Top Six Things to Do in Petaluma

Travel north from San Francisco, beyond the stunning seascape and tall trees of Marin County to Petaluma, the land of butter and eggs, a place where happy cows are still born and raised and family farms are still alive and well. Petaluma's earliest days were founded on agriculture and farming, and these roots are still strong even though this blossoming city has turned into a commuter colony for San Francisco. Petaluma is one of the first stops beyond San Francisco where California's agricultural past comes alive in a fun place to visit. The city's completely renovated downtown area is filled with thriving independently-owned stores and restaurants, some that have been there for generations. A twice weekly Farmer's Market showcases locally grown products and there is strong community participation for long-held traditions such as the annual Butter and Egg Days Festival which features a cow chip tossing contest and kid's parade. Petaluma is one of the nicest places with character in the North Bay Area where you can spend the afternoon shopping, dining and strolling down Main Street America.

1Web-kentuckywesternpetalumanightshot
Downtown Petaluma
Bring your walking shoes or bicycle, there's lots to do in Petaluma. Downtown Petaluma is a national historic landmark, a large area filled with elaborate Victorian-era buildings that were spared from damage by the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. The small shopkeeper spirit is still alive in this community which supports over 6... More >
Bring your walking shoes or bicycle, there's lots to do in Petaluma. Downtown Petaluma is a national historic landmark, a large area filled with elaborate Victorian-era buildings that were spared from damage by the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. The small shopkeeper spirit is still alive in this community which supports over 600 different businesses, most of which are locally-owned and offering unique services not found in the nearby shopping malls or factory outlets. Nearby and within walking distance is the Petaluma River Walk, a waterfront area with more preserved shops and restaurants that makes a great place to spend a hot summer afternoon.
2
Old Chicago
Once you have a pizza from Old Chicago in downtown Petaluma, you're idea of the perfect pizza will never be the same again. Thin crust, thick crust or extra cheesy, they do pizza right. Whether you get a "take and bake" version to go, or sit inside the antique dining hall and order up a hot, gooey, cheesy pie with meats and veggies, you'll love the way Old Chicago makes pizza. This fun restaurant is located in a former bordello, upstairs in an old Victorian building next to the Mystic Theater. It's busy every night of the week but especially on weekends, so it's wise to pick up a menu ahead of time and call in your order before you arrive. The dining hall is always noisy and packed with happy diners and kids, making it a fun place to vis... More >
Once you have a pizza from Old Chicago in downtown Petaluma, you're idea of the perfect pizza will never be the same again. Thin crust, thick crust or extra cheesy, they do pizza right. Whether you get a "take and bake" version to go, or sit inside the antique dining hall and order up a hot, gooey, cheesy pie with meats and veggies, you'll love the way Old Chicago makes pizza. This fun restaurant is located in a former bordello, upstairs in an old Victorian building next to the Mystic Theater. It's busy every night of the week but especially on weekends, so it's wise to pick up a menu ahead of time and call in your order before you arrive. The dining hall is always noisy and packed with happy diners and kids, making it a fun place to visit with lots of people. Parking's always a pain in downtown Petaluma, so be prepared to walk off that dinner to get to your car.
Today it is the only venue that produces opera and musical theater, dramatic theater, chamber series, dance and special festivals in Sonoma County.
3Web-sausage
Angelo's Meats
Petaluma's agricultural past is proudly alive and well at Angelo's Meats, a local institution in a hole in the wall store located on the eastern edge of Petaluma adjacent to family farms and agricultural land. Angelo's specializes in every kind of carnivore fantasy, from panceta to salami to jerky. Angelo's specializes in smoked meats ... More >
Petaluma's agricultural past is proudly alive and well at Angelo's Meats, a local institution in a hole in the wall store located on the eastern edge of Petaluma adjacent to family farms and agricultural land. Angelo's specializes in every kind of carnivore fantasy, from panceta to salami to jerky. Angelo's specializes in smoked meats and will do custom smoke jobs for customers who bring in their own meats. Chow down and then grab a gift basket filled with memorable meats, seasonings, olives and more.
4Web-1258796931_a8e414a0b0_o
Lavender Bee Farm
Petaluma's gorgeous rolling hillsides present some of the most idyllic scenery in Northern California. The Lavender Bee Farm is a small, three acre family run business that's been in existence since 1947 but has only recently begun offering guided tours. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for kids age six and older. You'll learn about ... More >
Petaluma's gorgeous rolling hillsides present some of the most idyllic scenery in Northern California. The Lavender Bee Farm is a small, three acre family run business that's been in existence since 1947 but has only recently begun offering guided tours. The cost is $10 for adults and $6 for kids age six and older. You'll learn about beekeeping and growing lavender. The owners will share tips on cooking and decorating with lavender as well as offer plenty of gourmet honey, lavender tea, and lemonade samples. When you're done there, take a drive through the two lane, gently twisting roads that wind through Petaluma farm lands, pockets of redwood grove forests and eventually to the vast Pacific Ocean where you can spend the rest of the day playing on the vast beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore, located just 15 minutes from downtown Petaluma.
5Web-bldg
Cinnabar Opera Theater
What's a small town without commnity theater? The Cinnabar Opera House has been the centerpiece of the Petaluma actor's community since 1970. Today it is the only venue that produces opera and musical theater, dramatic theater, chamber series, dance and special festivals in Sonoma County. Each show is a professional production that sho... More >
What's a small town without commnity theater? The Cinnabar Opera House has been the centerpiece of the Petaluma actor's community since 1970. Today it is the only venue that produces opera and musical theater, dramatic theater, chamber series, dance and special festivals in Sonoma County. Each show is a professional production that showcases some of the most talented adult and youth actors from Petaluma and beyond. It's a great place to cap off a fun afternoon, and you don't need to put on our ball gown or tuxedo either: Cinnabar says that "audience members may attend in Dior or denim." Keep in mind that the parking lot is tight, so you may want to take a taxi to the show.
The small shopkeeper spirit is still alive in this community which supports over 600 different businesses, most of which are locally-owned and offering unique services not found in the nearby shopping malls ...
6Web-park116450h
Metro Hotel
In days gone by, Petaluma wasn't exactly known as a cultural mecca unless you wanted to study the lives of the cowboys. Today, however, it's a thriving blend of people from all walks of life where everything from cowboy hats to berets are welcome at places like the Metro Hotel and Cafe. The Metro is a small, elegant French-themed inn located within walking distance of downtown Petaluma. Rooms all feature antique furnishings... More
In days gone by, Petaluma wasn't exactly known as a cultural mecca unless you wanted to study the lives of the cowboys. Today, however, it's a thriving blend of people from all walks of life where everything from cowboy hats to berets are welcome at places like the Metro Hotel and Cafe. The Metro is a small, elegant French-themed inn located within walking distance of downtown Petaluma. Rooms all feature antique furnishings, with private baths and clawfoot tubs. You wn't go hungry during your visit either. There's an on-site French bistro for breakfast and luch, while next door, the Sea Restaurant serves Thai-inspired California cuisine.
Map View Hide Map

About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
More Lists by Rene Agredano
×

© 2006 - 2012 Uptake Networks, Inc.

Uptake

Get the best tips and advice by discovering which of your friends have been to Petaluma, and also reach our helpful and experienced Uptake travel community. Sign in!

×
Uptake

Did you know that your Internet Explorer is out of date?


To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version.

Close