

Petaluma is a city in the heart of California’s Wine Country. However, the vibrant city is popular not just for its great wineries, but also for its buzzing metropolitan town centre, great parks and rich history. While in Petaluma, you might want to visit the Petaluma Library Museum to learn more about Petaluma’s rich history in the context of great literature, enjoy bird watching at Shollenberger Park or see the wildlife exhibits at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue. If you are planning on taking your next trip here, be sure to check out the best things to do in Petaluma, California.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Visit the Petaluma Library Museum

Visiting a museum may not be the first thing you think about when visiting Petaluma. However, the Petaluma Library Museum is certainly worth a visit. The former library houses a wide range of artefacts surrounding Petaluma’s poultry industry, dairy industry and Miwok Indian culture. Guided tours are available at certain timings at the museum, and there is a gift shop inside the museum if you want to buy souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Petaluma Library Museum
Address: 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Petaluma Library Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free entry
2. Head to McEvoy Ranch for their amazing products
Posted by McEvoy Ranch on Tuesday, 21 May 2019
McEvoy Ranch is one of the largest producers of certified organic extra virgin olive oil in the United States. Tours and wine, food and olive oil tastings can be booked, only by appointment. Seasonal events are also conducted to showcase the diversity and abundance of ranch products that are available at McEvoy Ranch throughout the year.
McEvoy Ranch
Address: 5935 Red Hill Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952-9437
Website: McEvoy Ranch
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 4.30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
3. Enjoy bird-watching at Shollenberger Park
Shollenberger Park is a large wetland park dedicated to making the wetlands and nature accessible to the public. The park is considered one of the best locations in California for viewing many rare species of birds and other wildlife types that can be found in the region. Three key animal-watching spots within the Shollenberger Park are the Adobe Creek, the Alman Marsh and the Petaluma Marina. Come with your family for an enjoyable day out.
Shollenberger Park
Address: 1400 Cader Ln, Petaluma, CA 94954, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
4. Drop by Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
One of the key highlights of the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is the beautiful creek that runs through it. If you are looking for a great place for a relaxing morning stroll while immersed in nature, this is the perfect place to go. The state park also hosts a number of fitness, wellness and educational activities that you can join in on while on your trip to Petaluma. This is a great option for all adventure-seekers.
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Address: 3325 Adobe Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: Free
5. Catch a musical or opera show at Cinnabar Theater
Cinnabar Theater is a spacious 120-seat venue dedicated to producing opera, musical theatre, drama and chamber music. It is a non-profit organisation that puts up a wide range of theatrical products, ranging from an opera performance by the Cinna Gals women’s chorus to an Irish musical named “Men of Worth”. If you are an art and culture enthusiast you would surely love this activity.
Cinnabar Theater
Address: 3333 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Cinnabar Theater
6. See the wildlife exhibits at Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue is a wildlife rehabilitation and education centre in Petaluma. There is a wide range of animals you can get to see and interact with at the rescue centre, including many of Petaluma’s local species, such as the grey fox, red-tailed hawk and northern racoon. If you are an animal lover, this is a great place to visit on your next trip to Petaluma, California!
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
Address: 403 Mecham Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
7. Take a leisurely stroll inside Garden Valley Ranch
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Garden Valley Ranch is a simple farm in Petaluma known for its premium garden roses, stunning event sites and homely guest cottages in an enchanting and authentic farm setting. Their Nursery and Garden Store sells a wide range of roses, including the Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, Tree Roses, Antique Roses, English Roses and David Austin Roses. If you are looking to stay on the Garden Valley Ranch for an extended period of time, you can book a night’s stay at the Rose Garden Cottage, which features a clawfoot tub, gas fireplace and a queen-sized bed.
Garden Valley Ranch
Address: 498 Pepper Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Garden Valley Ranch
Opening hours: Tue: 12pm - 12:30am (closed from Wed - Mon)
Price: Free entry
8. Buy authentic produce from the sustainable Green String Farm
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Green String Farm is a unique philosophy - to use purely natural processes to grow the best organic fruits and vegetables. At the farm, you can purchase not just fruits and veggies but also a wide range of fresh flowers. You have the choice of admiring and choosing from the classic sunflower to the gorgeous purple lavender. This should be a wonderful family activity as children would love the expanse and the colours everywhere.
Green String Farm
Address: 3571 Old Adobe Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA
Website: Green String Farm
9. Buy cheese at Petaluma Creamery Retail Store and Deli
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Petaluma Creamery Retail Store and Deli is dedicated to selling organic local cheeses, such as the Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, Petaluma Gold Cheese and Petaluma Creamery Cheese. If you wish to stay at the Petaluma Creamery Retail Store and Deli a little longer for a full meal, their Deli offers a wide selection of delicious breakfast eats, such as breakfast sandwich with egg, bacon and cheese, a bagel with cream cheese and doughnuts in different flavours.
