Road Trips from Novato, CA
Looking for a quick escape from Novato? You've got options. For a short hop, there's a 1.8-hour drive to Laguna, CA, and a super-fast 0.7-hour trip to San Francisco. If you're up for a longer haul, you can head south to places like Long Beach (8 hours) or Los Angeles (7.5 hours), some of which offer nearby parks. There's also a longer drive to Riverside, which recommends an overnight stay.
Total Routes
6
Shortest
4.1h
With Parks Nearby
6
Weekend trip
Los Angeles, CA
7h 29m401.2 mi one way
Clocking in at 401.2 miles and 7.5 hours, this route is primarily highway driving. It's a long haul, but it gets you to a major metropolitan area without any recommended overnight stops.
Fresno, CA
4h 3m206.5 mi one way
This 206.5-mile drive to Fresno takes about 4.1 hours and is mostly highway. It offers a middle-ground distance for a day trip or a quick overnight.
Long Beach, CA
7h 57m425.3 mi one way
This 425.3-mile drive takes about 8 hours and is mostly highway. It's one of the longer options, and this route includes access to notable parks like Muir Woods National Monument.
Long-haul ideas
Riverside, CA
8h 33m452.5 mi one way
If you're looking for a longer drive that's recommended for an overnight stay, this 452.5-mile trip to Riverside fits the bill. It's mostly highway and offers access to parks like Muir Woods National Monument.
Anaheim, CA
8h427.3 mi one way
This 427.3-mile drive, mostly on highways, takes around 8 hours and is recommended for an overnight trip. It also provides access to nearby parks, including Muir Woods National Monument.
San Bernardino, CA
8h 29m454.3 mi one way
At 454.3 miles and 8.5 hours, this is a substantial highway drive. It's recommended for an overnight stay and offers park access, similar to other southern California destinations.
Browse by Mood
Los Angeles, CA
7h 29m401.2 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 3m206.5 mi one way
Long Beach, CA
7h 57m425.3 mi one way
Riverside, CA
8h 33m452.5 mi one way
Los Angeles, CA
7h 29m401.2 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 3m206.5 mi one way
Long Beach, CA
7h 57m425.3 mi one way
Riverside, CA
8h 33m452.5 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With options like the 1.8-hour drive to Laguna, CA, spring offers pleasant conditions for exploring mixed highway and surface roads.
Summer
Longer drives like the 8-hour trip to Long Beach, CA, are feasible in summer, with some routes offering nearby park access.
Fall
The 0.7-hour drive to San Francisco is always an option, but fall's cooler weather makes longer, mostly highway routes more comfortable.
Winter
For longer drives that include park access, such as to Riverside, CA, winter can be a good time, especially with the recommendation for an overnight stay.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Novato, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.