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Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA - Santa Rosa Attractions

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• Safari West
• Charles M. Schulz Museum
• St. Francis Winery and Vineyards
• Spring Lake Park
• Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
• Annadel State Park
• Howarth Park
• Sonoma Wine Rides: Join In Group Wine Tasting Tour
• Russian River Weekend Wine Tasting & Gourmet Lunch
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15 Top-Rated Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA

Written by Brad Lane Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Santa Rosa is 60 miles north of San Francisco in Northern California. It's the largest city within Sonoma County and a popular destination in the North Bay. Within this lush city, activities like boutique shopping, exploring the outdoors, and enjoying the agricultural splendor of the region are popular things to do.

Other Santa Rosa attractions include state parks, historic homes, stately gardens, public squares, and unique activities like spotting giraffes and rhinos at the city's Safari West . The region also has a history of attracting famous visitors and long-term residents – Charles M. "Sparky" Schulz and Jack London just to name a few, and Santa Rosa offers tourists the opportunity to explore the legacy of these two men with attractions and statues all around town.

A great place to visit first in Santa Rosa is the Old Courthouse Square , where numerous city events take place throughout the year. Adjacent to Old Courthouse Square in the heart of downtown, Fourth Street is lined with local shops, restaurants, and things to do at night. And south of Old Courthouse Square, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens allows the public to explore the estate of another famous Santa Rosa resident.

For ideas on how to spend your time, see our list of the top attractions and things to do in Santa Rosa, California.

1. Safari West

2. old courthouse square & downtown santa rosa, 3. charles m. schulz museum, 4. spring lake regional park, 5. luther burbank home and gardens, 6. railroad square historic district, 7. howarth park, 8. explore the sonoma coast, 9. museum of sonoma county, 10. sugarloaf ridge state park, 11. jack london state historic park, 12. luther burbank center for the arts, 13. trione-annadel state park, 14. spend saturday morning at a farmers market, 15. pacific coast air museum, where to stay in santa rosa, california for sightseeing, map of things to do in santa rosa, ca, santa rosa, ca - climate chart.

This non-profit institute is a 10-minute drive north of downtown Santa Rosa and offers a unique opportunity to go on an African safari. Safari West encompasses approximately 400 acres and features a wide range of animals to encounter, including giraffes, antelopes, and a rhinoceros.

Alongside daily safari tours used to inspire wildlife advocacy, Safari West also offers luxurious tent cabins with private bathrooms and hardwood floors to spend the night. Many of these accommodations have a view of the resident wildlife.

Private adventures can be arranged prior to visiting Safari West, as well as special animal encounters, including a meet-and-greet with a cheetah or rhinoceros.

Numerous other programs and events take place at Safari West, including photography workshops, children's discovery camps, and a Conservation Dinner Series. Other on-site dining opportunities include the Savannah Café , featuring aromatic entrées cooked over a wood-fire grill.

Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://www.safariwest.com/

Old Courthouse Square is the central plaza in downtown Santa Rosa and is a recently renovated gathering space that is home to a wide range of events. A Wednesday Night Market at Old Courthouse Square features live music and a variety of vendors selling produce and homemade goods. Family Movie Nights also take place at the square, as well as community yoga, music festivals, and numerous cultural celebrations.

The rest of downtown stems from Old Courthouse Square, including the adjacent Fourth Street, lined with local restaurants and shops. This area of town is popular for perusing Sonoma County fashion styles, as well as unique locally made housewares, and bibliophiles on Fourth Street will find special interest in the family-owned Treehorn Books .

Just south of Old Courthouse Square, the sprawling estate and gardens of world-renowned horticulturist, Luther Burbank, is now a National Historic Landmark for the public to enjoy. Other downtown attractions include the Museum of Sonoma County and a large multiplex movie theater.

On the western side of downtown, Railroad Square Historic District is considered the original downtown Santa Rosa, and today features gourmet restaurants, trendy shops, and other downtown things to do within century-old buildings. Tourists from San Rafael can reach Railroad Square and downtown Santa Rosa with a newly instated passenger line.

Dedicated to the life and artwork of Charles M. "Sparky" Schulz, this non-profit museum and research center is centered around the 50-year legacy of the Peanuts comic strip. Thousands of artifacts, including photographs, letters, and tribute art comprise the museum's collection, as well as a vast number of comics and memorabilia. Countless comic strips at the museum are known to make visitors laugh out loud as they peruse the halls.

Charles M. Schulz created the Peanuts comic strip for over 40 years in Santa Rosa, an act proudly celebrated at the museum and throughout the city. Permanent exhibits at the museum include a recreated Schulz Studio, an outdoor Snoopy Labyrinth, and numerous sculptures throughout the grounds. Other Peanuts sculptures and cultural nods are found throughout Santa Rosa, most notably at Depot Park within Historic Railroad Square.

The Schulz Campus encompasses other facilities, including a Museum Theater, the Warm Puppy Café , and a Research Center to study the life of the famous cartoonist.

Snoopy's Home Ice offers public skating and recreational hockey across the street from the museum, providing a refreshing thing to do in the heat of summer. For more family entertainment, the Sonoma County Children's Museum is next door to the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Address: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://schulzmuseum.org/

This regional park is next to Trione-Annadel State Park , east of downtown. It's centered around a 72-acre reservoir and offers a slew of warm-weather things to do.

Boating and swimming are both popular activities at Spring Lake, and this seasonal swimming lagoon features an inflatable obstacle course and lifeguards on duty. A year-round boat ramp allows motor and paddle boats to access the water, and a concessionaire at the park features boat rentals by the hour.

With ten miles of trails on all sides of the water, Spring Lake Regional Park is also popular for land-based activities. For fun overnight experiences, a 31-site campground at Spring Lake accommodates tents and RVs. Camping cabins are also available to rent. Connected by trail to Spring Lake Regional Park, the neighboring Howarth City Park is known as the "jewel" of Santa Rosa and features tennis courts, picnic tables, and a miniature train ride.

Address: 5585 Newanga Avenue, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Visit/Spring-Lake-Regional-Park/

A few blocks south of Old Courthouse Square , this urban garden and once-home of pioneering horticulturalist, Luther Burbank, is now a national historic landmark open to the public.

The intricate gardens of the home offer a free, fun thing to do seven days a week, including a unique cactus garden and Burbank's historic greenhouse. Guided tours of the Luther Burbank home take place Tuesday through Saturday, with more information and relics on display at the on-site Carriage House Museum .

Address: 204 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: http://www.lutherburbank.org/

This "Old Town" district is on the westside of downtown Santa Rosa and features shopping, dining, and downtown hotels with historic appeal. Centered around the 1904 Depot and Depot Park , numerous boutique shops and local restaurants are found within the turn-of-the-century stone buildings of the neighborhood.

An iconic Peanuts statue celebrating the work of Charles M."Sparky" Schulz now stands outside the Depot, commemorating the four decades the famous cartoonist lived in Santa Rosa. Nearby, a passenger line departing from Railroad Square takes tourists to the neighboring city of San Rafael for a fun afternoon or overnight getaway (or vice versa).

The Santa Rosa Creek Trail runs adjacent to the historic district, and for some nightlife, the 6 th Street Playhouse features regional productions and evening shows on two different stages. And for historic accommodations next to the Depot, Hotel La Rose provides a luxurious overnight experience in a century-old building.

Address: 9 Fourth Street, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://www.railroadsquare.net/

Howarth is a popular family park on the east side of town. It's known as the "jewel" of Santa Rosa and encompasses over 150 acres, including the 25-acre Lake Ralphine.

Popular water activities on Lake Ralphine include boat rentals, boating lessons, wildlife spotting, and fishing. Anglers often aim for bluegill, trout, catfish, or bass.

Other park amenities include plenty of picnic space and unique playground equipment that is a big hit with smaller kids. Howarth Park also has tennis courts, a softball field, and an amusement area with rides like a carousel and a miniature train ride.

Howarth is also the place to go hiking, with several paved and non-paved trails throughout.

The Sonoma Coast is world-famous for its stunning beach scenes and illustrious coastal landscapes. Tourists and residents in Santa Rosa reach this idyllic beach scene in less than an hour's drive. This proximity makes for easy day trips from Santa Rosa to one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the county.

Sonoma Coast State Park protects much of the iconic beach scenery. This 17-mile linear state park stretches north from Bodega Bay up to and through the small community of Jenner. Several notable pull-offs line the route, including places like Bodega Dunes and Mammoth Rocks . Several postcard beaches also punctuate this coastal span.

Two main routes access the Sonoma Coast from Santa Rosa. From the center of town, visitors can head on the Bodega Highway to reach Bodega Bay and the south end of the park. Alternatively, Highway 116 departs from the northside of town and heads toward Jenner and the north end of the state park.

The surf is dangerous along the entire Sonoma Coast. Swimming and wading are not advised. Fog sometimes also impairs the view of the beaches and ocean, though this forecast often burns off by the afternoon.

Read More: Best Beaches near Bodega Bay

In downtown Santa Rosa, this non-profit museum highlights the culture and history of the surrounding county. It features regularly rotating displays by regional artists alongside its permanent collection of historic photographs, 19th-century paintings, and numerous sculptures, many of which are seen in the outdoor Sculpture Garden .

Address: 425 7th Street, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://museumsc.org

Sugarloaf Ridge encompasses over 4,000 acres of outdoor things to do within the Mayacamas Mountains east of Santa Rosa. It's a short drive from Santa Rosa, but the state park delivers supreme nature alongside every trail. And if you're visiting in the spring, expect a bouquet of wildflowers to appreciate along the way.

Thirty miles of hiking trails navigate the varied forests of the park, including a towering redwood grove next to Sonoma Creek. A short hiking trail to a waterfall on Sonoma Creek is popular within the park, as is the Vista Trail leading to the summit of Bald Mountain , where the Golden Gate Bridge is seen on clear days.

The Sugarloaf State Park Campground has over 40 sites available, catering to tents and trailers up to 24 feet long. Mountain biking is a popular activity at the state park, as is star gazing at the dedicated-to-the-public Robert Ferguson Observatory featuring a 40-inch telescope.

The neighboring Hood Mountain Regional Park has even more Mayacamas Mountains to explore and a point of access to the stunningly beautiful but less visited McCormick Addition of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

Address: 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, California

Official site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=481

This popular historic park is a 30-minute drive southeast of the city. It's the location of Jack London's once thriving ranch and homestead-as well as the gravesite of the famous author.

Best known for titles such as Call of the Wild and White Fang , London was enamored with Sonoma Valley, sometimes referred to as the Valley of the Moon . After achieving legendary success in the early 20 th century, London began building his dream "Wolf House" residence and fully operational Beauty Ranch.

Visitors today can learn more about the legacy of the popular author, as well as tour his beautiful estate, including the ruins of Wolf House, which nearly burned to the ground in a 1913 fire. Historical hiking paths span the estate, as well as extended hiking trails that explore the 1,400 acres of property. Numerous individual and group picnic sites are also spread throughout the beautiful parkland.

Address: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, California

Official site: https://jacklondonpark.com/

The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is a premier art and event space in the North Bay that has cultivated a near-40-year reputation for quality community engagement. It features school performances, adult education programs, and a wide collection of contemporary art.

However, this non-profit facility is best known for the talent they bring to their stage. Featuring big names and regional productions in theater, dance, music, and comedy, the Art Center's 2,000-seat Ruth Finley Person Theater routinely puts on a good show.

Address: 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://lutherburbankcenter.org/

Trione-Annadel is an expansive public space east of Santa Rosa and is a favorite for hikers, mountain bikers, and horse riders. This sprawling expanse has over 40 miles of multi-use trails lacing its rolling topography.

Other popular things to do at this day-use state park include picnicking at trailside tables, enjoying wildflowers come spring, and fishing for bass and bluegill in the man-made Lake Ilsanjo . Camping and other water activities can be found in the neighboring Spring Lake Regional Park .

Address: 6201 Channel Drive, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480

Residents and visitors to Santa Rosa have two farmers markets to choose from on Saturday mornings. Both the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market and the Santa Rosa Community Farmers' Market take place on Saturdays year-round, each offering stalls with fresh produce and other homemade goods.

The Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market occurs at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts on the north side of town. And nearer the town's center, the Santa Rosa Community Farmers' Market takes place fittingly in Farmers' Lane Plaza. Both operate rain or shine.

Both farmers markets also offer a Wednesday market with fewer crowds. Expect local produce, hot food items, and plenty of people watching whichever market catches your attention.

The Pacific Coast Air Museum displays authentic airplanes within a historic hangar and five-acre field at the Sonoma County Airport. It features over 30 planes and cockpits, including fighter jets, reconnaissance planes, and military helicopters.

The museum allows visitors to touch, feel, and inspect these well-preserved aircrafts. And during Open Cockpit Weekends , visitors can hop in the pilot seat to see how it feels. Other special events at the Pacific Coast Air Museum include air show flyovers and the annual Wheels & Wings Car Show .

Address: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, California

Official site: https://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/

Luxury Hotels :

• On 92 fertile acres in Sonoma County, Vintners Resort offers one of the most luxurious stays in Northern California. A beautiful landscaping of gardens and decorative fountains encompass much of the property, offering several places to relax and explore and enjoy the nice weather. Outside of the manicured grounds, the rooms and common indoor spaces also exude a special kind of comfort. The property offers rooms and suites with artful decorations and walk-out patios or balconies. Some rooms also come with electric fireplaces.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Northwest of downtown, off the 101, the Hilton Garden Inn Sonoma County Airport is a popular basecamp for exploring the area. The many attractions of Santa Rosa and the surrounding Sonoma County are easily accessible from the hotel, and comfortable furnishings make for an excellent place to rest at the end of the day. Complimentary amenities include airport transportation, internet access, and parking. Breakfast and dinner are both served daily at the on-site Garden Grille.
• In the heart of Santa Rosa, next to Old Courthouse Square, Hotel E offers luxury boutique rooms at a moderate rate. The hotel's excellent location provides endless activities right out the front door, including several notable restaurants within walking distance. The property features 71 well-appointed guest rooms with warm and cozy decor and undeniable charm. Every overnight accommodation includes luxury linens, fast internet access, and 55-inch HDTVs. The hotel offers several special packages, including a romance package, bicycling package, and pet package.
• Celebrating over 100 years in Santa Rosa, Hotel La Rose is a landmark hotel and centerpiece of Santa Rosa's Historic Railroad Square. The hotel offers several beautiful historic rooms filled with modern amenities. Guests have the choice between suites, deluxe suites, and standard rooms, all with a charm that a newly built hotel can't replicate. Convenient amenities include free parking, complimentary internet access, and the first-floor Grossman's Noshery. The hotel also has an excellent reputation for attentive and accommodating staff.
• For those looking for a good night's sleep, The Sandman , located north of downtown on the 101, guarantees a restful slumber. Alongside comfortable and plush furnishings, this modern roadside motel also features local art on the walls, custom wood furniture, and a charming Californian style. The property features over 130 rooms, each with internet access, coffee makers, and pillow-top mattresses. Some rooms are pet-friendly. The property also features a beautiful outdoor pool area, equipped with bocce ball courts and fire pits.

