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Petaluma is a river town in southern Sonoma County, about 40 miles north of San Francisco, where the tidal Petaluma River winds through rolling dairy country toward San Pablo Bay. In the 1830s and 1840s General Mariano Vallejo ran a vast rancho here, and his adobe headquarters still stands east of town. After the Gold Rush, Petaluma grew into a busy river port shipping grain, dairy products and eggs to San Francisco, and in the early 1900s its hatcheries and poultry farms earned it the title Egg Basket of the World.
Petaluma's downtown came through the 1906 earthquake largely intact, so today it has one of the finest collections of 19th-century iron-front commercial buildings in the West. Those streets have appeared in films such as American Graffiti and Peggy Sue Got Married, and they are now filled with cafes, restaurants, antique shops and galleries. The historic D Street drawbridge still lifts for boats on the river, and the riverfront has walkways, a turning basin and waterside dining.
Today Petaluma is a city of around 60,000 people with a strong food and farm culture, from creameries and farmers markets to craft breweries and Sonoma County wineries nearby. Visitors can explore the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum in the 1906 Carnegie library, step back to the rancho era at Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, catch a show at the Phoenix Theater, and hike the hills of Helen Putnam Regional Park for views over the valley.
Historic Downtown Petaluma has one of the finest collections of iron-front buildings in the West, many surviving the 1906 earthquake. Its streets hold antique shops, bookstores, restaurants, tasting rooms and cafes along the river. Pick up a walking tour map, and visit on a weekend for the busiest shops.
The Petaluma River winds through downtown, crossed by the historic D Street drawbridge that still lifts for passing boats. A riverfront walk passes the turning basin, docks and restaurants with water views. Walk the river path at sunset, and watch for the bridge opening when tall boats come through.
The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum is housed in the 1906 Carnegie library building, known for its free-standing stained glass dome. Exhibits cover the town's river trade, egg farming and local families. Admission is by donation, and it keeps limited open days, so check hours before visiting.
The Petaluma Wildlife and Natural Science Museum is a student-run natural history museum at Petaluma High School, with mounted animals, live reptiles, a model cave and nature exhibits. It is a unique stop for families with children. It opens to the public only on certain days, so check the schedule first.
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park preserves the large adobe ranch house built in the 1830s and 1840s for General Mariano Vallejo, east of town. Rooms show ranch life, with weaving, tools and living quarters, and grounds have farm animals. Allow about an hour, and pay the small entry fee at the door.
The Phoenix Theater is a historic downtown Petaluma venue, run as a youth-focused community space that hosts all-ages rock, punk and indie concerts. It has a long reputation as a gathering place for local teens and touring bands. Check the event calendar, as shows are irregular and some sell out quickly.
The Petaluma Arts Center occupies a historic railroad depot freight building near the downtown SMART train station, with rotating exhibits of contemporary art, community shows, classes and talks. Admission is free or by small donation. Combine it with a walk through the nearby historic depot area.
Helen Putnam Regional Park sits on the western hills of Petaluma, with rolling grassland trails, oak groves, a small pond and wide views over the town and the Sonoma hills. It is popular for hiking, running and mountain biking. Parking has a fee, and trails get muddy after rain, so wear good shoes.
Shollenberger Park is a wetland park along the Petaluma River with a flat loop trail of about 2 miles around ponds, part of the larger Petaluma Wetlands. It is excellent for birdwatching, with egrets, herons and shorebirds. Free parking is available, and mornings are best for wildlife and cooler air.
Lagunitas Brewing Company is a large craft brewery in Petaluma, known for its IPA. Its taproom and beer garden serve a wide range of brews and food, often with live music, and brewery tours run on many days. It is busy on weekend afternoons, so arrive early, and plan a safe ride home.
The Petaluma Seed Bank is a heirloom seed store set in a grand former bank building in downtown Petaluma, run by Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds. Shelves hold thousands of varieties of vegetable, herb and flower seeds plus garden books. It is fun even for non-gardeners, and staff are happy to give planting tips.
Butter and Eggs Day is Petaluma's quirky annual parade and street festival held in late April, celebrating the town's past as the egg basket of the world. It features a big parade, a cutest chick contest for kids, food and crafts downtown. Arrive early to claim a good spot along the parade route.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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Photo: jimpp, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: jimpp, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: jimpp, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
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Photo: Missvain, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0