket holders, both film fans and professionals.
www.cafilm.org
(415) 383-5256

Pumpkin Field (October)

St. Vincent’s School for Boys, San Rafael
Pumpkin patch and farm animals.
(415) 507-4214

Trick-or-Treat Down Fourth Street (October)

Downtown San Rafael
www.downtownsanrafael.org
(415) 720-5591

Winter Wonderland/Parade of Lights (November)

Downtown San Rafael
A candle-lit walk through downtown San Rafael. There’s even a man-made snow bank for sledding and making snowmen.
www.srespromotions.org
(800) 310-6563

Lighted Boat Parade(December)

Along San Rafael’s Canal shoreline, this is a holiday event not to be missed!
www.lightedboatparade.org

Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker(December)

Marin Center, San Rafael
www.marincenter.com
(415) 453-6705

Victorian Holiday Celebration(December)

Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael
The evening spotlights live holiday performances, hosted by Mr. Charles Dickens himself with characters in Dickens attire, old-fashioned caroling and an authentic
Father Christmas.
www.falkirkculturalcenter.org
(415) 485-3436