santa rosa california tourist attractions

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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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

Top Things to Do in Santa Rosa, CA

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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
• Smart Tours

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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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Things to do in santa rosa, explore popular experiences, ways to tour santa rosa.

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

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

Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip

Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour

• Private Sonoma and Napa Wine Tour Including Custom Concierge

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

Best E-Bike Rental: pedal or not adventure,

Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Santa Rosa CF

Pour & Pose: Travel Portraits with a Twist of Wine

• 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

Beer & Brewery Tours

Private sightseeing 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

25 Great Things to Do in Santa Rosa California, Bucket List Experiences

Top things to do in santa rosa california.

Santa Rosa is located in the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country. Northern California’s wine country is known for its redwood forest, 300 vineyards and wineries, the Peanuts cartoon, amazing farm-to-table experiences, and the California Cheese Trail . It is a central location for exploring the nearby communities of Napa, Calistoga, Healdsburg, Sebastapol, and Bodega Bay.

If you are planning a trip to Santa Rosa and looking for the best things to do, see and eat while visiting, you are in the right place.  Browse the list of must-see attractions, off-the-beaten-path experiences, outdoor activities, and museums to create your personal Santa Rosa bucket list. Then, plan the itinerary for your Santa Rosa trip with these top things to do, see, and eat. Enjoy your time out of the office!

READ Two-Week Pacific Northwest Road Trip Itinerary: Northern California and Oregon

Things to Do in and Around Santa Rosa California

Have dinner at one of the Historic Railroad Square restaurants

Check out Court House Square

Go on a safari at Safari West

Browse the exhibits at the Museum of Sonoma County

Stroll the gardens at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

Try goat yoga or meditate with sheep at Charlie’s Acres Farm

Search for souvenirs at the Wednesday Night Market and Street Fair

Sample Sonoma County wine

Go horseback riding through Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve

Check out the historical planes at the Pacific Coast Air Museum

Walk past Patrick Amiot’s iron yard sculptures in Sebastopol

Browse the Charlie Brown memorabilia at the Charles M. Schulz Museum

Get pampered in a bamboo garden at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

Sample their St. Jorge cheese at Matos Cheese Factory and

Go for a bike ride in Annadel State Park

Take a hot-air balloon ride over Sonoma’s vineyards

Go for a swim in the lagoon at Spring Lake Regional Park

Go brewery hopping

Go crabbing at Bodega Head Park & Beach

Canoe down the Russian River

Zipline through a redwood forest

Photograph the Cyclisk Tower

Tour Villa Ca’Toga, home of Italian artist Carlo Marchiori

Visit the animal sanctuary of Goatlandia

Take the canopy tour and sleep in a treehouse at Sonoma Treehouse Adventures

Be sure to check the Santa Rosa California Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.

Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in Santa Rosa California

Plan Your Trip to Santa Rosa California

Sonoma and napa valley california travel guide.

Pick up a California Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.

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Sonoma County Napa Valley Attractions and Day Tours

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Have a great vacation!

Wow so many things to do! I would definitely be all about swimming in the lagoon and hitting up some breweries!

I am sure a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards will look amazing! It seems there are a lot of things to do in Santa Rosa. From yoga and meditation to beaches and wines, the place definitely looks like a winner.

When we go there, we will definitely check the Charles M. Schulz Museum. I hope it’s a dog-friendly place though. Our dog Snoopy wants to take picture with Snoopy. We want to check the Court House Square, too, and see if there are differences from court house squares in Texas.

Wow so many things to do in Santa Rosa. As I love adventures, I will surely be doing the zip lining and the hot air balloon. I have never been to California but I will get there someday as I have it high up on my list.

Thanks for these suggestions! I know Santa Rosa for its wineries. It’s nice to know that apart from visiting the wineries, a variety of different activities and unique tours can be done, too. I’m particularly interested in the Bodega Dunes Beach, Safari West, and Wednesday Night Market and Street Fair.

