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Santa Rosa is the county seat of Sonoma County and the largest city in California's North Bay, about 55 miles north of San Francisco. It sits at the heart of Sonoma wine country, with vineyards, redwood parks and the Mayacamas foothills all within a short drive of downtown.
The city is closely tied to two famous residents. Horticulturist Luther Burbank lived and developed hundreds of new plant varieties here, and his home and gardens are now a museum. Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz also lived in Santa Rosa for decades, and the Charles M. Schulz Museum tells the story of his life and work. Downtown, the stone buildings of Railroad Square survived the 1906 earthquake and now hold restaurants, shops and the SMART train station.
Outdoor space is never far away. Annadel State Park and Spring Lake Regional Park on the city's east side offer lakes, oak woodland and miles of trails, and the coast, the Russian River and dozens of wineries are within easy reach for day trips.
A museum celebrating the creator of Peanuts, who lived and worked in Santa Rosa for decades, with original comic strips, a recreation of his studio and changing exhibitions. Fans of Snoopy and Charlie Brown will love it. Allow two hours, and visit the ice arena across the street.
A museum in the historic former post office building downtown, with exhibits on the art and history of Sonoma County, from Native peoples to wine and agriculture. A second site nearby shows contemporary art. It is a good introduction to the region; check hours, as it closes some days.
An aviation museum at Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport with dozens of historic military aircraft outdoors, including an F-14 Tomcat, plus indoor exhibits. On some days visitors can sit in cockpits. Check opening days, which are limited, and bring a hat for the outdoor displays.
The home and garden of famed horticulturist Luther Burbank, who developed hundreds of plant varieties here, including the Shasta daisy and the Santa Rosa plum. The gardens are free to walk, and docent tours show the house and greenhouse. Spring and early summer are the best seasons.
The central plaza of downtown Santa Rosa, reunified in recent years into one open square with lawns, a fountain and seating, surrounded by shops, cafes and restaurants. It hosts concerts, markets and holiday events. It is a good starting point for exploring downtown on foot.
A historic district around the old stone railroad depot, with buildings that survived the 1906 earthquake, now filled with restaurants, antique shops, cafes and bars. The SMART train stops nearby. It is especially lively in the evenings and is easy to walk from downtown.
A famous craft brewery and pub in downtown Santa Rosa, known for its Pliny the Elder double IPA and the limited Pliny the Younger, which draws long lines each February. The pub serves pizza and pub food. Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
A private wildlife preserve in the hills east of Santa Rosa where giraffes, zebras, rhinos and many other African animals roam large enclosures. Visitors explore on guided tours in open safari trucks, and overnight stays are available in tent cabins. Book tours ahead, especially in summer.
A large park on the east side of Santa Rosa with more than 40 miles of trails through oak woodland, meadows and forest to Lake Ilsanjo, popular with hikers, runners and mountain bikers. Spring wildflowers are lovely. Trails can be rocky, so wear good shoes and carry a map.
A county park around a lake on the east side of the city, with a paved loop trail, boat rentals, fishing, a swimming lagoon in summer and campsites. It connects to Howarth Park and Annadel State Park by trails. There is a parking fee, and the lagoon is open only in summer.
A city park with a lake for paddle boats and fishing, plus a children's area with a miniature train, carousel and pony rides in season. It is a favorite with local families. The rides operate mainly in summer and on weekends, so check the schedule before you go.
The Redwood Empire Ice Arena, built by Charles Schulz in 1969 and known as Snoopy's Home Ice, with public skating sessions, a Swiss chalet style building and the Warm Puppy Cafe, where Schulz ate breakfast daily. Skate rentals are available; check public session times.
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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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