20 BEST Things To Do in Santa Rosa, California

Sixty miles north of San Francisco lies the bustling city of Santa Rosa.

Yet, compared to the busy city, the surrounding landscape is impossibly scenic and incredibly rugged. With tons of hikes and outdoor pursuits, you couldn’t dream of all the things to do in Santa Rosa!

Once you have had your fill of the plentiful food scene and shopped until you dropped, sample some of the local wineries and step outside to see what this beautiful part of California has to offer.

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1. Get in the Water at Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park is one of the region’s most loved parks, and it is not hard to see why it is one of the most popular things to do in Santa Rosa. There are 10 miles of trails, but the trails are not the main draw here.

In the summer months, you can swim in the lake, relax on the sandy beaches, or picnic under the shade of redwoods. For the kids (or big kids), there is a water park and regular off-leash dog parties for a little something different.

You could also spend the day kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding around the water, try fishing, visit the Environmental Discovery Center, and finish off by camping at one of the 31 comfy campsites.

2. Go For a Hike at Hood Mountain Regional Park

Strap those boots on tight as you are in for a bit of a challenge if you decide to tackle the Gunsight Rock Trail in Hood Mountain Regional Park.

This is a lengthy trek, but it is so worth it to reach the park’s incredible overlook. On a clear day, you can see San Francisco 50 miles away!

If 4 hours of hiking up a mountain sounds a bit much for you, we don’t blame you. There are plenty of other hikes in this 2,000-acre wilderness, though, most trails here are challenging, so plan accordingly.

If you want something easier, try the hike to Santa Rosa Creek, which is still a beautiful way to enjoy the landscape of the Mayacamas Mountains, meadows, and mixed forests.

3. Wander Around Railroad Square Historic District

You’ll no doubt want to get out and explore the incredible wilderness that surrounds the city as fast as you can, but don’t forget to explore some of the city itself before leaving it behind.

One of the best things to do in Santa Rosa is to wander around the Railroad Square Historic District for an afternoon. This is considered the “Old Town” of Santa Rosa, and it’s centered around the historic 1904 Depot.

This area is full of cute boutiques, local restaurants, and cool turn-of-the-century stone buildings. Whether you want to shop, grab a bite to eat, or simply admire the old architecture, don’t miss this historic district.

4. Get Lost Amongst the Redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Park

Experience a very different type of skyscraper at Armstrong Woods State Park. If you are like us and never get bored of experiencing the wonder of the mighty redwoods, this stunning old-growth forest has you covered.

It is hard to take in the size of some of these trees, especially the Parson Jones Tree, towering 310 feet high. The best way to experience the park is to take the Pioneer Nature Trail, which loops down through the grove and is accessible.

5. Make Some Time For the Museums

If you get stuck with a rainy day, one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa is to visit one of the awesome museums. Honestly, even when the sun is shining, Sonoma County has some great museums worth exploring.

Favorites include the Pacific Coast Air Museum, which displays over 30 unique airplanes and cockpits, and the Charles M. Shultz Museum, dedicated to the life and artwork of the guy who created the beloved Peanuts comic strip.

6. Explore Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (One of Our Fav Things to Do in Santa Rosa!)

Hikes and horseback riding, what more could you want from a California State Park? With 25 miles of trails, passing meadows, rock outcroppings, and breathtaking redwoods, there is plenty to explore in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.

The Bald Mountain Trail is particularly scenic as you ascend from the floor of the valley and is one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa.

You may be switchbacking and climbing, but when you reach the summit and take in the views of Napa and Sonoma Valley, you will forget all about your burning calves. For something a bit less intense, we love the Vista and Meadow Loop Trail.

Year-round camping is available at the park in the 47-lot campground. You can pair it with a trip to the onsite Robert Ferguson Observatory, the largest in the western United States, and learn more about the starry sky above.

7. Indulge in the Wine Culture of Sonoma County

You’re in Sonoma, so naturally, wine tasting must be on the menu. Home to endless world-class wineries, Sonoma is renowned for its wine industry.

Santa Rosa is in the heart of it all, with tons of nearby wineries and vineyards to explore. There are also endless tasting rooms right in town, so no need to worry about driving after you’ve had a few too many sips!

