Find hotels in Novato for nature trails and Coast Miwok history

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Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

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Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Novato offers a variety of ways to plan a trip around nature and cultural history. Trails cover everything from watching several groups of birds to redwood groves and scenic views; museums and a historic site offer other points of interest. As you consider which experiences matter most for your stay, it can help to look at the specific differences: Which natural setting appeals to you, and are you more interested in Novato’s history or Coast Miwok culture?

Hikes, Birds, and Redwood Trails

The Terwilliger Nature Trail in Stafford Lake Park offers opportunities for hiking and watching waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. This combines a hike with three named bird groups that may appeal to different birdwatching interests. Stafford Lake Park is also home to Stafford Lake Bike Park. This gives you a choice within the park between a nature trail with birdwatching and a dedicated bike park; which option shapes your outing depends on what you want to do.

Two trails in Indian Tree Preserve differ in their surroundings and views. The Big Trees Trail passes through redwood groves and mature forests and offers views of Stafford Lake. The Ship’s Mast Trail runs through a quiet redwood grove on a forested path; on clear days, it also offers a view of Mount Saint Helena. This gives you two different perspectives to choose from: views of Stafford Lake and a mountain view that depends on clear weather. If a view of Mount Saint Helena is important to you, keep the clear-day condition in mind when planning.

Local and Coast Miwok History

The Novato History Museum is housed in the historic Postmaster's House and shares information about Novato’s land, founders, and historical events. Its focus is Novato’s local history and its different subject areas. If you want to make the town’s history the centerpiece of your visit, this offers a clear contrast with the Coast Miwok culture featured at the Museum of the American Indian.

The Museum of the American Indian offers guided walks, interpretive signage, and interactive experiences focused on Coast Miwok culture. This differs from the broader local history covered by the Novato History Museum: the focus here is Coast Miwok culture and the different ways it is interpreted.

A Coast Miwok site in the area of Olompali State Historic Park was continuously inhabited from as early as 6000 BC through the early 1850s. This long period of habitation makes Olompali a different way to explore history than the museums. For a hike, visitors can take the 2.5-mile Miwok Loop Trail along the lower slopes of Mt. Burdell. The trail’s length gives this option a specific scope for planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Muir Beach, Sausalito, San Anselmo, Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Larkspur, Tomales, Tiburon

For the broader travel overview: Marin.

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