Attractions in Santa Rosa

There is something for everyone in Santa Rosa, California.

Railroad Square is the “old town” of Santa Rosa. This area of historic buildings features restaurants, antique and other shops, and live theater at the 6th Street Playhouse.

For art lovers, a short walk from Railroad Square is the Sonoma County Museum featuring a rich selection of contemporary art.

Not far away is the Charles M. Schulz Museum, dedicated to the display and history of cartoon art as well as the life and works of its namesake, the creator of the Peanuts script, who made his home in Santa Rosa.

History buffs will enjoy several attractions in Santa Rosa. The Pacific Coast Air Museum at the Charles M. Schulz Airport details the history of aviation, especially in Sonoma County.

The 19th century botanist, Luther Burbank, was also a famous resident of Santa Rosa. Tours of his home at the corner of Santa Rosa and Sonoma Avenues, his greenhouse, and carriage house museum are available April through October. The grounds of the home are open year-round. The Luther Burbank Rose Parade is held in annually in May and has been an event in Santa Rosa for more than 100 years.

The Santa Rosa Rural Cemetery is a unique combination of historic cemetery and park. Tours present the history of the town through the stories of the residents buried there.

Annual events of particular interest to biking and running enthusiasts include the finish of a section of the Tour of California bicycle race; Levi Leipheimer’s GranFondo, a mass participation bicycling event; and the Santa Rosa marathon.

Wildlife lovers will enjoy Safari West, a wildlife preserve that simulates, even in its lodging accommodations, an African safari.

Annual fairs and festivals include the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, the Sonoma County Book Festival, the Harmony Festival, and Live at Juilliard Park, a summer concert series.