Novato
The history of Novato, Marin County's northern-most city, dates back to 1300 when Miwok Native Americans lived in villages at the base of Mount Burdell. Historical buildings still dot downtown Novato, and its recently restored Grant Avenue has made it a welcoming place for visitors and residents to shop and dine.
The city has more than 3,600 acres of open space, making it a haven for hiking and mountain biking. Novato has two public golf courses and a network of 27 oak-studded parks, including a 16,000 square foot skate park for skateboarders. For fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking, camping, residents and visitors alike are drawn to Stafford Lake Park, Scottsdale Marsh, Deer Island Preserve and Pacheco Pond Wildlife Area.
As the fastest growing community in Marin County , Novato covers over 70 square miles, offering some of the best housing values in Marin. The recent conversion of Hamilton Air Force Base into a bay-side community has added a large number of spacious, contemporary homes. Downtown Novato provides charming bungalows and condo developments. To the west are older homes in what was once ranch and farm land, and further west are canyon and hilltop homes, some with views all the way to San Francisco!
Graceful oak-studded hills separate Novato from the cooler coastal climate of West Marin. Summer daytime temperatures are the highest in Marin, but the cool coastal influence penetrates inland late afternoons and evenings.
HELPFUL LINKS
City websites
www.novato.org
www.novatochamber.com
Schools
www.do.nusd.org
Hotels / restaurants /shopping / transportation
www.novatooaksinn.com
Arts / entertainment / recreation / annual events
www.novatohorsemen.com