Northern California is beautiful with it’s vineyards and scenic drives. Santa Rosa looks such a beautiful place. Nice to know you were able to explore it fully.

We have visited a lot of California but have not yet been to Santa Rosa. We would definitely head there for the wine tasting. And who would pass on a cheese factory visit when wine is there too? Enjoying the outdoors by horse sounds like a great adventure. Or maybe a canoe ride on the Russian River. A new spot for us to visit on a return trip.

What a great list to Santa Rosa. I live pretty close so we go there occasionally. Mostly it has been to wineries. Russian River is beautiful and definitely recommend some activities by the river. Sleeping in that treehouse has been my dream.

I’ve never been to Santa Rosa, but I think it would be fun to go around and see the sculptures. I love art! Of course, the safari sounds like it would be enjoyable, too.

It was fun to walk up and down the street checking them all out. Pretty creative

Comments are closed.

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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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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Experience Santa Rosa, California: A Guide to the Best Local Attractions

There are so many fun things to do in Santa Rosa, California, that we made a trusty guide to help you sort through it all.

May 10, 2023

While it may not be the biggest city in California, Santa Rosa is one of the most dynamic and unique places in the Golden State. One of the qualities that make Santa Rosa, California stand out is its compelling set of recreational offerings. There are so many things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, from nearby natural parks to a characterful historic downtown filled with great dining spots. There are also a set of must-see Santa Rosa attractions that are essential for anyone who wants to experience the fun and interest that makes this city so special . Let’s take a look at some of these essential Santa Rosa activities. 

Poppy Bank Epicenter 

For non-stop recreation, look no further than Poppy Bank Epicenter, an incredible entertainment venue that offers a variety of fun for everyone. This premier attraction in Santa Rosa, California, caters to the whole family with its extensive selection of sports, fitness, and entertainment options. Children will be delighted by the video game arcades, while everyone can enjoy a relaxing evening at Epicenter's top-notch bowling alley. Epicenter provides fast-paced laser tag battles, high-speed street racing simulators, and virtual target practice ranges for those seeking more adrenaline-fueled excitement.

As a sports facility, Epicenter also presents a wide array of engaging athletic opportunities for children aged 18 months and older. Enroll your kids in soccer, basketball, or baseball programs, giving them a fantastic chance to develop essential skills like perseverance and teamwork, all while staying active. As a local business, Poppy Bank also serves as a cultural hub for Santa Rosa, California, hosting an assortment of concerts and shows that bring people together for enjoyable experiences.

Snoopy’s Home Ice & Museum

No matter which time of year you visit, you should go to Redwood Empire Ice Arena in downtown Santa Rosa, California. More commonly known as Snoopy’s Home Ice, this distinct ice rink opened in 1969 and has proudly hosted local hockey and figure skating tournaments ever since. The enclosed ice rink was constructed by Charles M. Schulz, the cartoonist who created the Peanuts kids show, hence the name.

You can either go ice skating here or catch a local hockey game if you come during the Mountain West Hockey League Season, which is typically in March or April. Newly renovated in 2019, the ice rink is a clean and modern facility and quite a cool place for ice skating. After all, what other ice rink is covered in colorful Snoopy memorabilia? After a day of ice skating fun, stop by the rink’s Warm Puppy Cafe for a hot cocoa and maybe a delectable snack.   

Also, make sure to visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum. The museum showcases the life and work of Schulz. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase Schulz's personal collection of comic strips, as well as original artwork, memorabilia, and artifacts from his life and career.

One of the most popular exhibits is the recreation of Schulz's studio, complete with his drawing board, reference books, and personal items. You can get an intimate glimpse into the creative process of one of the greatest cartoonists of all time. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays, and admission is reasonably priced at $12 for adults, with students, youth, and other rates being significantly lower.

