Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County, California, and fifth largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city functions as a jumping off point for those that want to visit the wine country in Napa Valley, or driving out to the beautiful coastal highways and parks.
Santa Rosa's history is rich in culture and many different groups have called the area their home. Pomo, Miwok, and Wappo Indians originally populated the area followed by the Spanish in the early 1800s. The first deeded land was held as the Rancho Cabeza de Santa Rosa and was given to Senora Maria Ignacia Lopez de Carrillo by Spanish authorities.
In 1867, the county recognized Santa Rosa as an incorporated city and in 1868 the state officially confirmed the incorporation, making it officially the third incorporated city in Sonoma County, after Petaluma, incorporated in 1858, and Healdsburg, incorporated in 1867.
The city continued to grow when other early population centers declined or stagnated, but by 1900 it had been, or was being, overtaken by many other newer population centers in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California. According to a 1905 article in the Press Democrat newspaper reporting on the Battle of the Trains, the city had just over 10,000 people at the time.
The April 18, 1906 San Francisco Earthquake essentially destroyed the entire downtown, but the city's population did not greatly suffer. However, after that period the population growth of Santa Rosa, as with most of the area, was very slow.
In 1943, Alfred Hitchcock filmed his thriller, Shadow of Doubt in Santa Rosa. He would continue to use Santa Rosa, and later Bodega Bay in many of his films. Thanks to this, Santa Rosa became, and continues to be a major hub in the Bay Area for numerous movies.
- Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Ln, +1 707 579-4452. Celebrating Mr. Schulz's world-famous creation: the Peanuts comic strip.
- 6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th St, +1 707 523-4185. A state-of-the-art professional theatre facility, home of the Santa Rosa Players and the Actors Theatre, located in downtown's historic Railroad Square District. The 2005/2006 season features eight shows: 4 musicals by the Santa Rosa Players and 4 contemporary plays by the Actors Theatre.
- Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Rd, +1 707 579-2551. A 400 acre wildlife preserve that is home to over 400 mammals and birds.
- Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, +1 707 524-5445. The historic Burbank home property was given to the City of Santa Rosa by Burbank's widow, Elizabeth, upon her death in 1977. The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens Board and City staff cooperatively oversee and maintain the property. The gardens contain a rose garden, and medicinal garden. The site is open to the public and its programs are staffed by volunteers. Free to visit, but there is an additional cost for docent-led tours.
- Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th St, +1 707-579-1500. The Sonoma County Museum is in the former U.S. Post Office and federal building, completed in 1910, one of the oldest surviving federal buildings in the state and a premier example of federal architecture from the era. It is located in downtown Santa Rosa one block west of B Street, north of the downtown shopping mall, the Santa Rosa Plaza. It has a collection of works relating to the artist Cristo and has rotating displays on art, culture, and local history, including such displays as the works of Ansel Adams and the history of mapping the California Coast.
Charles M. Schulz Museum, 2301 Hardies Ln, +1 707 579-4452. Celebrating Mr. Schulz's world-famous creation: the Peanuts comic strip.
6th Street Playhouse, 52 West 6th St, +1 707 523-4185. A state-of-the-art professional theatre facility, home of the Santa Rosa Players and the Actors Theatre, located in downtown's historic Railroad Square District. The 2005/2006 season features eight shows: 4 musicals by the Santa Rosa Players and 4 contemporary plays by the Actors Theatre.
Safari West, 3115 Porter Creek Rd, +1 707 579-2551. A 400 acre wildlife preserve that is home to over 400 mammals and birds.
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, +1 707 524-5445. The historic Burbank home property was given to the City of Santa Rosa by Burbank's widow, Elizabeth, upon her death in 1977. The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens Board and City staff cooperatively oversee and maintain the property. The gardens contain a rose garden, and medicinal garden. The site is open to the public and its programs are staffed by volunteers. Free to visit, but there is an additional cost for docent-led tours.