Petaluma Creamery Retail Store and Deli
Address: 711 Western Ave, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Petaluma Creamery Retail Store and Deli
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 6pm
10. Try your luck at Parkwest Casino Sonoma
Are you looking to try your luck at a thrilling game of blackjack or poker? Or are you hungry for some authentic American fare? Well, either way, Parkwest Casino Sonoma has something for you. This simple casino is packed with games such as blackjack and poker, plus a restaurant serving hearty American fare. The best part about the Parkwest Casino Sonoma is that it is open 24 hours, so you can come in to try your hand at a game at any time you wish, day or night.
Parkwest Casino Sonoma
Address: 5151 Montero Way, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA
Website: Parkwest Casino Sonoma
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
11. Sample delicious wines at Sonoma Portworks
Petaluma, California, is famous throughout the world for its great wineries and fantastic soil for grape growing. It goes without saying that a winery is one of the must-visit places of interest in Petaluma, and Sonoma Portworks serves up some of the best wines and wine-related desserts in the city. Sonoma Portworks offers its visitors a unique wine-tasting experience in its very own wine room. Port wine, sherry, grappa are all included in the tasting menu.
Sonoma Portworks
Address: 613 2nd St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Sonoma Portworks
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
12. Go biking with friends at Helen Putnam Regional Park

Helen Putnam Regional Park is a sunny and spacious park perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities. It is a perfect place to spend a sunny morning, as you can choose to take a leisurely stroll around its rolling greenfield, bike through one of its many biking trails or simply sit down with friends and family for a hearty picnic on the green spaces littered around the park. This is an activity you would enjoy more with friends and family.
Helen Putnam Park
Address: 411 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
13. Marvel at the avant garde exhibits at Petaluma Arts Center
PAC is accepting artwork from participating artists for the Member's Show today at the arts center from 9 AM to 1 PM.
Posted by Petaluma Arts Center on Monday, 3 December 2018
Petaluma Arts Center is a non-profit organisation and arts arena dedicated to spreading the beauty of the visual arts through a wide range of imaginative exhibitions held at the centre throughout the year. Both famous local and international artists put up their exhibitions in the arts centre. You can check out the Wild Indigenous Watercolors exhibition or the PAC Members Exhibition, both upcoming exhibitions to be held in late 2019.
Petaluma Arts Center
Address: 230 Lakeville St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Petaluma Arts Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free entry
14. Check out the innumerable birds at Ellis Creek Water Plant and Wetlands
Ellis Creek Water Plant and Wetlands gives its visitors a fantastic opportunity to be immersed in nature as you stroll by swans gliding in the vast pond, watch birds and waterfowl wade through muddy wetland and watch a family of geese waddle towards the waters. This is truly a beautiful park packed with wildlife and a perfect place for a calm morning stroll. If you want an affordable yet amazing experience immersing yourself in the wilderness on your next vacay, this is the place to go.
Ellis Creek Water Plant and Wetlands
Address: Cypress Drive, Petaluma, CA 94952
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Tour Achadinha Cheese Company and sample delicious cheese
Achadinha Cheese Company offers a farm tour for 30 USD and a cheesemaking class from 120 USD. If you are interested in learning more about authentic ranch life, want to visit a cheese plant or simply want to get a taste of some delicious cheese, the farm tour is perfect for you. The more expensive cheesemaking class offers you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to roll up your sleeves, don a hairnet and get your hands full in a vat of curd and whey. You will get to sample a few of the Achadinha Cheese Company’s deli sandwiches after your experience. Cheese lovers, this is an experience you must not miss on your next trip to Petaluma!
Achadinha Cheese Company
Address: 750 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Achadinha Cheese Company
Price: 30 USD onwards
16. Browse through the collection at Riverfront Art Gallery
Easy Peasy, an acrylic painting by Patti Meyer Weichert, is featured in our new show. Come take a look! We’re open Wednesday through Sunday.
Posted by Riverfront Art Gallery on Monday, 22 July 2019
Riverfront Art Gallery is a tiny but great art gallery to visit in Petaluma, California. If you happen to be in the vicinity visiting Petaluma’s gorgeous riverfront anyway, this is a great place to go. The gallery showcases and sells a wide selection of artistic items, including photographs, paintings, lamps, cards, ceramics and jewellery. This is a great place to find unique gifts for your friends and family back home.
