Discover exciting things to do in Santa Rosa. You can start by strolling through some beautiful vineyards with top-quality wines or at the enchanting trails in Annadel State Park. Get involved—dive deep into creativity at the Charles M. Schulz Museum or seek peace at Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. With such a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and history, it’s no wonder Santa Rosa calls.
In this travel guide, we’ll explore some of the top activities in Santa Rosa, focusing on their standout features and essential details you shouldn’t miss.
12 Amazing things to do in Santa Rosa
We’ve researched and found 12 fun things to do in Santa Rosa that will make great memories:
#1 Must- Visit Charles M. Schulz Museum
Are you looking for a great place to visit in Santa Rosa, California? Then the Charles M. Schulz Museum is the place to be if your heart belongs to Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the whole gang!
Walk through the panels of your much-loved comic strips. Experience original works by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz that will help uncover his methods to give life to these cherished individuals. It is also an excellent opportunity to spread some old-world laughter, which has been a source of joy for many people.
Whether you’ve always been a fan or are just curious about why Peanuts is so unique, skipping the opportunity to visit this museum in Santa Rosa would be a big miss.
- Special Features: Dedicated to the creator of the Peanuts comic strip featuring original artwork and exhibits.
- Address: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
- Official Website: https://schulzmuseum.org/
- Phone Number: (707) 579-4452
- Open Time: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
#2 Explore Safari West
Haven’t you always once dreamed that this place looks like an African safari, but believe me, you are still in California? Animal lovers visiting Santa Rosa should not miss Safari West!
Another of the best things to do in Santa Rosa is visit Safari West, a wildlife preservation plan with 400 acres. Come inside, and you can see, or instead witness, gazelles, zebras, cheetahs, antelopes, buffalos, wildebeests, giraffes, and many more.
Over six hundred animals reside here in an environment resembling their African habitats, making each corner a surprise during your visit. Spend one night in one of the luxurious tents traditionally purchased from Africa, accompanied by hot showers and stylish beds.
Find out everything you want to know about this uncommon behaviour in the flesh and be amid the action and environment of the African savanna animal watering holes. Well, without any doubt, such an expedition can be considered a family one.
- Special Features: African safari experience with guided tours and overnight stays in luxury tents.
- Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
- Official Website: https://safariwest.com/
- Phone Number: (707) 579-2551
- Open Time: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#3 Spring Lake Regional Park
Spring Lake Regional Park is waiting for you to explore nature recreationally! A park with a view that has something for everyone. Trails for hiking and biking that are calm, renting paddle boats to travel around the peaceful waters of Spring Lake, or just lying down from having a picnic with trees all around you.
This is undeniably a refuge from the everyday grind. If you are looking for exciting ways to pass the time while visiting Santa Rosa, stay in Spring Lake Regional Park.
- Special Features: Offers hiking trails, fishing, picnicking, and a swimming lagoon.
- Address: 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
- Official Website: https://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/visit/find-a-park/spring-lake-regional-par
- Phone Number: (707) 539-8092
- Open Time: Daily, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Popular : Top 10 Adventure Theme Parks In California 2024
#4 Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Do you like plants? Are you going to Santa Rosa? If so, you must see Luther Burbank Home and Gardens! You can explore Luther Burbank’s home at this remarkable location, where this botanical wizard cultivated stunning new flowers, fruits, and edibles.
Take a tour of his historic residence and stroll through gardens featuring over 800 varieties of plants he created, ranging from beautiful roses to unique thornless cacti! It’s a fun way of learning about plants and history, ideal for families or anyone interested in gardening, nature, etc. These are some fantastic things to do in Santa Rosa for people who like gardening and natural things too much.
- Special Features: Historic home and gardens of renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank.
- Address: 204 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
- Official Website: https://lutherburbank.org/
- Phone Number: (707) 524-5445
- Open Time: Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Closed: Monday
#5 Sonoma County Fairgrounds
Some things I discovered that you should always notice in Santa Rosa include the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, which are crucial fairgrounds for Sonoma County, and the grounds where people hold fairs. It is the kind of show that is conducted every year, and they are usually regarded as huge events because they give people fun activities such as rides and many shows, among other things.
Not only are the trade shows frequent there, but festivals and similar events are also occasionally held there, so it has potential.
