Vintage Oaks at Novato is one of Marin County’s most practical shopping spots. This open-air center is spacious, clean, and—let’s be honest—free parking in the Bay Area is a treat. With around sixty retail and dining choices, including favorites like Sephora, Ulta, and Costco, you’ll probably find what you need for everyday life.
The layout makes running errands a breeze. You can zip in for essentials at Costco, browse beauty products at Sephora or Ulta, and maybe score discounted shoes at DSW (where sales often hit 30-70% off retail). It’s all pretty straightforward.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Once you’re done shopping, there’s In-N-Out Burger and a handful of other eateries to refuel. Locals seem to love this place—recent reviews say 88% would recommend it. If you’re living in Marin or just passing through, Vintage Oaks is convenient without the chaos you get at other Bay Area malls.
Overview of Vintage Oaks at Novato
Vintage Oaks at Novato is a standout shopping destination, mixing convenience, variety, and a genuinely pleasant atmosphere.
Location and Accessibility
You’ll find Vintage Oaks right off Highway 101 at the Rowland Boulevard exit in Novato. It’s easy to reach, whether you’re a local or just driving through Marin. The location gives quick access from other towns, minus the traffic jams you might expect elsewhere.
One of the best perks? Tons of free parking. Unlike other Marin shopping centers, you won’t circle endlessly for a spot—even on weekends.
Public transportation works too. Several bus routes stop here, connecting Vintage Oaks with the rest of Novato and nearby communities.
Historical Background
Vintage Oaks opened up in the early ‘90s, part of Novato’s commercial growth spurt. Before that, the area was pretty underused, but the development turned it into a major retail hub.
The name “Vintage Oaks” nods to the oak trees that once filled the land. They kept several mature oaks during construction, weaving them into the center’s design.
Renovations in the early 2000s expanded the place and updated facilities to handle Marin’s growing retail appetite.
Atmosphere and Design
Vintage Oaks uses an open-air design, perfect for Marin’s mild weather. Wide walkways, plenty of benches, and little seating areas make it easy to take a breather between shops.
The grounds stay tidy and well-kept, with landscaping that includes native plants and shade trees. It’s all pretty inviting.
Even with more than 50 businesses, the place doesn’t feel cramped. You can actually move around without bumping elbows, even during the holidays.
The architecture mixes modern commercial styles with subtle California touches—nothing too flashy, but it feels right for the area.
Shopping Experience
Vintage Oaks delivers a solid mix of retail options in a clean, roomy setting with lots of free parking. You’ll find big-name stores, specialty shops, and a few spots for art lovers.
Boutiques and Specialty Stores
There are several boutiques here, each with its own vibe. You can browse handcrafted jewelry, quirky home décor, and plenty of locally made products that show off Northern California’s creativity.
It’s easy to hop from one boutique to another. Staff are usually friendly and know their stuff. Most shops swap out inventory each season, so there’s always something new.
Prices? All over the map. Some boutiques are budget-friendly, others lean upscale with artisan goods. Sales happen pretty often—discounts of 30% to 70% aren’t rare.
Art Galleries
The art galleries here feature work by Marin County and California artists. Exhibits rotate every few months, so you never know what you’ll stumble across.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
You’ll see paintings, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. Galleries welcome browsers, whether you’re an art buff or just curious.
Some spots throw monthly openings where you can meet artists, nibble on snacks, and chat about the creative process.
Art prices range from $50 prints up to original pieces in the thousands. Staff are happy to share the stories behind the work if you ask.
Anchor Stores
Costco is the main draw for a lot of folks. You can stock up on groceries, electronics, clothes—pretty much anything.
Sephora and Ulta Beauty offer a ton of cosmetics and skincare. DSW is the go-to for shoes, with regular sales.
In-N-Out Burger is always busy, especially at lunch and dinner, but the line moves fast.
The big stores make the most of all that parking. Most open around 10 AM and close by 9 PM, though weekends might shift things a bit.
Dining and Restaurants
Vintage Oaks covers the food spectrum, from sit-down restaurants to quick bites. Whether you want a full meal or just a snack, you’ve got choices.
Popular Restaurants
In-N-Out Burger draws a crowd for its famous burgers and fries. It’s not fancy, but it’s fresh and affordable.
Moylan’s Brewery & Restaurant serves up pub fare and their own craft beers. If you want a bigger meal and a local vibe, it’s a solid pick.
Nick The Greek brings Mediterranean food with big portions. Their gyros and other dishes have earned them a 4.1-star rating.
Not far from the center, Ayawaska Hilltop (4.2 stars) serves Peruvian cuisine, and Yosumi Ramen (4.5 stars) is worth the quick drive for Japanese noodles.
