novato

Novato is the Spanish word for novice or newcomer, and it is also the name of a city in Marin County, California.

In Spanish, novato (masculine) and novata (feminine) function as adjectives and nouns. They describe someone who is new to a field or activity and can be used in a variety of contexts, from sports to work to learning.

Novato is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in Marin County, about 30 miles north of San Francisco. The city sits near the western shore of San Pablo Bay and is bordered by other Marin communities such as San Rafael. The name of the city derives from Rancho Novato, a Mexican-era land grant; the term itself comes from the Spanish word for novice or newcomer.

Historically, the area was inhabited by Indigenous peoples of the region before European contact and later developed through the California ranching era. The city was incorporated in 1960, establishing a formal municipal government.

Novato has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, open space preserves, and access to bayside and upland ecosystems.

As of recent estimates, the city has about 50,000 residents. Public education is provided by the Novato Unified School District, which operates several elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The city is served by U.S. Route 101 and regional transit services, connecting it to the broader Bay Area. Old Town Novato forms a historic district with shops and dining, while nearby parks and trails offer recreational opportunities.