Novato: Tourism.Novato.org

Novato's 35 acre Miwok is a large, shady park built around the Marin Museum of the American Indian.The Marin Museum of the American Indian offers group tours, nature walks and "hands-on" programs available to all ages by appointment. Drop in visitors are welcome during Gallery hours. The gallery primarily houses exhibits of Coastal Miwok and Pomo Indian Cultures. There is also a museum store which features Native American gifts and books.

The Novato Arts Center at Hamilton Field provides a campus setting for artists at the historic airfield, once called the "Hollywood of military bases". The facility has been recently renovated, retaining its original 1930's Spanish architectural style. The campus consists of three buildings connected by pathways and an interior garden area. A small café on-site offers indoor and outdoor patio seating.

The campus provides approximately 24 artist studios and a facility run by Indian Valley Artists, a non-profit Bay Area arts organization. In fulfillment of their mission to provide community access to art, they have combined art studios for individual artists with both a gallery and a classroom area.

Plans are underway for the addition of a commercial gallery operated by Indian Valley Artists in the central building. The gallery is being designed adjacent to a spacious entrance area, and will become the centerpiece of the campus.

Six to eight events are coordinated each year. Open hours are scheduled according to class, workshop, open studio, and exhibit schedules.

Located in the restored home of Novato's first postmaster, the house was built in 1850. This unique building has been the home of the Novato History Museum since 1970 and contains many interesting displays: historical photographs, records, deeds, descriptions and maps, antiques, exhibits of bygone household goods, tools, toys, costumes, reference books and Hamilton Field memorabilia.

Group tours are by appointment. Free admission, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 12 noon to 4 pm, donations accepted.

The entrance is accessible only to southbound traffic from Highway 101.
The park overlooks the Petaluma River and San Pablo Bay from the east-facing slopes of 1,558 foot Mount Burdell. Several historic buildings are preserved within the park. Visitors may also use the hiking and horseback riding trail as well as shaded picnic areas.

Surrounded by interesting trails, Sunset Corral offers guided trail riding, horse rentals, instruction and boarding. Open 7 days a week.

Situated on the shore of Stafford Lake, three miles west of Novato, this 139 acre park offers lake fishing, a nature trail, picnic areas with barbecue facilities for groups of up to 500 people, a popular children's play structure, lawn areas, a softball field, volleyball and horseshoe courts. The lake and Novato hills make for some wonderful vistas, and the picnic and play areas are lovely as well. Day use fee required.

Relax at Muir Woods, the coast redwoods are the tallest living things. The Bohemian and Cathedral groves contain the biggest trees in Muir Woods--one 252 feet tall and one 14 feet wide. Most of these trees range in age of 800-1000 years old! There are 3 walks, from one-half hour to 1.5 hours, and much longer hikes if you wish. The forest park is actually paved to make it easy for wheelchairs and mothers with strollers. The longer hikes are unpaved. The 560 acre park includes six miles of paved, mostly level trails on the canyon floor.

In 1579, Sir Francis Drake, sailing his Golden Hind, explored this treacherous and windy coastline that had been home to the Coast Miwok people for hundreds of years. Today, this harsh region is home to more than 470 species of birds that thrive in the 70,000-acre park. The park is also home to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, built in 1870.

In the park are the Morgan Horse Ranch, a replica of a Coast Miwok Indian village called Kule Loklo and three easy, self-guiding trails. The Earthquake Trail follows the San Andreas Fault for 0.7 mile. Longer trails cross the pasturelands of Pierce Point and the Estero, chaparral ridges, California-laurel valleys, forests and meadowlands. Scenic roads lead to beaches, panoramic views, outstanding bird watching areas, and a tule elk grazing area. Visitors can watch bird-banding activities at the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and explore the fascinating tidepools.

Estate Marin County Cabernet Sauvignon. Grown, produced and bottled at historic Pacheco Ranch established 1834, the oldest land grant property in California. Tasting by appointment.