Santa Rosa

With nearly 180,000 residents, this is Sonoma County’s largest commerce hub, but even so, Santa Rosa still feels pretty cozy. Its small-town heart prides itself on a rich agricultural heritage, burgeoning arts and brewpub scene, and two famous natives—a horticulturalist and a cartoonist.

Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Experience the city’s casual-warm vibe at the welcoming Railroad Square Historic District. Once the home of bootleggers and ladies of ill repute, the square now hosts 40-plus shops and eateries clustered around the restored 1903 Northwestern Pacific Railroad train depot. Every day the SMART train heads south to Marin County, but there are plenty of reasons to stay right here. Wander the square and admire Santa Rosa’s early 20th-century brick buildings, or, for a day of outdoor fun, head to Spring Lake Regional Park & Discovery Center, which has a lifeguard-equipped swimming lagoon and beach, plus boat rentals and paved running and cycling paths. 

Outdoor Fun in and Near Santa Rosa

A getaway here comes with access to a plethora of outdoor activities—everything from hiking, fishing, kayaking, and biking. Armstrong Redwoods State Park, for starters, is a must-visit for hikers. Wander through majestic redwoods, some towering over 300 feet; this natural sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat from the buzzing energy of the city. Avid bikers and hikers should know about two other destinations: Trione-Annadel State Park, which has 40 miles of trails that wind through rolling hills, lakes, and, depending on the time of year, swaths of wildflowers; and Taylor Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve, which boasts 7 miles of trails that reach altitudes of 1,000-plus feet, resulting in sweeping vistas of the city.

Looking to get out on the water? Head to the gentle Russian River, where kayaking and canoeing are a great way to take in Sonoma County’s lush landscapes. Fishing enthusiasts will also find the river a bountiful spot for catching a variety of fish. Cyclists, meanwhile, can put their miles in on the scenic Joe Rodota Trail, a paved path that runs from Santa Rosa to Sebastopol. 

Where to Eat in Santa Rosa

With its proximity to both the coast and excellent produce, it shouldn’t be a surprise that dining out in Santa Rosa is full of options. Pop in for the best of both worlds at Perch + Plow, savor old-school French cuisine at La Gare, or drop by Sushi Rosa for Japanese cuisine and a glimpse into a possible future as you’re served by the restaurant’s Sushi Robot. Steakhouse aficionados will be drawn to Stark’s Steak & Seafood, while coffee nerds can get their fix with a demitasse of Espresso No. 9 at Flying Goat Coffee. If Mexican food is high on your list, don't miss Mitote Food Park, an outdoor gathering of food trucks that sell mouthwatering flavors from Oaxaca, Jalisco, Michoacán, Yucatán and beyond from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. For more ideas on where to enjoy a meal in town, Visit Santa Rosa has some suggestions here.

Where to Stay in Santa Rosa

When it’s time to turn in for the night, have dinner and spend the night at the stately Hotel La Rose, built by Italian stonemasons in 1907. Another lodging option of note is entrepreneur and chef Liza Hinman’s Astro Motel, an aging building that she has transformed an ultra-hip, mid-century modern inn. A short stroll away is The Astro’s sister endeavor Spinster Sisters restaurant, where nightly specials may include eggplant croquettes, roasted bone marrow, and Moroccan-style carrots.

Santa Rosa Shopping

Browse through vintage dresses, hats, and period costumes at Hot Couture; for more casual thrift and vintage wear, check out Holee Vintage. Get nostalgic while perusing the selection of vintage toys, magazines, and postcards, or just marvel at delicate china teacups perfect for pinky-lifting at Whistlestop Antiques. Dive into a tome from Treehorn Books, or pick up something crafted by a local artisan at Positively 4th Street. If you’re into thrift stores where you never know what you’ll run across, be sure to check out Harry’s Secondhand Furniture & Antiques Warehouse.

The Arts and Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Santa Rosa

If kids are part of your traveling crew, Santa Rosa has a lot to offer. The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County will entertain wee ones for hours with its interactive exhibits and activities that are both educational and fun. For outdoor play, the 138-acre Howarth Park on the city’s east side offers train rides, a petting farmyard, and a carousel, plus water activities like stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. 

Indoor attractions for kids include the Poppy Bank Epicenter, a sprawling, high-tech indoor action park that has a trampoline Sky Zone, laser tag, virtual reality arena, a Dark Ride 7D Interactive Movie Experience, and more. Older kids up for a challenge will get a workout at Session, a state-of-the-art climbing (and yoga and fitness) facility, or spend an afternoon ice-skating at Snoopy’s Home Ice, an indoor ice rink that offers lessons and fun events, especially during the holidays Those with an artistic bent should spend some time at the city’s under-the-radar SOFA arts district (South A Street), a fashionable home for creative types. The Santa Rosa Arts Center and neighboring art studios sponsor events, classes, and concerts.

Visit the Homes of Famous Santa Rosans

All around town, you’ll notice larger-than-life statues of Snoopy, often accompanied by Charlie Brown, Woodstock, and Lucy. Cartoonist Charles Schulz lived and worked in Santa Rosa from 1969 until his death in 2000, claiming Sonoma County as an inspiration for his iconic Peanuts comic strip. At the Charles M. Schulz Museum, visit a re-creation of the artist’s studio to see his sketches, then head next door to the aforementioned Snoopy’s Home Ice rink to practice your figure 8’s. A few blocks from downtown, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens honors the self-taught horticulturist Burbank, who took advantage of Sonoma County’s rich soil to develop the Shasta daisy and Santa Rosa plum. Take a home or garden tour and visit the Carriage House Museum at this registered National and State Historic Landmark.

Breweries and Tasting Rooms in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa’s craft beer culture thrives at Iron Ox Brewing Company, Third Street Aleworks, Fogbelt Brewing Company, and Russian River Brewing Company, where innovative brewing methods are creating some of California’s most coveted beers, like the triple IPA Pliny the Younger. To discover more, get a Santa Rosa Beer Passport—check in with it at participating breweries to accumulate points that you can redeem for prizes. And you can’t forget you’re in wine country—tasting rooms are located right in the city’s heart. Santa Rosa Vintners Square makes sipping-and-sampling neighbors out of wineries such as D’Argenzio Winery and Topping & Legnon Winery, all enjoying a lovely, terrazzo-like outdoor setting.

California Welcome Center – Santa Rosa

If you’d like to pick the brain of a few highly knowledgeable locals before exploring the city, pay a visit to the Santa Rosa California Welcome Center located just off Highway 101 in the Railroad Square Historical District. It’s housed in a restored 1904 train depot and is an important resource both for travelers and the community. After getting tips from the helpful staff, browse railroad artifacts and interactive displays.