Are you searching for the best and most fun things to do in Novato, CA?
Novato is a San Francisco Bay area city with an active community and attractive locations.
The city has beautiful museums, playgrounds, restaurants, galleries, and many other exciting attractions to keep guests glued to the city.
There Are many things for individuals and the entire family in Novato, from horseback riding, wine tasting, hiking, bowling, and picnics.
Notable attractions in the city include the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, Hamilton Field History Museum, Stafford Lake Park, and the Old Town.
Interested in all Novato has to offer? Here’s a list of the best and most fun things to do in Novato, CA.
Things to Do in Novato, CA
1. Explore California Cheese Trail
If you’re a cheese lover planning to visit Novato, you’ll truly enjoy exploring the California Cheese Trail.
Novato not only features California wine but the city eateries serve morsels that go alongside a glass of fine wine.
Novato city is famous for producing delicious cheese, and you mustn’t leave the city without spending time visiting a few cheese makers for tasting tours.
California Cheese Trail has an app that helps guests discover the routes to the cheese-making centers in the city.
Highlights of your adventure in the city should include Marin French Cheese Company, Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, Nicasio Valley Cheese, and Cowgirl Creamery at Tomales Bay Foods.
Location: Novato, CA, United States
2. Sightseeing Stafford Lake Park
One of the most amazing places to visit in Novato is Stafford Lake Park. The place offers surreal attractions that keep tourists visiting the region consistently.
Stafford Lake County Park spans across 139-acres with a rolling landscape typical of a classic northern California valley surrounded by grazing farmlands.
Stafford Lake County Park features redwood groves, beautiful meadows, winding creeks, and lakefront fields.
The park hosts various exciting events to keep guests entertained, including festivals, musical concerts, and fairs.
The park also contains a bike park open to bikers of all levels and a disc golf course where golf lovers can explore their golfing prowess.
Location: 3549 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947, United States
3. Visit the Hamilton Field History Museum
Are you a historian?
Do you fancy learning about history? If yes, you’ll appreciate visiting Hamilton Field History Museum.
Hamilton Field History Museum, used as a local air force base during world war 2, is one of the best places to visit in Novato, CA.
Hamilton Field History Museum is the perfect place for you if you require a place to have fun without spending money, as entry into this museum is free for everyone.
Hamilton Field History Museum has a research library containing documents from WWII.
Many museum veterans are happy to share their knowledge and experience with guests.
Amazing collections at the museum include medals, pins, photographs, a cockpit simulator, and a research library with many books, videos, and posters.
Location: 555 Hangar Ave, Novato, CA 94949, United States
4. Visit the Space Station Museum
If you’re a space enthusiast, you should consider adding the Space Station Museum to your bucket list.
The Space Station Museum is a non-profit museum run by enthusiastic space-nut in Novato. Famous astronauts like Al Warden of Apollo 15 have stepped up to run the museum in previous times.
The museum features extensive equipment, including space suits, underwear, control panels, and replica lunar landers.
Space Station Museum hosts various events throughout the year, and if you’re lucky enough to catch one, you may get the chance to talk to a real astronaut.
Location: Space Station Museum, Novato, CA 94949, United States
5. Learn about Novato’s History at the Novato History Museum
What better way to start your tour in a city than to visit a place where you can learn about the city’s history and culture?
In Novato, no place better teaches you about the city’s history than Novato History Museum.
Novato History Museum makes an excellent counterpoint to the local American Indian Museum. Both tell the story of the Marin area’s two primary cultures.
Visiting Novato History Museum takes you back to Novato’s early days. Exhibits at the museum take you down history lane using artifacts, oral histories, and documents.
Novato History Museum also contains archives documenting Novato’s history and cultures through photos and historical maps.
Even if you’re not a historian, you can also have fun at the picnic area at the museum’s base, with a fantastic city hall view.
