Most likely, you’ve heard of Santa Rosa for its famous wine country in Sonoma County and its connection to Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, along with its Snoopy-themed landmarks.
However, Santa Rosa is more than just wine, comics, and history. There are plenty of fun things to do, whether you’re planning a day trip or a week-long itinerary. Here are 20 fun activities to explore in Santa Rosa, California.
Picture by Grape Things on Pexels
What Is There To Do In Santa Rosa California?
Explore wineries, visit the Charles Schulz Museum, hike in Annadel State Park, enjoy the Russian River, and check out the local farmers’ markets and arts scene. Here are some ideas of things you can do in Santa Rosa, California:
Explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, California, shares the life and legacy of cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, creator of Peanuts. See original comics, sketches, letters, and interactive exhibits. Explore how he made his art and shaped culture. Walk through interactive exhibits and view personal items. Next door is Snoopy’s Home Ice, where Schulz played hockey and drew his ideas.
BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kids 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.
Skate at Snoopy’s Home Ice
Charles Schulz founded Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa, CA, which is a beautiful ice rink surrounded by Peanuts decor. If you like to ice skate, this is the place for you. Open all year, it offers skating, hockey, and lessons for all ages. You can rent skates, sharpen blades, or visit the pro shop. It’s home to local figure skating and hockey clubs.
Find it at 1667 W Steele Ln. Check the schedule before you go.
Go on a Safari at Safari West
If you want an experience unlike any other zoo and feel what a safari is like, Safari West in Santa Rosa, California is the place to be. You will have an incredible experience, guided by staff passionate about animals.
It spans 400 acres and hosts more than 900 animals like giraffes, zebras, and cheetahs. Ride with guides in safari trucks to see and learn about these amazing animals. If you crave adventure, you can stay overnight in cozy tents for the full experience. There will be plenty of opportunities for photography, animal encounters, and educational experiences. This journey will bring you into the heart of Africa while helping protect its wildlife.
Safari West is open all year, with tours and packages to fit your plans. Book ahead to secure your spot. Photo by Hu Chen on Unsplash
Visit The Pacific Coast Air Museum
The Pacific Coast Air Museum is in Santa Rosa, California, near Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. It has over 35 aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom, the F-15 Eagle, and a Vietnam War Huey helicopter. Visitors can join tours, learn about aviation history, pilots, missions, and technology, and even sit in cockpits on special weekends.
Events held at the museum include the Wings Over Wine Country Air Show with aerial displays. It provides a hands-on experience with military and civilian aviation, making it engaging for all ages, including kids.
Aircraft at PCAM BrokenSphere, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kayak on Spring Lake’s Waters
Are you an adrenaline lover? Kayak on Spring Lake’s Waters in Santa Rosa is definitely a fun and breathtaking thing to do that you’re going to love.
Spring Lake is located in Santa Rosa, California, inside a 320-acre park. The 72-acre lake is great for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. You can rent kayaks there during the season, with single and tandem options. The calm water makes it easy to paddle. Beyond being fun, kayaking is the 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.
In addition, the trails circle the lake, ideal for walking, picnicking, biking, or spotting birds. As a wildlife area, it’s home to many birds and animals.
Visit Spring Lake for a quiet escape and enjoy the mix of nature and activities. Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash
Hike Armstrong Redwoods Trails
The Armstrong Woods State Park in Guerneville, close to Santa Rosa, has some of California’s oldest and tallest trees, such as the Parson Jones Tree (310 feet high) and the Coronel Armstrong Tree (more than 1400 years old).
Start your visit to Armstrong Redwoods by parking at the entrance and walking in. The main trail is a short, easy loop, while East Ridge and Pioneer trails offer longer walks and more views. The park is open year-round. Visit the Armstrong Redwoods visitor center to learn more about the ancient redwoods and connect with their history.
This reserve is part of Sonoma County’s parks and one of the top things to do near Santa Rosa, California. Photo by Tyke Jones on Unsplash
Sip Wine at The Best Santa Rosa Wineries
Santa Rosa lies in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, with over 495 wineries spread out and 18 unique appellations. With such variety, the million-dollar question is where should you go?
Visitors can start by exploring vineyards and wineries like Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate, Paradise Ridge, and Deloach Vineyards. Many offer tastings, tours, and workshops. Downtown, wine bars and tasting rooms also provide easy access to local flavors.
Nearby, the Russian River Valley specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Small-lot producers like Martinelli and Joseph Swan showcase the region’s craft.
Santa Rosa lies in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country. Photo by Donghun Shin on Unsplash
Start by deciding what type of experience you want. Perhaps a tasting tour or a short wine class? Be sure to book your reservation early. To make things easier, we’ve done the work to guide your search and help you decide.
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 kind staff.
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Coursey Graves Estate Winery: Ideal for celebrating a wedding anniversary or a weekend getaway, featuring private tours with a knowledgeable host.
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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.
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Paradise Ridge Winery: Combines great wine with art, featuring a friendly staff and an impressive sculpture park worth exploring.
