Petaluma Travel Guide

Petaluma, located north of San Francisco and within Sonoma County, is home to the iconic attraction, the Rancho Petaluma Adobe. It was previously known as “the egg basket of the world” due to its thriving poultry industry, but has since switched gears, becoming tourist friendly with the opening of dozens of charming shops and restaurants.

Things to Do in Petaluma

With so much green space spread throughout the Northern California city, it's no wonder that Petaluma has so many scenic public parks and recreation spaces. Petaluma’s most popular parks are Helen Putnam Park and Shollenberger Park, both of which offer walking trails and picnic areas. Petaluma, deep inside of wine country, is also home to a number of wineries and vineyards that offer guided tours, wine tasting, and stunning views. Petaluma's visitors have the opportunity to tour farms and purchase ethically sourced meat, as well as visit Garden Valley Ranch to take photos and a relaxing walk through rows of red roses. The Riverfront Art Gallery and Petaluma Arts Center provide art shows, events, classes, and educational exhibits for creatives of all ages.

Best Time to Visit Petaluma

The best time to visit Petaluma- or anywhere in the Northern California/ San Francisco area- is from April to October, typically. Rainy weather has usually died down by the middle of April, making way for sunshine and clear skies.

Best Events in Petaluma

Events in Petaluma include the annual Art and Garden Festival. The festival features a host of local gardeners and artisans, a chalk drawing competition, live music, and tastings from local restaurants and wineries. Among the items sold at the festival are fine jewelry, outdoor garden decor, and art. The annual Petaluma Cemetery Tour is another fun event within the city. The tour consists of tour guides dressed in 19th century period attire who reenact a living history of Petaluma in the 19th century.

Things to Do for Families in Petaluma

Perhaps the most popular family activity that Petaluma has to offer, Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue is both educational and highly entertaining. The rescue center features guided, by-donation tours, animal education, and an area where guests can mingle with and then adopt a rescue animal of their choice. A farm, but not in the traditional sense, Lavender Bee Farm is exactly what it sounds like- a bee farm with lavender flowers. The farm is a short ride away from Petaluma and offers unique bee-made products and natural cooking ingredients, as well as panoramic views of acres upon acres of blooming lavender flowers.