Nestled in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, Santa Rosa has many attractions and things to do for a memorable experience. From scenic parks and historic sites to world-class wineries and eclectic shops, here are 20 fun activities to explore in this city.

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What Is There To Do In Santa Rosa California?

Explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum

This captivating museum celebrates the life and legacy of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz through interactive exhibits, original artwork, and immersive experiences. Teens can explore Schulz's creative process, admire rare comic strips, and even try their hand at drawing their favorite characters. It's a must-visit destination for family activities.

 

Go on a Safari at Safari West

If you want to have an experience unlike any other zoo and feel what a safari is like, this is the place to be. You will have an incredible experience, guided by staff who are passionate about animals.

With opportunities for photography, animal encounters, and educational experiences, this activity offers a fun and unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa.

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Kayak on Spring Lake's Waters

Are you an adrenaline lover? Santa Rosa offers some fun and breathtaking activities you're going to love.

Kayaking is not only fun but also the best and cheapest way to travel in Santa Rosa, California. The Regional Parks River Shuttle travels a loop from Tom Schopflin Fields, 4351 Old Redwood Hwy., in Santa Rosa to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville.

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Skate at Snoopy’s Home Ice

Snoopy's Home Ice was founded by Charles Schulz, it is a beautiful arena surrounded by Peanuts decor. If you like to ice skate, this is the place for you. Rent skates or bring your own, you won't regret it, and it is a great place to go when the weather is bad.

 

Hike Armstrong Redwoods Trails

In the Armstrong Woods State Park, you will see some of the tallest and oldest trees remaining in this part of California, such as the Parson Jones Tree (310 feet high) and the Coronel Armstrong Tree (more than 1400 years old). In addition, the best way to experience the dramatic effect of the towering redwoods is to park the car in the lot at the park entrance and walk in.

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Sip Wine at The Best Santa Rosa Wineries

Sonoma Country wineries are amazing, it has over 495 wineries spread out and over 18 unique appellations. With this variety, the million-dollar question is where should you go?

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Our first advice is to figure out what type of experience you are looking for. It could be a tour tasting or a short class of wine education. The important thing is that you need to book your reservation in advance. To help you with the search and the decision-making process, we bring you the task done.

Top 5 Wineries to Visit in Sonoma Country

1. St. Francis Winery and Vineyards: Offers private tours and tastings of Cabernet and Zinfandel wines at reasonable prices, with friendly and kind staff.

2. Coursey Graves Estate Winery: Ideal for celebrating a wedding anniversary or a weekend getaway, featuring private tours with a knowledgeable host.

3. Matanzas Creek Winery: Known for its stunning lavender gardens, this winery offers a delightful tasting experience and friendly staff, especially beautiful in late June and July.

4. Paradise Ridge Winery: Combines great wine with art, featuring a friendly staff and an impressive sculpture park worth exploring.

5. Hook and Ladder Winery: A highly recommended spot in Santa Rosa, California for wine tasting, with beautiful grounds to relax and enjoy wine and snacks.

 

Try Craft Beers at Russian River Brewing, in Santa Rosa, famous for its craft beers, like the legendary Pliny the Elder and limited Pliny the Younger. A leader in the craft beer world, it serves IPAs, lagers, and sours. Visitors enjoy brews with pub food, and Pliny the Younger’s release draws huge crowds yearly.

 

Visit Shops at Railroad Square

Railroad Square Historic District is the most old-fashioned part of Downtown Santa Rosa. with unique shops, restaurants, and art galleries. Visitors can enjoy boutique shopping, local coffee, wine tastings, and great architecture, including a restored train depot. Railroad Square is a perfect spot for history and laying back.

 

Browse Farmers Markets Downtown

The Santa Rosa Downtown Market, running May to August at Courthouse Square, is a fun weekly event. It offers fresh produce, handmade goods, live performances, and food stalls. With activities like a playground and chess for kids, plus bike valet parking, it’s fun for all ages.

 

Ride Through Annadel State Park Trails

Trione-Annadel State Park is a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa, California. With over 5000 acres, this park offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, rocky paths, and tranquil lakes. If you hike in this park, you will discover a rich biodiversity as you encounter native wildlife.

 

Paddle at Lake Ralphine

Lake Ralphine in Howarth Park, Santa Rosa, is perfect for boating fun. Rent paddle boats, kayaks, or canoes for $8–$12 per hour. Paddle boats hold four, great for friends or family. Be sure to wear life jackets to ensure safety. Enjoy fishing, and hiking, or bring your own non-motorized boat for a calm day outdoors!

 

Play at the Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, California offers fun, hands-on exhibits for kids 10 and under. Explore STEAM-focused areas like TOTopia for toddlers, the Science Lab, or Space Odyssey. Outdoor spots like Mary’s Garden and the Little Russian River spark creativity with nature and sensory play.

 

Drive Along the Sonoma Coast

Drive along the Sonoma Coast for out-of-this-world ocean views, rugged cliffs, and amazing stops. Start at Bodega Bay, known for seafood and birdwatching. Then. head north to Sonoma Coast State Park’s beaches and tide pools. You can also visit Goat Rock Beach for seals, then end in Jenner for kayaking or whale watching.

