Things to do in Santa Rosa

Emily

From Emily's guidebook

Safari West is a renowned 400-acre private wildlife preserve that promotes conservation by providing a unique recreational educational experience and introducing guests to giraffes, rhinoceros, watusi, cattle, cape buffalo, antelope, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, primates and numerous species of birds.

Caroline

From Caroline's guidebook

An extraordinary place: nearly 900 animals from 90 species on a 400-acre preserve. Go on safari or spend the night in a tent.

Chelle

From Chelle's guidebook

TrainTown is a must-recommendation because it offers a unique, nostalgic experience that blends fun, history, and scenery in one stop—especially great for families with kids. The beautifully maintained miniature train ride through redwoods, tunnels, and a miniature town sets it apart as one of Sonoma’s most endearing attractions. (45- min drive)

Marcia

From Marcia's guidebook

Just 12 minutes from the house, this is a great place to learn all about the creator of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and all his characters. The museum has plenty of interesting memorabilia and art, and my favorite: adorable large sculptures of many of the characters, which make for great photo ops. The visit usually takes just a couple of hours and if rushed could be done in as little as 90 minutes.

Kathy

From Kathy's guidebook

If the weather isn't great for the beach, and you have children with you, head to Santa Rosa. There is the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Snoopy's Home Ice (skating rink), and The Children's Museum all within walking distance of each other.

Leanne

From Leanne's guidebook

Peanuts Museum, Ice rink and labyrinth in front of the Museum which is formed in the shape of Snoopy’s head. See how Snoopy changed over the years. Enjoy the Warm Puppy Cafe after skating.

Jessica

From Jessica's guidebook

Walk the trails to witness the splendor of unearthed petrified redwood trees that date back to the Pliocene Epoch, 3.4 million years ago. They offer guided tours Wednesday-Sunday: 11am, 1pm and 3pm & self-guided tours all day long.

Uzma

From Uzma's guidebook

Calistoga’s Petrified Forest. This preserved ancient forest is a sight to see, featuring a majestic display of fossilized redwood trees — the result of being buried in lava over 3 million years ago. Walk along the trails on your own to explore this ancient phenomenon, or opt for a guided tour for a deeper understanding of how this forest came to be.

Rhea

From Rhea's guidebook

Petrified Forest Walk is a 0.9 mile heavily trafficked loop that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from June until August. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Leon

From Leon's guidebook

Drive time: 16 mins Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mayacamas Mountains, this winery is a quintessential Wine Country destination. It’s highly recommended for its warm hospitality and its famous mission-style bell tower that rings on the hour. Signature Experience: Renowned for its multi-course Wine & Food Pairing, often voted one of the best in the country. Vibe: Elegant and serene, with expansive patio seating perfect for soaking in the mountain views. Pro-Tip: Their Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons are local favorites.

Laura

From Laura's guidebook

If you plan in advance, you can snag one of the coveted food and wine pairings for lunch. But if not, you can still enjoy award-winning wines in a mission-inspired setting.

Lisa

From Lisa's guidebook

The closest winery to our house with an in-house chef. They offer a few different wine and food pairing options. The terrace seating with vineyard views is lovely on a nice day.

Janice

From Janice's guidebook

HUGE selection of great mountain bike trails! 15 miles north of La Veranda (20 min drive) Annadel State Park is one of the largest and most well known mountain bike trail networks in Northern California. In the 5,000 acre park there are 40+ miles of trails for mountain bikers. There is a day fee to enter the park. Trails range from old roads and converted rail lines to technical and rocky singletrack. Lots of shaded trails help lower the heat!

Justine

From Justine's guidebook

5000 acres of lush beauty! Many many different trails to choose from, my favorite is at the Park Trail Drive entrance- hike up to Lake Illsanjo and back. A beautiful 5 mile jaunt, about 1.5 hours.

Mary

From Mary's guidebook

The park, 60 miles north of San Francisco on the eastern edge of Santa Rosa offers miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail riding. For wildflower lovers, Trione-Annadel State Park offers a great variety of flowers from early Spring until early Summer, especially on a hike around Lake Ilsanjo. The best months to see the park's wildflowers are April and May, but there are some plants in bloom as early as January and as late as September. Fishing Lake Ilsanjo offers excellent fishing for black bass and bluegill.

Geoffrey

From Geoffrey's guidebook

Beautiful oak woodland public park featuring picnic tables, a small reservoir called 'Lake Ralphine', and a fun kids area featuring a carousel, miniature train rides, pony rides, a huge jungle gym, and more cool stuff for kids of all ages. Fun fact: Howarth City Park is adjacent to Spring Lake County Park, which is adjacent to Annadel State Park. That makes for a really big park!

Liza

From Liza's guidebook

Main city park of Santa Rosa. Great children's playground with carousel, train, ponies and snack bar. Tennis courts. Trails. Trails connects to 2 other parks: Spring Lake Regional Park, and Annadel State Park.

Steve

From Steve's guidebook

Howarth park has a Carousel, a small lake with boat rentals, tennis courts, baseball fields and hiking access to Spring Lake.

Joy

From Joy's guidebook

Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa is one of Sonoma County's most popular parks, featuring trails, boating, a campground, picnic areas, natural history center, and a summer swimming lagoon.

Salvatore

From Salvatore's guidebook

http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Spring_Lake_Regional_Park.aspx 12 minutes by car. Extensive trails and paved paths. Lake is a comfortable size for canoeing and kayaking (various boat rentals are available). Picnic tables. Overnight camping area. Swimming pond for children. Nature exhibit in building near the car entrance on Violetti Road. Paths connecting to Howarth and Annadel parks. Another entrance on Newanga Ave for the camping site and for bringing your own boats. There is a charge at both entrances. For walks and cycling, you can enter free by parking at Howarth Park or on Montgomery Drive east of Channel Drive.

Caroline

From Caroline's guidebook

This regional park offers hiking, walking, picnic areas, and a seasonal swimming lagoon, water park and boat rentals.