Novato, California – The Perfect Escape

From the thriving wine country to the breathtaking beaches and redwood forests, Novato’s got it all. And the best part is, it’s all within a 30-minute drive of San Francisco.

Located in Marin County, Novatoto sits along Novato Creek and straddles the border between San Pablo Bay (east) and Point Reyes National Seashore (west). In the 1700s, Miwok Indians resided in the area in villages such as Olompali. The land that makes up modern-day Novato was first granted to a Mexican soldier, Fernando Feliz, in 1839, and eventually became the Rancho de Novato. In the 1860s, Joseph Sweetser and Francis DeLong planted one of the largest orchards in the world, shipping fruit all over the globe.

By the 1920s, development in Novato began to increase as the area was serviced by a local railroad and then Hamilton Field, which became deactivated in 1975. Today, the city is primarily residential and is home to the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and several high-technology firms including Birkenstock Footprint Sandals and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical.

With an abundance of activities and events, Novato is an ideal destination for families and people seeking a peaceful escape. From fishing and hiking, to painting and playgrounds, there is something for every explorer in the family.

A thriving downtown and an array of Link novatoto shops, restaurants and other businesses make the heart of Novato a place to be seen. Grant Avenue, the town’s main street, is a continuously transforming center of activity and commerce.

Novato’s diversity is reflected in the town’s rich cultural and social life, with a range of clubs, organizations, and events that bring together many different groups of people. It is also where young people are encouraged to take a stand on important issues and become leaders for change.

A strong education system is critical for a community’s growth and success, and Novato’s schools are well-regarded for the quality of the education they provide. With a wide range of education options, students can pursue their interests and develop a foundation for a lifetime of learning.

The Novato Chamber is proud to support educational initiatives, such as the NOVAto Youth Leadership Awards, which are given to high school juniors and seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills in their communities and the school district. The Chamber is also active in supporting the re-imagination of the Novato High School campus to ensure that it has the space it needs for future generations. The project, called “Novato 2.0,” will transform the school into a state-of-the-art learning facility, while also providing for expanded student opportunities to collaborate with local businesses and residents. The project is scheduled to begin in 2022 and will be completed in the fall of 2024. The Chamber has committed up to $10 million for this exciting project.