The Novato center is about the area of Downtown Novato and 2 miles northeast of Lovepatch Farms.
The best time to visit Novato falls between mid-June and mid-October, when high temperatures range from 76 at the beginning and end of the warm season to 81 degrees in late August. This is also the most popular time in Novato, so hotel rooms will be at their highest rates. You will get a better deal if you book your room well before you travel.
Summers are long, dry, and mostly clear, while winters are short, wet, cold, and partly cloudy. The cool season, from the end of November to early February, averages daily highs of around 60 degrees and average lows around 39 degrees. Spring is comfortable, as is late fall, but you'll want to wear a jacket. If you expect to work up a sweat with outdoor activities, this cooler weather might suit you and should come with lower prices on hotel rooms. The cold season will offer the lowest rates, but you'll have to deal with some cooler temps.
Courtyard by Marriott offers discounted rates for seniors and AAA members. The hotel is within five minutes of the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and Pacheco Ranch Winery. The rooms have flat-screen televisions, work desks, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea makers. An outdoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center will rejuvenate you. Grab a book from the library and relax in front of the fireplace in the spacious lobby. The hotel has a restaurant, a coffee shop/cafe, and a bar/lounge, as well as a grocery/convenience store. You can also grill outdoors on provided barbecue grills. Business services include a 24-hour business center and 1,025 square feet of event facilities.
Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael, just a few miles from Novato in nearby San Rafael, provides discounts to seniors, AAA members, government employees, and members of the military. The upscale hotel provides pillowtop beds with premium bedding, microwaves, and LCD televisions. The hotel offers a health club, an outdoor pool with lounge furniture, and a spa tub. Hillside Tavern, a restaurant and bar, is available for meals; the hotel also serves lighter fare at the on-site coffee shop/cafe. Cooked-to-order breakfast is served daily for a fee. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center, conference space, and free newspapers in the lobby.
Embassy Suites by Hilton San Rafael Marin County in San Rafael is an upscale hotel with stunning decor. You'll sink into your premium bedding and relax. The double sofa bed in your suite will offer guests seating and an extra sleeping option. LCD televisions have cable programming and an MP3 docking station, and the rooms come with refrigerators, as well. Note that wired and wireless internet comes with a surcharge. You'll enjoy an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a 24-hour fitness center. Dine on California cuisine at Grille 101 or stay in your room and take advantage of room service during limited hours. A complimentary reception is held daily so you can visit with other guests. A free cooked-to-order breakfast is served each morning. The hotel offers a 24-hour business center and 13,000 square feet of event space, including a conference center.
Sheraton Sonoma County Petaluma is a mile from downtown Petaluma, 9 miles from downtown Novato, and 9 miles from Jack London State Historic Park. In your room, you'll go to dreamland in luxury with a down comforter and premium bedding. Have a meal at Tolay, a restaurant that also has a bar, or enjoy room service during limited hours. Full breakfast is available each morning for a fee. The rooms have refrigerators, LCD televisions, and free Wi-Fi. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, spa tub, 24-hour health club, gift shop, concierge services, business center, and 1,500 square feet of event space, including a conference center.
If you love shopping, head to the restored Grant Avenue, which has made downtown Novato more welcoming for shopping and dining. You can also find more than 50 stores and restaurants at Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, like Costco and Target.
Enjoy stunning views from Mount Burdell, which is 1,558 feet high. You can also take a hike or a ride a bike while enjoying impressive views at Stafford Lake Park, or you can get in a game of golf at one of two public courses. Mountain-biking enthusiasts will want to bike in Marin County, which is known as the birthplace of mountain biking. If you're traveling with kids, check out the 16,000-square-foot skate park built for young skateboarders. Outdoors enthusiasts, including bird watchers and wildlife observers, will enjoy Deer Island Preserve, Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area, and Scottsdale Marsh.
Perhaps you're more into food and drink, in which case you could visit the Pacheco Ranch Winery, the oldest land grant property in the state, or sample cheese and have a picnic at the Marin French Cheese Company. History buffs will love the historic buildings that pepper Novato and will want to visit the Marin Museum of the American Indian and the historic Olompali State Park, which was named after a key Coast Miwok settlement. Visit the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and the Mission San Rafael Arcangel for interesting and educational connections.
The Napa Valley Wine Train will take you on a three-hour, 36-mile round trip trek to St. Helena and back. You'll enjoy a chef-prepared lunch or dinner featuring fresh seasonal ingredients, accompanied by a glass of California wine. Package tours are available, and you can purchase optional Winery Tour tickets for stops along the way. The views from the train are stunning.
Novato, California, has something for everyone to love. From shops and restaurants to arts and museum facilities and everything outdoors, there's so much to do that it will take a little time to get to all your favorite activities. In fact, you might forget to sneak in a visit to San Francisco.
Below are reviews of the city of Novato, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
I lived there for many years, went to Novato High School and my sister currently lives there. We love it for its music, restaurants, and wonderful hiking trails.
Olompali - good hiking and history; Stafford Lake nice walk and relaxing; interesting and informative museums
There are some cool bars here, specifically the Speak Easy.
We enjoyed visiting relatives, eating at the Blue Barn, a sandwich shop, and visiting Armstrong State Natural Reserve, only 35 minutes away.
Great downtown with lots of restaurants and nice shops.
I love DT Novato, so quaint and great restaurants!
Sonoma raceway!
As I stated, I was there on business, so I did not see much of Novato. We did eat at Perry's and Boca Pizzaria and the food was really good. We did visit Sausalito. That was a quaint little town.
The hotel is very quiet for sleeping.
I was there to enjoy a concert at the Hop Monk Tavern!
I have relatives living in Novato. It's a quiet, friendly town with lots of conveniences.
The scenery, places around Novato are close by the hotel.
Clean hotel, friendly staff and convenient location.
Good restaurants in walking distance.
We were attending a wedding in Petaluma so didn't get a chance to spend time in Novato.
The quintessential California landscape and beautiful open space and hiking trails.
Novato is a quaint and charming town. The main street area has great shops and great restaurants!!
Quaint downtown. Shout out to Mitchell Thomas Salon for great service.
My stay was in Corte Madera, in Marin County. It is a beautiful area to walk and bicycle. I love the beautiful green mountains and palm trees, the open blue skies and the majestic sunsets. The Larkspur Ferry to San Francisco is a must.