Sonoma County Museum, 425 7th St, +1 707-579-1500. The Sonoma County Museum is in the former U.S. Post Office and federal building, completed in 1910, one of the oldest surviving federal buildings in the state and a premier example of federal architecture from the era. It is located in downtown Santa Rosa one block west of B Street, north of the downtown shopping mall, the Santa Rosa Plaza. It has a collection of works relating to the artist Cristo and has rotating displays on art, culture, and local history, including such displays as the works of Ansel Adams and the history of mapping the California Coast.
- Visit some nearby wineries. Santa Rosa sits in the center of the famous Sonoma Wine Country and has nearly 200 wineries to choose from.
- Play golf. With 16 golf courses in the county, you're bound to find one that suits your tastes.
- Redwood Empire Ice Arena. This well-known ice rink also known as "Snoopy's Home Ice" features Snoopy and the gang and was once owned by none other than Charles M. Schulz himself. It is located just across Hardies Lane from the Schulz museum.
- Hike the county and state parks. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short and long hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort. Parks include:
- Howarth Park (city). A family park with jungle gym, rope climbing structure, and large picnic area. In the summer, kids love the miniature railroad, pony rides, and small carousel, and refreshments are available at a little stand. Tennis courts and softball diamond can be found somewhat separated from the larger picnic area, and a hiking trail behind them is very little-known.
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd (Campground and boat launch at South Entrance, 5585 Newanga Ave, +1 707 539-8092. 7AM-Sunset. Between Howarth Park and Annadel lies Spring Lake Park, easily accessible from either one. A paved biking and walking trail encircles Spring Lake, and dozens of smaller side paths range from cool and shady lakeside areas to hot and dry gravel trails. The swimming lagoon and dining area were refurbished and reopened in 2015. Parking ̩$7.
- Annadel State Park. A true treasure of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park deserves much praise for its incredible scenery and amazing hiking trails. The park is a favorite year-round for hikes of any length, affording stunning views from the peaks. Sonoma County locals will be only too happy to recommend their favorite routes.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Visit some nearby wineries. Santa Rosa sits in the center of the famous Sonoma Wine Country and has nearly 200 wineries to choose from.
Play golf. With 16 golf courses in the county, you're bound to find one that suits your tastes.
Redwood Empire Ice Arena. This well-known ice rink also known as "Snoopy's Home Ice" features Snoopy and the gang and was once owned by none other than Charles M. Schulz himself. It is located just across Hardies Lane from the Schulz museum.
Hike the county and state parks. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short and long hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort. Parks include:
- Howarth Park (city). A family park with jungle gym, rope climbing structure, and large picnic area. In the summer, kids love the miniature railroad, pony rides, and small carousel, and refreshments are available at a little stand. Tennis courts and softball diamond can be found somewhat separated from the larger picnic area, and a hiking trail behind them is very little-known.
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd (Campground and boat launch at South Entrance, 5585 Newanga Ave, +1 707 539-8092. 7AM-Sunset. Between Howarth Park and Annadel lies Spring Lake Park, easily accessible from either one. A paved biking and walking trail encircles Spring Lake, and dozens of smaller side paths range from cool and shady lakeside areas to hot and dry gravel trails. The swimming lagoon and dining area were refurbished and reopened in 2015. Parking ̩$7.
- Annadel State Park. A true treasure of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park deserves much praise for its incredible scenery and amazing hiking trails. The park is a favorite year-round for hikes of any length, affording stunning views from the peaks. Sonoma County locals will be only too happy to recommend their favorite routes.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Hike the county and state parks. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short and long hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort. Parks include:
- Howarth Park (city). A family park with jungle gym, rope climbing structure, and large picnic area. In the summer, kids love the miniature railroad, pony rides, and small carousel, and refreshments are available at a little stand. Tennis courts and softball diamond can be found somewhat separated from the larger picnic area, and a hiking trail behind them is very little-known.