Location: 815 De Long Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
6. Relax at Sukha Yoga Studio
Even while you’re out touring the city of Novato, you still need to create time to relax and stay fit, and Sukha Yoga Studio is one of those places in Novato to relax and clear your head.
Just as the term Sukha implies happiness, bliss, and ease, Sukha Yoga Studio is the home of bliss and happiness in Novato.
The staffs at Sukha Yoga Studio are happy to welcome yogis of all abilities, either beginners or professionals.
The Level of expertise their instructors possess keeps guests visiting Sukha Yoga Studio consistently. Endeavor to check out their class outline on their website and plan a meeting with them.
Location: Sukha Yoga Studio, 1020 Railroad Ave, Suite D, Novato, CA 94945, United States
7. Learn About Wine at Trek Winery
Would you love to visit a place to learn about fine wines and engage in wine-tasting tours? If so, a visit to Trek Winery should be on your checklist.
Nestled in the heart of Novato is a family-owned winery with a plant-filled decor-Trek Winery.
They host wine classes where guests learn the process involved in winemaking and how to detect aromatic notes in a tasting session.
The wine pub attracts many local acts to its venue, including musicians and comedians. In addition, their signature casks are available for social events, weddings, birthdays, and other events.
Location: 1026 Machin Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
8. Purchase Fresh Farm Produce at the Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s market is one of the best and most fun places in Novato, CA.
The market allows visitors to buy fresh produce and relate with the city’s locals.
Novato Farmers Market has many food restaurants selling local and international dishes. In addition, merchants at the market sell fresh produce and other items like artifacts, household facilities, and many other things.
Residents of the San Francisco Bay area converge at the farmer’s market to sell their handicrafts.
The farmer’s market is a blend of shopping and a fun location. In addition, the market has various dining eateries for visitors who wish to eat there.
Available meals at the farmer’s market include Thai food, sizzling barbecue, rotisserie chicken, and Himalayan and Yucatan foods.
Aside from the meal and shopping options, the Novato Farmers market offers entertainment options for the entire household, from bounce houses and pony rides for kids to musical entertainment.
Make sure you stop by the farmers market before you exit Novato.
Location: Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
9. Play golf at the Indian Valley Golf Club
Are you a golf lover searching for a place to enjoy golf in Novato? Search no further as Indian Valley Golf Club has all you need and more
Indian Valley Golf Club, founded in 1968, is a golf club that constantly attracts guests to its environs.
Initially a horse farm, the Indian Valley Golf Club is open to visitors and locals all year round; This golf club isn’t only ideal for golf but also features beautiful sceneries.
Indian Valley Golf Club overlooks Stafford Lake and the beautiful mountains of Marin County hence an excellent spot for picnics.
There’s also an on-site Pro-Shop to stock up on golf equipment, so make sure you don’t leave Novato without stopping at Indian Valley Golf Club.
Location: 3035 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947, United States
10. Explore the Museum of the American Indian
If you’re a historian and would love to increase your historical findings, visiting the American Indian Museum would suffice.
Before the European settlement in Novato, Miwok Indians occupied the museum.
The Miwok Indians had quite a fascinating tradition, including painting their whole bodies in black and white stripes with charcoal and chalk.
The American Indian Museum contains collections and exhibits that include information on the history and culture of Midwok Indians.
Make sure you plan your trip with a visit to the American Indian Museum included in your itinerary.
Location: 2200 Novato Blvd, Novato, CA 94947, United States
11. Wine Tasting at Pacheco Ranch Winery
Named after Ignacio Pacheco, an early pioneer owner and grape grower, Pacheco Ranch Winery is a wine house in Novato.
Established in 1970, Pacheco Ranch Winery is a wine house to relax and spend time with friends and family in a scenic environment.
Pacheco Ranch Winery features a vineyard planted exclusively with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, and the exceptional character of wines at the winery is due to the climatic condition of their elevated hillside location.
Pacheco Ranch Winery is open to the public strictly by prior arrangement, so visitors should book for exclusive wine tasting in advance.