Budget Hotels :

• For one of the best deals in town, North Bay Inn offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable rate. It's less than a five-mile drive north of downtown on Mendocino Avenue. The property features 20 rooms split between queen and king bed accommodations. Every room has air-conditioning, cable TV, and coffee makers. Other complimentary amenities include parking and internet access.
• South of downtown, Americas Best Value Inn - Santa Rosa is another popular spot for budget travelers. Alongside simple and clean rooms with king or queen beds, the overnight rate is one of the best in town. Internet access, cable TV, and a dedicated work desk come with every spacious room. Other complimentary amenities that add to the value include a grab-and-go breakfast and on-site parking. Several fast-food restaurants are also within walking distance.
• South of downtown near Taylor Mountain Regional Park, Country Inn Santa Rosa also offers an affordable rate for a clean and convenient stay. The rooms are spacious and lightly decorated, and each are equipped with coffee makers, cable TVs, and refrigerators. The rooms also feature free internet access and air-conditioning. The hotel's outdoor pool is a fun place to burn off some energy between travel or soak in the sunny weather. Free parking is also available.

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Exploring San Francisco: Sixty miles south of Santa Rosa, San Francisco is the cultural capital of the Bay Area, with plenty of things to see and do for the whole family. For those traveling to San Francisco with children, our guide to San Francisco with kids helps plan a vacation everyone will enjoy.

California Road Trip: Some of the best places to visit in California include national parks, surf cities, and redwood forests. A great way to link together numerous California attractions, many of the best West Coast road trips cruise through California and the rest of the Western United States. For more unique attractions to add to the itinerary, our guide to California Off-the-Beaten-Path highlights some of the less popular, but equally stunning things to do in California.

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The 10 Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa

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Santa Rosa is Sonoma County's largest city, a laid-back place where you'll find plenty of wine tasting, microbrews, "Peanuts" characters, and entertaining things to see and do, from visiting with African wildlife to hiking, biking, and discovering local history. It's just 55 miles north of San Francisco and the perfect perch for exploring the greater Sonoma Valley wine region and towns like Healdsburg and Petaluma.

Rediscover Snoopy at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

 Schultz Museum 

Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz spent the last 30-plus years of his life living and working in Santa Rosa . This excellent museum dedicated to his works—most notably the seminal "Peanuts" comic strip—has been drawing crowds since 2002, just 2.5 years after his passing. It's home to the most extensive collection of original "Peanuts" art on the planet, as well as a recreation of Schulz's art studio, where he created approximately seven strips a week, licensed Peanuts products like glitter snow-globes and stuffed Snoopy dolls and everything from books on cartoon history to Schulz's own set of ice skates. The museum offers multiple guided tours, including one exploring the life of this famed cartoonist, as well as interactive opportunities like kids' classes in LEGO animation and clay creations.

Skate on Snoopy's Home Ice

Schulz built Santa Rosa's Redwood Empire Ice Arena in 1969, and the owner was a regular figure here before his death in 2000. Tucked among the city's beautiful redwood trees, the Swiss chalet-inspired space hosts public ice skating events, drop-in lessons, hockey tournaments, and even a figure skating club. There an onsite cafe for burgers and ice cream and a gift shop boasting one-of-a-kind "Peanuts" memorabilia. It sits right across the street from the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Sip Wine to Your Heart's Desire

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The largest city in Sonoma County , Santa Rosa is at the heart of its wine country, a region of rolling vineyards, charming towns, and home to more than 400 wineries. You can sip and swish at tasting rooms, pair cheese plates with pourings, and visit nearby wineries that boast bocce ball courts, lavender, and picnic areas. Family-owned and operated Balletto Vineyards even has its own baseball diamond for its employees, which hosts games against local sponsored and independent teams, most Sundays April through October.

Go on Safari

Safari West has been Santa Rosa's own jungle safari since the late 1980s—a private-owned wildlife park situated on 400 rolling acres. Here, you can dine in the wild, take a walk behind-the-scenes to visit onsite facilities like the giraffe barn and the aviary, and even spend the night in a glamping tent. The park is home to more than 800 animals and 90 unique species, including striped hyenas, cheetahs, monkeys, rhinos, and warthogs. For an added splurge, book a private Winos & Rhinos and Beers & Buffalo safari.

Explore the Outdoors

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It's easy to get outdoors in Santa Rosa. The city is home to Spring Lake Regional Park, a 320-acre public park featuring nearly 10 miles of hiking trails, campsites for both tents and RV overnighting, and a swimming lagoon (open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day) that boasts its own inflatable water park. However, just outside Santa Rosa, a world of open space awaits. Tione-Annadel State Park is known for its spring wildflowers, as well as 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and horse-riding trails. There's also Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, where the 2,729-foot-tall Bald Mountain offers incredible views of Marin's Mount Tamalpais and the Sierras . But it's Jack London State Historic Park that provides a real lesson in Bay Area history. Named for San Francisco-born novelist Jack London, the park sits on London's former property and contains the graves of both him and second wife, Charmian. There's also London's 'Wolf House,' a stone mansion that the author began building in 1910 but which caught fire before London ever got the chance to live there. Its ruins remain in the park, along with the Winery Cottage—where London both lived and died—and The House of Happy Walls, a home Charmain built in memory of her husband, and that operates as a museum.

Hit the Cheese Trail

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Cheesemongers make California go 'round, and perhaps nowhere are they more prevalent than Sonoma County . The California Cheese Trail, which promotes family farmers and artisan cheesemakers statewide, originated in Santa Rosa, and it's an excellent base for visiting the region's many small-batch cheese purveyors, the bulk of which exist between the city and Sebastopol. Consult the Cheese Trail's website to find out which ones have regular hours or are open by appointment, as well as how to book tours, reserve cheese-making classes, and more. You can also pick up a suggested driving tour map at Santa Rosa's California Welcome Center, located at Railroad Square—or, outside of the city, at San Francisco's Pier 39 .

Spend the Day at the Historic Railroad Square

Santa Rosa's Railroad Square is the city's center, a historic square surrounded by mostly brick buildings, many of them housing restaurants, antique shops, clothing boutiques, and even hotels. The neighborhood came about as a result of the Northwest Pacific Railroad, which arrived in 1871, and a bulk of the surrounding structures—some of them former canneries and macaroni factories—date back to that time. Orient yourself at the visitors center, located within the historic depot, then gear up with a cup of coffee from nearby Flying Goat before perusing the neighborhood. The square is also an excellent place for catching plays or indulging in artisanal cocktails, as well as people-watching. Another cool tidbit: Railroad Square also makes an appearance in the 1943 Hitchcock noir, "Shadow of a Doubt," which was shot on location in the city.

Get Your Brew On

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Northern California is an undoubted pioneer of the world's current craft brew scene, and you'll find barrel-aged beers, Imperial IPAs, pale ales, and more in Santa Rosa—a hub of award-winning beers and breweries such as Russian River Brewing Company, Plow Brewing, and Third Street Aleworks. It's a premier destination for brew lovers, who come for annual beer festivals like Beerfest The Good One, which takes place in June, to embark on guided brewery tours, and to learn the history of Sonoma County's craft-brewing scene, which began in the late 1970s with the New Albion Brewery.

Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

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A great way to see Sonoma County is from the sky, and Santa Rosa is home to several hot air balloon companies that will send you soaring high above the vineyards, taking in the sight of towering redwood groves and the mighty Pacific Ocean. Most balloons take off early in the morning to beat the day's encroaching winds and heat, and end with either a sparkling wine toast or a full champagne brunch. You can book a private balloon ride or take to the skies with as many as 16 to a basket, but every flight is one of a kind.

Embark on a Walking Tour

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Santa Rosa is known for its walkability, and exploring its historic neighborhoods on foot is a great way to experience the city. You can pick up a map for one of the city's self-guided walking tours of neighborhoods like Railroad Square, St. Rose—known for its historic 19th-century homes and early 20th-century bungalows—and the Cherry Street Historic District at the California Welcome Center on Railroad Square. The city's 17-acre Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery also offers self-guided and guided scheduled tours, including ones highlighting women's history, "Stones and Images," and popular lamplight strolls featuring costumed portrayals of the town's early settlers. Downtown Santa Rosa also hosts First Friday Art Walks monthly.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » California (CA) » 15 Best Things To Do In Santa Rosa (CA)

15 Best Things To Do In Santa Rosa (CA)

Santa Rosa in California is close to San Francisco which means that it is easy to visit if you want to get out of town and explore somewhere a little different.

Many people won’t know that Santa Rosa is actually the home of the Peanuts cartoon as this was the hometown of Charles M. Schulz, so with that in mind don’t miss the chance to visit the local museum here and see some amazing historical memorabilia featuring Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

In addition to this famous cartoon, Santa Rosa has a whole range of other exciting things going on, and if you love the great outdoors then there is so much to explore here that will let you enjoy some of the gorgeous California scenery without the crowds.

If you prefer to stay indoors, then you will find museums and art galleries galore in this city, and as well as the Charles M. Schulz Museum you will also be able to enjoy gems such as the Sonoma Children’s Museum which is perfect if you are traveling with a family.

Lets explore the best things to do in Santa Rosa :

1. Charles M. Schulz Museum

The Charles M. Schulz Museum is pretty self explanatory, and was set up to showcase the work of this amazing cartoonist who was the brains behind Snoopy and Charlie Brown.

At the museum you will get to learn all about his life as well as see a huge showcase of work by the artist which includes lots of hand drawn pieces and other period memorabilia.

There are also wider galleries that will take you through the history of cartooning as a genre and this is a fascinating place to visit in the city, even if you are not a huge fan of Peanuts.

2. Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market

The Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market was founded over 20 years ago and is known as a place where local ranchers and growers come together to showcase the best of the local produce from sunny California.

If you love food and enjoy sampling local delicacies then this is definitely not to be missed and you can pick up items like fruits and vegetables as well as cheeses, homemade goods, and even arts and crafts items like candles.

3. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens belonged to Luther Burbank who lived here for more than 50 years.

Burbank was born in 1849 and known for being a pioneering horticulturalist who loved to experiment with the breeding of plants to create different species.

As a result, Burbank is known to have created over 800 new types of plants including fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables and his home and particularly his gardens are now a City Historic Landmark in Santa Rosa.

You can either wander around the gardens and home, which is now a museum, at your leisure, or you can also take an informative guided tour with a docent.

4. Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

For the ultimate pampering session you really need to head to the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary where you will find Japanese style treatments and decor that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

The spa is known for its idyllic bonsai and bamboo gardens and there is a dedicated Osmosis Meditation Garden that you can enjoy with an organic lunch as part of your spa experience.

5. California Cheese Trail

The California Cheese Trail is much like a traditional wine trail and consists of a tour through this part of California, tasting cheeses as you go.

Along the trail, which runs by Santa Rosa, you will get the chance to meet with local cheese makers and learn about how the cheeses are made as well as the history of cheese making itself.

You can see the dairy products used to make the cheese in their purest states on the farms in the area, and then learn how these are made into the delicious final products.

6. Museums of Sonoma County

The Museums of Sonoma County consist of the Art Museum of Sonoma County as well as the History Museum of Sonoma County, and you need to come here if you want to know more about the cultural and historical significance of this part of the United States.

The Museums of Sonoma County are located inside a Post Office building that dates from the 1900s and is built in the Renaissance Revival style and there are over 25,000 items in the collections here such as paintings, drawings, ceramics, textiles, and photographs that tell the story of how Sonoma County grew from the 19th century until the present.

7. The Redwood Empire Ice Arena

The Redwood Empire Ice Arena is an ice skating rink in Santa Rosa that opened in 1969 and was the brainchild of Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz.

At the rink you can go ice skating or there are ice hockey games that you can watch if you happen to be in town at the right time.

These include Snoopy’s Senior World Hockey Tournament which takes place annually and sees teams compete from all over the world.

8. Railroad Square Historic District

The Railroad Square Historic District is located in what would have been the original center of Santa Rosa in days gone by.

This center has now been reserved so that it can be used as a heritage site and to that end you will find vintage memorabilia here as well as period buildings like antique stores as well as eateries and cafes.

9. The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

If you are travelling with younger guests then make sure that you don’t miss the Children’ Museum of Sonoma Country which is dedicated to teaching young ones all about art, science, and the natural world.

The idea of many of the exhibits is to be interactive in order to be engaging and stimulating for young minds, and there are different zones dedicated to different subjects.

Just some of these include a replica of a Farmers Market as well as a Wild Zone, and a Russian River where you can try to catch your own salmon.

10. Wednesday Night Market

The Wednesday Night Market in Santa Rosa has been in operation for over 20 years and is a mixture of a traditional farmers market and a street style fair.

The night market runs during the summer months in Santa Rosa so make sure that you don’t miss it if you are in town, and you can expect to find lots of delicious food here as well as live music, dancing, and some delicious drinks.

11. Annadel State Park

If you want to get outdoors in Santa Rosa then head out to Annadel State Park where you will find a huge range of activities on offer that will let you make the most of the gorgeous natural scenery of this part of California.

At the Annadel State Park you will find hiking and biking trails galore which are great if you want some light exercise, or you can even go horseback riding here if the mood takes you.

One of the claims to fame of the park is the presence of Lake Ilsanjo where anglers can go fishing for local species like bluegill and bass.

12. Pacific Coast Air Museum

The Pacific Coast Air Museum dates back to 1989 and is famous for its collection of historical planes that will take you on a tour of American aviation history.

The museum has a range of exhibits and galleries to fill you in on all the history of the United States Air Force and there are memorials to veterans who served in the Armed Forces.

Not only will you find vintage aircraft here but there are also collections of other period memorabilia such as engines, photographs, and historical documents.

13.  St. Francis Winery and Vineyards

The St. Francis Winery is owned by a family who have been in the grape growing and wine producing business for over 40 years, so they certainly know what they are doing when it comes to making delicious local wines.

The vineyards span 400 acres and you can visit the Visitor’s Center where you will learn how the wines are made as well as sampling some of the blends yourself.

Also worth looking out for if you come here is the bell tower that sits in the vineyards and is fitted with a bronze bell that weighs in at 1,000 pounds.

• 14.  Spring Lake Regional Park

Stretching across an amazing 320 acres of land is the Spring Lake Regional Park which is known as the jewel in the crown of the Santa Rosa area and is definitely not to be missed on a trip here.

The Spring Lake Regional Park has hiking and biking trails all over it, and one of the best treks takes you out to a limpid lagoon that stretches for 3 acres.

As well as the lagoon there is also a large lake that is perfect for fishing and boating, or you can enjoy water sports like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

15. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts is a great place to come if you want to know more about the arts in the Santa Rosa area and you will find a range of galleries and exhibitions here to suit all tastes.