Paradise Ridge Sculpture Garden 

Santa Rosa is also famous for its fertile wine country, and several wineries call the verdant valleys of Sonoma County home. One of these is Paradise Ridge Winery, and they’ve decided to shake things up by adding a sculpture garden to their vineyards. Also known as Marijke’s Grove, the Paradise Ridge Sculpture Garden is a four-acre park free to the public and open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and filled with eclectic sculptures. Dirt paths snake throughout the gardens, allowing visitors to explore this beautiful environment and admire all the cool objets d’art. 

This is one of the most serene things to do in Santa Rosa, CA. Hanging out in the gardens makes you truly appreciate the majestic natural beauty of this region, all while enjoying some amazing monuments to human creativity. Highlights a large metal sculpture that spells the word “LOVE,” a giant human sculpture, and an eye-catching structure called the Empyrean Temple. Completed in 2021, the temple was intended as a “beacon of inspiration and hope for a changing world.”   

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Pepperwood Preserve

Located in the arid Mayacamas Mountains, just a twenty-minute drive from Santa Rosa, California is Pepperwood Preserve, a three-thousand-acre nature preserve famous for its Mediterranean climate and being home to over nine-hundred species of plantlife and animals. This is the ultimate Santa Rosa attraction if you want to see authentic California redwoods, Douglas-fir forests, and the characteristic grasslands of the SoCal landscape. 

Pepperwood Preserve is also full of geological curiosities, including volcanic remains and serpentine soils, meaning areas of low fertility where only the hardiest plants survive. In addition, the preserve is located at the confluence of many creeks that feed into the Russian River, and all this makes for a very picturesque location with a diversity of color, flora, and fauna.  

Safari West 

Founded in the late 1980s, Safari West is a one-of-a-kind safari experience located in the heart of the Mayacama Mountains just outside Santa Rosa, California. What better sightseeing activity than one where you get to see life in a preserve full of majestic wildlife from Africa, including galloping gazelles and graceful giraffes? This Safari might be thousands of miles away from the nearest African nature reserve, but once you enter, you’ll hardly be able to tell once you enter. The Safari West Tent Camp offers luxury stays in beautiful custom-made canvas tents imported from Botswana. Safari West only gets better year after year, and it is currently home to over 1,000 animals, making it one of the best parks in Santa Rosa, California for animal lovers.     

Annadel State Park 

The Trione-Annadel State Park is popular with mountain bike enthusiasts thanks to its extensive trail network and stunning scenes of natural beauty. It is one of the top state parks in the area and is a beautifully developed green space with plenty of paths for cyclists and joggers. Because Annadel State Park is a nature reserve, you cannot bring your dog to this park, nor can you camp or barbecue. Motorized cycles (including e-bikes) are likewise prohibited. 

However, this is still a great place to go riding or walking on amazing nature trails, particularly in early May when the wildflowers are in full bloom, coating the park in a beautiful display of vibrant colors. You can also fish at Lake Ilsanjo, which is full of hardy black bass and blue gill. If you’re 16 or older, you will need a fishing license, but it’s well worth it as the catch in this lake can be as big as nine pounds. 

Children's Museum of Sonoma County

Education for kids should be both fun and enriching, and the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County knocks it out of the park with edutainment. Located mere minutes from downtown Santa Rosa, California, the Children’s Museum is a fun colorful place with plenty of novel exhibits designed to educate kids in fun and original ways. Current exhibits include Flavortown, where kids can get to play the chef in a cooking show kitchen complete with a “real” cafe, hot line, and prep table. Instead of serving their food to judges, the kids get to serve their creations to their parents. 

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery Ghost Tours 

Learn about the spookier parts of Santa Rosa and support an important historical landmark simultaneously with a rural cemetery ghost tour. The Santa Rosa cemetery is one of the oldest and spookiest places in Sonoma County. Established in 1854, the cemetery was once the main burial ground for the settlers of Santa Rosa, CA, but it eventually fell into disrepair as time forgot it. Fortunately, the cemetery has since been restored by a group of dedicated volunteers who now work to protect and maintain the site. 