Riverfront Art Gallery
Address: 2905, 132 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, United States
Website: Riverfront Art Gallery
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
17. Buy unique gifts from Doll Mercantile
Doll Mercantile offers many services relating to dolls, including doll restoration and aiding you in determining the right value when purchasing or selling a collectable doll. Doll Mercantile is owned and led by Colleen Richardson, who has over 25 years of experience in dealing with antique and collectable dolls, so you know that your dolls will be in good hands. You can also check out Doll Mercantile’s immense selection of dolls and purchase one as a unique gift for your friends and family back home!
Doll Mercantile
Address: 1510 Bodega Ave, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Doll Mercantile
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
18. Party at The Big Easy

The Big Easy is both an underground restaurant and a nightclub. If you want to experience some of Petaluma’s vibrant nightlife scene, or simply want to chomp down on some authentic American fare with your friends and family for dinner, this is the place to go. A wide range of musicians, including DJs, jazz bands and heavy metal bands play at The Big Easy, and some of the more famous local players at the event include The Illegals, the Freedom Peaches and Sean Parnell.
The Big Easy
Address: 128 American Alley, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: The Big Easy
Opening hours: 6:30pm - 12am (daily)
Price: 40 USD
19. Enjoy a slow and relaxed morning walk by the Petaluma River

The Petaluma River winds lazily through Petaluma’s historic city centre, attracting many tourists and locals to fish, paddleboard and kayak in its depths. You can take a leisurely morning stroll with your friends and family along Petaluma River, engage in stand up paddleboarding or simply relax and have a picnic by its shore. The best part is, the Petaluma River is located centrally in the heart of Petaluma, making it the perfect place to stop by after a good meal in the city centre or after visiting one of Petaluma’s many places of interest scattered around the heart of the city.
Petaluma River
Address: Petaluma River, California 95476, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
20. Experience the world of glitz and glamour on Petaluma Film Tour
Did you know that Petaluma has been nicknamed the “Hollywood of Northern California” by many locals? This is because of the many roles the beautiful city has played in a wide variety of major motion pictures. For an affordable peek into the rich history of film in Petaluma, California, simply speak to one of the friendly Petaluma Film Tour guides at the Petaluma Visitors Center. They will bring you around to explore the buildings, streets, and backdrops where films such as Francis Ford Coppola’s “Peggy Sue Got Married” and Bay Area resident George Lucas’s breakthrough film “American Graffiti” was filmed.
Petaluma Film Tour
Address: 210 Lakeville St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Petaluma Film Tour
Opening hours: Fri: 3pm (closed from Sat - Thu)
21. Dine at Cucina Paradiso
Posted by Cucina Paradiso on Monday, 30 July 2012
Cucina Paradiso is a laid back Italian trattoria offering a wide selection of authentic Italian dishes, such as pastas and pizzas, plus a broad wine list. It serves up hearty Italian food with rich and authentic flavours. Cucina Paradiso is perfect for both adults and children in that it offers a wide range of kid-friendly dishes such as spaghetti bolognese and also many elevated, flavourful delights such as the tiramisu and pork tenderloin. If you are looking for the perfect place for a posh date night out or a lunch for your family and friends here at Petaluma, California, this is the perfect place to go.
Cucina Paradiso
Address: 114 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Cucina Paradiso
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm, 5pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 25 USD
22. Watch a spectacular performance at McNear’s Mystic Theatre
There is a wide variety of shows you can book at the McNear’s Mystic Theatre, from theatrical performances to musical opera. Their performances cater to a broad age range. You can bring your teen or young child to watch a spectacular, fairy-tale-like story of Movie Night: The Never Ending Story, or feel the nostalgia of 90s music with your parents or spouse with the musical performance by band Saved By The 90s. There is also a full bar and restaurant access for you to complete your night out in Petaluma’s McNear’s Mystic Theatre.
McNear’s Mystic Theatre
Address: 23 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: McNear’s Mystic Theatre
23. Taste the farm-to-table cuisine at Central Market
Posted by Central Market on Saturday, 25 February 2017
If you are looking for a cosy and homely vibe and delicious yet healthy food, Central Market is the place to go! It serves up a wide range of gluten-free and vegetarian food, with its key offerings being great bread, wine and Californian-Mediterranean fare. If you are looking for a healthy lunch and happen to be in the heart of Petaluma’s downtown area, you should definitely consider dropping by this vintage establishment dedicated to sustainability and great food.
