Santa Rosa is a wonderful city full of natural beauty, exciting culture, and friendly people. Whether you’re shopping in Montgomery Village, taking a stroll around scenic Spring Lake, hiking through the picturesque Annadel State Park, sipping an exquisite IPA at Russian River Brewing Company, or exploring the fascinating Charles M. Schulz Museum, you’re sure to love every moment of your stay. Sonoma County is most well-known for its wineries, but fine wine isn’t the only reason to visit this wonderful slice of Northern California. Each city and town has its own unique charm. With so much to explore, choosing only one accommodation for your getaway is no easy task. Browse through hundreds of properties, and book your Santa Rosa vacation rental today. That said, here are the most unforgettable attractions in and around Santa Rosa.
1. Sebastopol
Located just 7 miles west of Santa Rosa, Sebastopol is a great option for a vacation rental if you want quick access to Santa Rosa. Explore downtown Sebastopol by foot, where you’ll find a wide variety of distinctive boutique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and new age stores. Sebastopol is also known as an excellent place for antiquing. Outdoors enthusiasts will love the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve, located just a quick walk from the downtown area. Spanning more than 30,000 acres, this gorgeous area offers a variety of stunning views, including marshes, open water, forests, grasslands, and plenty of other natural attractions.
2. Petaluma
Come to Petaluma hungry. This endearing city is known for its foodie culture, offering a wide variety of world-class cuisine from all over the world. There are plenty of outdoor seating options where you can enjoy a tantalizing meal by the river. This riverside town is also known for its thriving arts scene. Tour the area’s many vineyards, tasting some of Sonoma County’s most delightful local wines. Bring the kids to Playland, where they can have a blast playing laser tag, paintball, and Airsoft.
3. Sonoma
If you plan on visiting Sonoma County’s world-famous wineries, the town of Sonoma is a fantastic place to look for a vacation rental. This historic wine town is covered in picturesque vineyards and wineries, including California’s oldest winery, Buena Vista Winery. Take the kids to TrainTown, where passengers can enjoy riding more than 4 miles in a quarter-sized train. The trip takes you through tunnels and over bridges, until it reaches Lakeview, a miniature town with a petting zoo.
4. Cotati
Cotati is a welcoming community with historic roots and modern conveniences. Try to find a vacation rental near La Plaza Park. It’s the epicenter of the city, offering festivals, farmer’s markets, and other community-oriented attractions that are fun for the whole family. There’s also a delightful restaurant district near the plaza where you can indulge in a variety of cuisine, including Japanese, Italian, and Mexican.
5. Guerneville
If you’re looking for a laid-back vibe, Guerneville is the town for you. Relaxing waters, massive redwood trees, and NorCal wineries and eateries make Guerneville a very popular tourist destination. Many of the houses in the area are rustic cabins, which is perfect if you want a vacation rental that’s different from the norm. Kayaks, canoes, and even beach chairs and umbrellas are readily available to rent, making a day trip to the river easy and convenient. Be sure to visit the Armstrong Woods and pay a visit to Parson Jones, the tallest tree in this stunning redwood forest.
6. Healdsburg
Located right along the lovely Russian River, Healdsburg is a haven for those who like to indulge in the finer things in life. World-class dining, breweries, and wineries make Healdsburg one of Northern California’s must-visit cities. Head to Thunderbird Ranch for family-friendly horseback riding, or rent an inflatable tube and take a ride down the Russian River. While you’re in the area, learn all about this city at the elegant Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society.
7. Rohnert Park
If you’re traveling with kids, Rohnert Park is the perfect spot to look for a vacation rental. This family-oriented community boasts a wide variety of attractions that are perfect for the young and the young at heart. Driven Raceway has go karts, mini golf, a miniature bowling alley, and arcade games. Scandia Family Fun Center is another thrilling place to spend the day, offering bumper boats and cars, batting cages, and a variety of other games and activities. Pack a picnic and head to Crane Creek Regional Park, where you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, playing disc golf, and bird watching.
8. Windsor
Like Rohnert Park, Windsor is another town that’s great for families. The tight-knit community hosts regular events, including farmer’s markets, outdoor movie nights during the summer, concerts, and many other festivals, events, and exhibitions, including the popular Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic. Windsor is a fantastic town to explore on foot, and make sure you take a stroll to charming Old Downtown Windsor, home to a wide variety of unique shops.
9. Napa
Napa is world-famous for its superb wineries. The area also offers incredible natural beauty. When you’re not out and about tasting world-class wines, take a hike or bike ride through Skyline Wilderness Park or Alston Park. While you’re in Napa, bring the kids to Scientopia Discovery Center, where they can enjoy hands-on science exhibits, climbing structures, and outdoor playgrounds.
10. Bodega Bay
This alluring fishing village is an ideal spot for a vacation rental if you enjoy spending time on or near the water. It’s an angler’s paradise, with plenty of fishing spots and local tackle shops, and there are plenty of boat rental agencies readily available. Spend the day exploring the gorgeous cliffs and hills overlooking the ocean at Bodega Head. Grab some fresh local seafood to cook dinner at your vacation rental.
11. Cloverdale
Cloverdale is a family-friendly small town with a lot to offer. Take a walk down Main Street, visiting unique shops, restaurants, art galleries, and wine tasting rooms. Take the family boating at Cloverdale River Park. You can also stay on land and enjoy the playground, horseshoes, and baseball, basketball, and volleyball facilities. If you visit Cloverdale during the summer, be sure to head to the Friday farmer’s market. There, grab some fresh local food to bring home and make in the kitchen of your vacation rental.