As well as actual arts showcases here in the form of rotating and static exhibitions, you will also find shows such as dance recitals and musical concerts, so make sure to check local listings to see what’s on when you are in town.

15 Best Things To Do In Santa Rosa (CA):

• Charles M. Schulz Museum
• Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market
• Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
• Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary
• California Cheese Trail
• Museums of Sonoma County
• The Redwood Empire Ice Arena
• Railroad Square Historic District
• The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
• Wednesday Night Market
• Annadel State Park
• Pacific Coast Air Museum
• Francis Winery and Vineyards
• Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

15 Best Things To Do in Santa Rosa, California

With its cultural heritage spotlighted by Peanuts and Charlie Brown, the famed author of the Call of the Wild novel, and the heartbeat of the iconic Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Rosa, California is a place at the crossroads of history and nature.

The lush rolling hills aren’t only filled with award-winning wineries, you’ll discover state parks and natural attractions with incredible views, outdoor recreation, and wildlife here too. And you’ll always have something new to discover when exploring the Railroad Square Historic District or the numerous museums in downtown Santa Rosa.

Get ready to fill up your travel itinerary with local excitement with these top things to do in Santa Rosa.

TRIONE-ANNADEL STATE PARK

The sound of the rugged terrain beneath your hiking boots or bicycle tires is the only thing you’ll hear while exploring the 40+ miles of trails inside Trione-Annadel State Park . Sitting at the edge of Sonoma Valley, it gives more than 5,000 acres of nature for visitors looking for recreation and beautiful scenery near Santa Rosa.

The best time to visit the state park is during the spring. The lush fields are filled with colorful wildflowers, and you’ll see the abundant wildlife active when spotted off the trails. Indigenous peoples once inhabited this resource-rich landscape.

Set off on the Ridge Trail for mountain biking to the summit of Bennett Mountain, or lace up your hiking boots to venture into the backcountry on the Lawndale Trail. Horseback riding is also allowed here.

WINE TASTING

Located in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Rosa is the largest city in the region. Visiting Santa Rosa puts you within driving distance of more than 250 wineries. The mineral-rich soil and climate regions create 18 distinct vinicultural areas, leading to the unique flavors developed at each winery. But with so many options, how do you decide which to visit?

Many Santa Rosa wineries offer tours and wine tasting experiences to visitors. Visit Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens to taste their savory super-premium wines of pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon.

You don’t have to be a wine club member to delight your taste buds with the full-bodied flavors produced at the St. Francis Winery & Vineyards. Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace of Rodney Strong Vineyards to try its award-winning wines produced with sustainable practices.

SPRING LAKE REGIONAL PARK

The beautiful scenery at Spring Lake Regional Park makes it a year-round destination and one of the most popular public parks in Santa Rosa. It’s hard to deny the picturesque nature of the 72-acre Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir, surrounded by the thick oak tree forests.

When the weather is warm, head over to the small lagoon for swimming or let the kids have some water fun on the large, inflatable playground set on the water. Rent boats and cruise around the reservoir to take in views of the trees reflected on the calm water surface.

More than 10 miles of trails make the park excellent for leisure walkers or runners getting in their exercise. Later, the grassy lawns set on the water banks are an amazing place to plan an afternoon picnic.

WELLS FARGO CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Be sure to snag up tickets for your show of choice as soon as they go public because the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts , formerly known as the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, is one of the premier live performance venues in Santa Rosa.

Established in 1981, it has built a reputation for hosting world-class performance acts to make it a go-to venue for those looking for local events during their visit.

The Wells Fargo Center for the Arts releases its calendar schedule every year, filled from start to finish with over 800 events. You’ll find a range of touring music acts, ballet and other dance recitals, acrobatic showcases, and local community events. It has shows for all ages, and even hosts education programs for children to build a continued interest in the arts.

RAILROAD SQUARE HISTORIC DISTRICT

The Peanuts character statues dotting the Railroad Square Historic District are always ready for their photo op as you explore this unique part of town. Back in the late 1800s, this district became one of Santa Rosa’s hot spots with the introduction of the train depot. Now, it’s one of California’s favorite historic districts booming with shopping, dining, and accommodations.

Railroad Square Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These former warehouse and factory buildings have been well-preserved to house tons of shops. The building-top water tower greets you as you enter the small district as you start exploring it.

Browse antique stores filled with friendly shop owners full of stories about the objects, art gallery owners ready to share the inspiration behind their favorite pieces, and even a pinball arcade to keep the kids entertained.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MARKET

Santa Rosa is popular for a weekend trip to check out the local wineries. However, mid-week can also be a special time to visit since it’s such an easy trip from San Francisco. Celebrate hump day every week during its scheduled programming from May to August with the Wednesday Night Market , held in the Old Courthouse Square.

The Wednesday Night Market comes just in time to showcase the spring and summer harvest. Fresh produce fills the stalls of the farmers market, but it’s only one of the many sections you’ll encounter at the city’s largest street fair.

In addition to produce, the Wednesday Night Market hosts artisans showing off their latest crafts and local food vendors selling tasty treats to enjoy now or later. There are stalls where kids can enjoy hands-on activities while the adults vibe to the live music paired with a cold brew.

Visiting the Wednesday Night Market is one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa.

CHARLES M SCHULZ MUSEUM

Ever wondered why there are Peanuts character statues around Santa Rosa and why you’ll see lots of souvenirs with Snoopy and Charlie Brown? That’s because Santa Rosa was the home to late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz. The culmination of his works can be seen in the Charles M Schulz Museum , established shortly after he passed to preserve his life and work legacy.

Follow the museum’s timeline about ‘Sparky,’ as he created one of the most famous comic strips in the world. Flipping through the digital database of comic strips is sure to bring a smile to your face — and definitely a few chuckles!

In addition to the comics, the museum tells the story of Charles M Schulz throughout his career, including other comics developed during his lifetime.

JACK LONDON STATE HISTORIC PARK

Late American author Jack London gained worldwide fame thanks to works like The Call of the Wild and fathering the Science Fiction genre. However, when he wasn’t adventuring around the globe, he retreated to the Sonoma Mountains at his home in the now- Jack London State Historic Park . After his passing, his residential cottage and other properties were included as a National Historic Landmark to commemorate the author’s legacy.

Jack London State Historic Park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails winding through its 1400 acres. You’ll see the cottage that Jack London lived in with his family until his passing, which still holds remains of his work and legacy. You’ll also see the stone structure ruins of a home burned onsite, pre-dating London’s arrival, and see the Beauty Ranch.

PACIFIC COAST AIR MUSEUM

Modern airplanes soar overhead at the Pacific Coast Air Museum (PCAM) from the nearby airport, however, the aircraft on display at this airfield are a blast from the past! Since being established in 1989, PCAM has acquired an impressive collection of 30 aircraft, which you can find on display.

The indoor diorama of a historic airfield is only a taste of what’s to come when you step outside to the open-air exhibition. Historic aircraft like the Lockheed P-38 Lightnight, F-15 Eagle Interceptor, and other planes from the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War are on display in preserved conditions.

Visit on the special Cockpit Days to climb into the pilot’s seat of the aircraft. If you’re active or retired military personnel, you’ll get free entry into the museum.

MUSEUM OF SONOMA COUNTY

Santa Rosa is an excellent destination for discovering the collections in the abundance of art and history museums. While sightseeing in Downtown Santa Rosa, don’t forget to stop by the Museum of Sonoma County to learn more about the county’s rich history.

Established in 1985, the Museum of Sonoma County has expanded into two buildings to house its collection of more than 18,000 objects. One of the most prominent buildings of the museum includes the Santa Rosa Post Office, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Inside, you’ll have the opportunity to see one of the dozen exhibitions curated in the museum every year. The art gallery showcases the works of local artists, and there’s also an outdoor sculpture garden to walk around.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF SONOMA COUNTY

The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is full of exhibitions to let all kids play and enjoy a bit of fun learning.

The interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County give kids hands-on experience to explore ideas of nature, science, and art. It’s a place where they’re encouraged to explore the ideas in their mind for problem-solving, experimenting, or simple fun with the other kids they’ll meet.

The museum includes areas like the Imagination Gallery, Mary’s Garden, and a Space Odyssey Exhibit to explore outer space without even leaving Earth.

LUTHER BURBANK HOME & GARDENS

What would you expect the home of a horticulturalist to look like? If you guessed a place bursting with floral beauty, fresh aromas, and decorative gardens, then you’re spot on!

The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is the perfect example of what a horticulturalist does at their private residence, and shows why he was deserving of such widespread recognition in the field during his lifetime.

The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is free and open to the public to explore, and you’ll see his former home, gardens, and greenhouse. The stunning Greek Revival architecture pairs perfectly with the more than 800 species of plants on the grounds, now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. You’ll even get to see his grave site.

For a more immersive experience at the attraction, take one of the guided tours.

SAFARI WEST

Although Safari West is located right outside Santa Rosa, its 400 acres transport you continents away as you embark on an exciting wildlife safari experience. Nicknamed the ‘Sonoma Serengeti,’ this vast, privately-owned land contains 900+ animals from around the world.

Stay vigilant while riding through the grassy hillsides extending to the Mayacamas Mountains, because you never know when (or where) you’ll spot the next species. Exotic animals like zebras, giraffes, gazelles, buffalo, antelope, and lots of colorful birds are commonly seen in the park.

For the best view, grab one of the rooftop seats on the safari jeep as your expert driver takes you to the best spots to encounter animals you won’t see anywhere else in Sonoma County. Be sure to stick around for the animal feeding time when the animals are most active.

SUGARLOAF RIDGE STATE PARK

Whether standing on the summit of Bald Mountain or trekking through the mountainous gorges, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has unmatched views for those visiting Sonoma or Napa Valley. Get ready for multi-day fun with camping at this family-friendly state park, where you’ll have picturesque nature waiting for you just steps from your tent.

Tucked in the Mayacamas Mountains, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a popular place for outdoor recreation. Hike the Bald Mountain Trail to ascend over 2,700-feet to the peak for views looking as far as the San Francisco Bay. And if you prefer mountain biking, the Goodspeed Trail will surely give you the adrenaline rush you’re seeking.

After the wintertime rain showers, you’ll have the best views of the 25-foot waterfall stemming from Sonoma Creek. And when the night falls, stop by the Robert Ferguson Observatory to peer into the massive telescope for sky gazing.

SNOOPY’S HOME ICE

Snoopy’s Home Ice at Redwood Empire Ice Arena is an ice rink in Santa Rosa where you can find ice skating, ice hockey, figure skating lessons, youth and adult hockey leagues, community events, and more!

This ice rink is a community icon. It’s a great place to go with the family during their public skate, but there is also so much more to do here. Stay for a hockey game, sign up for lessons, and grab a snack at the Warm Puppy Cafe before you go. You’ll also find a gallery and gift shop here.

MORE INFORMATION FOR YOUR TRIP TO CALIFORNIA

• SAN FRANCISCO: 47 Phenomenal Things To Do In San Francisco, CA
• HALF MOON BAY:  16 Things To Do In Half Moon Bay For Coastal Fun
• BEST OF CALIFORNIA:  52 Best Things To Do In California You Can’t Miss
• SAN JOSE:  37 Awesome Things To Do In San Jose, California
• MONTEREY:  13 Sensational Things To Do In Monterey

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Visit Santa Rosa California, What to Do, See, Eat and Drink (Video #89)

Sonoma Valley may be world-famous, but many visitors miss the rest of Sonoma County. I have been traveling to Sonoma County for years, especially its largest and most centrally located city of Santa Rosa. It can be a great home base for visiting the Russian River, the Sonoma Valley, or the Sonoma Coast . But don’t miss what the city has to offer. 

Safari West

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Luther burbank home & gardens, sonoma canopy tours, paradise ridge winery, st francis winery.

• County Bench (reviews)
• Belly Left Coast Kitchen and Tap Room (reviews)
• Best of Burma (reviews)
• Bistro 29 (reviews)
• Dierk’s Parkside Cafe (reviews)

When you walk around downtown Santa Rosa you will see Peanuts characters everywhere. This is more than a love for the comic strip, it is a love for the creator Charles Schulz who spent many years in the city drawing his famous characters. He was very involved in the community and you would find him most mornings at the ice rink he built in 1969, Snoopy’s Home Ice, eating breakfast at the Warm Puppy Cafe. The building, which looks like a Swiss Chalet, is still filled with kids learning to skate or adults playing in a senior hockey league. After the ice rink, Schulz added a gift shop as people wanted to take home Peanuts paraphernalia. The gift shop had a small exhibit upstairs about Schulz and his famous characters,

Mural made of thousands of Daily Peanuts strips

But my destination was across the parking lot from the ice rink, the Charles M. Schulz Museum. In all my trips to town I had not taken the time to visit this iconic museum and, I know now, that was a mistake.

I wouldn’t say that Peanuts was my favorite comic strip when I grew up, but I didn’t realize just how much it was a part of my childhood until I was wandering the museum. Schultz drew Peanuts for almost 50 years, creating almost 18,000 daily comics. Add in the Peanuts specials that I nearly have memorized and even the musical “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” in which I played Linus in community theatre and I found I knew so very very many of the comics in the museum exhibits.

When I visited the temporary exhibit space downstairs had an exhibit on Peanuts in politics including letters from presidents (like Reagan asking Schulz to talk Snoopy out of his run for president), strips about the characters running for class president and even a few voting booths where you could vote for your favorite Peanuts character (spoiler, Snoopy is winning in a landslide). There was also an exhibit about Peanuts and medicine. When Schulz injured his leg, so did snoopy, although Schulz did not eventually become a world-famous surgeon as Snoopy did.

The permanent exhibit tells the history of Schulz and his art, has a re-creation of his studio and photos of his dog growing up which could respond to 100 different commands, but did not ever become a World War I flying ace. The museum also has a theater that shows Peanuts movies in rotation throughout the day. Don’t miss the exhibit that shows the introduction of the different characters in chronological order. It is hard to picture Sherman was one of the major characters at first, the Van Pelts were missing and Snoopy was just a dog.

Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids.

After Snoopy and Woodstock the most famous animals in Santa Rosa these days are those out at the Safari West wildlife preserve. Safari West has zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, antelope, cape buffalo and even some white rhinos. As great as the animals in the park are, it was the humans that impressed me the most.

As great as the walking tour was, it is the safari ride into the hills and valleys of this 400-acre property that truly make it a memorable experience. I am not saying that it is the same as being on safari in Africa but it is easily the next best thing. I was there on what passes for a winter day in California. We drove around the property in a 4 wheeled drive vehicle. This is not a petting zoo so don’t expect to go out and pet a giraffe but you will certainly get close enough for some great photography.