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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.
Santa Rosa is part of California’s craft beer scene, with plenty of breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms to explore. So, it is a great place for beer lovers. Start at Russian River Brewing for Pliny the Elder or Younger, both are worth the hype. Third Street Aleworks is a laid-back place to grab a pint and some food.
If you like trying something different, check out Cooperage Brewing for small-batch experiments. HenHouse is perfect if you’re into fresh, hoppy beers, and Shady Oak Barrel House is a must for sour and barrel-aged fans. Many breweries are close by, so you can easily hit a few. Whether you’re in Sonoma County for a quick stop or a longer visit, the beer scene will keep you coming back.
Visit Shops at Railroad Square
Railroad Square is the most old-fashioned part of Downtown Santa Rosa, with a mix of local boutiques, restaurants, and services.
This historic spot is home to buildings from the early 1900s. You’ll find handmade goods like clothing, jewelry, art, and food. The area draws locals and tourists alike, with events like farmers’ markets and art shows. Railroad Square is a perfect plan for history and laying back.
Browse Farmers Markets Downtown
Santa Rosa’s farmers’ markets are a great place to shop and connect.
The Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Luther Burbank Center. You’ll find fresh produce, flowers, dairy, baked goods, and crafts from local farmers and artisans.
The Santa Rosa Downtown Market, open seasonally on Wednesdays, offers farm stands, food, and live music. These markets are where the community gathers to support small businesses and enjoy fresh, local goods. It’s a chance to explore and meet the people behind what you buy.
Photo by Missvain licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Some Tips for Visitors in Santa Rosa’s Farmers’ Markets:
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Check for events: On days with live music or special events, plan your visit around those activities to enjoy.
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Sample before you buy: Many vendors offer samples of fruits, cheeses, or baked goods. Take advantage of this to find your favorites before purchasing.
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Chat with vendors: Farmers’ markets are an excellent place to learn more about the food you’re buying. Don’t hesitate to ask about where the products come from or how they’re made.
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Get there early: To get the best selection of fresh produce and popular items, try to arrive when the market opens. Early hours often offer the most variety and fresh stock.
Ride Through Annadel State Park Trails
There are over 25 miles of bike trails across 5,000 acres in Annadel State Park in Sonoma County. Located in the heart of Santa Rosa, California, the park features a mix of rolling hills, dirt paths, lush forests, meadows, creeks, rocky trails, and peaceful lakes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll find trails that fit your level. Some of the most popular ones are Rough Go Trail, Lake Trail, and Channel Trail. As you explore, be prepared for changing weather and varied terrain.
You can visit Lake Ilsanjo to rest, and with parking available at several spots, the park is easy to access year-round. Just keep in mind that a California State Park parking permit is required.
Lake Ilsanjo in Annadel State Park Trails. Photo by harminder dhesi is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
Paddle at Lake Ralphine
Lake Ralphine, a 20-acre spot in Santa Rosa’s Howarth Park, invites you to relax and enjoy nature. You can rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes to get on the water. Paddle boats hold four, great for friends or family. Be sure to wear life jackets to ensure safety. Go fishing, and hiking, or bring your own non-motorized boat for a calm day outdoors.
The park has also picnic areas, walking trails, and lots of wildlife. It’s a top place for fishing, birdwatching, or just enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re local or visiting, it’s a simple, fun thing to do in Santa Rosa, California!
Play at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
At the Children’s Museum, kids can jump into fun activities that spark learning.
Let the younger ones explore science, art, and culture through hands-on exhibits. They can build, create, and solve problems in different themed areas like 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.
Whether it’s a group event or a family outing, there are plenty of fun and educational things to discover in this part of Santa Rosa. Schools can join in too with special tours and programs. The museum is all about learning while playing, no matter the age. Come explore, create, and learn together!
Drive Along the Sonoma Coast
Drive along the Sonoma Coast for out-of-this-world views of cliffs, beaches, and forests. The Sonoma Coast runs from Bodega Bay to the Mendocino border.
You’ll want to stop and capture the incredible moments along the way. From beaches to parks, hiking spots, birdwatching, and photography opportunities, there’s so much to see. Explore local towns like Guerneville or simply take in the view as you drive.
Wineries and vineyards line the way too, especially near the Russian River. No doubt, this is a place for nature lovers and outdoor adventures, with lots of things to see and do along the winding roads of Santa Rosa, California.
Hike Taylor Mountain Trails
Taylor Mountain in Sonoma County has easy access to hiking and cycling. The main trail is a 4-mile route to the top, with views of Sonoma Valley and nearby mountains. The park (1,100 acres) features forests, grasslands, and oak woodlands.
You can spot wildlife, enjoy a picnic, or run along the trails. It is open year-round, and parking is available (no permits needed).It’s a great spot to spend time outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty, one of the top things to do in Santa Rosa, California.
Climb Gunsight Rock Trail
The Gunsight Rock Trail in Zion National Park offers a 3.7-mile hike with stunning views of Zion Canyon. Starting at the Grotto Trailhead, the route winds up through switchbacks, rocky terrain, and desert shrubs. The summit will treat you to the best views of the canyon and surrounding rock formations.