Location: Pacheco Ranch Winery, 235 Alameda del Prado, Novato, CA 94949, United States
12. Buy Candies at Celine’s Sweets
Celine’s Sweets is one of the best and most fun places to visit in Novato, CA.
Celine’s Sweets is a retro candy shop with candy-stripe window decoration in downtown Novato.
It’s a fun destination for people of all ages and has something in stock for everyone. Available candies include milkshakes, ice cream and sundaes, truffles, and gourmet chocolates.
People with diabetes visiting Celine’s Sweet have nothing to worry about as they have a large stock of sugar-free candies like jelly beans, chocolate, and gummy bears.
They also sell sweets in bulk, and if you need novelty gifts for your kids’ birthdays, you can shop for them at Celine’s Sweets.
Location: Celine’s Sweets, 879 Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94945, United States.
13. Visit Marin Contemporary Art Museum
Marin Contemporary Art Museum is home to artists around Marin County. In addition, the museum serves as a citadel of information and a studio for local creators in the city.
The building of the Marin Contemporary Art Museum is quite dynamic for a small city like Novato. The upcoming artist will find a visit to Marin Contemporary Art Museum inspiring.
The building copies the Spanish Mission style prototype and is quite scenic.
Marin Contemporary Art Museum features various exhibition galleries, over 50 studios for visiting and local artists, a museum storehouse, and various new exhibitions.
Entry into the museum is free, and they also host art classes for those willing to partake.
Location: 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949, United States
14. Explore the Old Town
The Old Town is one of the historical places in Novato, CA. It’s an excellent location for tourists looking for a scenic spot to tour in Novato.
Various historic buildings make up the Old Town, and the Crimson tower of the spooky Carpenter Gothic-style hall is one of the many 19th-century buildings in the area.
The Old Town is a lovely place to wander and escape the bustle of work. Several buildings in the town have a long and exciting history.
If taxidermy doesn’t trigger the adrenaline in your veins, you should visit the Druid’s Hall, which is home to a mysterious esoteric organization.
The building has an incredible collection of deer heads. If that’s too wacky for you, you may consider drinking a fine wine or cocktail on the idyllic city streets.
The Old Town also contains many businesses, shops, and restaurants to eat your favorite food or drink.
Location: Grant Avenue, Novato, CA 94949, United States
15. Watch Plays at Novato Theater Company
If you love theater plays and performances, you may consider visiting Novato Theater Company.
Novato Theater Company, established in 1919 to give the Novato Improvement Club an abode, is a robust community theater in Novato.
The theater is a 99-seat theater that presents various performances throughout the year in Novato.
Novato Theater Company showcases theater works ranging from plays, poetry, readings, music concerts, and special events.
Novato Theater Company features about six shows annually, and guests can get tickets at the theatre box office or via the internet.
Location: 5420 Nave Dr, Novato, CA 94949, United States
16. Bird Watching in Rush Creek
Rush Creek is one place you must visit before leaving Novato if you love to watch birds take flight.
Rush Creek spans over 500 acres of wetland and sits on the edge of Novato city.
Although Rush Creek is vast with many natural attractions, it’s still one of the less-visited areas in Novato. So if you need a place where you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with fewer people on site, then Rush Creek is one place you mustn’t afford to miss.
During spring, swathes of purple shooting star flowers and little white snowberries dot the trails around these tranquil waters.
Many wading birds are in the area, and you can’t be a nature lover and not enjoy spending time at Rush Creek.
Various birds like owls, eagles, and other bird species take flight at Rush Creek, so you’ll get to see these gems and even capture the moments with your camera.
If you’re lucky, you may spot peregrine falcons, which usually grace the creek with their presence.
Various species of rare plants and trees dot the paths at the creek, making it scenic for hiking.
It’s always fun spending time at Rush Creek; ensure you include it on your itinerary list.