I wish I could remember even 5% of what Leslie told me about the different sub-species of herd animals, the current scientific arguments on the definition of a species and the scientific studies that Safari West is conducting. I suspect if you bring 3 rd grade questions, you would get great 3 rd grade answers, but if you bring a scientist you could also get a great discussion as well. My questions were probably somewhere in between, but my giddiness on seeing rhinos, giraffes and Cape Buffalo was probably closer to that of the 3 rd grader.

Safari West is cheaper than a trip to Africa, but not inexpensive. Safaris start at $83 for adults and $45 for kids but are more expensive on weekends and in the popular Summer months. You can also spend the night in one of their glamping tents that look down on the enclosure for the giraffes. Sign me up!

all my photos from Santa Rosa including more from Safari West

In his day, during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the most famous resident of Santa Rosa was the plant breeder Luther Burbank. Next time you are eating french fries or some other potato dish, tip your hat to Burbank who discovered and started breeding a sport (mutation) from South America potatoes that was resistant to the potato blight that starved Ireland and also destroyed much of America’s potato crop. Burbank worked as a plant breeder for 55 years and introduced between 800 and 1000 new species of plants including the spineless cactus, Shasta Daisy, freestone peach and Santa Rosa plum.

Many of the plants that Burbank bred were to take advantage of the new refrigeration railroad cars and canning industries. It was more profitable for farmers to have fruits that shipped better, were a uniform size or ripened at the same time so that they could harvest a field only once. Henry Ford and Thomas Edison visited Burbank in Santa Rosa and Edison later lobbied congress for patents to be extended to plant breeding saying it would “give us many Burbanks”. Burbank was finally granted his first plant patents when the legislation was passed 4 years after his death.

The Burbank Gardens can be toured on your own. There is a cell phone tour but I had trouble getting past stop 5 on my cell phone. The same tour is available online. A tour of the house can only be done on one of the docent tours and is worth doing for the knowledgeable guides alone.

Visit Sonoma Canopy Tours for a fun experience. This video shows ziplining among the redwoods and fir trees. The Russian River area has had numerous camps for years and many of them have had a difficult time making ends meet in recent years but one clever camp set up a wonderful zipline course. My wife had visited Sonoma Canopy Tours last year with some girlfriends and gave this trip to me for Christmas. The course includes 8 ziplines, 2 rope bridges and rappelling down from a redwood tree. This video is shot via a helmet camera.

No trip to Santa Rosa would seem complete to me without stopping at a winery or two. I visited two on this trip, with the first of them being the very scenic Paradise Ridge Winery which is on a hill above the city. This winery was both beautiful and delicious.

I didn’t get all the way to the winery before I made a couple stops on the grounds to see some of the large sculptures in their sculpture gardens. The large LOVE sculpture is from the Burning Man festival and is a popular picture spot for brides who are hosting their reception on the property. Behind it is the Temple of Remembrance which is covered with strips of paper with the names of lost loved ones. The papers are gathered each year and taken to Burning Man where there are added to the flames. Many of the sculptures on the grounds are for sale and are managed by The Voigt Family Sculpture Foundation . The winery has also recently added a self-guided tour of the vineyards which emphasizes its sustainability.

But you don’t go to a vineyard just for the view. Tasting is available both in the main winery and in the new tasting room in Kenwood. I tasted a flight that included the 2015 Sauvignon Blanc, the 2014 Barrel Select Chardonnay, the 2013 Estate Pinot Noir, the 2013 Rockpile Zinfandel, and the 2013 Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon. All the wines were very good. The wines tend towards a more lightly oaked and very drinkable wine. If I had to choose a favorite I would probably choose the Pinot… but it would be a difficult choice.

The winery owner, Rene Byck, explained that the original winery in this area (the Fountaingrove neighborhood but oddly not the Fountaingrove appellation) was built in the late 1800s by Japanese born Nagasawa Kanaye who gained a reputation as the “Wine King” of California. Sadly his family lost the winery and the rest of the 1,000-acre Fountaingrove ranch with the forced relocation of Japanese and Japanese Americans in WWII. Paradise Ridge has an exhibit about Nagasawa Kanaye in their tasting room.

If you happen to be in the Santa Rosa area in the Summer months on a Wednesday night, come up for a Wines & Sunsets event which includes wines, festive live music, local gourmet food vendors.

I also stopped at the St Francis Winery in the northern Sonoma Valley for a tour and tasting. St Francis was the first winery to plant merlot (one of my favorite wines) in the valley. St Francis is known for its Wine Cheese and Charcuterie pairings and also has a Wine & Food Pairing which has one them the “#1Restaurant in America” as judged by OpenTable Diners in both 2013 & 2015. That is rather odd because they don’t exactly have a restaurant. They run their wine & food pairing 3 times a day (11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm) Thursdays – Monday so don’t expect to just stop by for lunch, let alone dinner. They usually book out these pairings a month in advance although sometimes last-minute tickets are available because of cancelations.

I tasted the 2015 Estate Cuvée Blanc, the 2014 Russian River Pinot Noir, the 2013 Behler vineyard Merlot, the 2013 Anthem Meritage, the 2013 Old Vines Zinfandel, and the 2104 Port. They also had a white port that I was curious to try  but I was driving home after this and had to draw the line somewhere. All the wines were quite good, but I think my favorite was the 2013 Anthem which the vintner so named because it’s like a “symphony in your mouth”.

Sonoma County also has a growing number of breweries, distilleries and even one cidery that I will have to save for another visit.

Restaurants and Bars

One of the great things about going to wine country is where there is good wine, there is good food.  The first night we joined the rest of the group at the California Welcome Center in the old trains station near Railroad Square and walked to a couple of the nearby nightspots.

County Bench ( reviews )

We stopped at County Bench for a cocktail and some appetizers. I took a risk on a dark daiquiri with quince and rum. While it is easily my favorite quince cocktail, I am not sure I would order it again, but part of the fun of a cocktail bar is trying new things.

Belly Left Coast Kitchen and Tap Room ( reviews )

We walked two doors down the street to Belly for dinner. Chef Gray Rollin is a private chef for rock and roll bands part of the year. Since 2011 he has toured with Linkin Park to more than 40 countries, but before that toured with Motley Crue, KISS, Black Eyed Peas, Sarah McLachlan, the Rockettes, Katy Perry, Blink 182, Godsmack, and Tori Amos. I understand the draw, after trying the food at Belly, I would bring him along on my next trip if I could afford him.

We had a sampling of dishes from his current menu. The Beer Cheese Bread with honey butter is nearly mandatory in my opinion. The artichokes are the best I have ever eaten and I grew up 6 miles from where they crown the artichoke queen every year. I also loved the Diablo Pizza (meat) and Tres Chorizo Street Tacos. You need to bring lots of friends to this restaurant so you can try more dishes.

Best of Burma ( reviews )

I had lunch at Best of Burma. It was only the second Burmese restaurant I have been to but I loved the food. I had the Mango Chicken and Coconut rice which were quite good. They were just the right level of spicy for me (I like spicy). The dish also came with a tea leaf salad which is one of my favorite Burmese dishes in my limited exposure to the cuisine. I tried the Burmese ice tea which is a bit more potent than a Thai ice tea and probably not my favorite. For dessert, I had Sooji which can best be described as a Cream of Wheat® based pastry. It was served with green tea ice cream and I would recommend it. Santa Rosa Plaza is 2 blocks away with free parking for 90 minutes.

Bistro 29 ( reviews )

I ate dinner at Bistro 29, which has a French / Breton inspired menu, so I ordered their version of a French Onion soup based on a cider instead of a beef broth. It was quite good. I also had a savory Buckwheat Crêpe with Jambon de Paris, Cave Aged Gruyère and a sunny side egg. My plan was to have something less filling than the Oso Bucco or Cassoulet because I was staring all dinner at a sign which read “la vie est corte, prenez un dessert” (life is short get a dessert). The crêpe was much more filling than I planned but I had a dessert anyway.

My waitress recommended the Fig Sticky Toffee Cake. She told me “my boyfriend and I came in last week and he had that… I didn’t get any of it”. I figured that was either a very good dessert or a very bad boyfriend. After trying the cake, I found myself better able to defend the actions of the boyfriend.

Dierk’s Parkside Cafe ( reviews )

The final breakfast was at Dierk’s Parkside Cafe which is a quintessential neighborhood breakfast spot. They don’t take reservations and weren’t so impressed by a bunch of bloggers and tourism people coming that they changed that policy for us. I had the French Toast, but the special of the day was hash browns, an egg, fried chicken, avocado and gravy.

I had some slack time at one point and went for a nice walk around the lake at Spring Lake Regional Park . The tourism board also recommended the trails at Sugarloaf State Park or the redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve . All who I talked to who had been to Armstrong, preferred it to the better known but over-crowded Muir Woods just north of San Francisco.

Hilton Sonoma Wine Country ( reviews – check rates – Booking.com | Expedia )

I stayed at the Hilton Sonoma Wine Country which is just down the hill from the Paradise Ridge Winery. It is also on the old Fountaingrove ranch land, and just next to the Round Barn that Nagasawa Kanaye built. The hotel is comfortable and either new or recently updated. I had breakfast one day at the Nector restaurant ( reviews ) which is on the property. It has a good breakfast buffet with a patio with a view that would be lovely on a Summer day. The heated pool was surprisingly warm given the “winter” chill when I was visiting. There is also a workout room that looks out over the pool.

I already knew that Santa Rosa is a great place but appreciate it even more now. My thanks to Visit Santa Rosa for their wonderful sponsorship (they paid for my trip) and hospitality.

all my photos from Santa Rosa including menus

Related posts:

• Travel to Napa and Sonoma, California – Episode 527
• Travel to the Napa Valley in California’s Wine Country – Episode 190
• Zipline – Sonoma Canopy Tours – Video Episode 71
• Taste Our Terroir – A Celebration of Livermore’s Wine Region

by Chris Christensen

| @chris2x | facebook

One Response to “Visit Santa Rosa California, What to Do, See, Eat and Drink (Video #89)”

Taffy Dugan

Nice write up! Very personable. It makes me want to visit Santa Rosa (once the pandemic is over).

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Home » North America » Santa Rosa

17 AWESOME Things to Do in Santa Rosa – Activities, Itineraries & Day Trips

Santa Rosa is the hub of Northern California’s wine country. Napa Valley attracts a lot of visitors from around the world eager to taste the good stuff for themselves and most of them pass through here at some point.

Well placed for exploring what the wine country has to offer there are a load of  things to do in Santa Rosa . Many of these are aimed squarely at mainstream tourists who enjoy being toured around and shown the apparent “best bits” of a place. However, if you’re looking to get to see the more cool and hidden side to this city (which this place  does  have), you may need a little help.

And that’s where we come in! We’ve curated a list of the very best  off the beaten track things to do in Santa Rosa  so that you can plan your trip to wine country and make sure you’re not always hot on the heels of every tourist group in town. For the offbeat, lesser-visited destinations of Santa Rosa, we’ve got you covered. So let’s take a look and see what awaits the curious traveller here, then…

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Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa

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From Vineyards to museums, let’s begin by looking at the top things to do in Santa Rosa shall we?

1. Drink Napa Valley Wine

Though Santa Rosa is the main town in California’s famous wine county, it’s the nearby Napa Valley that gets a lot of the fame and fortune. However, using Santa Rosa as a base, it’s possible to visit as much of the nearby wineries and vineyards all you want.

Definitely one of the most quintessential things to do Santa Rosa, taking a trip to Napa means being able to taste the best wines going at source. Some notable vine yards are places like Domaine Chandon, Frog’s Leap Winery and Castello di Amorosa, to name a few. They are also set in some pretty beautiful natural surroundings too. Taking a few vineyard tours is definitely THE thing to do in Santa Rosa.

2. Check out the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

Dedicated to “Peanuts” comic magazine creator Charles M. Schulz, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa if you’re a fan of Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Though he wasn’t born in Santa Rosa, it’s here where Schulz passed away in 2000.

At the museum, you’ll get to see some original “Peanuts” strips, other drawings and artwork by Shultz, as well as some very selfie-able statuettes and scenes that you can hop into for Instagrammable comic-based goodness. One of the more off the beaten track things to do in Santa Rosa – and well worth it, too.

Historic District

The best place to stay in Santa Rosa? That has to be the Historic District. Not only is this the most charming area of town, it also happens to be where you’re going to find most of the best places to eat and drink, too.

• Start your day at the vintage feeling Brew Coffee and Beer House
• Go and browse the art collections at Annex Galleries
• Check out the Comstock House

3. Make some time for the Museum of Sonoma County

To learn more about the past of Santa Rosa and its surrounding area, we would recommend heading straight for the Museum of Sonoma County. The museum is located in Downtown Santa Rosa, and set inside a cute, historic post office dating back to 1910. This interesting museum documents the history of the area and even plays host to displays of work from local artists.

With rotating artworks on show, a sculpture garden, and a ton of cultural heritage to soak up, visiting the Museum of Sonoma County is easily one of the most unmissable things to do in Santa Rosa. Tip: It’s open from 11am to 5pm, making it the perfect spot for an afternoon sojourn.

4. Wander around the Railroad Square Historic District

For some history in Santa Rosa that isn’t inside a museum, you should make sure you spend some time wandering around the Railroad Square Historic District. It’s located in Downtown and features shops and other beautifully restored antique buildings from the late 1800s – and exploring it (compact though it may be) is one of the most fun, artsy things to do in Santa Rosa.

There are a lot of culturally significant structures that were built here between 1888 and 1923; for one example, there are a lot of brick buildings built by stonemasons from Northern Italy (these survived the earthquake of 1906). It’s now a hub of the city, with hotels, places to eat and drink, thrift stores – all that sort of stuff.

5. Eat some fresh oysters

Fresh oysters at inland California? Well, not necessarily, but if you are hankering for some fresh oysters and you’re looking for some more unusual things to do in Santa Rosa, head out towards Hog Island Oyster Company.

There’s not much to this place, but then again: there doesn’t have to be. There’s a BBQ area, a deck, and a little shack serving up oysters, but it’s the amazing scenery that does the talking here. Of course, the delicious oysters also have a few things to say. Basically, if you’re a fan of oysters, you should make it your mission to seek out this place – it’s dreamy.

6. Hit up the best breweries around

Santa Rosa may be famous for its wine, that much we all know, but there’s another alcoholic tipple that’s pretty popular in these parts and that is beer. There’s a pretty healthy craft beer scene going on here, so if you’re a beer fan one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa for you would be hitting up some of the breweries in the area.

You can stop off at HopMonk Tavern for some tastings, set in a 100 year old building in nearby Sebastopol. Then you can head to the Russian River Brewing Company for barrel-aged beer. Oh, you can also check out the independent Santa Rosa Ale Works , with some interesting beers on offer.

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OK once you’ve seen enough vineyards what else is there to do here? We will show you some of the more unusual things to do in Santa Rosa.

