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Novato, California

Looking for the best photography in Novato? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Novato. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Novato

  • Bolinas, California

    Backpack to Coast Camp in Point Reyes via Palomarin Trailhead

    20.5 mi / 2705 ft gain
    Spanning from just north of the small town of Bolinas (about an hour north of San Francisco) across Inverness ridge and to the top of Tomales Point, Point Reyes National Seashore is as stunning park featuring breathtaking ocean views and solitude among the grassy hillsides and forested ridges. Th...
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  • Stinson Beach, California

    Steep Ravine Environmental Campground

    5.0
    Gain access through a private locked gate, and descend about 1 mile down to the bluff's edge. There is only parking for 1 car per site and also several cabins that can be rented. A camp host is on site and there are bathrooms and water spigots throughout the campground. Each site has a fire ring...
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  • Point Reyes Station, California

    Hike the Laguna Trail & Coast Trail Loop

    5.0
    5.2 mi / 300 ft gain
    Leave your car on a side of the road. When navigating there, put "HI Hostel Point Reyes" in your navigation - you park literally on the other side of the road, opposite to the hostel. Go to the west and soon you'll find the start of Coast Trail with a tsunami warning sign. During first 1.8 mile y...
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Muir Beach Overlook

    4.9
    The Muir Beach Overlook is one of the most convenient spots to take in an amazing view of the entire coastline, and one of the best places to catch a dramatic sunset. It’s conveniently located one mile north of Muir Beach and parking is easy. It’s a 5 minute walk down the trail to the Overlook. O...
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Owl Trail

    5.0
    1.2 mi / 300 ft gain
    The Owl Trail runs between Slide Ranch and the Muir Beach Overlook and is a great way to take in the breathtaking views, flora and fauna of the Northern California coast.  The easiest way to access the trail is to park at the Muir Beach Overlook and to take the trail down to Slide Ranch and then...
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  • Muir Beach, California

    Bonfire at Muir Beach

    5.0
    Take in a scenic sunset and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! Muir Beach changes the number of fire pits it has seasonally. May through November, the beach offers 6 fire pits, and in the colder months (December through April), there are 3 fire pits on the beach toward the south end of t...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Wolf House in Jack London SP

    There is a museum in "The House of Happy Walls" which Mrs. London built in redwood grove find park information, exhibits and a small sales area there. A nearby trail leads to Jack London’s grave and to the remains of "Wolf House," London’s dream house which was destroyed by fire in 1913. The par...
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  • Belvedere Tiburon, California

    Mt. Livermore via North Ridge Trail

    4.5
    4.92 mi / 1178 ft gain
    Unless you own a boat or a kayak, this adventure requires a ride on the Blue and Gold Ferry from Pier 41 in San Francisco. But let’s be honest, that’s actually half the fun. Who doesn’t love a ferry ride? Angel Island State Park is the largest island in the Bay, and recommend the 6-mile loop aro...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Catch the Sunset at Swedes Beach

    This is a small tucked away beach in Sausalito, CA.  Being in the bay, it has very calm waters and is easy to swim in, though the water will be very cold.  There are pilings in the water that are remnants of the old piers.  It is a great beach to watch the sunset at. There is very limited street...
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  • Inverness, California

    Hike the Estero Trail

    5.0
    8 mi / 200 ft gain
    June sunshine blazes on your shoulders during this scenic stroll through the Point Reyes Seashore. The trail is alive and awash with colorful wildflowers around every corner.Beginning at the trailhead, just off Home Ranch Road, with a convenient parking lot and bathroom, you'll wade through a hal...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Hawk Hill

    5.0
    0.76 mi / 144 ft gain
    If you're leaving from SF, head over the bridge and exit onto Alexander Ave. Make the immediate left under the overpass and you'll be on the road to Hawk Hill. There's a parking area just below the gate leading up to Hawk Hill. From the parking lot you can walk west about ten yards along the outs...
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  • Sausalito, California

    Vista Golden Gate

    4.3
    The headlands offer great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, particularly at Vista Golden Gate. You can make the Vista Viewpoint your starting off point to leave your car or if you're riding, just stop in and enjoy the view. This spot allows you to capture views of the Golden Gate as well as Angel ...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Kirby Cove

    4.7
    2 mi
    This scenic hike is a 1.8 mile out-and-back trail located near Sausalito, CA. From the trail and beach, you'll get scenic of the Golden Gate, San Francisco's skyline, and glimpses of the East Bay. The best news, there's rarely any crowd. Consider packing a blanket and a small picnic. With panora...
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  • Napa, California

    Kayak the Napa River

    4.0
    The Napa River is one of the largest California Central Coast Range rivers, draining approximately 426 sq. miles on its 50 mile journey beginning just south of the summit of Mt. St. Helena to the San Pablo Bay, passing through many of the landmark towns of Napa Valley including an incredible 6 mi...
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  • Inverness, California

    Abbotts Lagoon Trail

    4.6
    3.43 mi / 102 ft gain
    If you like beaches, headlands, scenic landscapes, wildflowers, and tons of wildlife viewing, you should give this hike a try. Although it only takes about an hour to complete the out-and-back, the vibe surrounding this area is just begging you to slow down and enjoy your natural surroundings. T...
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  • Mill Valley, California

    Explore WWII Ruins on Point Bonita

    4.3
    0.25 mi / 200 ft gain
    All throughout the Marin Headlands are WWII-era bunkers, batteries and ruins, including a complex on the hillside above the Point Bonita Lighthouse that provide amazing views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate, and the north coast.Drive out to the parking lot for the Point Bonita Lighthouse in the...
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