@farmerman,
Novato used to be one of my old haunts as I drove from the Bay Area up to Pt. Reyes and Tomales Bay.
If you're into architecture, be sure to visit the Marin County Civic Center building next door in San Rafael. It is one of Frank Lloyd Wright's most beautiful works of art.
And then there's always Petaluma, the Arm Wrestling and Chicken capital of the world.
And, since I know that light houses are an interest to you, go to the Pt. Reyes National Seashore to take a look at the gorgeous Pacific ocean and explore the beautiful light house there.
Okay, I have to stop now. I'm making myself homesick. Damn, I sure miss the California landscapes... :::sniffle:::