7. Zipline through the canopy

For one of the more adventurous things to do in Santa Rosa, it’s time to take yourself to one of California’s iconic giant redwood forests in the surrounding Sonoma County. It’s not just the amazing trees you’ll get to see, however: it’s getting to go on a zipline through it all!

Located at the Forest Flight, you won’t need any experience to try this whatsoever, but it is pretty high up, is pretty adrenaline pumping and makes for an amazing zipline course. You’ll get to fly over 200 feet over rocky ravines and through the giant trees themselves. It’s not any old ziplining course, but honestly one of the best we’ve seen.

8. Take a snap with the mad Cyclisk Tower

The brainchild of Mark Grieve and Ilana Spector, the Cyclisk Tower is 10,000 pounds of monolithic, bicycle-based artwork. A homage to the Washington Monument (in Washington), this 65 foot obelisk is made out of 340 recycled parts of bicycles – hence the name, a portmanteau of “bicycle” and “obelisk”.

Costing over half a million dollars, it’s a pretty wacky piece of public art. It’s a bizarre thing to find out here in wine country and is definitely one of the more unusual things to do in Santa Rosa.

9. Find out about flesh-eating plants at California Carnivores

At California Carnivores you’ll find the largest collection of carnivorous plants in the whole of the United States. Don’t worry, they don’t eat humans, only insects.

Located in nearby Sebastopol, making a very easy day trip from Santa Rosa (though it really is close) is worth it for this unusual collection of plants. It’s been open since 1969 and features some of the rarest carnivorous plants in the world, from pitcher plants to venus fly traps and weirder still. You can even buy some flesh-eating plant memorabilia – T-shirt, anyone?

Santa Rosa is a very gentrified city and is pretty safe. This is especially true  around the Historic District and other well-touristed areas, you’ll be totally fine.

However, that doesn’t mean there is no crime at all. Like any urban area, it’s a good idea to pay attention to basic rules of thumb: not leaving valuables on display in your car, parking in well-lit places, and not walking around by yourself at night in remote areas, or along dark, deserted roads.

The natural world can be dangerous: forest fires can affect California in a big way. As of November 2019, Kincade Fire is engulfing countryside areas in Sonoma County. Only use well-trodden trails in state parks, take plenty of water, tell people where you’re going, be prepared and check the weather forecast before you go so you know what to expect. It’s not a good idea to hike in extreme heat.

In general, however, you’ll be fine in Santa Rosa – just keep your common sense in mind. Don’t drink and drive.

Read our tips for traveling safely before you fly and always get travel insurance. Check out our roundup of the best travel insurance .

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Santa Rosa has a pretty lively night-time scene with bars, restaurants and theatres. Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Santa Rosa at night shall we?

10. Catch a show at the 6th Street Playhouse

Without doubt one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa at night is a visi the very cool 6th Street Playhouse to enjoy a show. It’s a great venue to catch a show with great prices to boot, meaning you won’t have to shell out loads of your precious budget to have the pleasure.

There are a whole load of plays and shows put on here (over 200 performances every year), from comedies and dramas to outright musicals, and even a fine arts gallery. So if you’re looking for cool things to do in Santa Rosa, this is a great option. Tip: Check the schedule (and buy tickets) online.

11. Go to a painting party

If you’re in Santa Rosa as a solo traveller and you feel like getting to know your fellow humans, then try this. An evening of painting madness (well, not madness – more like fun) put on by the folks at Yaymaker will be one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa at night.

Taking place at the Santa Rosa event space Epicenter, at Yaymaker you’ll get to socialise with locals and other independent travellers as you paint your very own canvas and have a glass of wine or two (you know, for inspiration). You’ll get to take your masterpiece home with you, too, of course. Check online for availability .

Best Airbnb in Santa Rosa –  A Socially Active and Positive Room

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in town that’s affordable and a fun place to stay, look no further than this top Airbnb in Santa Rosa. Consisting of a room in an old Victorian house, shared with occupants in their 20s and 30s, here you’ll find student vibes and a laid back atmosphere. The location is great too: simply stroll to basically anywhere in the Historic District and Downtown.

Best Hotel in Santa Rosa –  Hotel Azura

An awesome place to stay in Santa Rosa if you’re looking for a central location to base yourself in the centre of the city, Hotel Azura is set in a remodelled motel. This place features big, comfortable beds, in-room espresso machines and a good level of cleanliness. Being in town as an independent traveller on a budget, however, you’ll enjoy the fact (as we do) that there’s a free breakfast on offer here!

With it’s chic bars. wine picnics and lush scenery, Santa Rosa is a great place for a couples getaway. Let’s run through some of the most romantic things to do in Santa Rosa.

12. Drink wine and go hiking

One of the absolute best of the romantic things to do in Santa Rosa is to take a wine flavoured hike. The Mediterranean landscapes are dotted with vine yards so you can take off for a hike into the hills stopping off whenever you feel your thirst calling.

With Santa Rosa more of a base for all things wine-related, it’s the nearby Napa Valley where the nature really comes to life and makes this wine-producing region as beautiful as it is. Hop in a cab, head on over to Napa, and start hiking along the valley, choosing from any number of wineries to hit up as you go.

Easy. Or you can join a tour.

13. Picnic in the countryside

If you don’t feel like hiking, don’t worry: there’s another great thing to do in Santa Rosa for couples that doesn’t necessarily involve moving your legs – not much, anyway. It’s possible to experience nature without having to go trekking along trails – and that will be through the magic of picnicking.

Pack yourself a picnic and head for the hills. Don’t skimp on the supplies and head to Napa where you can pick up artisanal cheeses and a bottle of wine; there are also plenty of lovely picnic spots in Napa so don’t miss out. Or if you don’t feel like planning anything, head to a winery and reserve a picnic area.

Santa Rosa isn’t exactly a cheap place to visit. Don’t worry though, there are some free things to do in Santa Rosa for when your wallet empties.

14. Visit the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens

This beautiful spot is the place where you’ll find the home of horticulturalist Luther Burbank, who lived and worked, cross-breeding all sorts of species of fruit (amongst other things), in Santa Rosa for over 50 years. Visiting his supremely picturesque house, which once received such guests as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford – is one of the more hidden, off the beaten track things to do in Santa Rosa.

The house, built in Greek Revival style in 1875, costs money to explore, but the gardens themselves are free of charge to wander around. In fact, since it’s open from 8am onwards, this makes for a good early morning or post-breakfast stroll. A serene and very charming spot.

15. Take a hike Trione-Annadel State Park

For a less boozy escape into nature, why not head on over to Trione-Annadel State Park?

Located on the edge of the Sonoma Valley, there are miles upon miles of trails to explore in this very scenic and mountainous location. It’s good for hiking, biking, or strolling one of the easier trails located here. Tip: It’s one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa in spring when there will be wildflowers in bloom all over the place.

Books to Read in Santa Rosa

Sometimes a Great Notion – A tale of a hardheaded Oregonian logging family that goes on strike, leading the town to drama and tragedy. Written by PNW legend, Ken Kesey.

Walden – The transcendental masterpiece by Henry David Thoreau that helped modern Americans rediscover nature and her beauty.

To Have and To Have Not – A family man gets involved with the drug smuggling business in the Key West and ends up in a strange affair. Written by the great Ernest Hemingway.

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Visitors to Santa Rosa do tend to be a bit older. If you are headed here with kids, then don’t worry though, the vineyards are off limits but there are plenty more things to do with kids.

17. Spend some time at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

If you want some time out with your family when you’re visiting Santa Rosa, take a visit to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Santa Rosa with kids in tow, not just because they’re going to be able to run riot on the trails, but because this place also happens to be home to the Robert Ferguson Observatory.

With several telescopes in operation, it’s a cool place to visit. Come to visit at night and take advantage of the clear night sky of the Sugarloaf Ridge, or you can even try out some solar viewing (yes, that’s a thing) during the day. There are even night sky classes to take here. Perfect for children aged any age.

18. Kayak on the Russian River

For one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa with kids, we would recommend hitting up the Russian River. Not just walking alongside it or driving up to have a look at it, but actually getting out onto it with a kayak for a truly memorable experience.

Heading to the seaside town of Jenner, where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, you’ll get access to a gentler portion of the river, making it ideal for families with children. There’s a good reason to head out on a kayak : you and your kids will get to see harbour seals, osprey and even river otters, amongst other things. Super fun!

Santa Rosa is definitely a good place to base yourself if you’re thinking of exploring the Wine Region in further detail. Napa, as nice as it is, can really eat into your budget. So now that you’ve got a load of things to do  in  Santa Rosa itself, it’s time to look further afield. To start you off on your Sonoma County adventure, we’re sharing a couple of our favourite day trips from Santa Rosa with you.

Hop over to San Francisco

The metropolis of San Francisco is just a stone’s throw from Santa Rosa. You can get a bus there (the number 101) which takes just over two hours, or you could drive, for around an hour. Once you’re in San Francisco, well, the world’s your oyster. There are literally so many things to do in San Francisco that you won’t have time to pack it all into one day – so we’d recommend just hitting up the highlights.

Go and explore the Mission District and grab some amazing Mexican food to keep you going. You can ride the trolley to get around. You can check out Chinatown, go and grab some seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf (one of the most popular things to do in San Francisco), take a boat trip to Alcatraz, and marvel at the skyscrapers of the Financial District. There’s basically a load of stuff going on here!

Spend the day in Bodega Bay

If the thought of going to such a sprawling urban area as San Francisco isn’t quite your thing, then instead you can opt for a much more chilled out experience at Bodega Bay. Just a half an hour away by car or around 45 minutes on the number 95, you’ll be glad that you took the trip here – not only is it simple, but once you’re there the stunning, dramatic coastline and beautiful beaches will have you in awe.

Spend a day hitting up the small local communities of Bodega Bay, exploring the historic harbour, or simply pitching up on one of the wild beaches and spending the day on the sand. The Bodega Trail is a good route for anybody with a keen interest in hiking – what with the astounding views, you’re going to love strolling along the coast here. Make sure to have a crab sandwich at Spud Point Crab Company.

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One of the hardest parts about planning a trip to go anywhere isn’t necessarily finding stuff to do – it’s working out how to fit it all in. Because we know how much of a pain that can be, we have decided to help you out. We’re sharing a rough but very doable 3 day Santa Rosa itinerary to give you an idea of how your schedule could look and to help your time in wine country go as smoothly as can be.

Day 1 – Wining and Dining in Santa Rosa

Your first day in Santa Rosa should start with a good breakfast, naturally. Stop off at Omelette Express for amazing, eggy omelettes (obviously) before embarking on an early morning hike. Make the 15 minute drive to  Trione-Annadel State Park – or a 25 minute journey on the number 34 bus. Spend a couple of hours out in this beautiful natural spot, hiking and working up an appetite.

Now it’s time to go and explore some wineries. The nearby  Napa Valley   is pretty much the perfect place for this; hit up as many vineyards and wineries as you see fit and stop off for lunch at one of them (not exactly cheap, but certainly worth it). Spend a long, lazy afternoon, sipping all the wine, sampling all the food. Tip: If you don’t want to eat at the winery, pack yourself a picnic.

It’s around a 45 minute drive back into Downtown Santa Rosa from Napa Valley. It’s time to sample some more wine – if you feel like it, that is – at an evening painting class at  Epicenter . For some dinner later on in the evening, after you’ve put your painterly prowess to paper (or canvas), head on over to the nearby  Westside Grill  for low-key eats and drinks.

Day 2 – Step Back in Time in Santa Rosa

Day number two in Santa Rosa begins with a trip to the  Museum of Sonoma County . Open from 11am, this is a perfect place to learn about the history of the area, how wine came to be so important, and some of the most important figures of the region. Before all that though, head for breakfast or brunch at the nearby Naked Pig  – a very popular spot, and rightly so: it’s delicious.

From here the  Luther Burbank Home and Gardens  is just a 14 minute walk away. Strolling around the pretty gardens here and marvelling at the charming, 130-ish year old house. Lunch can be had at  Dirk’s Parkside Cafe , which is right next to the historic home and its lovely gardens. Slowly make your way towards  6th Street Playhouse  and catch an early evening show.

Make sure to check out the schedule online first to make sure you’re seeing something you actually feel like seeing though! Follow up the fun show (or have a pre-drink before the show) at  Jackson’s Bar and Oven . Alternatively, you could hit up Toad in the Hole , a British style pub where you can choose from a selection of hearty eats and plenty to drink.

Day 3 – Stroll the Streets of Santa Rosa

Start off in the  Historic District  with a pastry and a delicious cup of coffee at  Flying Goat Coffee . Walk around the  Railroad Square Historic District , stopping to duck in and out of all the different antique shops, thrift stores and the wonderfully restored antique buildings; the historic Hotel La Rosa is a cool place to check out, for example.

Afterwards, it will be time to pay a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center . (Take the number 44 bus for 27 minutes or simply drive for 6 minutes and you’ll be there.) Enjoy time with all your “Peanuts” pals at the museum, being sure to do a spot of shopping in the gift shop, before grabbing some lunch at Mac’s Deli & Cafe . It’s an 8 minute drive but this local institution is worth it.

Following your lovely lunch, it’s a good idea to stroll to your next destination – the  Cyclisk Tower . There isn’t much parking and besides, walking off lunch is a good idea. Take some snaps. Spend your afternoon perusing the breweries of the area – 3rd Street Ale Works , for example, or  Russian River Brewing Company – and merge it into the evening, chowing down on burgers and tasting good beers.

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Here are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Santa Rosa.

What are the most fun things to do in Santa Rosa?

Take a tour of the famous Napa Valley wine region and sample some of the finest wines in the world. Not only that but do it in the stunning Californian countryside. Bliss!

What are the best things to do in Santa Rosa at night?

Go to a painting party ! What better way to meet new people as a solo traveller and also learn a new skill whilst you’re at it!

What are some free things to do in Santa Rosa?

Head out into nature and take a hike in the Trione-Annadel State Park. There’s miles of trails available for all levels plus great mountain biking opportunities too.

What are the best things to do in Santa Rosa?

Want to see the famous California redwoods up close? How about ziplining through the canopy and flying over 200ft rocky ravines! Now this is our idea of fun!

Being situated at the heart of the wine country, Santa Rosa naturally attracts a whole lot of visitors looking to jump off into a grape juice soaked adventure. If you want to do that too, then great but there is a whole lot more to Santa Rosa than just wine.

We made sure to include a decent mix of unusual, outdoorsy and non-touristic places to ensure that just about anyone who reads our list will find something awesome to do in Santa Rosa that suits them.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Art Patterson

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30 BEST Places to Visit in Santa Rosa

Places to visit in santa rosa, explore popular experiences, ways to tour santa rosa.

Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip

• Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County

Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour

Best E-Bike Rental: pedal or not adventure,

Craft Beer Walking Tour: 4 Breweries - 3 Hours - 2 Snacks - 1 Mile

Pour & Pose: Travel Portraits with a Twist of Wine

Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Santa Rosa CF

• Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge

• Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco

Wine Tastings

Top Attractions in Santa Rosa

Other Top Attractions around Santa Rosa

Half-day Tours

Private Sightseeing Tours

Beer & brewery tours, ports of call tours, full-day tours, what travellers are saying.

• Safari West
• Charles M. Schulz Museum
• St. Francis Winery and Vineyards
• Spring Lake Park
• Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
• Annadel State Park
• Howarth Park
• Sonoma Wine Rides: Join In Group Wine Tasting Tour
• Russian River Weekend Wine Tasting & Gourmet Lunch
• Smart Tours

18 Fun Things to do in Santa Rosa (New and Improved)

Looking for the best things to do in Santa Rosa California? Or maybe you’re on the fence and what to know why you should visit Santa Rosa. 

By the time you reach the bottom of this page, both of those questions will be answered. 

Santa Rosa – not to be confused with Santa Rosa Island in Southern California – is a small haven in Sonoma County, encapsulates some of the best landscape, food, wine, and markets in northern California.

Some call Sonoma County the  “little sister”  to Napa Valley. And the wine found in Santa Rosa serves up equals that of Napa Valley, but with fewer tourists. 

There are also some quirky, fun, and unusual spots to discover in Santa Rosa. Like the museum dedicated to the Peanuts cartoon; The city is the birthplace of this legendary comic strip.

I’ve traveled to Santa Rosa a few times. At the end of each visit, I always think, “I wish I had more time”.

So let’s not waste any more time! Here’s everything Santa Rosa has to offer to travelers.

Table of Contents

Safari west.

Next on our list of fun things to do in Santa Rosa , we have something that both adults and kids will love.

Located in a wildlife preserve, in napa valley’s wine country, exists this unique experience. Safari West brings the thrill of a classic African Safari to Northern California.

There’s a vast array of animals to see like antelopes, buffalo, giraffes, caracals, cheetahs; hyenas, impalas, zebras, and lemurs; just to name a few.

In total, there have over 900 animals from 90 different species . The park offers around-the-clock adventures.

This isn’t a zoo. The animals aren’t trapped in cages. Instead, they live free, enjoying the freedom of the 400-acre preserve.

The team behind Safari West is committed to the conservation of these animals and educating the public about them.

The park has Safari-Esque tents, imported from Botswana, where guests can extend their visit and stay the night in the wild with the animals.

These are luxury Tents, lavishly decorated, like the best glamping in Colorado , with hardwood floors, en-suite bathrooms, and a private viewing deck. Just like on Safari!

An overnight stay at Safari West makes for a great romantic getaway.

Top Things to do at Safari West

• Go on a Safari
• Get Up Close with a Rhino
• Become a Keeper for a Day
• Treat Yourself to a Lavish Overnight stay in a  Safari Tent .

Historic Railroad Square

Those seeking local atmosphere, restaurants, and small-town shopping need to plan a visit to the Historic Railroad Square. This square puts you in the middle of the action, and within walking distance to cover all of downtown Santa Rosa.

The area’s known for its antique row, food and drink, entertainment, and beautiful turn-of-the-century buildings.

This square in Santa Rosa’s “Old Town” takes you through the city’s past and historic buildings.

Much of the history revolves around the railroad; which played an important part in the city’s history during the 1870s.

Santa Rosa was a major stop along the California railway.

Today they honor the history with train rides from Santa Rosa-San Rafael. Even Santa’s Rosa Welcome Centre’s in the old train station in Historic Railroad Square.

This square remains the heart of the city and in the historic district of Santa Rosa.

And if you are looking for things to do in Santa Rosa at night, then this is the place

Charles M. Schulz Museum

The Charles M. Schulz Museum takes you on a wonderful journey through the history of one of the most beloved cartoonists and comics ever created.

Though he wasn’t born in Santa Rosa, Schulz considered the city his home. The museum features Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang.

As you explore, you’ll learn the history, see art and sketches you can’t look at anywhere else, and learn the story of the man behind the most famous newspaper cartoon.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum has the largest collection of Peanut cartoons in the world. It also features his art and the tools Schulz used to hone his craft.

This just isn’t a children’s museum, it is perfect for any comic fan.

During the summer, the museum hosts a Friday Night series that features local foods and drinks.

The event hosts fun events like cartooning lessons, trivia nights, and after-hours fun.

The Friday Night Series is the last Friday of every month from June through September.

When planning things to do in Santa Rosa the museum shouldn’t be missed.

Museum Highlights

• Charles M. Schulz Art.
• Personal Artifacts.
• The largest collection of peanuts comics in the world.
• Peanuts Memorabilia
• Multimedia Collection

Ziplining Through the Redwoods

Looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure. Well, the Redwoods never fail to impress. These ancient trees are the tallest on the planet (they can grow up to 250 feet) . 

By far, one of the coolest things to do in Santa Rosa is spending a morning ziplining through these natural giants.

That’s where  Sonoma Canopy Tours  comes to the rescue. This company takes you over a hundred feet high off the forest floor, as you zip from tree to tree across the forest.

I’ll never forget standing in the branches of redwood staring out at the forest as the first rays of light burned off the morning fog settled among the trees.

Besides the awesome views, you have the thrill of zip-lining through the forest at speeds upwards of 25 miles an hour.

Another perk of the trip of this guided tour was the education. Our guides taught us a lot about the forest and the area surrounding Sonoma County. It was one of those experiences you wish never ended

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

Visit the one-acre park of Luther Burbank Home & Gardens and see a variety of lush plants, flora, and fauna.

Once the home of renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank. Here he worked and experimented with plants for almost 5 decades.

Burbank’s contribution to the world of horticulture is unprecedented.

He established over 800 new varieties of plants. 100 of them being ornamental flowers. And over 200 of which were grains, fruits, and nuts.

His home in life has become his final resting place.

His grave is surrounded by the plants and gardens that he loved and dedicated his life to.

The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens are open year-round and free. They host many public events in the park year-round.

This is a great free thing to do in Santa Rosa CA.

It has a quiet beauty, peaceful serenity, and is excellent for people traveling with kids. These gardens are one of the top sites in the historic district.

Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market

If you happen to be in the area on a Wednesday or Saturday then you have to visit the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market .

At the market, you’ll find fresh herbs, cheeses, veggies, farm-raised meat and produce; flowers, and honey. All grown, produced, and harvested in California.

The word certified in the title guarantees that everything in the market was provided by a Californian farmer.

The farmer’s market has become a Santa Rosa tradition. It was founded more than 20 years ago. The market lets you taste the best that California has to offer. But it’s also a good place to shop for unique souvenirs. You can find small handmade crafts and local art.

The Farmers Market takes place in Luther Burbank Center for the Arts (a different location as the garden).

The market host special events throughout the year. Such as the Tomato Tasting in September. There is also April’s Earth Day Celebration and August’s Apple Celebration.

On the second Saturday of each month, they host an outreach event. With cooking classes, and kid’s events. (This only takes place during the high tourist season.)

Make sure to bring cash as not a lot of the vendors take credit or debit cards. Also, dogs are not allowed in the market.

We associate the word trail with a couple of things in California. There are epic hiking trails and the famous wine trail.

But did you know that California has a cheese trail?

If you’re like me, then the words’ cheese and trail send a shiver of delight down your spine.

And in case you are unfamiliar with terms like cheese or wine trail. Let me enlighten you and change the way you travel. These are routes through the country that takes you past the best areas that host some of the best wine and cheese in the state , if not the entire West Coast.

Santa Rosa is part of North CA. And has some of the best glamping in Northern California’s most notable, and cheesiest, trail. The city hosts a lot of the best cheese in the state, all made by locals. And other cheese-related products.

Here are a few spots that cheese lovers will want to add to their “things to do in Santa Rosa” checklist.

First, Bohemian Creamery; a small shop just 10 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa which has a plethora of affordable treats, cheese, and excellent views. Not to mention taste testers.

Right outside Santa Rosa lies Matos Cheese Factory. Which offers free samples and welcomes the public to visit. It has a farm atmosphere.

There’s also the Marline French Cheese outside of Santa Rosa. And the Vella Cheese Co, in downtown Sonoma.

Santa Rosa (all of Sonoma County) is a cheese lovers paradise.

Day Trip to San Francisco

Does downtown Santa Rosa is feeling too small? Well, Sonoma valley is sitting in the perfect area, and at a moment’s notice, you can easily hop to some of the best spots in Northern California .

And while there are still many things to do in Santa Rosa, let’s take a little break from the city and focus on our first-day trip.

San Francisco’s the obvious choice because it’s only an hour and a half drive from Santa Rosa.

This lets you escape small-town life and venture into the urban jungle. San Francisco has a cool vibe, iconic sites, and diverse culture.

The Golden Gate City has an artistic streak that runs deep. And it’s known for its museums, architecture, food, and cuisine.

You can easily spend the day wandering the Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) or see explore European art at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor.

San Fran’s walkable (if you don’t mind hills) so you spend your day wandering around the coffee shops, cafes, and farmers markets and still have a great day.

Of course, the Golden Gate Bridge is a must. There’s also Alcatraz Island, the Fisherman’s Wharf, PEIR 39, and Union Square.

How to Get From Santa Rosa to San Francisco

Getting from Santa Rosa to San Fransico takes a little over an hour by car. Making it the easiest and quickest way to get travel to the city.

Hop on US-101 S, and within 55 miles you’ll be in San Fransico.

Bus from San Francisco to Santa Rosa

If you don’t have a rental car, then buses are another option. Multiple Greyhound Buses travel between the cities daily. It takes around 2 hours to travel from Santa Rosa to San Fran via bus. And tickets range from $10 – $20.

You can get bus tickets from  Greyhound  or  Rome2Rio  .

Visit the Wineries

Sonoma County’s known as the little sister of Napa Valley. Napa gets all the attention, but let me tell you why Santa Rosa, and the surrounding area, are California’s best-kept secret for wino’s (like myself) .

There’s nothing like seeing a grape vineyard to the backdrop of the mountains of California.

Many of the wineries have a family-run air about them, that makes it easy to relax, enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc, and feel right at home.

They’re also less busy and touristy than Napa. So when doing tastings you get more personal attention and make for a great setting which helps you learn more about the wine and ask questions.

And Sonoma has no shortage of wineries – There are over 400 wineries!! And many of them are surrounded by beautiful views. Isn’t wine country awesome

Making it an ideal place to sit at an outdoor terrace, sip wine, and take in the beautiful views of the vineyards and woods. Landmark Vineyards I’m looking at you!

Or if you prefer to stay downtown, there are some great “hidden wineries” right in Santa Rosa.

A few wineries in Santa Rosa are the Trecini Winery, D’Argenzio Winery, and Sheldon Wines. Some fun adventures that will take you to these wineries. (But more on that later)

My wine tastings in the Santa Rosa area are some of the best I’ve ever experienced. (And I’ve had a fair few.)

Hands down, wine is one of the top things you have to do in Santa Rosa. After all the Russian River Valley is famous for its wine.

Trione Annadel State Park

Alright, let’s get out of the city, venture away from the markets, and put down our glass of wine. (Only for a second, I promise.)

And instead, take a minute to explore the most valuable asset in Santa Rosa – the nature.

The area is home to some fantastic protected areas like Trione Annadel State Park

When looking for what to do in Santa Rosa, it’s important to plan some time to visit Annadel State Park.

The park showcases the natural beauty of the landscape, forest, and stunning scenery that Northern California offers.

Annadel has all the amenities you expect from a state park, there are hiking trails, a picnic area, panoramic views, and fishing lakes.

Trione Annadel State Park also has a nearby campground at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

The park’s known for its variety of wildflowers that bloom and spring and early summer. (April and May are the best months to visit for flowers. )

Annadel State Park has a few extra adventures like horseback riding, guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and a cutting-edge visitors center.

Annadel State Park Travel Info

Park highlights.

• Bike Trails
• Horseback Riding
• Picnic Areas
• Env. Learning
• Visitor Center
• Exhibits and Programs
• Nature & Wildlife Viewings
• Guided Tours
• Interpretive Exhibit

Wednesday Night Market

If you didn’t find the farmers’ market appealing, then maybe I can sell you on the Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market.

The market runs during the summer (from mid-May to late August) . It’s part festival, and part party, part farmers’ market. It’s a beacon for locals and travelers that host fun events, shopping, and nightlife.

There’s a craft beer garden to try local brews or places to uncork a bottle and try some of the region’s famous wine.

Every week, there is a different band providing live music. As you walk through the market, you can taste a variety of local food and drinks from the vendors.

Although the Wednesday Night Market isn’t all beer, wine, music. The market has some great shopping. You can find everything from handmade shirts to fresh produce.

The Wednesday Night Market remains a celebration of local life and culture. For over twenty years it’s been bringing the community together and charming people passing through.

Add this to your things to do in Santa Rosa list, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. And if you like this market you should check out the things to do in Ruidoso New Mexico . They have some great markets.

Wednesday Night Market Fun FAQs

Are dogs allowed?

Is the market opening when it’s raining?

They cancel the market during storms.

Bike to Different Wineries

You can’t visit Northern California without at least one wine tasting tour, am I right!? I spent my second day in Santa Rosa biking to a few different wine tastings with  Getaway Adventures .

The bike path follows the old railway track of Santa Rosa and showcases some of the beautiful landscape and vineyards in the area. They have a variety of different wine tasting tours!

Plus, you’re burning off all those wine calories as you consume them.

My favorite wineries on the tour are.

  Hook and Ladder  – They use cool climate grapes, which I learned are some of the best in the world for wine. They had lovely red wines (My favorite was the Tillerman)

  Dutton Goldfield.  – Excellent and well-balanced wines and the heritage of the people who own the winery and vineyard dates back to the beginning of wine in Sonoma County.

Day Trip to Bodega Bay

For those who want to take in some of the actual coastlines of the West “coast,” you should plan a day trip to Bodega Bay.

This tiny town features the stunning landscape of Sonoma County’s Pacific coastline and acts as a haven for those who love outdoor adventures.

There’s plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose from. However, the real star of Bodega Bay is the ocean. Head out on the sea and look for whales, go kayaking around the bay, or on a fishing cruise.

Maybe you’d rather spend your holiday laying on one of the best beaches in California , picnicking, and enjoy the view of the ocean? Bodega Bay’s good for that too.

Things to do at Bodega Bay

• Bodega Head
• Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail
• Doran Beach
• Fishetarian Fish Market
• Westside Regional Park
• Mammoth Rocks
• Doran Beach Road
• Pinnacle Gulch Trail
• Whale Watching on Bodega Head

Spring Lake Regional Park

Another great place for those seeking the outdoors is Spring Lake Regional Park. The park, arguably the most popular one in the area, has hiking, biking, camping, and walking trails.

For campers, there are 31 campsites set in a beautiful oak forest above the lake. This gives it a slight edge over Annadel state park.

