Welcome to Novato
A quaint and family-oriented community nestled in the hills
Novato is a city nestled in the hills of northern Marin County and is considered the epicenter of San Francisco’s North Bay Area. It is situated about 16 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, 30 miles north of San Francisco, and about 10 miles northwest of San Rafael. This quaint and family-oriented city features a collection of charming neighborhoods that accommodate a variety of lifestyles. Southern Novato is the city’s most conveniently located neighborhood for those who commute to San Francisco. It is home to the renowned Marin Country Club and a concentration of popular restaurants, parks, and neighborhoods.
Neighborhoods with an abundance of green open space like Green Point and Indian Valley accommodate equestrian activities. Many Novato neighborhoods feature lagoons, scenic vistas, and direct access to San Francisco Bay. World-class tennis and golfing facilities attract people to neighborhoods such as the luxurious Country Club Estates and Stonetree. Novato’s most modern homes tend to be in southern Navato. Hikers and bikers prefer San Marin for its easy access to Mount Verdell and Stafford Lake.
What to Love
-
Quaint, family-oriented town
-
A vibrant downtown shopping district
-
Great schools
-
Tight-knit neighborhoods and luxury homes
-
Country club neighborhoods
-
Equestrian-oriented estates
Local Lifestyle
Novato is known for being home to a diverse and vibrant community with residents from all walks of life. Novato’s beautiful natural landscape, vibrant downtown area, and easy access to San Francisco provide residents with a wide range of recreational activities suitable for all ages and interests, including horseback riding, golfing, tennis, and shopping. Its proximity to Stafford Lake and Mount Verdell offers excellent hiking and biking opportunities. It is also a close-knit and family-oriented community that gathers for various fun annual events, many of which celebrate the region's creative spirit.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Novato features a vibrant downtown shopping district featuring shopping centers like Vintage Oaks and Pacheco Plaza. HopMonk Tavern is a vintage roadhouse that offers locals a fun place to hang out with friends while enjoying excellent food and drink. Patrons enjoy rustic indoor and outdoor dining and live music. It doesn’t get much better than a Hopmunk Cheeseburger paired with a signature cocktail like their refreshing hard strawberry lemonade. Chianti Cucina is the town’s go-to classic home-style Italian restaurant. It is renowned for its elegant and inviting fine dining atmosphere, friendly service, excellent cuisine, and an extensive wine list. Its menu features items like Calamari Calabrese and Lasagna di Malanzane Parmgiana. Finnegan's Marin Restaurant and Tavern is a cozy neighborhood establishment inspired by traditional Irish pubs. In addition to serving a wide variety of craft beer and unique signature cocktails, it also serves classic American fare and hosts an active nightlife with live entertainment.
Marvin’s Restaurant is a neighborhood diner situated off the town’s main thoroughfare. It is a locals’ hot spot for excellent home-style breakfast in a laid-back environment. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the Farmer’s Scramble and the California Benedict.
Things to Do
Novato is home and hosts an active calendar of family-friendly events that bring the community together. The Marin Greek Festival is held every year over Memorial Day weekend. It offers friends and family the chance to celebrate Greek culture with authentic homemade Greek food, games, music, and dancing.
Novato Festival of Art is a free, family-friendly, community-sponsored event in downtown Novato every summer. Local businesses, residents, and families congregate to enjoy a weekend of live music, wine, and local food vendors.
Schools
Search All Homes
