Best Shops and Boutiques in Northern Marin

Looking to stay on trend with the latest shops, boutiques and galleries in Northern Marin? We’ve got you covered.

Shop in Quaint Downtown Novato

Novato’s commercial district revolves around the central Grant Avenue, which cuts through the city’s downtown neighborhood. Shops, salons, restaurants and businesses of all kinds keep the area bustling with window-shoppers and locals on their day out. So grab a coffee from Dr. Insomniac’s, stroll down Grant Ave and try your hand shopping at any one of these fabulous shops.

Accents

A boutique for stylish, high-quality clothing and accessories, Accents’ selection will surely refresh your wardrobe. Accents provides attentive service while leading you to the exact right garment that you need for the latest season. On the shelves at Accents, you might find the most perfectly fitting jeans from AG Jeans, a gorgeous handbag handmade in Marin by Lynn Tallerico or the lightweight and versatile Eden Poncho by Kerisma — a best seller at the store.

815 Grant Ave, 415.898.7090

Alice Becker Inc.

There’s always something new at Alice Becker — a destination for quality clothing and styling help from friendly faces. Whether you need to wow at a formal occasion or are looking for wardrobe staples to work into your everyday rotation, Alice Becker can show you the best in jewelry and fashion. A little edgy, a little boho, a little I-need-to-go-to-the-office-and-then-look-effortlessly-perfect-for-dinner — like I said, you’re covered for all occasions.

806 Grant Ave, 415.898.3600

Bicycle Brüstop

This shop is a novelty even in quirky Novato: top-notch bike mechanics with a tiny bar tucked into the shop. Marin is the home of mountain biking, so of course Novato has a complete store of gear, parts and bikes, plus a full-service repair shop housed within. And as expected for a “brüstop,” your visit wouldn’t be complete without sipping a pint of beer from the shop’s sidewalk patio. Talk shop and sip hops.

830 Grant Ave, 415.408.3363

Carmen Q Jewelry

Carmen Q Jewelery, Best Shops Northern Marin
Photo Courtesy of Carmen Q

Find unique pieces for each season and custom jewelry tailored to your coloring, lifestyle and preferences at this cute boutique. Carmen graduated with metalwork and design drawing degrees and is fascinated with personal color and design systems. She truly loves what she does, and it shows through her pieces. Whether looking for a unique piece or something personalized, check out the Carmen Q online shop or stop by her storefront on Grant Ave.

750 Grant Avenue #150, 415.381.8770

Copperfield’s Books

Copperfield’s isn’t just books, but boy do they have books! Tall shelves line the walls, packed with new releases, genre fiction and that one exact book you’re looking for (or didn’t know you were looking for). A robust “Staff’s recommendations” case can help guide your visit if you’re looking for something new. Copperfield’s also makes itself a helpful shop for gifts, with accessories, home goods, games and knick knacks rounding out its selection.

999 Grant Ave Suite 105, 415.763.3052

Five Little Monkeys

Five Little Monkeys might soon be your kid’s favorite place to be. This toy store is on another level, finding the best in games, toys and dolls for growing minds. Focused on offering high-quality toys that emphasize the learning potential of play, Five Little Monkeys provides a friendly, creative space that takes kids seriously.

852 Grant Ave, 415.898.4411

Game Fortress

Let loose at this new shop filled with all the games your heart could desire. Board games, card games, roleplaying games and more await you. Or, dedicated Dungeons & Dragons players can shine at their next campaign with a flashy new set of dice. Looking to build some community? The Game Fortress hosts its own game nights, where patrons of all levels can duke it out on the tabletop.

1205 Grant Ave, 415.895.1019

Mara Shoes and Leather Fashions

From head to toe, Mara sells stylish leatherwork and accessories to elevate your fashion style. Like the name suggests, shoes are the star at this boutique, but their selection of jewelry, scarves and purses is nothing to sneeze at. Customer service is also top-of-mind for the retailers, who will help you parse your requirements for the perfect shoe.

824 Grant Ave, 415.892.3732

Watts Music

Ken Watts stands in his downtown Novato record store, Watts Music
Photo courtesy of Watts Music.

This homey record store has been a Novato institution for a few decades. Ken Watts runs the show from behind the counter, and he can help you find a record that suits you from within the store’s impressive collection. Besides records, the number of posters in the shop is untold. Hundreds? Thousands?! And if you’re trying to sell your old record collection, or need to clean your played-to-death copy of Led Zeppelin IV, look no further than Watts Music.

1211 Grant Ave, 415.897.2892

Village Child

Village Child specializes in hand-curated clothing and accessories for babies, kids, and mamas, focusing on sustainable and natural materials. For any age and any stage of growing up, choose from favorite brands like Post Peanut, Rags, and Sweet Link. Ensuring the best materials means your tots are comfortable and safe. The entire collection is curated by moms for moms; each item is selected to help make your journey through motherhood a little easier. 

869 Grant Ave, 415.493.6924

Elsewhere in Novato

Ambient Candle Collection

For a candle that will match the casual feel of Bohemian design or the simple elegance of Modern, stop by the Ambient Candle Collection. These Scandinavian-style candles are unscented to seamlessly blend and complement your dining room to enhance the ambiance without unwanted scents. Choose from tapers, pillars, tealights, and votives to match every occasion, design, and meal. 

7075 Redwood Blvd., Suite C

Bella Marin

Known for excellent customer service and a variety of affordable, fashion-forward options, Bella Marin is a must-stop for clothes, jewelry, accessories, and home decor. Bella stores emphasize a “positive shopping experience” and will ensure you find the perfect piece to “make you feel fabulous.” Their Novato store is conveniently located in the Pacheco Plaza shopping center. It is easy to stay updated with new arrivals with weekly videos posted to their social media accounts. 

444 Ignacio Blvd, 415.234.6136