They also provide guided ghost tours of the cemetery to raise funds and awareness. As you might expect, this old cemetery has many spooky tales to tell as it contains the victims of deadly earthquakes, drownings, mysterious deaths, and wars. Some people say the site is haunted, but there’s only one way to know for sure. Seeing is believing, as they say, but you might not believe what your eyes behold on this Santa Rosa ghost tour.

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7 Unforgettable Experiences In Santa Rosa, California

Published: February 26, 2024

by Melodie Martineau

Santa Rosa, California, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, is a captivating destination offering a myriad of unforgettable experiences. From its rich history and vibrant arts scene to its stunning natural landscapes and world-renowned culinary delights, Santa Rosa has something to enchant every visitor. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or culture aficionado, this diverse city has it all. In this article, we'll delve into seven unforgettable experiences that showcase the essence of Santa Rosa, inviting you to embark on a journey through its captivating tapestry of attractions. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to explore the charm and allure of Santa Rosa, where every moment is an opportunity to create lasting memories.

The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

Nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center pays homage to the creator of the beloved Peanuts comic strip. This iconic museum offers a captivating journey through the life and work of Charles M. Schulz, showcasing original comic strips, personal memorabilia, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang, gaining a deeper understanding of the creative genius behind these timeless characters.

Explore the Santa Rosa Creek Trail

The Santa Rosa Creek Trail provides a serene escape into nature, winding through picturesque landscapes and offering a tranquil setting for walking, jogging, or cycling. This scenic trail spans approximately 2.14 miles, meandering alongside the glistening waters of Santa Rosa Creek. Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a refreshing outdoor adventure, the Santa Rosa Creek Trail beckons with its natural beauty and rejuvenating ambiance.

Indulge in Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards

Santa Rosa stands as a gateway to the renowned wine regions of Sonoma County, inviting visitors to savor exquisite wine tasting experiences at local vineyards. From boutique wineries to sprawling estates, the region boasts a diverse array of tasting rooms where oenophiles can sample award-winning varietals amidst breathtaking vineyard landscapes. Embark on a wine tasting journey through Santa Rosa, savoring the finest vintages and discovering the artistry behind each bottle .

Discover the Beauty of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient redwood trees at the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. This majestic sanctuary offers a tranquil retreat, allowing visitors to wander beneath towering redwoods, some of which are over 1,400 years old. The serene ambiance and verdant surroundings create a captivating setting for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone seeking solace amidst the towering giants of the forest.

Unwind at the Russian River Brewing Company

For beer aficionados and casual enthusiasts alike, a visit to the Russian River Brewing Company promises a delightful experience. This acclaimed brewery is renowned for its exceptional craft beers, including the world-famous Pliny the Elder. Guests can savor a diverse selection of finely crafted brews while soaking in the laid-back ambiance of the taproom, making it an ideal destination for unwinding and savoring the vibrant craft beer culture of Santa Rosa.

Embrace Culinary Delights at the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market

The Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market offers a delectable exploration of local flavors, featuring an enticing array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet delights. Visitors can peruse the vibrant stalls, engaging with local farmers and artisans while sampling an assortment of farm-fresh fruits, organic vegetables, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted delicacies. This bustling market provides a feast for the senses, inviting guests to savor the rich culinary heritage of Santa Rosa.

Immerse Yourself in Art at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

Enrich your cultural experience in Santa Rosa by visiting the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, a dynamic hub of creativity and artistic expression. This renowned center hosts a diverse range of performances, exhibitions, and events, showcasing the talents of local and international artists. From captivating live performances to thought-provoking art installations, the center offers a vibrant tapestry of cultural experiences, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the captivating world of visual and performing arts.

