Activities

Petaluma Farmers Markets and Farms

Petaluma East-Side Farmers Market

Once known as "the world's egg basket," Petaluma still has an impressive agricultural scene that you can explore at local markets and on farm tours.

If you’re visiting the charming Sonoma County city of Petaluma, you’ll discover many delightful ways to explore (and devour!) fresh-off-the-farm produce and products.

Farmers Markets

Petaluma hosts three lively farmers’ markets, each with their own array of mouth-watering veggies and fruits, convivial interactions with the folks who grow them, and easy-going atmosphere. Live music is often on the scene, as well as ready-to-eat food.

A box full of cherries for sale at a Sonoma County farmer's market

Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market

Every Tuesday morning, local farmers and vendors gather at Lucchesi Park for the Petaluma East Side Farmers’ Market. More than 20 vendors are on-site each week selling local produce, artisan foods, lunch fare, flowers, baked goods, hand-made soaps, and much more. At this market, you can always expect a lively, friendly vibe.

Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers’ Market

Dating back to 1987, the Petaluma Walnut Park Farmers’ Market features a wide selection of flowers, grass-fed meat and poultry, fish and shellfish, baked goods, and, of course, a great variety of fresh fruits and veggies. Musicians play from a central gazebo and and you can revel in the festive energy on Saturday afternoons from mid-May to mid-November.

Petaluma Evening Market

A short-but-sweet existence at the height of summer, the Petaluma Evening Market happens on Thursday evenings from early June through the end of September. You’ll gather summer stone fruit, flowers, baked goods, artisan products, and more. Put together an evening picnic, sit beside the water, and enjoy the growing dusk. Or, after strolling through the farmers’ market, head off to a locally sourced dinner at one of Petaluma’s many excellent restaurants.

Farms

From rose gardens and creameries to iconic leaders in sustainable farming, these Petaluma farms offer tours and other experiences for visitors to learn more about the heart of Sonoma County — its agriculture industry.

A small shed is surrounded by flowers at Green String Farm, Petaluma — Green String Farm

Achadinha Cheese Company

Home to 900 goats, the Achadinha (Osh-a-deen-a) Cheese Company is nestled in rolling hills just outside downtown Petaluma. Owners Jim and Donna Pacheco and their family also raise cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, chickens, and ducks, and handcraft farm cheeses. Take a cheese-making class or a traditional ranch tour that includes an in-depth look at the cheese plant, milking parlor, and goats, plus a cheese tasting!

Petaluma Creamery

Petaluma Creamery crafts three cheese brands: Spring Hill Jersey Cheese, Petaluma Creamery Cheese, and Petaluma Gold Cheese. Along with cheese, they make one-of-a-kind, long-churned butter and award-winning ice cream. Stop by their store every day of the week to savor the flavors of their unique cheeses and ice cream. Also at the store, you’ll find a robust menu of coffee, breakfast options, sandwiches, barbecue, salads, and more.

Garden Valley Ranch

What started as a cattle ranch in the 1880s is now home to more than 10,000 rose bushes. Garden Valley Ranch is one of the nation’s few growers to offer chemical-free cut garden roses. Tour the grounds during bloom season to you’ll marvel over floral sights such as the 220-foot display border, edged in local stone and containing roses, perennials, shrubs, and annuals arranged in color sequence. The tour includes two hours of flower foraging followed by a bring-your-own picnic. Reservations are required, so plan ahead.

Dahlia Farm

A “symbol of beauty and connection to our precious ecosystem and each other,” Dahlia Farm strives to protect the planet by utilizing safe, sustainable, and natural farming practices. Open July through October, the farm invites visitors (and their furry friends) to wander their field of more than 10,000 plants free of charge. Dahlia Farm also hosts workshops events throughout the year and is available to rent for community gatherings and retreats.

Petaluma’s farming community has helped it to evolve into a foodie haven. From cultural cuisine to mom and pop diners, you’ll find farm-to-table flavors at many restaurants in Petaluma.

Find more farms and farmers markets in Sonoma County.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez.