Petaluma Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in Petaluma, California with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Petaluma

Nestled in Sonoma County in North Coast California, Petaluma is a charming historic city with a vibrant culture and artistic flair. The city is known for its picturesque landscapes, Victorian houses, and colorful gardens.

Petaluma is easily accessible from San Francisco and is a popular weekend getaway destination for city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

List of Places to Visit in Petaluma

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park - Discover the rich history of Petaluma at this historic site where General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo once lived. The park features a beautiful adobe home, gardens, and exhibits.

  • Petaluma Arts Center - This nonprofit arts center promotes visual arts and provides a space for emerging artists to showcase their work. The center also hosts workshops and events for the community.

  • The Petaluma Historical Library and Museum - This museum showcases the history of Petaluma through its extensive collection of artifacts, exhibits, and archives.

Natural Attractions of Petaluma: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Helen Putnam Regional Park - This park covers 216 acres and is a great spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and bird watching. The park has several trails that provide scenic views of the surrounding hillsides.

  • Shollenberger Park - This park is located at the edge of Petaluma and is famous for its wetlands and bird habitat. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, bird watching, and picnic areas.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Petaluma

  • The Lynch Creek Trail - This beautiful trail stretches for two miles across the Lynch Creek Wetlands. Visitors can bike, hike, or jog while enjoying the scenic views.

  • The Chileno Valley Trail - This trail is ideal for more experienced hikers and traverses a steep and scenic valley. The trail starts at the end of Valley Ford Road and leads to the top of Chileno Peak.

Best Things to Do in Petaluma: Activities and Tours

  • Take a stroll down Petaluma’s historic downtown and marvel at the beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.

  • Visit The Theatre District and catch a glimpse of some of the city’s finest artists.

  • Explore the Petaluma River and its many fascinating backwaters and hidden treasures. You can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and enjoy the scenic views of the river.

Week-Long Itinerary for Petaluma

Day 1 - Start your day at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park and take a tour of the General Vallejo’s home. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding gardens and fields.

Day 2 - Visit the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum in the morning to learn more about the history of the town. In the afternoon, take a hike along the Lynch Creek Trail.

Day 3 - Explore the center of Petaluma and visit The Theatre District. Catch a show at one of the many theaters.

Day 4 - Hike the Chileno Valley Trail and marvel at the scenic beauty of the valley.

Day 5 - Rent a kayak or paddleboard and take a tour of the Petaluma River. Visit Backwater Paddle Company for rentals and guided tours.

Day 6 - Take a day trip to Bodega Bay and explore the beaches and rocky coastline.

Day 7 - End your trip with a leisurely day spent at Helen Putnam Regional Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery and trails.

Food and Drink Scene of Petaluma

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Chicken Sandwiches at Stockhome
  • Oysters at The Shuckery
  • Award-winning cheeses at Cowgirl Creamery

Local Beverages

  • Wine tasting at Keller Estate Winery
  • Craft beer at Lagunitas Brewing Company
  • Spirits at Stillwater Spirits

Where to Stay in Petaluma: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Metro Hotel and Cafe - This boutique hotel offers cozy rooms and is located in the heart of downtown Petaluma.

  • Hotel Petaluma - A historic landmark hotel in Petaluma. Built in 1923, this hotel has recently undergone extensive refurbishment.

  • Mill Valley Inn - This inn is located in Mill Valley and is a short drive from Petaluma. The inn is surrounded by redwood trees and offers stunning views of Mount Tamalpais.

What to Buy in Petaluma: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Petaluma wine and beer
  • Sonoma Cheese
  • Olive oils and vinegars from Sonoma’s local farms and olive groves

Local Culture and Customs of Petaluma

Petaluma is known for its rich history and agricultural heritage. The town is famous for its dairy farms, vineyards, and olive groves. Many of the locals enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and are passionate about hiking, biking, and kayaking.

Best Time to Visit Petaluma

The best time to visit Petaluma is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. Summer can be hot, and winter can be chilly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Petaluma

Do:

  • Visit Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.
  • Take a hike along the Lynch Creek Trail or the Chileno Valley Trail.
  • Try the local wine and beer.

Don’t:

  • Litter or pollute the environment.
  • Trespass on private property.
  • Leave valuables unattended in your car.

Safety and Health

Safety in Petaluma

Petaluma is a relatively safe town. However, visitors should take normal safety precautions such as locking their car doors and avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Petaluma

Visitors to Petaluma should be aware of the potential for ticks, particularly during the summer months. Visitors should also be aware of the risk of wildfire during dry and hot weather conditions.

Getting to Petaluma: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Petaluma

  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • Oakland International Airport (OAK)
  • Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)

Bus Stations Near Petaluma

  • Greyhound - Petaluma Bus Station
  • SMART Train - Petaluma Downtown Station

Other Options

  • Driving is a popular and convenient option for those who have access to a car.

How to Get Around in Petaluma

Petaluma is easily navigable by car or bike. Many of the scenic hiking trails are best explored on foot.

Where to Go Next from Petaluma: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Bodega Bay - A scenic drive along the coast.
  • Sonoma - Famous for wine tasting and spa treatments.
  • Napa Valley - Known for its wine tours and vineyards.
  • San Francisco - A cultural hub with a wide range of tourist attractions.

Conclusion

Petaluma is a beautiful destination with a rich culture and history. With its beautiful landscapes, outdoor activities, and delicious food, Petaluma has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Petaluma today!