This article is a comprehensive guide to the 7 Unforgettable Experiences in Santa Rosa, California , offering insights into the diverse array of attractions and activities that await visitors in this vibrant city. Whether exploring the legacy of Charles M. Schulz, savoring the flavors of local vineyards, or immersing oneself in the natural wonders of the region, Santa Rosa beckons with its rich tapestry of cultural, culinary, and outdoor adventures. With each experience offering a unique glimpse into the essence of Santa Rosa, visitors are sure to create lasting memories and discover the allure of this captivating California destination.

Santa Rosa, California, is a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences, offering something for everyone. From the serene beauty of the Russian River to the exhilarating adventures in the redwoods, this vibrant city is a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. The rich cultural tapestry, world-class wineries, and delectable culinary scene add layers of charm to this enchanting destination. Whether you're exploring the artistic legacy of Charles M. Schulz or savoring the farm-to-table delights, Santa Rosa promises an immersive and unforgettable journey. With its perfect blend of natural splendor and urban allure, Santa Rosa beckons visitors to create lasting memories and return for more.

Q: What are the must-visit attractions in Santa Rosa, California? A: Santa Rosa boasts a myriad of must-visit attractions, including the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Safari West, Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, and the stunning Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.

Q: What outdoor activities can I enjoy in Santa Rosa? A: Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in a plethora of activities, such as hiking in Annadel State Park, kayaking on the Russian River, cycling through scenic vineyards, and exploring the majestic redwoods in the nearby parks.

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List of Tourist Attractions in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, CA

Nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, California, Santa Rosa is a city that embodies the essence of California wine country. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and natural beauty, Santa Rosa is a hub of wine culture, outdoor adventures, and cultural delights. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the top tourist attractions that make Santa Rosa a captivating destination. From wine tasting and scenic parks to cultural venues and culinary delights, Santa Rosa offers a rich tapestry of experiences in the heart of Sonoma County.

Top Tourist Attractions in Santa Rosa, California

1. Sonoma County Wineries:

Embark on a wine tasting journey through the many wineries that dot the Santa Rosa region, where you can savor world-class wines.

2. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens:

Explore the former home and gardens of horticulturalist Luther Burbank, known for his contributions to agriculture.

3. Charles M. Schulz Museum:

Pay homage to the creator of the beloved Peanuts comic strip at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, filled with exhibits and memorabilia.

4. Annadel State Park:

Discover the natural beauty of Annadel State Park, offering hiking, biking, and equestrian trails amidst scenic landscapes.

5. Safari West:

Experience an African safari adventure right in California at Safari West, a wildlife preserve where you can observe exotic animals.

6. Railroad Square Historic District:

Stroll through the charming Railroad Square Historic District, known for its historic architecture, shops, and dining.

7. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts:

Enjoy performances, concerts, and cultural events at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts.

8. Spring Lake Regional Park:

Relax by the tranquil waters of Spring Lake Regional Park, ideal for picnics, swimming, and kayaking.

9. Russian River Brewing Company:

Savor craft beers at the Russian River Brewing Company, renowned for its Pliny the Elder and Pliny the Younger beers.

10. Pacific Coast Air Museum:

Get up close to vintage aircraft and aviation history at the Pacific Coast Air Museum.

For a more comprehensive info, please use Michi, our AI travel assistant. She will give you the most detailed information about the attraction, including places to stay and dine. You can also ask about other attractions not included in this list.

Santa Rosa, California, is a city where wine, nature, and culture come together to create an unforgettable destination in the heart of Sonoma County. Whether you're sipping on exquisite wines at local wineries, exploring the legacy of Luther Burbank, or enjoying the arts and outdoor adventures, Santa Rosa offers a diverse range of experiences. As you plan your visit, make sure to include these top 10 tourist attractions in your itinerary to fully appreciate the charm and allure of Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Prepare to be enchanted, inspired, and delighted by the treasures that await in this wine country gem.

