Novato is the perfect family getaway
If you're looking for a great family vacation spot, you're in luck! Novato is a safe, family-centered community in the North Bay with many recreational and educational activities that are fun for kids and parents alike.
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With a trip to Novato, you'll discover a charming Downtown filled with great restaurants, shopping, wineries and craft breweries along with countless outdoor adventures. Surrounded by rolling hills and over 3,600 acres of open space, Novato is an ideal destination for families in search of a weekend of hiking, biking or exploring. Spend the day visiting any of our museums, parks and golf courses, or relax at an award-winning spa. Just thirty minutes from the beaches of the California coastline and the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, Novato offers the perfect location for visitors hoping to seeing it all.
Downtown Novato
Visit downtown Novato and enjoy a leisurely stroll down historic Grant Avenue where you can peruse quaint stores and boutiques offering everything from upscale clothing and fine quality home decor to artisan food and antiques. Adults and kids alike will enjoy a treat from Celine’s Sweets, or a scoop of refreshing handmade ice cream from the counter at La Michoacana.
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Space Station Museum
Novato’s very own Space Station Museum is home to an inspiring collection of equipment and artifacts from half a century of manned space flight. The Space Station Museum is unique among California museums in that visitors get to actually touch artifacts that made the long journey into space, including photographs inscribed by the astronauts that tell about their adventures in space exploration.
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Hamilton Field History Museum
Built on reclaimed marshland near Novato, Hamilton Field is a California History Museum providing an intriguing glimpse into California’s airfield history.
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Hiking in Novato
When it comes to the best Bay Area hiking trails, Novato has more open space than almost anywhere else in Marin County. Grab the kids and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Novato’s surrounding hills, marshlands, and valleys.
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Biking in Novato
Bicycle riders will discover a wealth of Bay Area bike trails and scenic loops for both road and mountain bike enthusiasts in and around Novato. Surrounded by open space, wetlands, and beautiful rolling coastal hills, Novato is the perfect starting point for riders of all fitness levels.
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Stafford Lake Bike Park
At Stafford Lake Bike Park cyclists have a dedicated destination in Novato, where kids and riders of all ages and skill levels can ride custom-built bike trails, and enjoy 17 acres of exciting bike riding experiences.
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Bay Area Discovery Museum
Located 20 miles south of Novato at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Area Discovery Museum provides a variety of activities and family fun. The museum is designed to ignite creative thinking in children ages 6-months to 8-years. The sprawling hands-on museum covers 7.5 acres of beautiful Marin terrain.
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Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
For thrills and spine tingling chills galore, don’t miss Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park in nearby Vallejo. This popular family destination is a great entertainment value for all ages and is located just a short thirty minute drive east of Novato off Highway 37.
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Celine's Sweets
Celine’s Sweets is a fun destination for everyone, whether you want to relive old memories through the candies you loved as a kid, or you are a kid or teen looking for a fun place to hang out. Bring the family or a group of friends and have a ball here at Celine’s.
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Pioneer Park
Historic Pioneer Park Novato is a popular, family-friendly destination located one mile west of downtown. The nine-acre, tree-lined grounds include paved walking paths, a large renovated children’s playground area with an updated play structure, picnic tables, a covered BBQ area, and plenty of open lawn for throwing frisbees or a lively game of catch.
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Berkley Marina Adventure Playground
Adventurous visitors looking for family fun outing can check out Berkeley’s Adventure Playground, which has been voted a top playspace by media outlets like National Geographic and Newsweek.
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Pampering in Novato
If you’re craving a little “me” time and want to rejuvenate your body and indulge your senses, Novato is home to some of the best Bay Area spas.
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Events Calendar
There's always something to do here in Novato! Check our Events Calendar for more fun things to do on your trip.
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Best Western PLUS Novato Oaks Inn
Nestled against the scenic hills of Northern Marin County, the Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn is situated in a peaceful and relaxed setting perfect for the Wine Country traveler.
The Best Western Plus Novato Oaks Inn offers 107 spacious and finely appointed guest rooms and a host of exceptional amenities including free breakfast, free wi-fi, swimming pool, spa, fire pit, barbeque, fitness room, business center and the popular on-site restaurant and bar, Wildfox Restaurant.
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Courtyard by Marriott
Designed for the business professional and weekend explorer alike, Courtyard by Marriott Novato allows you to create the perfect Bay Area trip. Nestled in serene Marin County, the hotel is just 30 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge and 20 minutes from the acclaimed wineries of Sonoma.
Spread out and rest easier in over 136 thoughtfully appointed guest rooms and suites. Each room features plush Marriott linen, enhanced Paul Mitchell amenities, and smart work spaces with complimentary high speed wireless internet.
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Inn Marin
Inn Marin in Novato offers the ambiance of a boutique hotel, with state-of-the-art green lodging accommodations and sustainability practices. Inn Marin is pet friendly and is within minutes of the Sonoma and Napa wine country, award winning restaurants and sightseeing tourist attractions.
Situated on five acres of land, the Inn Marin boasts 70 guest rooms, a full size pool and elegant gardens with plenty of shade trees to relax under after a busy day.
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Book your stay at one of the award-winning hotels in Novato, California. Novato hotels provide great amenities and exceptional customer service to make every visit special.
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