Petaluma – A Historic Riverfront Treasure. Experience the charm of one of California’s oldest cities with one of the best preserved historic downtown areas - on the National Register of Historic Places. Situated in Sonoma County's Wine Country – 42 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Petaluma is the gateway to Sonoma County's wineries, the dramatic Sonoma Coastline, Point Reyes National Seashore, California redwoods, and the splendors of the Bay Area.

Petaluma’s downtown is surrounded by scenic rural back roads for hiking and bicycling, dairy ranches and hayfields that provide beautiful open spaces that rise to hills on both sides of the valley.

Historic Downtown Petaluma – Flanked by the Petaluma River, Historic Downtown Petaluma evokes authentic riverfront charm with Victorian homes and Iron Front buildings that are a sightseer’s treat. Experience Historic Downtown Petaluma’s extraordinary shopping, dining, nightlife, live theater, seasonal events, and scenic parks.

Turn-of-the-century buildings house antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and live entertainment. The Petaluma Historical Museum houses history exhibits from the 1850s, including Miwok Indian artifacts and Petaluma River history. From walking and factory tours to bird watching or kayaking on the Petaluma River, Petaluma is an inviting tourist destination. [Top]

Petaluma Shopping – Stroll through Historic Downtown and visit a variety of antique shops, art galleries, specialty stores, bookshops, consignment shops, and nurseries featuring home and garden accessories. Browse the 15 modern shopping centers, including the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, which features 60 brand-name stores - such as Brooks Brothers, Gap Outlet, and Coach - with unbeatable bargains.

Petaluma’s Antiques & Arts – Petaluma's antique buildings house 32 shops with 150 antiques dealers and a variety of tempting antiques, collectibles, dolls and jewelry. Petaluma's Downtown Antique Faire, held the last Sunday of April and September, feature 200 vendors against an outdoor backdrop of historic buildings and colorful hills. Petaluma boasts a thriving artist community and outstanding art galleries with works by regionally, nationally and internationally known artists in a variety of mediums. Petaluma’s Art and Garden Festival on July 10 in Historic Downtown offers an afternoon of fine wines, delicious delicacies, great music and unique art. [Top]

Sonoma County Attractions

Charles M. Schulz Museum – Located in Santa Rosa, the Charles M. Schulz Museum preserves, displays, and interprets the art and aesthetic of Charles Schulz, the beloved cartoonist who created the Peanuts comic strip and lived and worked in Sonoma County for 42 years. Exhibitions include many classic comic strips plus there are many workshops and special programs available to attend throughout the year. Visit www.schulzmuseum.org to find out more.

Pacific Coast Air Museum – Pacific Coast Air Museum features displays and exhibits about our aviation heritage, and highlights pioneer aviators, such as Lindberg and Earhart. The annual Pacific Coast Air Museum Airshow, held at Sonoma County Airport in August, features popular performers, exhibits, displays, models, T-shirts, books, and crafts. Antiques, war-birds, and contemporary aircraft will dazzle with flybys and will be parked on the ramp for up-close looks. Visit www.pacificcoastairmuseum.org.

Point Reyes National Seashore – Point Reyes National Seashore contains a spectacular panorama of thunderous ocean breakers, grasslands, bushy hillsides and forested ridges. Point Reyescomprises 100 square miles of pristine Pacific coastline and wilderness with estuaries, windswept beaches, coastal grasslands, salt and freshwater marshes, coniferous forests, sand dunes, lagoons, and 400 bird species seen at the Point Reyes Bird Observatory. More than 147 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails weave through pastures, rugged ridges, and coastal cliffs. Enjoy backcountry camping, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and beaches for picnics, bird watching, and viewing the gray whale migration. Enjoy leisurely drives to wildlife areas like the Tule Elk Range. A 308 step walkway leads to the historic Point Reyes Lighthouse, built high on a cliff in 1870. Visit www.nps.gov/pore. [Top]

Armstrong Redwoods National Park – Located in Russian River country, this 805-acre park features a magnificent grove of ancient redwoods, self-guided nature trails, picnic facilities the historic Redwood Forest Theater. Stroll through this beautiful old-growth redwood forest and see the tallest and oldest trees in Northern California. Set aside in the 1880's, the ancient redwood forest within the park is the largest remaining old-growth redwood forest in Sonoma County. Enjoy an easy walk down the Armstrong Nature Trail and Discovery Trail. Call (707) 869-2015 or visit www.parks.sonoma.net.

Napa Valley Wineries – The connoisseur of fine food and wine will find a piece of heaven while wine tasting in the Napa Valley. With many of California's top wine estates such as Domaine Chandon and Robert Mondavi located shoulder to shoulder, the beauty of the land is matched by the flavors of Napa’s distinctive wines. Vineyards and wineries offer excellent vine varieties, wine tasting rooms, tours, sightseeing excursions, spas, shops, restaurants and annual wine festivals. Visit www.napavalley/wineries.com.