- Special Features: They include festivals, concerts, Sonoma County Fair, and any other event as may be demanded by interested parties.
- Address: 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
- Official Website: https://sonomacountyfair.com/
- Phone Number: (707) 545-4200
- Open Timing: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Close Days: Saturday and Sunday
#6 Howarth Park
Make sure to visit Howarth Park, often described as the “jewel” of Santa Rosa. Spanning 152 acres, this community park offers endless fun and activities for the whole family to enjoy for days. There are many spots for picnicking, a delightful outdoor meal, and unique structures at the playground for kids to try and check out, then play some softball on the field or try out the much-used tennis courts—endless activities for your visit here.
There are miles of hiking and jogging trails for the more active person. For the kids, there is a miniature train ride, carousel, animal farm, and pony rides. Clearly, with this list of activities, Howarth Park is one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa.
- Special Features: Family-friendly park with playgrounds, paddle boats, Hiking trails, and a miniature train.
- Address: 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95405.
- Official Website: https://www.srcity.org/1271/Howarth-Park
- Phone Number: (707) 543-3425
- Open Time: Only on Saturday and Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
#7 Charles Creek Vineyard
There is a fantastic view of the recently constructed winery for the Charles Creek Vineyards company in Sonoma, California. Through the years, it has become a place where people know they can get good wines with proper lighting and seating. Not only are they super qualified to work with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, but they are also coworkers and share that passion.
You will always find friendly people who will be around to tell you about their experience making wine, and the surrounding view of the marvellous vineyards will make you relax. However, there is a cosy tasting room in the city with a location in Sonoma – a country town in California. It offers one of the most excellent things to do in Santa Rosa for every true wine lover.
- Special Features: The boutique winery offers tastings of small-batch wines.
- Address: 483 1st Street, West Sonoma, CA 95476.
- Official Website: charlescreekvineyard.com
- Phone Number: 1 707-935-3848
- Open Time: Thursday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#8 Pacific Coast Air Museum
The Pacific Coast Air Museum in Santa Rosa, California, is worth a visit if you’re a fan of planes and innovative technologies. That means passion and focus on aeroplanes and anything to do with aviation. Old planes are also displayed here, especially helicopters and many other things from different periods in aviation.
There are also things to learn about how flying has evolved. If one wants information on aeroplanes or is fascinated with the same, this is the right place to be. Therefore, if you are in Santa Rosa and searching for ideas for activities to do with your family, the Pacific Coast Air Museum is something you should take advantage of.
- Special Features: The aviation museum features aircraft memorabilia, including historical ones.
- Address: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403.
- Official Website: https://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/
- Phone Number: (707) 575-7900
- Open Time: Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
#9 Jack London State Historic Park
Looking for fun and adventure? Head to Jack London State Historic Park in Santa Rosa! Visit the “Beauty Ranch,” home of the famous author Jack London, where he wrote exciting stories such as the “Call of the Wild.”
Walk through his restored house, hike or bike on picturesque trails, and check out his dream house ruins. It is bound to create an excellent opportunity for families to explore together, gaining history while enjoying nature. Do not pass up the chance.
- Special Features: The former home of author Jack London features historic buildings, hiking trails, and a museum.
- Address: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442 (near Santa Rosa).
- Official Website: https://jacklondonpark.com/
- Phone Number: (707) 938-5216
- Open Time: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
#10 Matanzas Creek Winery
If you are a wine lover, Matanzas Creek Winery is a place you should visit, especially in Santa Rosa, California. The best part is that they have put in place wine tasting; if you still need to, you can go skiing and go through the vineyard or garden. Offering wines such as Chardonnay and Merlot, Matanzas Creek Winery promises clients an unforgettable experience when searching for the finest in Santa Rosa. Visiting this place is also one of the most exciting things to do for couples in Santa Rosa.
- Special Features: Picturesque winery known for its lavender gardens and acclaimed wines.
- Address: 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
- Official Website: https://www.matanzascreek.com/
- Phone Number: +1 707-521-7019
- Open Time: Monday-Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
#11 Flying Goat Coffee
The selected coffee shop cannot be missed; it is Flying Goat Coffee, situated in California, specifically in Santa Rosa. It doesn’t provide just coffee; it provides something better: a free zone to prepare and serve the tastiest coffee. It’s not very obvious, but it’s conveniently close to downtown. Since it opened, it has been a popular place for community members to gather and enjoy their coffee.
