Nestled in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, the city of Santa Rosa offers a lot of attractions and things to do to have an unforgettable experience.
From scenic parks and historic sites to world-class wineries and eclectic shops, here are ten fun things you won’t want to miss while in this charming city.
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Santa Rosa is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of culinary delights, outdoor exploration, family-friendly attractions, history, and culture. This city promises to inspire and captivate your senses.
Explore Santa Rosa Wineries
Sonoma County boasts over 495 wineries across 18 unique appellations. With this variety, the million-dollar question is where should you go?
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Our first advice is to determine the type of experience you seek, whether it’s a tasting tour or a brief wine education class. It’s crucial to book your reservations in advance to secure your spot. To assist you in your search and decision-making process, we’ve done the groundwork for you.
Top 5 Wineries to Visit in Sonoma Country
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St. Francis Winery and Vineyards: Offers private tours and tastings of Cabernet and Zinfandel wines at reasonable prices, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
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Coursey Graves Estate Winery: Ideal for celebrating special occasions, featuring private tours with a knowledgeable host.
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Matanzas Creek Winery: Known for its stunning lavender gardens and delightful tasting experiences.
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Paradise Ridge Winery: Combines wine with art, featuring an impressive sculpture park.
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Hook and Ladder Winery: Highly recommended for wine tasting, with beautiful grounds to relax and enjoy.
Outdoor Activities in Santa Rosa
Hiking Trails and Nature Parks
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Santa Rosa boasts gorgeous parks and world-class hiking trails that offer breathtaking views and memorable natural experiences. Here are some of the best trails:
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Taylor Mountain Regional Park-Western Route: Great for beginners and families, offering beautiful views of Santa Rosa.
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Armstrong Woods State Park: Home to towering redwoods including the Parson Jones Tree and the Coronel Armstrong Tree.
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Hood Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve - Gunsight Rock: A challenging trail with stunning views of Sonoma County.
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Trione-Annadel State Park: Offers diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Experience Hot Air Balloon Rides
A must-do activity in Santa Rosa is enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards, offering a magical and serene experience.
Fun Family-Friendly Attractions
Santa Rosa offers a diverse array of fun family-friendly attractions, perfect for teenagers:
Charles M. Schulz Museum
Explore the life and legacy of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz through interactive exhibits, original artwork, and immersive experiences. Teens can delve into Schulz’s creative process, view rare comic strips, and even try their hand at drawing their favorite characters. A must-visit destination for families seeking quality time together.
Wildlife Safari Adventure
Embark on a unique zoo experience with a wildlife safari adventure. Enjoy guided tours by passionate staff, offering opportunities for photography, animal encounters, and educational experiences that provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa.
Best Events and Festivals
No matter when you visit Santa Rosa, there’s always something exciting happening. Here’s a list of the best events and festivals throughout the year:
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Winter Wineland, Chowder Day Bodega Bay |
| February | Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival, Sonoma Country Restaurant Week |
| March | Wine Road Barrel Tasting, California Artisan Cheese Festival, Sonoma International Film Festival |
| April | Alexander Valley Film Festival, Passport to Dry Creek Valley, Apple Blossom Festival and Parade |
| May | Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival, Castles & Kites |
| June | Taste of Sonoma, Country Summer Music Festival |
| July | All American Zin Day, Red, White, and Boom!, Wine and Dixieland Jazz Festival |
| August | Gravenstein Apple Fair, Bodega Seafood, Art, and Wine Festival, Art in the Redwoods Festival |
| September | National Heirloom Exposition, Old Grove Festival, Sonoma Country Wine Auction |
| October | Sonoma Country Harvest Festival, Pinot on the River, Healdsburg Crush |
| November | Wine & Food Affair |
| December | Luther Burbank Holiday Open House |
These events and festivals offer a diverse range of activities and experiences year-round in Santa Rosa. For more information, you can visit the official site for Santa Rosa events.
Culinary Delights
Santa Rosa is a foodie paradise, renowned for its authentic and vibrant food culture. The Downtown District welcomes you with the enticing aromas of numerous restaurants. Here are some must-visit spots for an unforgettable dining experience:
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Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room
Enjoy delightful plates made with seasonal products from local purveyors.
La Rosa Tequileria & Grille
This restaurant blends traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary Latin influences. Indulge in their famous dishes like Scallops and Chorizo Ceviche or Ancho Chile Salmon. La Rosa Tequileria & Grille is also perfect for large groups of friends.
###Ausiello’s 5th Street Bar & Grill
A local favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere where you’ll feel right at home.
Explore Santa Rosa’s Food Culture
If you’re interested in diving deeper into Santa Rosa’s vibrant food culture, consider these enriching activities to enhance your foodie itinerary:
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Request A Table Near The Farm
Santa Rosa is the epicenter of California’s food and wine scene. Enjoy delicious farm-to-table cuisine and immerse yourself in the Santa Rosa lifestyle.
The California Cheese Trail
Embark on the California Cheese Trail to connect with Santa Rosa cheesemakers. Discover tours, cheesemaking classes, and cheese events throughout Sonoma County.
Coffee and Dessert
Santa Rosa boasts a thriving coffee culture with more local coffee shops than Starbucks. Explore the diverse offerings from coffee and tea to delectable desserts like cupcakes, macarons, and ice cream. Downtown Santa Rosa is a hub for sweet lovers, featuring popular spots like Sift Dessert Bar or Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar.
Take a Cooking Class
Enhance your culinary skills at Santa Rosa Junior College and Bakery’s renowned culinary art program. You can also participate in cooking classes at other locations such as Relish Culinary Adventures or Ramekins.
Cultural and Historical Sites
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Santa Rosa offers a wealth of museums and historical landmarks that enrich any visit to California:
Museum of Sonoma County
Located in Downtown Santa Rosa, this museum invites visitors to explore regional history and contemporary art. Housed in the historic 1910 post office, a National Register of Historic Places landmark since 1985.
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
Honoring the legacy of horticulturist Luther Burbank, known for introducing over 800 plant varieties. The site includes an acre of gardens showcasing his creations, a beautiful greenhouse from 1889, and his Greek Revival home. Ideal for horticulture enthusiasts and those curious about Burbank’s contributions.
Snoopy’s Home Ice
Founded by Charles Schulz, this charming arena is adorned with Peanuts-themed decor. Perfect for ice skating enthusiasts—rent skates or bring your own for a memorable experience, rain or shine.
Railroad Square Historic District
Located in Downtown Santa Rosa, this district exudes old-fashioned charm with its array of restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques. A nostalgic stroll through history.
Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
Ranked among the “creepiest” cemeteries in the US, this cemetery offers an intriguing self-guided tour experience. Maps are available onsite or online, highlighting notable graves like that of Julio Carrillo, one of the city’s founders.
Exciting Adventure Activities
Santa Rosa offers adrenaline lovers a variety of exciting and breathtaking activities:
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Kayaking and Canoeing
Explore the Russian River with kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Experience bioluminescent kayaking at sunset or join tours for wildlife sightings. The Regional Parks River Shuttle offers a convenient loop from Tom Schopflin Fields in Santa Rosa to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville.
Zipline Adventures
Enjoy panoramic forest views with thrilling zipline adventures suitable for families and individuals of all ages.
Horseback Riding in Wine Country
Discover scenic trails for horseback riding across dunes, along beaches, and through hills with spectacular coastal views. Enjoy guided rides in Jack London State Historic Park, explore old-growth forests in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, or traverse trails in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
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Stay Connected with Yoho Mobile in Santa Rosa
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Visit Yoho Mobile’s website for the best eSIM in the United States of America.