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Hike Taylor Mountain Trails

Santa Rosa has gorgeous parks and a variety of hiking trails, ideal for tourists looking for unique views and outdoor experiences. Taylor Mountain Regional Park-Western Route is a great option for beginners and families looking to hike in the area. This trail is easy to hike and also offers a beautiful view of Santa Rosa, California

 

Climb Gunsight Rock Trail

Gunsight Rock in Hood Mountain Park is a tough but thrilling 4-hour hike. The 7.9-mile trail climbs 2,372 feet, with steep and rocky sections. At the top, you'll be treated to the best views of Sonoma Country and Napa Valleys. Start from the Pythian Road lot (small fee). Perfect for adventure lovers!

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Fly Over Vineyards in a Balloon

Soar above Sonoma County’s vineyards in a hot air balloon! This is a must-do fun activity if you visit Santa Rosa, California. Take off in the morning for unique views of hills and the Pacific coast.

With companies like Up & Away and Wine Country Balloons, enjoy guided tours that often end with a champagne toast or brunch. Enjoy the magical experience of a smooth and quite lovely floating over the vineyard.

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Tour Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery

Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery is ranked as one of the "creepiest" cemeteries in the US, it is an interesting place to explore. The city created a full self-guided tour, with maps available at the cemetery or online, plus markers for significant sports like Julio Carrillo's grave, one of the founders of the city.

 

Bioluminescent Kayaking at the Russian River

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.

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Go Horseback Riding in Jack London State

Another fun adventure in Santa Rosa, California is horseback riding in Wine Country. Take a guided horseback ride in Jack London State Historic Park, or ride your horse on the trails through the giant, old-growth forest of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, or in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

There are many opportunities to ride over the dunes and along the beach, while other trails go up into the hills for spectacular views of the coast.

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Discover Foodie Delights in the Downtown District

In a few words, Santa Rosa is a foodie paradise, with authentic food culture. As soon as you step into the Downtown District, you will be enveloped by the smells of gastronomic delights of many restaurants. There are some of them you must visit to have an excellent dining experience.

• Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room: Enjoy delightful plates made with seasonal products from local purveyors.
• La Rosa Tequileria & Grille: This restaurant mixes traditional Mexican flavors with contemporary Latin flavors. Some of their famous plates are Scallops and Chorizo Ceviche or Ancho Chile Salmon. In addition, one of the best things about this place is that you can come with all your group of friends, they can fit large groups in the restaurant.
• Ausiello's 5th Street Bar & Grill: It is one of the local favorites. With its familiar atmosphere, you will feel at home.

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If you are interested in learning more about food culture, a foodie tour is a must-do activity in Santa Rosa, California. Here are some activities we highly recommend to make your foodie itinerary full of flavors.

Reserve a Farm-to-Table Experience in Santa Rosa: Santa Rosa is the epicenter of California’s food and wine scene. Enjoy delicious plates of farm-to-table cuisine. Eat like the Santa Rosa lifestyle!

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Explore the California Cheese Trail in Sonoma County: On this trail, you can connect with Santa Rosa cheesemakers and their tours, cheesemaking classes, and cheese events throughout Sonoma County.

Discover Local Coffee Shops and Sweet Treats Downtown: Santa Rosa has more local coffee shops than Starbucks. Enjoy the coffee culture of Santa Rosa, check its page all about coffee and tea. Or if you prefer desserts like cupcakes, macarons, or ice cream, Downtown Santa Rosa is your place, you can find stores like Sift Dessert Bar or Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar. In general, they are highly recommended for sugar and sweets lovers.

Learn Culinary Arts: Improve your cooking skills at the renowned culinary art program at Santa Rosa Junior College and Bakery. You can also take your cooking class at locations like Relish Culinary Adventures or Ramekins.

 

This is a city full of museums and historical landmarks you can enjoy on your visit. Here are some fun stuff to do in Santa Rosa, California.

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Visit the Museum of Sonoma County

Located in Downtown Santa Rosa, this museum welcomes visitors to experience regional history and contemporary art. It opened its doors in 1985 housed in the historic 1910 post office, a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

Explore Luther Burbank Home and Gardens

It honors the work of famed horticulturist Luther Burbank, who introduced over 800 new plant varieties The site includes an acre of gardens with many of the naturalist's creations, a beautiful greenhouse he built in 1889, and his Greek Revival home. Certainly, it would be a fun and educative experience for those interested in learning more about horticulture or for those who just want to learn a little more about this place.

 

Best Events and Festivals in Santa Rosa California

No matter the day you visit this city, Santa Rosa always has something to surprise you. Here is a list of the best events and festivals in 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 Internacional 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 RiverHealdsburg Crush
November	Wine & Food Affair
December	Luther Burbank Holiday Open House

These are some of the best events and festivals of the year. If you want to learn more about it, you can check this site.

 

 

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