As you can tell from the name, the park has a lake. And there are boats, paddleboards, pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes for rent. But for those looking to save money on rentals, don’t worry, there are swimming spots along the shore.

Spring Lake has wheelchair-friendly trails, campsites, and picnic spots. Which is really cool.

A highlight of the park is the Environmental Discovery Center. This center focuses on teaching the history of the region’s ecosystem.

The Discovery Center has fun exhibits for kids that lets them learn while exploring. They can conduct science experiments, see a pool full of sea creatures, and climb around some exhibits.

Things to do at Spring Lake

Pacific coast air museum.

Santa Rosa has a few notable museums that we will talk about. The Pacific Coast Air Museum makes it on the list first.

As you probably guessed from the title, this museum focuses on aircraft. Spread across 5 acres are 30 aircraft in different shapes, sizes, and eras in history.

What’s great about the museum is that you can explore these aircraft hands-on.

You can duck under them to look in the bomb bays, and climb up the ladder to check out the gizmos and gadgets in the cockpit.

And during certain “Open Cockpit Weekends” , you can even sit in them, and grab that much-desired selfie of you being a pilot.

The museum has interactive displays that let you learn the history of these aircraft and aviation in the United States.

They have a VR flight simulator, fun events like the Wings over Wine Air Show, and more.

This is a museum that lets you touch history; a place everyone from solo travelers to families will love.

Top Planes to See

• A-26 Invader
• A-4 Skyhawk
• F-15A Eagle #102
• Pitts Special S1

Eat Everything

Santa Rosa has some mouth-watering food. Every night I found myself overindulging on the delicious cuisine.

One restaurant, in particular, was  Belly: Left Coast Kitchen and Taproom . The chef/owner, Gray Rollins is also the touring chef of the rock band Linking Park.

He has also toured and been the chef for Kiss and Prince.

After eating his food, it is easy to see why! I could eat the sweet bread, with cinnamon butter every day for the rest of my life and be happy. Everything in the restaurant was delicious, and I highly recommend checking it out.

Best Restaurants in Santa Rosa

• Belly: Left Coast
• Stark’s Steak & Seafood
• Ca’ Bianca
• Spinster Sisters
• Hopmonk Tavern
• Jack’s and Tony’s: Restaurant and Whisky Bar
•   Hopmonk Tavern  
•   Jack and Tony’s Restaurant and Whiskey Bar  

Jack London State Park

Jack London State Park. has incredible landscape. There are a lush green forest and tall mountains all throughout the park.

The park’s named after the famous literary icon. He lived and is buried in the park. You can see his grave marked with a tiny tree and stone. And the ruins of his old house.

London’s books like White Fang and Call of the Wild were childhood favorites of mine. They nurtured my desire for adventure and kindled my imagination.

It was a humbling moment when I visited the grave and paid tribute to the author that has had a profound impact on my life.

Santa Rosa was a need break from my backpacking life. I enjoyed every moment of my week in Santa Rosa. From good wine to epic vista’s Santa Rosa is a place to check out.

The park’s a prime choice for an outdoor adventure. There are mountain biking trails, rolling hills, a picnic area, and fun hiking trails.

Other Things to do in Santa Rosa California

Swimming lagoon.

If you’re visiting in the summer, then the swimming lagoon is a hidden gem, and a way to escape the heat. This swimming hole is located near Howarth park

Russian River Brewery

Yes, northern Cali is more than just wine country! The Russian River is a great place to try some good beers. 

Santa Rosa hot air balloon rides! 

You’d think that this would make the main list of things to do in Santa Rosa. But I only want to include things that I have done, and I haven’t done a balloon ride in Santa Rosa. But there are a lot of hot air balloon rides to choose from. 

YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN SANTA ROSA ANSWERED

What are the most popular things to do in santa rosa with kids.

The Peanuts Museum (again not just a children’s museum), State Parks, markets, and the historic district are the best things to do with kids. 

WHAT SHOULD I NOT MISS IN SANTA ROSA?

Well, it’s wine country…so don’t miss that. The historic district, a day trip check out the famous San Francisco Landmarks , or the smaller town of Healdsburg ca.

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN SANTA ROSA FOR FREE?

Well, the State Parks, Walking Around the Historic District, the Markets, and Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

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Important things you should consider when looking for a hotel, you shouldn’t overlook these 6 things the next time you travel, cross the continent in 15 days from perth to sydney , best backpacking tips to travel in canada, 43 thoughts on “18 fun things to do in santa rosa (new and improved)”.

So beautiful place and amazing things you shared of that beautiful palce. so stunning photos you shared of that beautiful place.

great article, your travel experience is so good, i liked read your post

Thanks for advice for SANTA ROSA, Its impotent for us.

This is nice blog, its very useful article, such a nice post in this blog.

The blog is really amazing and the reason you provided for Visit Santa Rosa is very awesome. keep it up and keep writing such good blog.

I want to see the Farmer’s Market in Santa Rosa. It looks amazing! I hope to try their fresh produce!

Wow, Jack London State Park, zip-lining, and Bodega Bay will be top of my list. Thanks for all the great ideas!

Heck yes! have a great visit.

No problem! Glad you enjoy it.

I never realized there was so much to do in Santa Rosa. Believe it or not, I’ve never even heard of it. I don’t live in the state so I always think of LA or San Francisco. I’d love to go there.

Wow! So much to do. The food, the wine the views and that zip lining looks like so much fun.

This is right up my alley! I’m in the East Bay, so these are all great suggestions to look into when I head up North! I think next on my list will be Safari West!

Northern Cali holds some awesome places!

Amazing things to do in Santa Rosa. Holidays such as these makes life so exciting. You must have had a wonderful time.

Thanks for the nice comment.

Awesome! You can be there within an hour!!

It was great! Especially, ziplinning in the redwoods.

Yyyaaayyyyyyy!!! I love it already because of the “Farmers’ Market”.

Wow so much to see and do. I like the sounds of the farmers markets and the cheese trail too xx

Shoppping!! Yes please. 🙂

The market is great!!

That’s great to read

Those are some great recommendations. I’d probably visit everything especially the cheese trails and wineries there.

I would love to go to the Charles Schulz museum, it looks amazing. I’m not so sure about zip lining but i’m sure my daughter would do it. I’m from WI, so when I saw all that cheese you had me and I was in love!!!!

Cheese and wine…..it’s an unbeatable combo!

Any place that appreciates Cheese goes on my bucket list.

Wow, there are so many things to see and do in Santa Rose. I’d love to visit this place.

I recommended it! lol. It’s a very beautiful place.

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Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA

Written by mary charlebois, california | north america | travel.

Forty-five minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Rosa welcomes visitors with open arms. Discover some of the best things to do in Santa Rosa, CA.

Santa Rosa is laced with California history. You don’t have to look hard to find the influence of Pomos, Spanish, Mexicans, and Europeans. Their cultures produce a medley of history, food, art, and traditions. The diversity is reflected in the countless things to do in Santa Rosa.

The town was founded in 1833. This beautiful city and its tenacious citizens have risen from the ashes (literally) twice in the last several years after wildfires swept through the town. Rebuilding and reinventing homes and businesses and keeping the city flourishing is job one for the community. Come along as we explore some of the best things to do in Santa Rosa, CA.

What's in This Article:

Must-See in Santa Rosa—Get Snoopy

Charles M Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, lived and worked in Santa Rosa for over 40-years. He invested time and money in projects to benefit children and the community, becoming a pillar of the community.

Charles M Schulz Museum collection of international Peanuts books. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Join the Peanuts Gang

A trip to Charles M. Schulz Museum is a must. This delightful institution is filled with light, color, laughs, giggles, and guffaws. All ages and nationalities seem to love Peanuts.

The museum is beautifully curated with changing and permanent exhibits. My favorite is Shulz’s studio. The museum moved the entire studio from his home and arranged it just as it was the day he last used it—including the crumpled paper that missed the wastebasket.

Everyone is invited to the Education Room, where you can learn to draw your favorite Peanuts character.

The theater shows daily Schulz and Peanuts documentaries and animated features. Entrance is included with museum admission.

Charles M Schulz Museum exhibit. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Skate with Snoopy

Snoopy’s Home Ice (Redwood Empire Ice Arena) is a Santa Rosa tradition dating back to 1969. Schulz, known locally and by friends as Sparky, created a world-class ice arena for hockey, figure skating, and ice shows. Snoopy’s Home Ice is open year-round. The arena offers lessons and skate rentals. In addition, local hockey teams play and practice on Snoopy’s ice.

Peanuts on Parade

Considered one of America’s longest-running community art projects, Peanuts on Parade is a collection of 5-foot-tall fiberglass statues of the Peanuts characters. Local artists decorated the figures. They were then purchased and displayed around town by local businesses. Two hundred statues raised $500,000 for art scholarships. Additionally, three bronze sculptures were commissioned for permanent placement in Santa Rosa.

Seventy of these delightful, Instagrammable, and selfie-partner characters are located all around Santa Rosa. Find their locations with the Peanuts on Parade locator.

Kevin at Historic Railroad Square. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Cultural Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa is filled with great cultural reminders of the city’s history. Here are a few ways to experience Santa Rosa’s diverse culture.

Art & History

Museums of Sonoma County has two branches housed next door to one another—the Art Museum and the History Museum. Each has permanent and changing exhibits, plus an outdoor sculpture garden.

The history museum is housed in the old downtown Santa Rosa post office. It was moved 800 feet to its current location. It took 75 days to move the 1700-ton granite and marble structure.

Inside, you’ll discover artifacts from first Santa Rosa residents—the Bitakomtara (a Pomo tribe), early settlers, industry, modern history, and more expertly curated to share the story of Santa Rosa.

The art museum features contemporary art from Sonoma County artists. During my recent visit, the exhibition celebrated the museum’s thirty-fifth anniversary by showing work from 35 artists.

Sonoma County History Museum – Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Find Your Inner-Child

You don’t have to be a child or even be accompanied by a child to love this child-sized, interactive museum, playground, and gardens. At the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County , everyone is welcome. Everything is meant to be touched, explored, and enjoyed.

Changing and permanent exhibits make learning fun. There’s a kitchen for learning about cooking, a garden for growing the food. Music, art, nature, and science are presented in ways that captivate young minds.

Enjoy a Show

Luther Burbank Center is ranked in the top 100 live performance venues worldwide. Presenting music performances, shows, visual arts, and educational events fulfills its mission of providing accessible arts and family entertainment to the community.

Historical Things to Do in Santa Rosa

The area’s rich history also provides great things to do when you visit Santa Rosa.

Where Did That Potato Come From?

Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is the birthplace of more than 800 fruits, vegetables, nut trees, and flowers. Many of these are varieties we now eat and enjoy frequently. Burbank developed the Burbank Potato, Shasta Daisy, several plums, and spineless cactus, to name a few.

Luther Burbank lived in Santa Rosa during the late 1800s and early 1900s. His Victorian home, greenhouse, and gardens are open to the public year-round. Plants he developed still grow here. The gardens are beautiful in any season. There is no charge to tour the gardens. A 28-stop, free audio tour is available via a cell phone, or a guided tour is offered for a small fee.

Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. Photo courtesy of Kevin Scanlon

A Neighborhood of Victorians

The St. Rose Historic District is a small walkable neighborhood two blocks NW of downtown. Take the walking tour to learn about the fascinating history of these grand homes, bungalows, and apartments. Most were moved here after surviving the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. They were planned for demolition but saved by several citizens who bought homes for $1 and relocated them to the St. Rose District.

Insider Tip : Plan to visit St Rose District when you go to the Sonoma County Museums. They are in the same neighborhood.

St Rose Historic District in Santa Rosa, CA. Photo courtesy of Kevin Scanlon

Railroad Square, home of the Santa Rosa Train Station, is the heart of Santa Rosa. Once a bustling warehouse and factory district, Santa Rosa’s commerce was centered here. Today it is a mecca for shopping, eating, wine tasting, and nightlife. Stroll along the 15-stop walking tour to learn about the intriguing Victorian-era buildings or wander up and down the streets with no particular plan. The primarily brick shops, eateries, watering holes, and tree-shaded neighborhoods offer a cool respite in the summer.

Insider Tip : Catch the train here for a day trip to/from San Francisco.

French restaurant -Railroad Square – Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Outdoor Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Northern California is a beautiful area, providing great opportunities to get outside and enjoy all of the outdoor things to do in Santa Rosa, CA.

Go Downtown

Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square is the center of activity year-round. Under the shade of redwood trees, busy farmer’s markets, art and craft fairs, concerts, and food vendors fill the open space in Santa Rosa’s mild year-round climate.

Small shops, spas, eateries, breweries, tastings rooms, and exceptional lodging line the square’s streets.

Outdoor market around Courthouse Square in the shade of redwoods in Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

A Park in the City

You can find Julliard Park  in Central Santa Rosa. The largest park in the city, it was once a private estate. The landscaping is remarkable. You’ll also find Bocce Ball courts, a community garden, playground, public art, and live Summer concerts.

Insider Tip : Plan to visit Julliard when you go to Luther Burbank Home and Gardens; they are across the street from each other.

Julliard Park – Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Forest Bathe With Redwoods

Forest bathing gives you a chance to really experience the surrounding nature. To forest bathe, find some woodlands. Take a walk and listen. Let yourself get in touch with the natural world. Listen for birdsong, smile at wildflowers, inhale the soil’s perfume, share silence.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a redwood grove about 20-miles outside Santa Rosa. Bring along a picnic to eat among giants. The reserve protects some of the largest living things on earth.

In Sonoma County, you can forest bathe in a vineyard. Photo by Teresa Bitler

Hike and Bike

Trione-Annadel State Park offers hiking and biking trails for all abilities. There are miles of trails with maps and difficulty degrees at the trailhead. There you’ll also find restrooms and picnic tables. Catch black bass and bluegill in Lake Ilsanjo. People, horses, and non-motorized wheels are allowed on the trail. No dogs, please.

Cycling in Trione-Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Where to Eat in Santa Rosa

Of course, with all of this exploring the various things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, you’re going to find yourself hungry. Never fear. There are great eateries offering a little something for every meal and every appetite.

Mac’s Deli and Cafe is a kosher-style delicatessen and restaurant serving breakfast and lunch since 1952. I always have the fluffy 3-cheese omelet with home fries. In addition to traditional favorites, the menu sports 48 deli-style sandwiches. Here you’ll find old-fashioned service in retro surroundings.

Breakfast at Mac’s Deli and Cafe in Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Fourth Street Delicatessen is another great breakfast spot. It serves up deli-style breakfast and lunch, both of which are outstanding. This take-out shop has a great selection of wine and beer to add to your picnic basket. The sandwiches are knock-outs.