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Mother Nature Does Her Best Work Here

Santa Rosa and Sonoma County are all about outdoors adventuring. Breathing in the fresh air and connecting with Mother Nature, Santa Rosa has outdoor recreation options that are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast looking to explore nature or simply taking a peaceful walk in a scenic setting. With an extensive trail system, 66 parks, 6 lakes, and easy access to the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods, one could spend a week exploring and still need more days!

Parks and Hiking

Known as the urban heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, Santa Rosa is a stone’s throw away from world-class hiking trails. Gorgeous parks dart the area around the city, providing easy access with stunning vistas and memorable natural experiences. For a list of some of our favorites, check out our hiking page .

Trione-Annadel State Park

Embark on a journey of natural wonder at Trione-Annadel State Park, a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this pristine park offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, rocky paths, and tranquil lakes. Hike through miles of scenic trails, where vibrant wildflowers bloom and ancient oaks provide shade. Discover the park's rich biodiversity as you encounter native wildlife such as deer, California newts, birds, and butterflies. Whether you're seeking adventure or serenity, Trione-Annadel State Park invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Northern California's wilderness.

The Active Outdoors

If connecting with Mother Nature and breathing fresh air means adrenalin-pumping activities then you have come to the right place. Not afraid of heights? Then zip line through the redwoods, take a hot air balloon ride, or skydive with a view of Sonoma County.

Two-wheelers can also get their heart pumping with mountain biking through Trione-Annadel State Park or road cyclists can take on the massive climb of the King Ridge ride. Check out our Cycling Page for more information.

Endurance athletes call Sonoma County home and if this is not your home, this is the place to train. With dozens of running and cycling events throughout Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is at the hub of it all. Enjoy annual events like the Annadel Half Marathon, IPA 10K, or Levi's GranFondo.

Vineyards, Wineries, and Gardens

Luther Burbank called Sonoma County, “the chosen spot of all the earth as far as nature is concerned”.

Our gardens are proof that he was right. Sonoma Botanical Garden is one of the continent's largest and most important collections of temperate-climate Asian plants. The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens share the history of the world-renowned horticulturist who loved and experimented with plants for most of his 50-year career.

If you think of wineries for just their vineyard views you would be wrong. Some of the most impressive gardens in the state of California are part of our Sonoma County wineries. Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens has the most stunning gardens you will ever walk through. You can also take a self-guided vineyard tour year-round at wineries like St. Francis Winery , Balletto Vineyards , or Paradise Ridge . Check out Sonoma Vineyard Adventures for more information.

Water Sports and The Pacific Coast

If you are drawn to water, Sonoma County has you covered. If you love fishing you can choose from a day on the Pacific Ocean fishing for salmon, rockfish, or halibut or maybe you prefer freshwater fishing along the Russian River or one of our many lakes.

Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular on the Russian River or go bioluminescent kayaking at sunset. You get to choose if you float down the river at a slow pace, enjoy a tour that takes in wildlife, or experts can burn calories with a more vigorous tour out on the ocean.

The rugged Sonoma Coast is the definition of beauty and views. Bodega Head offers stunning views, trails for beginners, and wildlife viewing from birds to whales and of course the barking seals. Take a drive along Highway 1 and choose your favorite cove or beach, pull in, relax, and just listen to the sound of crashing waves.

We all know camping is fun and allows us to connect with loved ones and nature. But that’s just the start. Did you also know that myriad health benefits result from being in the great outdoors? From positive impacts on physical and mental health to those tailor-made for children, there are benefits that ensure there’s even more reason for camping in and around Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.

Take for instance the KOA Petaluma Campground and RV Park, which offers sites from a tree-covered tenting area, large pull-thru RV sites, Rustic Camping Cabins, or full-service Wine Country Lodges.

Or for more adventurous, how about with an overnight stay "glamping" in a luxurious tent at Safari West . Imported from Botswana and customized on the property, each of their thirty tents sports a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom, polished hardwood floors, and because it’s camping, all the wildlife sounds of the Sonoma Serengeti!

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