Santa Rosa is located in the heart of California’s Wine Country, boasting a rich history and a plethora of exciting activities for visitors. From exploring museums dedicated to beloved comic strip characters to hiking through beautiful state parks, Santa Rosa has something for everyone.
With its prime location in the heart of wine country, it’s no surprise that wine tours are a popular activity.
Still, the city also offers plenty of other attractions like wildlife preserves, performing arts centers, and historic districts. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, you will surely find something that interests you in Santa Rosa. This article will explore the top 10 things to do in Santa Rosa, CA.
10 Things to do in Santa Rosa, CA
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, nature lover, or history buff, there’s something for everyone in Santa Rosa. Here are the top 10 things to do in Santa Rosa, CA:
1. Visit Charles M. Schulz Museum
The Charles M. Schulz Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who grew up reading the “Peanuts” comic strip or appreciates the artistry of Charles M. Schulz. The museum in Santa Rosa celebrates Schulz’s life, work, and influence on popular culture. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that showcase Schulz’s artwork, personal memorabilia, and the creative process behind the iconic “Peanuts” characters.
One of the most popular exhibits is the recreation of Schulz’s studio, where visitors can see his drawing board, art supplies, and personal effects. The museum also features a gift shop that sells “Peanuts”-themed merchandise, including books, clothing, and toys.
Address: 2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States
Official website: https://schulzmuseum.org/
2. Go on a wine tour
Going on a wine tour is one of the most popular activities in Santa Rosa, thanks to its location in the heart of California’s Wine Country.Tour local wineries and vineyards for tastings and enjoy the winemaking process. Some of the most popular wineries to visit include Benziger Family Winery, Chateau St. Jean, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Many of these wineries offer guided tours of their facilities, where visitors can see the vineyards, production facilities, and barrel rooms. They also provide opportunities to taste various wines, from light and crisp whites to full-bodied reds. In addition to wine tastings, some wineries offer food pairings, cheese samplings, and live music. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to explore the beauty of Wine Country, a wine tour in Santa Rosa is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, United States
Official website: https://www.benziger.com/
3. Go on a wine tour
Going on a wine tour is one of the most popular activities in Santa Rosa, thanks to its location in the heart of California’s Wine Country. Many wineries and vineyards in the surrounding area offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to sample some of the region’s best wines while learning about the winemaking process. Some of the most popular wineries to visit include Benziger Family Winery, Chateau St. Jean, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery.
Many of these wineries offer guided tours of their facilities, where visitors can see the vineyards, production facilities, and barrel rooms. They also provide opportunities to taste various wines, from light and crisp whites to full-bodied reds. In addition to wine tastings, some wineries offer food pairings, cheese samplings, and live music. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking to explore the beauty of Wine Country, a wine tour in Santa Rosa is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Address: 6201 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States
4. Explore Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
Luther Burbank was a famous horticulturist who developed over 800 new plant varieties, including the Russet Burbank potato. Visitors to Santa Rosa can explore Burbank’s former home and gardens at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. The site includes the home where Burbank lived and worked, a greenhouse, gardens, and a museum dedicated to Burbank’s life and achievements.
The gardens themselves highlight the site, with over 100 varieties of plants, including roses, fruit trees, and vegetables. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the gardens, which feature benches and walking paths for a stroll. The museum houses a collection of Burbank’s books, photographs, and personal belongings, providing a glimpse into the life of this influential horticulturist.
Address: 204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Official website: http://www.lutherburbank.org/
5. Visit the Russian River Brewing Company
Beer enthusiasts should not miss visiting the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa. The brewery was founded in 1997 and has gained a reputation for producing some of the best beers in the United States. Their most famous beer is Pliny the Elder, an award-winning double IPA that is highly sought after by beer connoisseurs.
Visitors can taste a variety of beers in the brewery’s tasting room, including their flagship beers, experimental brews, and limited-edition releases. In addition to beer tastings, the brewery also serves food, with a menu that features pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The atmosphere in the tasting room is lively and welcoming, with friendly staff and plenty of seating. Visitors can also tour the brewery to learn about the brewing process and the company’s history.
Address: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Official website: https://www.russianriverbrewing.com/
6. See a show at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is a premier performing arts venue in Santa Rosa, hosting various shows and events annually. Something is always happening at the center, from Broadway shows to music concerts, dance performances, to comedy acts. The venue is impressive, with a large theater that seats over 1,600 people and a smaller studio theater that seats 250.
The center attracts top talent worldwide, including musicians, actors, and comedians. Some notable performers graced the stage at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, including Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, and the Moscow Ballet. Whether you’re a theater, music, or comedy fan, visiting the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is a must-do activity for anyone looking for a cultural experience in Santa Rosa.
Address: 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States
Official website: https://lutherburbankcenter.org/
7. Visit the Safari West Wildlife Preserve
For a unique wildlife experience, visiting the Safari West Wildlife Preserve is a must-do activity in Santa Rosa. The preserve covers over 400 acres of land and is home to over 900 animals worldwide, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and cheetahs. Visitors can take a guided safari tour of the preserve in an open-air jeep, allowing them to get up close to the animals in their natural habitats.
The tours are led by experienced guides who provide insights into the behavior and characteristics of the animals. In addition to the safari tours, the preserve offers walking tours, where visitors can see smaller animals and learn about the preserve’s conservation efforts. Visitors can also stay overnight in one of the preserve’s luxury tents, which provide a unique glamping experience.
Address: 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States
Official website: https://www.safariwest.com/
8. Explore the Pacific Coast Air Museum
The Pacific Coast Air Museum is a must-visit attraction for aviation enthusiasts in Santa Rosa. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of aviation in the United States, focusing on the Pacific Coast region. The museum’s collection includes over 35 aircraft, ranging from vintage warplanes to modern jets.
Visitors can explore the aircraft up close and learn about their history and significance from knowledgeable docents. In addition to the aircraft, the museum has a collection of aviation artifacts, including flight helmets, flight suits, and aviation art. The museum also hosts events throughout the year, such as air shows and fly-ins, allowing visitors to see the aircraft in action. For anyone interested in aviation, a visit to the Pacific Coast Air Museum is a must-do activity in Santa Rosa.
Address: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States
Official website: https://pacificcoastairmuseum.org/
9. Shop and dine in Historic Railroad Square
Historic Railroad Square is a charming district in Santa Rosa home to various shops, restaurants, and cafes. The district gets its name from the railroad station that used to be located in the area, and it has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Visitors to Railroad Square can browse various unique shops, including antique stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. The area also offers several restaurants and cafes, from casual dining to fine cuisine.
The district is lively in the evenings, with live music performances and other entertainment options. Railroad Square is also home to several historic buildings, including the Depot Park Museum, which showcases the history of the area’s railroad industry.
10. Enjoy Impressive Masonry Works
Many other examples of impressive masonry work in houses throughout Santa Rosa include Victorian homes, Craftsman-style bungalows, and mid-century modern designs. If you’re interested in exploring these homes, you may take a self-guided tour of historic neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, such as the West End or St. Rose.
Since we are mentioning masonry work, we must mention the market leader of masonry contractors. Santa Rosa Masonry is a reputable masonry contractor in Santa Rosa, CA, with over 24 years of experience in the industry. The company is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, focusing on creating beautiful and functional masonry structures that stand the test of time. Santa Rosa Masonry is a great choice if you need masonry services in Santa Rosa, CA. Their expertise, experience, and commitment to quality make them a top choice for anyone looking for exceptional masonry work.
Contact number: 707-691-3358
Official website: https://www.masonrysantarosa.com/