Historic landmarks, natural scenery, romantic getaway spots, perfectly crafted wines, and picturesque parks—pretty much describe Santa Rosa’s outdoor scene.
There’s a lot to explore and plenty to enjoy in this part of Sonoma County, and the best way to have an unforgettable experience is to plan it!
It’s not enough to step outside your home for just a couple of thrills and cool pictures; in Santa Rosa, every minute spent touring the city feels like a dream.
Whether you’re new to the city or plan on visiting, we’ll give you a virtual tour of the area and all the fun things to do in Santa Rosa by yourself, with family, or with a partner.
- Get in Tune with Africa’s Finests at Safari West
If you have never been on a safari tour, here’s your chance to catch almost 1,000 wild animals in all their splendor.
From beautifully-striped zebras to fast-running cheetahs and towering giraffes, your eyes are in for a treat in Safari West. With a good stroke of luck, you might just get a good face-to-face glimpse of some of Africa’s finest animals.
The best part is that you can either book a private tour with your family or join a group of explorers like yourself in an open-air safari vehicle. Prepare to enjoy the next three hours of driving and walking through the safari’s terrain.
It’s a famous experience spot in the city, so if you are relocating to this part of Sonoma County with Santa Rosa movers, expect to get recommendations to visit here.
Note: Children must be 4+ years old to join in the driving part of the safari tour. Tickets start from as low as $45 for kids to as high as $130 for adults.
- Adore Unique Exhibitions at the Charles M. Schulz Museum
How much of a comic or art fan are you?
Once you’re in Santa Rosa, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum, full of adorable exhibits and peanut-themed artwork. As a non-profit museum, this adventurous spot dives deep into the 50-year-old legacy of the Peanuts comic strip.
It showcases various artifacts, photographs, letters, memorabilia, and comics that are sure to give you a good laugh on your visit. That’s not all; the campus has a Warm Puppy Café, Museum Theater, and Research Center about Schulz.
Other more permanent exhibitions at the museum include:
- A recreated Schulz work art studio
- Peanuts tile mural (made from comic strips)
- An outdoor Snoopy Labyrinth
- Wrapped Snoopy doghouse
- Kite-Eating tree
Note: Admission ticket prices range from $2 for EBT Cardholders to $12 for adults. Members and children aged 3 and younger get FREE access to the museum.
- Inhale the Flowery Essence at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
For gardeners and plant lovers, a visit to the Wizard of Horticulture’s home and gardens should be in your top five places to visit.
Luther Burbank, a self–educated agricultural scientist responsible for developing 800+ plant creations in Sonoma County back in the 1870s. His genius brought about the Russet Burbank potato, Santa Rosa plum, Flaming Gold nectarine, and July Elberta peach.
Today, his home is a National Landmark in Santa Rosa, a place full of amazing agricultural discoveries open to the public. A simple visit to this spot will reveal a one-acre garden filled with Burbank’s creations and a unique greenhouse.
Note: Ticket prices into the home get as high as $10 for adults and FREE for children under 12 (accompanied by an adult).
- Flavor your Taste Buds at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards
At St. Francis Winery and Vineyards, you can take your wine-tasting adventures to the next level with award-winning wines and unmatched culinary pairings.
With over 50 years of hand-crafting experience, the distillers at St. Francis have created the most fruit-forward, sustainable, and full-bodied wines in Sonoma County.
For couples looking for a romantic destination spot, here’s a good spot to sip some wine and feel the love. So, plan your schedule, set the stage, and ensure you are a part of the unique tastings for the most amazing gastronomic experience.
Note: Booking tickets for the Trolley Vineyard Tour sits at $60 per person and $48 for Club Members.
- Spend Some Time Out at Howarth Park
It’s “The Jewel” of Santa Rosa in this over 138-acre community park, and if you are looking for a good place to hang out, it’s Howarth Park!
The park is for everybody: teenagers, couples, families with kids—there’s an attraction to wow you. For instance, the most obvious fun activity here is the quarter-mile train ride through tunnels and across a bridge.
Other park experiences include water activities like fishing, boat paddling, and wildlife spotting on Lake Ralphine. Plus, the park also features enough picnic spaces and playground equipment to keep the kids occupied.
Note: Entry into the park is FREE. However, some activities and the Snack Bar section might charge a fee for services.
- Explore Interactive Service with Kids at the Children’s Museum of Sonata County
Get your kids to experience interactive, self-directed exhibits and programs that will heighten their thoughts and inspire curiosity about science, technology, math, and engineering.
The experts at the Children’s Museum of Sonata County (CMOSC) have mastered the perfect learning method for kids. They transformed regular classroom programs into joyful, playful experiences kids can relate to and place focus on.
On the grounds of CMOSC, your kids get to play pretend to drive farm tractors, babysit at hospital nurseries, sell produce at the stand, and travel the world without needing to leave Santa Rosa.
Note: Admission tickets start from $3 (for EBT Cardholders) to $16 (for adults and children). Museum members have FREE access to CMOSC.
- Relax by the Spring Lake Park
Home to a lake, oak woodlands, ponds, meadows, and grasslands, this park is a favorite for cyclists, campers, bird watchers, and even hikers.
Whether you just want to sit by the bench and gaze into the 320-acre park or get wet by paddling a kayak through the lake, the choice is yours. For those who love to fish, the lake has enough catfish, sunfish, and other sweet catches ready for dinner.
It’s truly the most beloved park in Santa Rosa for residents, and it’s not so hard to see why.
Everything seems possible here: there are 10 miles of walking path if you want to get lost in thoughts, plenty of picnic areas for the family, and good spots to set up camps.
Note: Admission into the park is FREE.
- Shop at Downtown Santa Rosa and See the Old Courthouse Square
Here’s a tip to keep in mind: don’t leave Santa Rosa without having visited Downtown.
Exploration of this area is free, and there are plenty of things to do! You can see incredible dining spots, cute cafes calling to you, and the ever-lovely Prince Memorial Greenway Trail.
Then, when you’re done touring, bring out your cards and cash for a stop at Old Courthouse Square outdoor plaza. The locals here can attest to the one-of-a-kind stores offering excellent intercontinental deliciousness and shopping options like nowhere else.
Note: It’s FREE, but prepare to spend on some eye-catching things.
Key Takeaway—Things to do in Santa Rosa, CA
Outdoor enthusiasts like it, and even the more reserved people would love to visit Santa Rosa—so why haven’t you?
There are plenty of things to do in Santa Rosa, and without even much of a plan, you could get confused about where to start.
If that’s your situation, you can begin your tour of the city at Safari West. Got a partner? Take time to explore Howart or Spring Lake Park. Have kids? Head over to CMOSC and the Schulz Museum.
Let’s say you have been through all 8 locations; here’s an additional 5 spots to visit:
- The Redwood Empire Ice Arena
- Hood Mountain Regional Park
- Railroad Square Historic District
- Paradise Ridge Winery
- Trione-Annadel State Park