It is also possible to start downtown if you start the day or take a navigation pause while having the city tour. So, have your tasty coffee at Flying Goat Coffee and visit the following fun sites when you are done in Santa Rosa. The rest, search for other fun things to do in Santa Rosa.
- Special Features: Cosy cafe serving artisanal coffee and pastries.
- Address: 10 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.
- Official Website: https://flyinggoatcoffee.com/
- Phone Number: (707) 575-1202
- Open Time: Daily, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
#12 Annadel State Park
Annadel State Park is Santa Rosa, California’s most popular and highly suggested recreational area. For a mix of strolls and vigorous activities in Santa Rosa, Annadel State Park is a must-visit destination. The park provides multiple things to do in Santa Rosa to engage visitors. It is possible to have experiences that may seem unreal because there are so many miles of trails for hiking and biking. It is beautiful, with many plants and animals living naturally in this wild part.
Guests can watch birds, grill outside, or take photos of the park’s impressive features. Annadel State Park is famous for its general outdoor activities in Santa Rosa. Moreover, its distinctive features include hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails that wind through oak forests and meadows, making it one of Santa Rosa’s most popular destinations.
- Special Features: Offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails amidst oak woodlands and meadows.
- Address: 6201 Channel Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95409.
- Official Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=480
- Phone Number: +1 707-539-3911
- Open Time: Daily, 8:00 AM – Sunset
What is the best time to visit Santa Rosa?
The most favourable times to visit Santa Rosa are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Mild and delightful climatic conditions during this period are suitable for activities such as hiking and wine tasting, among others, in the parks and gardens around.
As for the spring, flowers of wild fields and green lands come, and for the autumn, they have colourful leaves and the grape harvesting season. In addition, there are fewer people, so the environment is less crowded than it is during the summer when everyone seems to be at the place on holiday.
Hence, if you fancy natural scenes or even culturally based events associated with wine production, booking your tour within these months is advisable because, in any case, both times of the year present something of interest for every visitor to Santa Rosa.
Where to stay in Santa Rosa?
We found you the top 3 hotels to stay in Santa Rosa, and you must try these to make your stay memorable-
1. Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
- Special Features: Upscale Mediterranean-inspired design, outdoor pool, restaurant, sculpture garden.
- Price: $307 per night
- Address: 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
2. Courtyard Santa Rosa
- Special Features: Contemporary rooms, outdoor pool, business center, free Wi-Fi.
- Price: $308 per night
- Address: You can find the address for Courtyard Santa Rosa on most hotel booking websites or by searching online.
3. Hotel La Rose
- Special Features: Historic charm (stone-built in 1907), elegant rooms, free breakfast, and free parking.
- Price: $185 per night
- Address: You can find the address for Hotel La Rose on most hotel booking websites or by searching online.
Conclusion
If you are seeking a place to escape, charming Santa Rosa is just the city for it. It offers everything: wine tasting, outdoor exercise, historical insights, and more.
Santa Rosa is a fantastic city that is so diverse it has something for everyone- old or young, guy or girl, student or businessperson – you name it! Come here with a desire to see this place at least once, and you will not be disappointed. Make sure to pack your suitcase and wear comfortable shoes because there are plenty of miles to explore!
Some FAQs
What are the main attractions of Santa Rosa?
The popular tourist attractions in Santa Rosa include Annadel State Park, the cartoonist Charles M. Schulz Museum, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, and many more nearby wine and wine-producing firms.
Is there a peak season to visit Santa Rosa?
The best times to visit Santa Rosa are either during early spring (March to May) or late summer (mid-September to mid-November). These seasons offer mild weather that is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities without the heat being too intense.
Are there any activities suitable for families in Santa Rosa?
Yes, indeed! When travelling with children, it is always good to look for things they can do, like visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Safari West Wildlife Park, or the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.
Is wine tasting possible in Santa Rosa?
Definitely! As the capital city of California, this city is also located in the middle of a wine-producing region. It also has many religious sites and many wineries, where you can taste wines from different areas.
What outdoor activities are available to do in Santa Rosa?
Interested persons can go trekking to Annadel State Park, cycling, and even riding horses; bird watching can also be conducted, and strolling on paths in Trione-Annadel State Park and Spring Lake Regional Park.