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd (Campground and boat launch at South Entrance, 5585 Newanga Ave, +1 707 539-8092. 7AM-Sunset. Between Howarth Park and Annadel lies Spring Lake Park, easily accessible from either one. A paved biking and walking trail encircles Spring Lake, and dozens of smaller side paths range from cool and shady lakeside areas to hot and dry gravel trails. The swimming lagoon and dining area were refurbished and reopened in 2015. Parking ̩$7.
- Annadel State Park. A true treasure of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park deserves much praise for its incredible scenery and amazing hiking trails. The park is a favorite year-round for hikes of any length, affording stunning views from the peaks. Sonoma County locals will be only too happy to recommend their favorite routes.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Hike the county and state parks. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short and long hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort. Parks include:
- Howarth Park (city). A family park with jungle gym, rope climbing structure, and large picnic area. In the summer, kids love the miniature railroad, pony rides, and small carousel, and refreshments are available at a little stand. Tennis courts and softball diamond can be found somewhat separated from the larger picnic area, and a hiking trail behind them is very little-known.
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd (Campground and boat launch at South Entrance, 5585 Newanga Ave, +1 707 539-8092. 7AM-Sunset. Between Howarth Park and Annadel lies Spring Lake Park, easily accessible from either one. A paved biking and walking trail encircles Spring Lake, and dozens of smaller side paths range from cool and shady lakeside areas to hot and dry gravel trails. The swimming lagoon and dining area were refurbished and reopened in 2015. Parking ̩$7.
- Annadel State Park. A true treasure of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park deserves much praise for its incredible scenery and amazing hiking trails. The park is a favorite year-round for hikes of any length, affording stunning views from the peaks. Sonoma County locals will be only too happy to recommend their favorite routes.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Hike the county and state parks. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short and long hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort. Parks include:
- Howarth Park (city). A family park with jungle gym, rope climbing structure, and large picnic area. In the summer, kids love the miniature railroad, pony rides, and small carousel, and refreshments are available at a little stand. Tennis courts and softball diamond can be found somewhat separated from the larger picnic area, and a hiking trail behind them is very little-known.
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd (Campground and boat launch at South Entrance, 5585 Newanga Ave, +1 707 539-8092. 7AM-Sunset. Between Howarth Park and Annadel lies Spring Lake Park, easily accessible from either one. A paved biking and walking trail encircles Spring Lake, and dozens of smaller side paths range from cool and shady lakeside areas to hot and dry gravel trails. The swimming lagoon and dining area were refurbished and reopened in 2015. Parking ̩$7.
- Annadel State Park. A true treasure of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park deserves much praise for its incredible scenery and amazing hiking trails. The park is a favorite year-round for hikes of any length, affording stunning views from the peaks. Sonoma County locals will be only too happy to recommend their favorite routes.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Hike the county and state parks. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short and long hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort. Parks include:
- Howarth Park (city). A family park with jungle gym, rope climbing structure, and large picnic area. In the summer, kids love the miniature railroad, pony rides, and small carousel, and refreshments are available at a little stand. Tennis courts and softball diamond can be found somewhat separated from the larger picnic area, and a hiking trail behind them is very little-known.
- Spring Lake Regional Park, 393 Violetti Rd (Campground and boat launch at South Entrance, 5585 Newanga Ave, +1 707 539-8092. 7AM-Sunset. Between Howarth Park and Annadel lies Spring Lake Park, easily accessible from either one. A paved biking and walking trail encircles Spring Lake, and dozens of smaller side paths range from cool and shady lakeside areas to hot and dry gravel trails. The swimming lagoon and dining area were refurbished and reopened in 2015. Parking ̩$7.
- Annadel State Park. A true treasure of Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park deserves much praise for its incredible scenery and amazing hiking trails. The park is a favorite year-round for hikes of any length, affording stunning views from the peaks. Sonoma County locals will be only too happy to recommend their favorite routes.
- Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
- Santa Rosa Plaza, 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, +1 707 544-7467. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Macy's, Forever 21, J. Crew, Apple, and 100 or so more stores and kiosks in a two-story indoor mall
- Coddingtown, 733 Coddingtown Mall, +1 707 527-5377. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. This over 40-year-old mall features Macy's, JC Penny, Target, Nordstrom Rack, Whole Foods, and over 100 other stores. The 72 foot tall revolving sign in the parking lot was declared a historical landmark in 1993 by the City of Santa Rosa.
- Montgomery Village, Farmers Lane and Sonoma Avenue. Outdoor shopping center includes several streets of chain and local stores, a mix of boutique and more pedestrian options, as well as several good restaurants.
Santa Rosa Plaza, 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, +1 707 544-7467. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Macy's, Forever 21, J. Crew, Apple, and 100 or so more stores and kiosks in a two-story indoor mall
Coddingtown, 733 Coddingtown Mall, +1 707 527-5377. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. This over 40-year-old mall features Macy's, JC Penny, Target, Nordstrom Rack, Whole Foods, and over 100 other stores. The 72 foot tall revolving sign in the parking lot was declared a historical landmark in 1993 by the City of Santa Rosa.
Montgomery Village, Farmers Lane and Sonoma Avenue. Outdoor shopping center includes several streets of chain and local stores, a mix of boutique and more pedestrian options, as well as several good restaurants.
Downtown Santa Rosa consists of two main shopping areas, divided by Highway 101:
- The 'main' downtown, centered around 4th St. east of Santa Rosa Plaza mall, primarily from B St. to E St., with less-concentrated options within a several-block radius of that core. Bookstores, newsstands, a music (instrument) store, small specialty shops, jewelry stores, and a number of restaurants are on offer.
- Railroad Square, centered around 4th St. west of Santa Rosa Plaza mall and the freeway, primarily between Davis and Wilson streets. This growing area includes a number of antique shops, art galleries, and shops focusing on wares from places such as Indonesia and Mexico. A large local outdoors outfitter is on 3rd St.
- Fourth Street Deli, 300 Mendocino Ave. Sandwiches and salads. Great place to grab lunch to eat at the park across the street.
- El Patio, 901 4th St. Excellent and inexpensive Mexican food. A fixture for locals since the 1990s.
- Lepe's Taqueria, 4323 Montgomery Dr. Delicious Mexican cuisine, fast-food style. Indoor and outdoor seating, close to Spring Lake and Howarth Park.
- Shogun, 2350 Midway Dr (Montgomery Village shopping center.
- Osake, 2446 Patio Ct (near Montgomery Village, +1 707 542-8282. Japanese.
- Mary's Pizza Shack. Family-friendly Italian restaurant and Sonoma County tradition. Features good-value lunch specials until 5PM. Two locations in Santa Rosa: 535 Summerfield Road (across from Howarth Park on Summerfield Rd. near Montgomery Dr.); and 3084 Marlow Road (Northwest Santa Rosa at Marlow Rd. and Piner Rd).
- El Charro, 1529 Farmers Ln (In shopping center off Farmers Lane between Bennett Valley Rd. and Freeway 12., +1 707 570-2387. Good Mexican food.
- Oliver's Market. Local semi-gourmet grocery. In addition to standard supermarket options are at taqueria, very good freshly-made sushi, excellent desserts, very good cheese and wine selections, and a salad bar. Tables available to eat there, or take out. The Santa Rosa location is in Rincon Valley, on Montecito Dr. at Middle Rincon Rd.
- Third Street Aleworks, 3rd St (Downtown, between Santa Rosa Ave. and D St. Popular brewpub with good food. Both bar- and restaurant-style seating available, plus patio seating in good weather and billiards upstairs. Frequently loud.
- The Warm Puppy, 1667 West Steele Ln (inside the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, +1 707-546-7147. This small café with a cozy alpine atmosphere was once the favorite hangout of Charles M. Schulz. The table he routinely sat at as part of his daily activities is perpetually reserved for his presence.
- La Gare, 208 Wilson St (Just north of the intersection of 3rd St and Wilson, +1 707-528-4355. French/Swiss cuisine. Local favorite.
