Where is Novato, California, U.S.

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 05, 2026, 14:55 ET

Where is Novato, California Located in the United States? - Novato is a city located in the Marin County in California, United States. Novato lies between 38.1074 Degrees North latitudes and -122.5697 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Novato, Marin, California

Where is Novato Located in Marin, California

About Map: The map shows the location of Novato in Marin County, in the U.S. state of California.

Novato Map, California, USA

About Novato Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.

About Novato, Marin County, California

Novato is located in Marin County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the northern part of the state in the state of the United States within the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The city was incorporated in 1960 and was named after Rancho Novato, a Mexican land grant that once covered much of the area, and it developed from ranching and agricultural land into a suburban residential and commercial community.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Novato is 53,225 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,900 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Novato covers a total area of approximately 28.0 square miles (about 72.5 square kilometers), including about 27.4 square miles (71.0 square kilometers) of land and 0.6 square miles (1.5 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Novato is situated north of San Rafael and south of Petaluma, positioned within a valley surrounded by rolling hills and open space preserves. The city features residential neighborhoods, historic districts, and access to nearby parks and wetlands along San Pablo Bay. U.S. Route 101 runs through the city, providing a major transportation route connecting Novato to San Francisco and other communities across the North Bay region.

Attractions and Recreation

Novato offers parks, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation areas that support tourism and community activities. Popular destinations include Olompali State Historic Park, Stafford Lake Park, and the Novato History Museum. The city hosts farmers markets, cultural festivals, and community events reflecting its heritage and suburban character.

Transportation

Novato is served by U.S. Route 101 and nearby State Route 37, offering convenient highway access throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services and SMART commuter rail connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is San Francisco International Airport, located approximately 40 miles to the south.

Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Novato City Website.

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Novato City Facts

CityNovato
StateCalifornia
CountyMarin County
CountryUnited States
RegionSan Francisco Bay Area - North Bay
IncorporatedJanuary 20, 1960
Founded1839 (Rancho Novato)
Total AreaApproximately 28.0 sq mi (72.5 km2)
Land AreaApproximately 27.4 sq mi (71.0 km2)
ElevationApproximately 30 ft (9 m)
Population (2023 estimate)Approximately 55,000+
Population (2020 Census)53,225
Population DensityApproximately 1,900 people per sq mi
Time ZonePacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST)
ZIP Codes94945, 94947, 94948, 94949
Area Code415
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 101, State Route 37
Public TransitSMART Train, Golden Gate Transit
Major AttractionsOlompali State Historic Park, Novato History Museum, Stafford Lake Park
Official Websitehttps://www.novato.org/

Distance from Novato, CA to Nearby Cities

  • San Rafael, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
  • Petaluma, CA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Mill Valley, CA – 18 miles (29 km)
  • Corte Madera, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Larkspur, CA – 14 miles (23 km)
  • Sausalito, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Sonoma, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Napa, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Vallejo, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Fairfield, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Santa Rosa, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Healdsburg, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • Richmond, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Berkeley, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Oakland, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • San Francisco, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Daly City, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Concord, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Walnut Creek, CA – 45 miles (72 km)
  • San Mateo, CA – 45 miles (72 km)

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