I also have a couple of favorite lunch spots in Santa Rosa, CA. Third Street Aleworks is a downtown brewery well-known for its award-winning craft beer and traditional pub food. You can’t go wrong with the sourdough grilled cheese and tomato bisque. Pair that with an IPA, and you’ll find your happy place. Bring along the kids and Fido; they have special menus for both. They serve lunch and dinner indoors and on the patio.

Third Street Aleworks in Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Don’t miss Ting Hau Restaurant —even if you only order the pork dumplings. This beautiful little Chinese restaurant is just a couple of blocks from Courthouse Square. It has the tried and true dishes we all love, but they add daily specials like fried prawns with honey-toasted walnuts. You will never forget the crunchy walnuts and the lemon aioli dipping sauce for the shrimp.

Dinner offers some more creative options. I recommend Warike Restobar , which serves up Peruvian- South American cuisine with a California accent. Start with a Pisco Sour. Made from Pisco (Peru’s national drink), lime juice, and egg whites, it tastes a bit like a Margarita. Next, order the Beef Empanadas as a starter with your drink. Entrees of beef, pork, chicken, and seafood are offered. The service here is some of the best I’ve had anywhere. The staff knows the menu, wine, and cocktail list. My server, Alex (be sure to ask for him), was also knowledgeable about the intriguing Peruvian art decorating the walls.

Beef Empanadas – Warike Restobar. Photo by Mary Charlebois

If you want something located right on Courthouse Square, I suggest Perch + Plow . This bar and restaurant are creative, resourceful, and lots of fun. A craft cocktail and some small plates are the way to get the evening started. For entrees, P+P is a beef lover’s Nirvana. The wine and beer selections feature Sonoma County-made varieties. Open for lunch and dinner, this award-winning eatery will not disappoint.

Insider Eatery Tip : Warm Puppy Café at Snoopy’s Home Ice is a little-known spot for lunch or a snack. Have a sandwich, salad, or hot chocolate while watching the action on the ice. You’ll notice the table by the fireplace permanently reserved for Charles Schulz. He ate lunch at the table every day.

Where to Drink in Santa Rosa

Whether it’s wine, beer, spirits, coffee, or tea, you’ve come to the right place to wet your whistle.

Sonoma County has more than 495 wineries . You’ll find everything from tiny family-run to major labels known and enjoyed globally.

Wine tasting at Kendall Jackson. Photo by Mary Charlebois

There are 25 craft breweries in Sonoma County, again some tiny, while others are giants.

Here is a list of the spirits distilled in Sonoma County – whiskey, rye whiskey, wheat whiskey, single malt whiskey, flavored whiskey, gin, London dry gin, sloe gin, flavored gin, barrel-aged gin, peach liquor, brandies, aged brandies, flavored brandies, vodka, flavored vodkas, absinthe, bourbon, rye bourbon, wheat bourbon, grappa, coffee liquor, beer schnapps, limoncello, orangecello, figcello, light rum, amber rum, dark rum, moonshine, and black walnut liquor. Wow!

Russian River Brewery Barrel Room. Photo by Mary Charlebois

For the caffeine culture, Santa Rosa has three small-batch coffee roasters and dozens of independent coffee shops. In addition, herbal and caffeinated teas can be found in many local shops.

There are so many of these fantastic places to quench your thirst, I don’t have room to list them all. But there is a place you can find a Santa Rosa Libations Guide that includes locations for wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, kombucha, and yerba mate. Thanks, Visit Santa Rosa , for putting this guide together.

Where to Stay in Santa Rosa

You can find so many great accommodations throughout Sonoma, but I recommend finding a spot right in Santa Rosa so you can enjoy the town.

Art House is a 36-room hotel with a sleek modern design. This brand new hotel is only two blocks off historic Courthouse Square. Choose from a Classic King Room with its own balcony, Urban Escape Studio, or a ceiling-to-floor windowed apartment with a living room, fully appointed kitchen, and dining table.

Art House Hotel in Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

Another option on the edge of Courthouse Square is Hotel E . Stay here, park your car, and forget it. You can easily walk to eateries, breweries, farmers markets, entertainment, libation tasting rooms, and shopping. Formerly the Empire Building built in 1906, The E was lovingly repurposed to be the first hotel to open directly on the square. With 71 guest rooms and spa-like baths, E is an ideal escape pod for your Santa Rosa visit.

The hotel lobby bar serves Sonoma County wines and beer by the glass or bottle.

Finally, for a historic resort and spa with amenities catering to guests of all ages, you might try Hotel Flamingo . Heated swimming pools, hot tubs, a health club, spa, salon, tennis, cycling, and yoga are a few of the varied activities. In addition, outside and inside dining are offered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hotel Flamingo has rooms of all sizes, including suites for family stays.

Getting to Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa straddles Hwy 101, 50-miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The regional airport—STS ( Charles M Schulz Sonoma County Airport )—has direct service to and from Seattle, San Diego, Portland, Phoenix, Orange County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Denver, and Dallas.

Most national brand rental cars are available on airport property. The train station is a short walk. Local and regional buses are a few steps from the terminal. San Francisco and Oakland airports are about 65-miles from Santa Rosa.

Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa CA. Photo by Mary Charlebois

When You Visit Santa Rosa, CA

There are so many things to do in Santa Rosa; you’ll return again and again, discovering something new each time.

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Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County; while it has big-city amenities, it also has walkable districts, historic neighborhoods, large parks, public gathering spaces, small businesses, and welcoming locals. Come to Santa Rosa for California history, farm-to-plate eats, award-winning libations, a walk on the wild side, and celebrate the unstoppable spirit of its citizens. Be sure to check out Wander for more ideas on what to see when you explore Sonoma and other parts of California .

Cultural Travel | Historic Towns | History | Northern California | Outdoor Activities | San Francisco | Sonoma

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Words can’t describe the wonder of Redwood National Park in California

It’s hard to describe a place like Redwood National and State Parks .

“We struggle with this on a daily basis, how to convey the feeling of it, because it's not just the math,” said Patrick Taylor, interpretation and education manager for the National Park Service at Redwood. “You almost lose that scale though when you're in it, because when you're under a tree that's over 200-300 feet tall and you look up, you can't see anywhere near the top of it.”

Here’s what travelers can see and expect at Redwood, the latest national park in USA TODAY’s yearlong series .

Answers to your biggest park questions: What is the most visited national park in the US?

What is special about Redwood?

“It always starts with the trees,” Taylor said. “Coming to the tallest trees in the world is kind of a very specific thing that people like to say they've done.”

Seeing the trees leaves some visitors speechless.

“One of the things we've noticed is when people go into the groves, when they get out of their cars, everybody's really happy and chatty,” Taylor said. “Then as they walk down into the old-growth groves, there's like the silence that often falls over everybody, and it's almost like a reverential spiritual experience for many people. … It's not like anywhere else they've been.”

Is one day enough for Redwood National Park?

“If you had one full day here, you would have an amazing day,” Taylor said. “It would leave you longing for more, but not necessarily frustrated that you didn't get to see any of it.”

Two or three days in the park give visitors time to explore its other offerings.

“A saying that a lot of times the locals use around here is that you come for the trees, but you stay for the river, you stay for the ocean,” Taylor said.

What is the closest city to Redwood National Park?

“Eureka, California, is often what we cite as our close kind of metropolitan area,” Taylor said. “It has a regional airport and all the hotels and everything somebody would need if they were coming up here for vacation.” 

It’s about 40 miles from the park.

“Moving out a little further, Medford, Oregon, is about 2½ hours from the park. It has a little bit bigger airport.”

Santa Rosa, California, is about four hours away by car. Many travelers may choose to fly into the Bay Area and make a trip of it, visiting multiple parks.

“For a lot of people, this is a bucket list destination,” Taylor said.

Where is the best place to see the giant redwoods?

“As I talk to everybody, it almost seems like the best redwood groves are whatever redwood groves people see first,” Taylor said.

For him, that place was Stout Memorial Grove .

“It was just like stepping into another world,” he recalled. ”Intellectually, you know it exists, but once you're there, it just kind of changes your perspective and understanding of what nature is really like.”

He said Stout Grove is also a great stop for first-timers and families because it doesn’t require a lot of hiking. “You're just kind of right in it, right away.”

Dozens of California state parks also have redwoods, but Taylor said the largest contiguous stretches of old-growth redwoods are to the far north, in places like Redwood, which is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the state of California.

Why are redwoods only in California?

Technically, they’re not.

“There's a spot just over the Oregon border that does have a very small coastal redwood grove,” Taylor said. “But like 99.999% are in California.”

He noted redwoods used to stretch farther up and down the coast, but environmental factors and commercial logging have taken a toll, and there are only so many places the trees can grow.

“Coastal redwoods, they get a lot of the moisture they need in the summer months from fog, not just from the ground. So for them to survive, they really need to be in spots where there's a heavy kind of daily fog that rolls in off the coast. They're not able to move inland very far.”

Is it worth going to Redwood National Park?

“It doesn't get old,” Tayor said. “Even staff that have worked here for 30 years, as soon as they step outside, you can just see it's like breathing life back into them.”

Story continues below.

Which is better: Sequoia or Redwood National Park?

“They're basically siblings, and so it's like comparing your kids,” Taylor said. “You love them both for slightly different reasons.”

He explained that giant sequoias tend to have more volume to them.

“So they're bigger in the sense that they usually have a wider base, and they don't taper off as fast,” he said. “The coastal redwoods are usually a little taller and a little more slender.”

He also noted that redwoods are more communal trees.

“It's rare when you can see an amazing coastal redwood just kind of standing by itself,” Taylor said. “For them to get big and tall and healthy, they almost have to have a whole bunch of neighbors helping support each other because their roots intertwine, and they literally anchor each other to the ground. Whereas the sequoia trees, they also need a healthy ecosystem around them, of course, but like General Sherman , it's kind of this big stand-alone tree.”

Which Native American tribes lived in the redwoods?

Seven federally recognized tribes are tied to the park.

• Big Lagoon Rancheria
• Elk Valley Rancheria
• Hoopa Valley Tribe
• Resighini Rancheria
• Trinidad Rancheria
• Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation
• Yurok Tribe

Redwood has partnered with tribes for years.

“We've recognized that even the old-growth systems that we consider were unmanipulated and unmaintained and completely natural hadn't been that way for thousands and thousands of years. There have been traditional fires, traditional burns and other ways they had been working with the forest,” Taylor said. “And so more and more we're working with our partners and having the partners lead, in many cases, how we do these restoration efforts .”

The park also partners with the state and Save the Redwoods League .

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Beer & brewery tours, ports of call tours, full-day tours, what travellers are saying.

• Safari West
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The Best Budget-Friendly Destination To Visit In Northern California

F rom the jaw-dropping beauty of Yosemite National Park to the glitz of Hollywood and the pristine surf beaches, California is a favorite destination for all vacationers. And wine lovers often dream of a visit to Napa Valley to taste some of the Golden State's finest vintages. The world-famous towns of Napa and neighboring Sonoma, though, come with a hefty price tag.

However, there is a place where you can experience the Californian dream without burning a hole in your pocket. Enter Santa Rosa in the heart of Northern California's wine country. Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County and is a vibrant, artsy, and budget-friendly destination. Being a large city, Santa Rosa has lots of accommodation options and tons of eateries that are more affordable than in the better-known destination of Napa , for example. How much cheaper can it be? On average, a seven-day trip to Napa costs $5,621 for a couple, while the same trip to Santa Rosa comes in at $4,366. That's around $1,300 extra dollars to spend on wine, food, and fun.

Read more: The 50 Most Underrated Small Towns In America

Santa Rosa For Wine Lovers

Sonoma County is home to approximately 425 wineries and 19 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), one of which is Bennett Valley, located just south of Santa Rosa. You can taste various wines here, including the long-established Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as newer additions like Pinot Noir and Syrah.

One must-visit winery in the area is Matanzas Creek , which has been producing wine since 1977. There's a tasting room where you can sip on their renowned Sauvignon Blanc, brightly colored lavender fields, and lush gardens. If you continue slightly further south, you'll come upon another gem: Belden Barns . The site has welcomed visitors since the late 19th century, and as well as wine tastings, there are a farm and orchard to explore and a wishing tree where you can hang your hopes and dreams.

One of the big pros of staying in Santa Rosa is the proximity of these wineries to the city. Belden Barns is a 20-minute drive from the center; Matanzas Creek is even closer. This means that taxis and ride-shares in the area are affordable, so everyone in your party can enjoy a tipple.

Beyond Wine In Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa has much more to offer than just wine. And the best news is that many things to do are free or reasonably priced. For many, Santa Rosa is synonymous with Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, and colorful statues are scattered around the city, including in the downtown area and Coddingtown Shopping Center. There is also the Charles M. Schulz Museum , where kids and grown-ups alike can discover more about the characters and their creator. The museum costs $12 for adults and $5 for people aged 4 to 18.

Other museums in the area include the Children's Museum , where for $16, families with younger children can spend an entire day exploring science and nature, and the Museum of Sonoma County . In 2023, parts of the museum were under construction, and admission costs just $7. If you fancy getting outdoors, Santa Rosa is a wonderful town to stroll in, and there are several walking tours in the area, from the historical Railroad Square tour to the West End Neighborhood tour. Check Visit Santa Rosa for brochures. Those who want a longer hike or bike ride should head to Tirone-Annadel State Park , where there are miles of trails to discover.

When you've worked up an appetite, head back into town to grab a bite to eat. Whether you're looking for reasonably priced local haunts like Betty's Fish and Chips or want to splurge for something special like the menu at John Ash & Co , Santa Rosa delivers.

Read the original article on Explore .

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About Visit Santa Rosa

We are dedicated to sharing our destination and inspiring visitors to discover all there is to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and explore in Sonoma County.

Visit Santa Rosa is a program of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber , tasked with marketing Santa Rosa as a tourism destination, bringing meetings, events, and visitors to our area.

The California Welcome Center is located at:

9 Fourth Street Santa Rosa, California 95401 Phone: 800-404-ROSE | 707-577-8674 Hours of Operation: Sunday-Tuesday - 10am-2pm | Wednesday-Saturday - 9am-5pm (Subject to change)

The content on this website is accurate as of the time of publication.

Media looking for story ideas, destination information, images or trip assistance please visit our Media page.

Meeting Planners or Event Planning professionals looking for event assistance please visit our Meetings & Groups page.

For questions regarding our website, please contact our marketing department .

Visit Santa Rosa Management Team

Janelle Meyers VP, Marketing & Communications 707-636-3663 Lindsay Musco Director of Business Development 707-524-2114 Kevin Stoll Marketing & Communications Manager 707-524-2117 Chelsea Wood Content & Social Media Coordinator 707-636-3667 Pam Higley California Welcome Center Concierge 707-577-8674 Leah Fowler California Welcome Center Concierge 707-577-8674

Visit Santa Rosa is proud to partner with local, regional, national, and international organizations, boards, committees, and associations that are committed to referring and promoting tourism to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Visit our Professional Partnerships page for a comprehensive list of our benefactors.

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