- Ca' Bianca Ristorante Italiano, 835 2nd St, +1 707 542-5800. Excellent Italian food. Restaurant is in a large converted Victorian house in a quiet neighborhood near downtown, and so can be easily missed.
- Yao-Kiku, 2700 Yulupa Avenue Suite #23, +1 707 578-8180. Mon-Sat 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM. Excellent Japanese food, sushi, and sashimi. Arguably the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the area, as the menu and specials often include items not typically seen in Japanese restaurants in America, such as ume-shiso maki and various natto dishes.
Fourth Street Deli, 300 Mendocino Ave. Sandwiches and salads. Great place to grab lunch to eat at the park across the street.
El Patio, 901 4th St. Excellent and inexpensive Mexican food. A fixture for locals since the 1990s.
Lepe's Taqueria, 4323 Montgomery Dr. Delicious Mexican cuisine, fast-food style. Indoor and outdoor seating, close to Spring Lake and Howarth Park.
Shogun, 2350 Midway Dr (Montgomery Village shopping center.
Osake, 2446 Patio Ct (near Montgomery Village, +1 707 542-8282. Japanese.
Mary's Pizza Shack. Family-friendly Italian restaurant and Sonoma County tradition. Features good-value lunch specials until 5PM. Two locations in Santa Rosa: 535 Summerfield Road (across from Howarth Park on Summerfield Rd. near Montgomery Dr.); and 3084 Marlow Road (Northwest Santa Rosa at Marlow Rd. and Piner Rd).
El Charro, 1529 Farmers Ln (In shopping center off Farmers Lane between Bennett Valley Rd. and Freeway 12., +1 707 570-2387. Good Mexican food.
Oliver's Market. Local semi-gourmet grocery. In addition to standard supermarket options are at taqueria, very good freshly-made sushi, excellent desserts, very good cheese and wine selections, and a salad bar. Tables available to eat there, or take out. The Santa Rosa location is in Rincon Valley, on Montecito Dr. at Middle Rincon Rd.
Third Street Aleworks, 3rd St (Downtown, between Santa Rosa Ave. and D St. Popular brewpub with good food. Both bar- and restaurant-style seating available, plus patio seating in good weather and billiards upstairs. Frequently loud.
The Warm Puppy, 1667 West Steele Ln (inside the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, +1 707-546-7147. This small café with a cozy alpine atmosphere was once the favorite hangout of Charles M. Schulz. The table he routinely sat at as part of his daily activities is perpetually reserved for his presence.
La Gare, 208 Wilson St (Just north of the intersection of 3rd St and Wilson, +1 707-528-4355. French/Swiss cuisine. Local favorite.
Ca' Bianca Ristorante Italiano, 835 2nd St, +1 707 542-5800. Excellent Italian food. Restaurant is in a large converted Victorian house in a quiet neighborhood near downtown, and so can be easily missed.
Yao-Kiku, 2700 Yulupa Avenue Suite #23, +1 707 578-8180. Mon-Sat 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5PM-9:30PM. Excellent Japanese food, sushi, and sashimi. Arguably the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the area, as the menu and specials often include items not typically seen in Japanese restaurants in America, such as ume-shiso maki and various natto dishes.
- Russian River Brewing Company, 725 4th St. Daily 11AM-midnight. Perhaps now overshadowed by the much larger version in Windsor, this homey haunt offers specialty pizza, pub grub, and word-class ales.
- The 440 Club. The quintessential dive bar. Jackalope mounted on the wall, local music in the jukebox, and friendly service. Can't beat a Sierra Nevada draught for $2.
Russian River Brewing Company, 725 4th St. Daily 11AM-midnight. Perhaps now overshadowed by the much larger version in Windsor, this homey haunt offers specialty pizza, pub grub, and word-class ales.
The 440 Club. The quintessential dive bar. Jackalope mounted on the wall, local music in the jukebox, and friendly service. Can't beat a Sierra Nevada draught for $2.