Sonoma Valley Wine Country – The Sonoma Valley Wine Country is renowned for award-winning wines and more than 160 wineries. Enjoy the fabulous Wine Country restaurants, unique historical sites and attractions, wonderful shops and boutiques, world-class spas, beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Called the birthplace of the California wine industry, Sonoma Valley is home to the earliest vineyards and wineries in the state. The Sonoma Valley Appellation ranks as one of the finest wine producing regions in the world. Most of the wineries offer tours, wine tasting rooms, special events and festivals. Visit www.sonomavalley.com. [Top]

Safari West Wildlife Preserve(Santa Rosa) – Discover an amazing 240-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of California's wine country that’s home to 400 exotic animals and birds from West Africa. Spot a Zebra or talk to a giraffe. The whole family will experience some of nature's most beautiful animals in a natural habitat. Call (707) 579-2551.

Infineon Raceway – Located in Sonoma, Infineon Raceway is one of North America’s largest motorsports complexes. From NASCAR to motor bike to vintage car races, race fans get their fill of speed and excitement. Make a dream come true and try the track yourself at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. Enjoy NASCAR, NHRA, Kawasaki Superbike, Vintage Car, Le Mans, and Indy Car races throughout the summer. Visit www.infineonraceway.com.

Six Flags Marine World – Located in Vallejo, Six Flags Marine World is the only combination wildlife them park and oceanarium in the country. Animals of land, sea and air are showcased in spectacular shows and innovative attractions. The Gentle Jungle offers fun, hands-on experiences for youngsters who hope for a kiss from a killer whale. Visit www.sixflags.com.

Sonoma County Fairgrounds – Sonoma County Fairgrounds home of the annual Sonoma County Fair (July/August) and the Harvest Fair (October), and many cultural and trade shows, concerts, rodeos and car racing. For information, call (707) 545-4200 or visit www.sonomacountyfair.org. [Top]

Golden Gate Bridge – One of the most breathtaking structures in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge offers magical views of the San Francisco Bay Area, connecting San Francisco and Marin Headlands. A loved symbol of San Francisco, the orange towers of the Golden Gate Bridge are visible from every high point in the city. Driving or biking across its 4,200 feet is a thrill, and the half-hour walk allows you to absorb its amazing views.

Muir Woods – Forty miles from the hotel in an isolated canyon grows the ancient coast redwood forest known as Muir Woods. Experience the tranquility of majestic coastal redwoods - some 1,000 years old and 260 feet high - and canyon ferns as you follow the gentle hiking trails through incredible scenery, streams and interpretive displays. Open 8 a.m. to sunset. Entry fee is $3 per adult. Call (415) 388-2595 or visit www.nps.gov/muwo/home.htm.

Angel Island State Park – A historic state park the "Jewel of the San Francisco Bay,” Angel Island offers miles of hiking and biking trails, bike rentals, camping, sea kayaking, historic Tram Tours, and panoramic vistas of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Skyline, Marin and Mt. Tamalpais. Angel Island has a fascinating military and cultural history which spans from Miwok Indian times through the Cold War and offers a storied one-hour TramTour. Ride the ferry from Fisherman's Wharf, Tiburon or Oakland/Alameda. Call (415) 897-0715 or visit www.angelisland.com.

Bodega Bay – Exploring Bodega Bay is an adventure of beachcombing, golfing, surfing, fishing, boating, hiking, diving, whale watching, bird sighting and wine tasting. Enjoy Bodega’s restaurants, cafés, shops, and the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival in April – a celebration of seafood and Sonoma wines. Bodega Bay is a prime bird watching, whale watching and fishing destination. Enjoy scenic hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, coastal paths, parks, unspoiled beaches, and the dramatic seascape. Watch the epic migration of the Alaskan gray whales from Bodega Head or venture south to Point Reyes National Seashore. [Top]

Northern California Golf Courses

Rooster Run Golf Club – Rooster Run Golf Club, in the heart of Petaluma's dairy country, is rated one of the best public golf courses in Northern California. Surrounded by scenic vineyards and farmland, Rooster Run offers an 18-hole, par 72, championship course with multiple water features and accented by a par three with an island green. Visit www.roosterrun.com/

Adobe Creek Golf Club – Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Adobe Creek Golf Club in Petaluma is a public 18-hole links-style course that will awaken your competitive instincts with long, contoured fairways, bent grass greens, four sets of tees, a meandering stream, five lakes and 72 bunkers for challenging play. To help you give Adobe Creek your best shot, the club offers a grass driving range, chipping/putting greens and a practice bunker. Visit www.adobecreek.com.