The trail takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace, and is less crowded than others in the park. Be cautious of steep drops, and bring enough water, as there’s none along the trail.
Photo by David Singleton on Unsplash
Fly Over Vineyards in a Balloon
Take a hot air balloon ride over vineyards for a fresh view of the land. You will see rows of vines stretching across hills in neat patterns. This is a fun thing to do if you visit Santa Rosa, California. Take off in the morning for unique views of hills and the Pacific coast.
The ride lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and you’ll fly up to 1,000 feet. After landing, you might enjoy a toast with champagne. This peaceful experience is perfect for anyone wanting a new perspective of the land, with the chance to capture stunning photos—one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa.
Companies like Up & Away and Wine Country Balloons offer this type of guided balloon tours over vineyards.
Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash
Tour Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery
Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery, in California, has been around since 1854. But did you know it is ranked as one of the “creepiest” cemeteries in the US? It holds graves from the 1800s and early 1900s, including war veterans. The city offers a self-guided tour with maps available onsite or online, plus markers for key spots, like the grave of Julio Carrillo, one of the city’s founders.
As you walk the grounds, you’ll see monuments that tell the stories of early settlers, leaders, and business founders. A guided tour is also available to help you learn more about the people who shaped Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery. Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Bioluminescent Kayaking at the Russian River
Explore the Russian River at night with bioluminescent kayaking. Paddle through glowing waters as tiny organisms light up with every stroke.
You can choose how you want to explore. Float down the river at a relaxed pace, take in wildlife on a guided tour, or for a more active challenge, join a vigorous ocean tour and burn some calories. Whatever you pick, you’ll enjoy the outdoors in your own way.
This rare experience is best in warm months, with tours lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours. See nature’s light show up close and enjoy the river like never before.
Photo by tiagojoaoreis on Unsplash
Go Horseback Riding in Jack London State
Another fun thing to do in Santa Rosa, California is horseback riding. Ride through oak woodlands, meadows, and hills with views of the area. The park has trails for all levels, but check in at the visitor center for maps and trail info. You can also explore Jack London’s home and nearby ruins.
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. Horseback rides are popular at times, so booking in advance is a good idea.
Photo by Elisa Pitkänen on Unsplash
Discover Foodie Delights in the Downtown District
The Downtown District is a foodie paradise. The moment you walk in, the air is filled with the scents of amazing food from various restaurants. There are a few spots you can’t miss:
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Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room: Enjoy delightful plates made with seasonal products from local purveyors.
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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.
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Ausiello’s 5th Street Bar & Grill: It is one of the local favorites. With its familiar atmosphere, you will feel at home.
You can grab street food or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, with choices for every diet. From local favorites to international dishes, there’s always something new to try.
If you are interested in learning more about food culture, a foodie tour is a must-do thing to do in Santa Rosa, California. Here are some activities we highly recommend to make your foodie itinerary full of flavors.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Visit Sonoma County Museum
The Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa welcomes visitors to explore the area’s past and culture. It offers exhibits on local history, art, and Native American roots.
The museum showcases both art and historical pieces, with programs for all ages. You’ll find rotating shows, collections, and community events. Learn about Sonoma’s evolution through photos, artifacts, and more. Check out their website for the latest on exhibitions and events.
Explore Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is the historic place to honor the legacy of horticulturist Luther Burbank. He created over 800 plant varieties. The site includes his home, experimental gardens, and buildings linked to his work.
Explore an acre of gardens filled with plant varieties, like the Burbank potato, visit his historic greenhouse built in 1889, and step inside his Greek Revival home to learn more about his breeding techniques. It’s a must-visit thing to do in in Santa Rosa, CA for plant lovers and history enthusiasts.
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, Santa Rosa, CA, United States. Photo by Sara Stasi on Unsplash
Visit Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA offers concerts, comedy, theater, and dance, making it one of the top things to do in Santa Rosa. Its 1,600-seat theater hosts interesting events, while smaller rooms suit meetings and workshops. Schools use the venue for programs, and it’s a hub for fundraisers and exhibits.
Visitors praise its easy access, parking, cozy seating with great acoustic, and the onsite café. With its location near Highway 101, it draws audiences across the region. Tickets for big events go fast, so plan ahead to join the community at this popular place.
Best Events and Festivals in Santa Rosa California
Santa Rosa hosts festivals that connect people to its culture and businesses. The Luther Burbank Rose Parade brings floats, bands, and performances downtown each year. Schools, groups, and locals take part.
Wine events, like the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, offer tastings, tours, and contests, highlighting Sonoma County’s wine scene. Visitors suggest arriving early for the parade and buying wine event tickets in advance.
These events are a chance to enjoy Santa Rosa’s traditions and support local producers. Here is a list of the best events and festivals in the year:
| Month | Activities |
| January | Winter Wineland
Chowder Day Bodega Bay |
| February
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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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