8. Tackle Tricky Trails at Shiloh Ranch Regional Park

Located in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, the wild 850 acres of Shiloh Ranch Regional Park offers some tricky hiking trails that are great for a challenge.

The Ridge Trail is a great example of this, with sweeping views over Sonoma County. Why not make it a circuit and combine Bigleas, Ridge, Pond, and Creekside Trails to tour the park and see what the landscape offers?

The park is beautiful in all seasons, but in the fall, the black oaks and big leaf maple turn rich reds and oranges, transforming the landscape entirely.

The wide trails also make the park popular for equestrian riders, so if this is your thing, the park has some unique riding opportunities to enjoy.

9. Have Some Fun at Taylor Mountain Regional Park

Taylor Mountain is another Regional Park that offers 1,100 acres of trails, fun views, and other outdoor activities. Many people who visit this hilly terrain try the Taylor Mountain Loop, which puts you high above the Santa Rosa Plain.

Head up the Eastern trail, climbing up 1,000 feet to be greeted with a panoramic vista of Sonoma County and Mt. St. Helena, before heading back down the Western Trail for a more gentle descent to more sensible heights.

Spend some time enjoying some of the other amenities in the park, such as the 18-hole disc golf course, or enjoy a picnic on one of the strategically placed picnic tables.

10. Joe Matos Cheese Factory

While you’re out and about exploring Santa Rosa, make sure to make a pit stop at Joe Matos Cheese Factory.

This family-owned and operated farmstead traces its roots back to Portugal, and the cheese they make is a traditional handmade artisan raw milk St. Jorge variety. The recipe has been passed down for seven generations!

The farm is located just outside of Santa Rosa, so don’t hesitate to stop by for a FREE cheese tasting while you’re in town.

11. Watch for Wildlife at Trione-Annadel State Park

For wildlife watchers, hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, flower spotters, and view admirers, Trione-Annadel is a playground of natural wonders.

Over 40 miles of trails wind their way around the park, which is an incredible way to enjoy the impressive display of wildflowers covering the landscape in spring and summer. Keep your eyes out for birds, deer, and coyotes.

Some of the best trails include the strenuous Rough-Go Trail, which passes some remarkable rock formations; the Canyon Trail, a favorite for horseback riders; and the Marsh Trail, which boasts incredible views of Lake Ilsanjo and the mountains.

Lake Ilsanjo covers 26 acres of the park and is a popular angling spot. If you visit in the winter, the rainy season causes a series of scenic waterfalls to cascade down the hillside, which adds to that natural charm.

12. Stop and Smell the Roses at Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

You actually don’t have to leave town to bask in the nature, you can do so right in the city center at the Luther Burbank Home & Gardens.

Once the home of the horticulturalist Luther Burbank, this historic landmark is now an urban garden open to the public. You can take a guided tour through the home, or wander the gardens at your own pace.

Highlights include the historic greenhouse, a unique cactus garden, and lush fruit trees.

13. Admire the Beauty of Jack London State Historic Park

Frolick through meadows of wildflowers in spring or go leaf peeping in the fall; there is no question the Jack London State Historic Park is beautiful no matter the season and one of the best things to do in Santa Rosa.

In summer, the area can get very hot, but rest assured that there are many trails shaded by the thick forests so that you can enjoy the trails all year round.

If you want to find out more about the area, take the Wolf House Historic Trail or the Beauty Ranch Historic Trail, or if it is strenuous hiking and views you are after, try tackling the Sonoma Mountain Trail, taking you up to the park’s summit.

For a unique hike, the Historic Orchard Trail will take you past many rare varieties of fruit-bearing trees or see some gentle giants on the Ancient Redwood Trail, taking in the impressive ‘Grandmother Tree.’ At 14 feet in diameter, it is estimated to be between 1800 to 2000 years old!

Many trails can also be tackled on horseback or mountain bike for another way to experience the landscape.

14. Experience Downtown Santa Rosa—The Perfect Intro to Things to Do in Santa Rosa

With incredible dining experiences, five historic neighborhoods, cute cafes, and more, there’s no shortage of things to do in Santa Rosa.