Location: Novato, CA, United States
17. Plan a Day Trip to Point Reyes
The town of Novato is just half an hour’s drive from one of San Francisco Bay Area’s most scenic sites- Point Reyes.
Point Reyes is a beautiful rugged stretch of coastline. The area is gorgeous on a sunny day when a storm brings a wave over the headland.
Point Reyes is the perfect location to spot marine animals in Novato. Another notable sight in the area is the Coast’s landmark lighthouse, which serves as a pilgrimage site.
Location: Point Reyes Station, CA 94956, United States
18. Grab Chilled Wine at Mantra Wines
If you’re a wine lover needing a place to drink fine wine, Novato, you need to look no further than Mantra Wines.
Mantra Wines is a family-owned winery serving various fine wines in Novato.
Established in 1978 along the Alexander and Dry Creek valleys, Mantra Wines showed its first-ever wine in 2000.
Their wines have earned numerous awards and praise in Novato. Wines at the pub reflect the pub’s interior.
There are over 11 different wines to select from at the winery, so make time to visit their tasting room and enjoy your favorite wine and cocktail.
Even if you feel hungry at the winery, you can order your favorite dish from their mantra.
Location: 881 Grant Ave, Novato, CA 94945, United States
19. Meal Treat at the Crave Restaurant
Are you a food lover?
Would you love to try some authentic dishes in Novato? If yes, then a visit to Crave Restaurant would suffice for you.
Crave Restaurant is an experimental eatery with stylish decor in Novato; its chef comes highly recommended by guests as one of the best in the city.
They specialize in new dishes and uncommon combinations using farm-to-table ingredients.
Try their modern and stake-home home S’mores or opt for other tasty dishes from their enticing meal menu.
Location: 340 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, CA 94949, United States
20. Visit Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field
One of the best and most fun places to spend quality time in Novato is the Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field.
The Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field contains four buildings spanning over 50 studio settings for media-related personnel, from wood and ceramics to oils and watercolors.
Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field connects to a beautifully maintained interior garden area and winding pathways and hosts open studios during October.
Such open studio events allow guests to watch the artist at work and purchase handmade crafts by a local artist.
Also available at the center is an on-site eatery with indoor and outdoor patio seating.
Their menu at the restaurants contains meals for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Location: 500 Palm Dr, Novato, CA 94949, United States
21. Go Hiking at Mount Burdell Open Preserve
If you’re a hiking lover looking for a place to showcase your hiking skill in Novato, you need to search no further as Mount Burdell has all the facilities to explore your hiking skill and have fun in Novato.
Mount Burdell is a reasonably small mountain to enjoy fantastic scenery across the entire South Bay Area. Guests can get to the mountain top through the Eagle Rim trail.
Mount Burdell features an open space preserve perfect for picnics and hiking. Visitors also enjoy the sight of the area’s many free-roaming cattle grazing peacefully in the hillside meadow.
The area’s proximity to Hidden Lake makes it a fantastic tourist destination as guests can enjoy Mount Burdell and stop by Hidden lake to spot wildlife.
Location: Novato, CA 94945, United States
22. Visit Olompali State Historic Park
Olompali State Historic Park, situated north of Novato, is a nature preserve initially belonging to Midwok Indians that dwelt in Novato, CA.
Midwok Indians continuously inhabited the area for almost 8,000 years.
Olompali State Historic Park spans across 700-acres of land mass and overlooks the San Pablo Bay and Petaluma River.
Established in 1977, Olompali State Historic Park is home to numerous natural attractions and historic buildings like the Burdell House, built in 1870.
Other notable buildings and structures at the park include a preserved foundation of two early adobe brick houses, a blacksmith shop, a saltbox house, and various barns.
The park also features several great hiking trails, a walk to Midwok Village, and the Loop Trail that winds through northern Marin County’s oaks-sprinkled landscape, Buckeye, madrones, and California bay.
Location: 8901 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945, United States