Top Six Things to Do in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa can either bring out the kid in you at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, or the free-spirited animal lover at the Safari West. The perfect family town, Santa Rosa offers a wide array of activities that are sure to please adults and children alike. After all, who can turn down an African safari brought directly to California? Or a fine dining experience beside the blaze of a relaxing fireplace?

Whether or not you're a big "Peanuts" fan, there's plenty of family fun to be had at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. With several murals of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, a wooden sculpture of Snoopy demonstrating the evolution of the cartoon dog's appearance, and Schulz's work studio itself, you'll be hard pressed to find a more entertaining... More >
Whether or not you're a big "Peanuts" fan, there's plenty of family fun to be had at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. With several murals of Charlie Brown and Snoopy, a wooden sculpture of Snoopy demonstrating the evolution of the cartoon dog's appearance, and Schulz's work studio itself, you'll be hard pressed to find a more entertaining museum. Particularly if you happen to be in the Santa Rosa area, don't miss out on a chance to see dozens of authentic, hand-drawn Peanuts strips. Fun tip: Be sure to also stop by the Warm Puppy Cafe located just across the street, as well as the enormous Peanuts gift shop next door!
While not one of the largest vineyards in the Santa Rosa area, the St. Francis Winery is certainly one of the best. There's a reason why it has been donned the nickname, "The House of Big Reds." With its rich and flavorful wines, this picture-perfect vineyard makes even beginners to wine tasting feel at home. On our trip here, we were ... More >
While not one of the largest vineyards in the Santa Rosa area, the St. Francis Winery is certainly one of the best. There's a reason why it has been donned the nickname, "The House of Big Reds." With its rich and flavorful wines, this picture-perfect vineyard makes even beginners to wine tasting feel at home. On our trip here, we were seated by a window overlooking the beautiful garden, and our wine guide gave us an extra glass free! If you're planning on stopping by, be sure to make a reservation ahead as tastings are by appointment only.
Truly farm-to-table California cuisine at its finest, you won't want to miss dishes such as the lamb sweetbreads or the short ribs of angus beef.
If you're into dive bars/restaurants, the Last Day Saloon is the place for you. It offers your typical bar fare: beer, wine, mixed drinks, and fried food. However, the down-to-earth bartender serves you immediately, no hassle needed, and there's some great live music that plays throughout the week. That said, this is easily the place t... More >
If you're into dive bars/restaurants, the Last Day Saloon is the place for you. It offers your typical bar fare: beer, wine, mixed drinks, and fried food. However, the down-to-earth bartender serves you immediately, no hassle needed, and there's some great live music that plays throughout the week. That said, this is easily the place to go on a Saturday for a fun night on the town. With a large dance floor, you'll always have plenty of space to get your groove on, shake your tailfeather, or whatever it is kids say these days. This venue also has excellent acoustics, which I'm sure the performers appreciate as well.
A bit on the pricey side, you definitely get what you pay for at the Fountaingrove Inn. The elegant decor will make you feel as though you're staying in a palace, without the pretension that can easily accompany flawless accommodations. Let me just start by saying that their furnishings are custom designed, which immediately makes this... More >
A bit on the pricey side, you definitely get what you pay for at the Fountaingrove Inn. The elegant decor will make you feel as though you're staying in a palace, without the pretension that can easily accompany flawless accommodations. Let me just start by saying that their furnishings are custom designed, which immediately makes this stand out from more well-known hotel chains. Secondly, their attention to detail is spot on, from their customer service, to their spacious, beautifully appointed rooms. To top it off, the Fountaingrove is just two miles from Santa Rosa's downtown area! With a centralized location, a pleasing ambience, and a friendly staff - what's not to like?
While visiting the Santa Rosa wine country, you should make a reservation at John Ash & Co. If you're willing to shell out the big bucks, this restaurant will stir your taste buds into a flurry and arouse your senses. This spacious restaurant offers patio seating, for those who would like to enjoy the vineyard views, and an indoor fire... More >
While visiting the Santa Rosa wine country, you should make a reservation at John Ash & Co. If you're willing to shell out the big bucks, this restaurant will stir your taste buds into a flurry and arouse your senses. This spacious restaurant offers patio seating, for those who would like to enjoy the vineyard views, and an indoor fireplace, for others looking to relax after a long day of wine tasting. Truly farm-to-table California cuisine at its finest, you won't want to miss dishes such as the lamb sweetbreads or the short ribs of angus beef.
Francis Winery is certainly one of the best.
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