The city area became a Frankopan property in the 13th century, marking the period to which the most valuable heritage is dated, including the Law codex of Vinodol.

The area of Novi Vinodolski is inhabited since prehistory, as witnessed by an archaeological site at Osap hill and Roman artifacts and remains such as the Lopsica fortress, found in the city itself and its vicinity.

In the 16th century, Novi Vinodolski became a part of Habsburg Empire and it shares political fate of the Kingdom of Croatia and its successor states since then.

[6] The soul of Novi Vinodolski consists of historical remains and cultural heritage, namely remains of a Paulist monastery, Frankopan fortress and castle, a cathedral, Trinity church and Saint Marinus church located on a small eponymous island, house of the Mažuranić brothers, a library built in 1845, Homeland museum and gallery, old city core, as well as preserved authentic and indigenous folk lore of the city.

[7] The city of Novi Vinodolski is situated in the northern Croatian Littoral, at Vinodol Riviera of the Adriatic Sea, south of Crikvenica, Selce and Bribir and north of Senj.

[9] Because of evergreen and deciduous forests and mild Mediterranean climate, as well as clean seawater and air, the city is considered to be a leader in tourist industry of the region, second only to Opatija.

Wine production was significantly promoted since the 1990s, when refugees from Vukovar started the Pavlomir winery there during the Croatian War of Independence.