Things to do near 1016 Railroad Ave on a Saturday

The thing about Novato is that it punches above its weight on a Saturday. You can do a real day here without leaving a five-mile radius — outdoors, a little history, a wander through Old Town, and a beer to land the whole thing.

Here's a Saturday plan that ends at 1016 Railroad Ave, because of course it does.

Morning — get outside

Mt. Burdell Open Space is the move if the weather's anything like fair. The trailhead is maybe ten minutes from downtown, the loop trails range from "casual" to "you're going to feel it tomorrow," and on a clear day the views back across Marin and out toward the Petaluma River are absurd for how easy the climb is.

Bring water. Bring a dog if you've got one. Save your appetite for later.

If big hills aren't your thing, Stafford Lake Park is the gentler version — a lake loop, picnic tables, plenty of grass. Easier on kids and easier on the legs.

Late morning — Old Town

Drive back into town and park around Grant Avenue for a wander through Old Town Novato. It's a few blocks of low-rise brick and storefronts that haven't been bulldozed for chain stores — antiques, a couple of cafés, the kind of independent retail that's getting hard to find anywhere in the Bay Area.

If you're hungry by now, this is your lunch window. There are several solid options within a few blocks; pick what looks good and don't overthink it.

Early afternoon — a little history

Olompali State Historic Park is a few minutes north on the 101 — Coast Miwok village site, Burdell mansion ruins, and trails that feel a million miles from a freeway despite being five minutes off it. Easy to underestimate. Don't.

If you'd rather stay closer to downtown, this is also a great window to wander a museum or one of the smaller galleries around Grant Ave.

Late afternoon — come over to the brewery

By the time you're done with all that, you've earned it.

The Keg Stand is at 1016 Railroad Ave, a few blocks off Grant — easy walking from downtown, easy parking if you've driven. We open at 2 on Saturdays and stay open until 9.

Order whatever's on tap and looks interesting. Half pints are encouraged. Some Saturdays there's a food truck out front in the afternoon — it isn't a standing slot, so check the events page or our Instagram before you head over if food matters to your plan. The patio is dog-friendly, the room is family-friendly, and you can sit as long as you want.

If you came on a Saturday with live music, you got lucky — those tend to fill up by 7. If you came on a normal Saturday, that's also great. The beer is the same either way.

A few notes

• Bring a designated driver or use Lyft. The whole loop above involves driving; the beer at the end doesn't pair with that.
• Cash is fine, cards are fine. We're not picky.
• Hours and tap list change. Always worth a tap list check before you leave.

That's a Saturday. See you out there.