30 Best Things To Do In Petaluma, California

things to do in petaluma california
Ruth Alexis
Ruth Alexis 
Updated
| 13 min read

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.

1. Visit the Petaluma Library Museum

things to do in petaluma california | visit the petaluma library museum
Source: instagram

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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)

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12. Go biking with friends at Helen Putnam Regional Park

View from Helen Putnam Regional Park
Source: Photo by Flickr user harminder dhesi used under CC BY-ND 2.0

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

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18. Party at The Big Easy

things to do in petaluma california | party at the big easy
Source: instagram

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

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19. Enjoy a slow and relaxed morning walk by the Petaluma River

things to do in petaluma california | enjoy a slow and relaxed morning walk by the petaluma river
Source: instagram

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

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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)

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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

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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

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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)

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24. Swing by Wrist Wrestling Capital and Statue

The Man Who Arm-Wrestled President Reagan
Source: Photo by user Tony Fischer used under CC BY 2.0

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)

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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)

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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

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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Many great things to do in Petaluma

Sebastopol Depot of the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, 261 S. Main St., Sebastopol, CA 7-11-2010 3-44-21 PM
Source: Photo by user Sanfranman59 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Ruth is a freelance writer and novelist who loves snuggling, skating, and all things matcha.

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