Foxtail Golf Club – Located in Rohnert Park, Foxtail Golf Club features two beautiful and challenging 18-hole courses - the South and North Courses - that offer multiple challenges and golf-friendly play. The Club also features new sports bar, remodeled banquet facilities, and an excellent pro shop. With 36 holes, Foxtail can host tournaments while at the same time have 18 holes open to the public. Call (707) 584-7766 or go to www.playfoxtail.com. [Top]

Petaluma Wineries

Corda Winery – Owned by the Corda family, fourth generation Petaluma farmers, Corda Winery is 5 miles west of Petaluma. The Corda Reserve, a meritage blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc grapes, is a Corda signature wine, but Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes are grown in limited quantities. Visitation, private tours and dinners are available. Call (707) 781-9310 or visit www.cordawinery.com.

Keller Estate Winery – Keller Estate is a family-owned ranch in the Eastern Hills of Petaluma with panoramic hilltop views of Petaluma Valley, the Petaluma River and rolling hills. The 600-acre ranch is comprised of rangeland, olive orchards and vineyards. Keller Estate grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah grapes. This summer, a new winery building will be open to the public with an adjoining tasting room. The dramatic setting is matched by the intense flavors of Keller’s handcrafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Call (707) 765-2117 or visit www.kellerestate.com on the web. [Top]

Sonoma Valley Portworks – Sonoma Valley Portworks in the Historic Warehouse District of Petaluma is open for tasting by appointment Monday through Friday. Boasting premium, award-winning after dinner wines including two ports, a cream sherry and a fortified Muscat, Sonoma Valley Portworks offers wine tastings for $2, which includes a logo tasting glass to take home. To make a tasting appointment, call (707) 769-5203 or visit www.portworks.com. [Top]

Petaluma Parks & Recreation

Petaluma Riverwalk - Step across the Balshaw footbridge and wander through the Golden Eagle Center to Petaluma’s historic Riverwalk. A staircase leads to docks along the east riverbank and charming Cavanagh Park. Visit www.visitpetaluma.com for maps.

Shollenberger Park – Experience the wetlands of Shollenberg Park with a 2 or 4-mile walk or hike through wetlands along the Petaluma River. The park features a two-mile circular trail and a one mile link to the Petaluma Marina through 80 acres of marshland. Take a free docent-guided tour or enjoy the park at your own pace. See a variety of birds and many species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Learn about animals, fish, plants, history, and the geology of the area. Call (707) 763-3577 or go to www.petalumawetlandspark.org. [Top]

Oak Hill Park – Oak Hill is one of the downtown parks on the Tree Walking Tour, and home of Petaluma’s Cretan Labyrinth. The seven-circuit pattern of concentric circles, set in the ground with stones, is a single path. The path spirals into the center of the round labyrinth without dead-ends, and is a meditational haven. The labyrinth is landscaped with plants and flowers, and overlooks a native grassy area. It is intended to provide a place of calm and balance for those who walk it.

Petaluma Playground & Picnic Parks – Several Petaluma parks offer a playground and picnic areas including, Anna’s Meadows, Arroyo Park, Bond Park, Del Oro Park, Cherry Valley Park, Kenilworth Park, Lucchesi Park, McNear Park, Walnut Park, Sunset Park and Miwok Park.

Helen Putnam Park – A Sonoma County regional park, Helen Putman Park offers panoramic views, trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding, a gazebo, a picnic area and a children’s playground located at the trailhead. There is a large pond for fishing. This 216-acre gem is open from sunrise to sunset year round. Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash and admission is $3 pre vehicle. Visit www.sonoma-county.org/parks. [Top]

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park – Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park features an adobe building that served from 1836 to 1846 as the center of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo’s 66,000-acre working ranch. Restored to an 1830-40’s era atmosphere, the huge adobe building contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life, with an interpretive display that includes hand tools, weaving equipment and an “Exhibit Room”.

Located at the eastern edge of Petaluma, the park offers shaded picnic areas with views of farmland and oak-studded hills, guided tours and activities. Admission fees are $3 for adults 17 and older. Visit www. http://www.parks.ca.gov.

Petaluma River – A tidal estuary linked to San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay, the Petaluma River offers a variety of leisure and recreational uses in addition to its scenic beauty. Boaters can stay in Turning Basin for a minimal fee and have easy access to Historic Downtown shops and restaurants. Berthing for recreational boats is offered at the Petaluma Marina, which offers a public launch ramp.

Kayakers can paddle the Petaluma River to get up close and personal with the river and its inhabitants. Kayaks are an enjoyable way to explore the river’s shallow winding waterways and marsh area. Paddle Up Kayak (707-53-8800) rents sit-on-top kayaks and offers tours beginning at the Historic Downtown Harbor. [Top]