For more outdoorsy stuff, the Prince Memorial Greenway Trail is a smooth, paved pathway running alongside Santa Rosa Creek.

Although it is only half a mile long, it is packed with bridges, painted benches, outdoor sculptures, and artwork to create what can only be described as a wonderfully pleasant walk.

The Santa Rosa Creek Trail is a paved path on the north side of the creek, with beautiful views of the farms, vineyards, and valleys outside of town.

15. Combine Nature and Booze on a Sonoma Valley Vineyard or Brewery Tour

The area around Santa Rosa is renowned for nature and wine, so why not combine the two on a Sonoma Valley bike and wine tour.

Cycle between vineyards as you take in the stunning views, then reward yourself with a crisp glass of chardonnay.

As you ride, your guide will give you some insights into the local history and stop at the best spots for photo ops.

Prefer beer to wine? No problem! There are bike and brew tours available too where guides lead you (on bike) to local breweries in Santa Rosa.

16. Take in the Views at Bodega Bay

There is nothing quite like the feeling of spotting a whale out to sea from the coast, and Bodega Bay offers a realistic chance of spotting these magnificent creatures.

Some more highlights include the views from Bodega Head, dune hiking at Bodega Dunes, and sampling some of the best seafood in the county!

17. Discover One of the Most Beautiful Lighthouses in California at Point Reyes

A jewel of Marin County, Point Reyes offers everything you could want from a Pacific Coast landscape. This breathtakingly beautiful windswept peninsula has plenty of trails and beaches to satisfy your outdoor wanderlust.

The Tomales Point Trail is a standout trail as the views go on and on, no matter where you are on the hike, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse is another scenic spot, often considered one of the most beautiful lighthouses in California.

Heart’s Desire Beach is one of the many beaches to consider when planning a day trip to the area, and wildlife enthusiasts should head straight to Elephant Seal Overlook in the winter months to see a seal-filled beach down below.

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READ MORE: 11 Stunning Beaches in Point Reyes Worth Visiting

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18. Drive Along Highway 1 to Sonoma Coast State Park

Rugged but beautiful, Sonoma Coast State Park stretches for 17 miles along the Pacific coastline, comprised of a collection of beaches, headlands, and crags. Stunning in the sun, moody and mysterious in the fog.

With all stops just off Highway 1, it is easy to make multiple stops along the road and see some of the best the park offers. Our advice is, if you see a pull-off, take it, as chances are you will be greeted with a stunning view of the oceans and sea stacks.

There are also a few easy walks and longer hikes that allow you to explore the headlands further or lead down to hidden beaches you are likely to have to yourself.

The Kortum Trail is a great trail to take if you are looking to beach hop, or Vista Point Trail brings you some incredible views of the Pacific.

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RELATED: 23 Best California Coast State Parks

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19. Wander Scenic Trails at Mount Tamalpais State Park

Just north of the Golden Gate Bridge lies Mount Tamalpais State Park, complete with summit views and towering redwoods. What a combination!

On a clear day, you can gaze out into the Pacific Ocean from the 2571-foot summit and see the Farallon Islands, over 25 miles away, and on a not-so-clear day, chances are you will still be able to make out the San Fransisco Bay area.

Open hills, deep canyons, sunny slopes, fog-filled valleys, sheltered trails through the redwoods and oaks, fields of wildflowers, and tons of wildlife cover this stretch of land, creating a rich and diverse landscape to explore.

20. Crank Your Neck at the Redwoods in Muir Woods (Another Fav Thing to Do Near Santa Rosa!)

Muir Woods is one of the best places to head if you are on the hunt for redwoods. Many of the trees here are 1000s of years old and grow to a staggering 260 feet high.

It is easy to visit (just under an hour from Santa Rosa, with easy-to-walk trails that wind through the trees).

Millions of people worldwide choose to head here to get their “giant tree fix,” so don’t expect to have it to yourself. There are three main groves to view while at the park, Founders Grove, Bohemian Grove, and Cathedral Grove, all of which can be explored on flat paths and boardwalks.

If you have the time, take the Canopy View Trail, where you will head above the trees and see them from a completely different angle.

We hope this helped you choose all the best things to do in Santa Rosa for your trip!

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