Central Market
Address: 42 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Central Market
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 5pm - 9:30pm (closed on Mon & Tues)
24. Swing by Wrist Wrestling Capital and Statue

Wrist Wrestling Capital and Statue features two strong, bronzed wrestlers engaged in an intense battle of arm wrestling. The statue was built to commemorate Mr Bill Soberanes, who founded the town’s World Wrist Wrestling Championships. Whether you are interested in the history of Wrist Wrestling, or simply want to snap a unique picture with the Wrist Wrestling Capital and Statue, the statue is definitely worth dropping by when you make a trip to Petaluma, California.
Wrist Wrestling Capital and Statue
Address: 423 East Washington St.
Website: Wrist Wrestling Capital and Statue
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
25. Take your fido out to McNear Park
McNear Park is a beautiful and spacious park located in the heart of Petaluma. It is the perfect relaxation spot for people of all ages. You can engage in a fun game of tennis at the tennis courts with your spouse, have a thrilling time flying down slides and clambering up rock walls with younger children at the McNear Park playground, or play a game of fetch with your dog at one of the designated dog areas around the park. There is also a public pool for all of your friends and family to relax and splash around in the sun, completing an amazing day spent at McNear Park.
McNear Park
Address: 1008 G St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
26. Bring your children to the Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum
Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum is a student-run museum dedicated to environmental conservation, education and activism. The museum houses, not just a large live animal collection, but also a sizeable mineral collection and a few poaching artefacts. Friendly and experienced student docents will be stationed around the museum to guide you through it and to bring you on a guided tour of the museum if you wish.
Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum
Address: 201 Fair St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum
Opening hours: 1st & 3rd Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
Price: 5 USD
27. Walk around the beautiful Lucchesi Park
Lucchesi Park is a public park located in the heart of Petaluma, California. The park features a wide range of amenities for visitors of all ages, including a baseball field, two tennis courts, a playground, many picnic tables and a biking path. Petaluma, California has a fun- and sun-loving culture, so you will get to meet and interact with many locals at the beautiful Lucchesi Park during your time there. Bring all your friends and family here to Lucchesi Park for a fun-filled day in the sun!
Lucchesi Park
Address: 320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
28. Chug down a pint of beer at Jamison's Roaring Donkey
Jamison’s Roaring Donkey is a bar popular with the locals not just for its great beer, but also for its friendly and welcoming community spirit. Come participate in Trivia Night every Tuesday, watch an Open Mic event on Thursday or enjoy a DIY Bloody Mary Buffet on Sunday. Jamison’s Roaring Donkey also serves up a wide range of beer, mules, cocktails and wine, with some of their specialities including the Lagunitas A Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ with Hops and Malt and Cooperage Steph Curty with Citra and Simcoe. Use the evenings to drop by this exclusive bar with your friends or your partner and wash down the bar grub with your choice of beer.
Jamison's Roaring Donkey
Address: 146 Kentucky St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Jamison’s Roaring Donkey
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 2pm - 2am; Sun: 10am - 2am
Price: 25 USD
29. Explore the fascinating Military Antiques & Museum
Are you a fan of military antiques? Well, if so, the Military Antiques & Museum is the right place for you to drop by during your visit to Petaluma, California. The museum features a vast retail space selling military antiques and a museum focused on the history of war. Some examples of the unique items sold there include the Korean War Era Recoilless Rifle HEAT Cartridge Packing Tube, a WWII Era Japanese Type 90 Civil Defense Helmet and a WW II USN MK-1 Machete.
Military Antiques & Museum
Address: 300 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA
Website: Military Antiques & Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
Price: Free entry
30. Buy back your stash from Keller Estate Winery
Keller Estate Winery has received the highly coveted Michelin BIB Gourmand star for its excellent wines made at the Keller Estate wine groves. Wine lovers can enjoy a unique wine-tasting experience at the Keller Estate Winery’s wine tasting room, purchase a few bottles of wine to bring back to the hotel or even order them online to be shipped back to your hometown. If you are keen on finding out more about the Keller Estate Winery’s rich history and past, one of the friendly representatives at the Winery will be more than happy to give you a detailed run-down.
Keller Estate Winery
Address: 5875 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA
Website: Keller Estate Winery
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
Price: Free entry
Many great things to do in Petaluma
Overall, there are so many great things to do in Petaluma. Whether you are a nature buff looking to explore many fascinating wildlife exhibits at the Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum or a fan of the drink looking to savour a pint of delicious beer at Jamison’s Roaring Donkey, there will be something fun and amazing for you to do on your next trip to Petaluma, California. If you are planning on taking your next trip to Petaluma, be sure to check out the above things to do!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data