Cafes and Casual Eateries
IHOP offers breakfast all day. Reviews mention good food and service, and you’ll see a mix of families and retirees.
There are a few coffee shops where you can pause and recharge with a drink and snack.
For fast meals, the food court has counter-service choices—sandwiches, Asian food, and more.
Speakeasy/Boardroom looks cool inside and gets high marks for service and wine, though food reviews are mixed.
Events and Community Activities
Vintage Oaks isn’t just for shopping—it’s a community hub too, with events happening year-round.
Seasonal Events
The center celebrates holidays with special events that pull in people from all over Marin. Their Summer Concert Series runs June through August, with local musicians playing every Saturday night. It’s laid-back, and families often picnic out on the lawn.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
In October, the Harvest Festival brings pumpkin patches and hay rides. For the holidays, they set up a huge Christmas tree, have Santa visits, and host carolers on weekends.
Earth Day in April features educational booths and activities focused on sustainability—very Marin.
Local Artist Showcases
Partnering with local galleries, the center holds monthly “Art Walks” with pop-up exhibits of paintings, sculpture, and photography.
The “Makers Market” happens the first Sunday of each month, where local artisans sell jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. Shoppers get to meet new artists and pick up unique finds.
You’ll spot rotating art installations in the main courtyard, with new pieces every quarter. They often tie into the season or local culture—check their website or social media for what’s current.
Family-Friendly Programs
Every Tuesday at 10 AM, there’s a free storytime for kids, with crafts tied to the stories.
The “Kids Club” runs all year, adding extra activities during school breaks. Summer brings free workshops in science, art, and music for ages 5-12.
On summer weekends, family movie nights take over the central plaza. People bring blankets and chairs to watch movies outdoors.
The center also puts on workshops about gardening and recycling, making learning about the environment actually kind of fun for kids.
Comparison to Nearby Shopping Destinations
Vintage Oaks is different from other Marin shopping centers. The mix of big-box stores and specialty shops gives it a unique feel compared to nearby towns.
Corte Madera Shopping Options
Corte Madera has two big centers. The Village at Corte Madera is more upscale, with stores like Nordstrom and Apple, plus high-end boutiques.
The Corte Madera Town Center is open-air, with a mix of specialty shops and restaurants. It leans local and community-focused.
Both Corte Madera centers are smaller and more walkable, but prices are steeper. Vintage Oaks tends to offer better deals, thanks to its discount and factory outlets.
Distinctive Features of Vintage Oaks
Vintage Oaks is all about practical, value-driven shopping. Instead of luxury, you get anchor stores like Costco and Target, plus discount spots like Nordstrom Rack and DSW.
The layout is spread out and car-friendly. If you’re buying bulky stuff, you’ll appreciate the easy highway access and parking.
With over 50 stores and services, it’s a true one-stop shop. You’ll find:
- Big-box retailers: Costco, Target
- Discount fashion: Nordstrom Rack, Banana Republic Factory Store
- Specialty shops: Sephora, Sports Basement
Sure, it doesn’t have the fancy vibe of Corte Madera, but the prices and selection for everyday needs more than make up for it.
Visitor Information
Vintage Oaks Shopping Center tries to make shopping as easy as possible. Here’s the basics before you go to this popular Novato spot.
Parking and Transportation
Parking is free and plentiful, even on weekends. The big lot wraps around the center, with extra spaces near Costco and the main entrance.
Getting there is simple—just take the Rowland Boulevard exit off Highway 101. The center’s visible from the freeway and clearly marked.
Marin Transit buses (routes 49, 251, and 257) stop right at the center, running throughout the day.
Electric vehicle charging stations are available near Costco, so you can juice up while you shop.
Amenities and Services
Vintage Oaks has a bunch of customer-friendly perks:
- Restrooms: You’ll find clean bathrooms in the center courtyard and tucked inside the bigger stores.
- ATMs: Grab cash near the food court or swing by the Bank of America branch.
- Information Kiosk: There’s a kiosk right in the main walkway if you need directions or want to figure out which shop is where.
- Food Options: In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle, plus a handful of casual spots if you need a break from shopping (or just need a snack).
- Rest Areas: Benches and seats pop up here and there along the outdoor walkways—good for people-watching or just catching your breath.
You can hop on the free Wi-Fi pretty much anywhere on the property. Security folks make their rounds during open hours, and if you lose something, the management office runs a lost and found.
Big stores like Costco and Target have shopping carts handy. Most places are wheelchair accessible, with ramps at every entrance.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
