Enjoy a relaxed California getaway in Novato
Less than an hour outside San Francisco and within easy reach of the Point Reyes National Seashore, the Marin County city of Novato has plenty to offer travelers keen to enjoy a relaxing getaway with family or friends. From enjoying a little outdoor time at the Ignacio Valley Preserve to finding new favorites along North Bay's cheese and wine trails, there's no shortage of activities on offer, and whether you're looking for a cute hideaway overlooking Petaluma River or delightful downtown digs, Novato vacation rentals place you right on the doorstep of all that this charming, eclectic city has to offer.
Sightseeing in and around Novato
Are you hoping to discover attractions to see while you're in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes Novato a fun place to get away. These are some of the most popular attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Stone Tree Golf Club (3.3 mi / 5.2 km)
- Sonoma Raceway (7.4 mi / 11.9 km)
- Peacock Gap Golf Club (9.6 mi / 15.4 km)
- Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards (10.3 mi / 16.6 km)
- Sonoma TrainTown Railroad (13.2 mi / 21.3 km)
- Gundlach-Bundschu Winery (13.9 mi / 22.4 km)
Retail therapy in Novato
If retail therapy is high on your agenda, you'll find your own slice of heaven in Novato. Grant Avenue, in the city's historic Old Town, offers a helping of nostalgia with its quaint stores and one-of-a-kind boutiques. For a different kind of shopping experience, you might head to Rowland Boulevard's Vintage Oak Malls or hang fire for a local farmer's market to set up its delightfully colorful and fragrant stalls, each one filled to bursting with tempting goodies. With your shopping fix in the bag, you'll find an array of tempting options for dinner and drinks dotted along Highway 101.
Find beaches and green spaces near Novato
The mild year-round climate means that outdoor time is always on the menu in Novato. The city boasts several inviting green spaces, not least the Deer Island Preserve and the Hamilton Wetlands, the latter hugging the shoreline of San Pablo Bay. To the east of the city, the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers an idyllic spot for hiking and wildlife photography. To the west, and around a 45-minute drive from most rentals, the Port Reyes National Seashore serves up natural delights such as Wildcat Beach, the Phillip Burton Wilderness, and the cliffside Alamere Falls.
Transportation to and around Novato
The nearest airport is in San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO), located 35.4 mi (56.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you can also fly into Oakland Intl. Airport (OAK), which is 33.5 mi (53.9 km) away.