Santa Rosa

Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is a good base for exploring all that California Wine Country has to offer. Its thriving downtown boasts three distinct shopping districts, five historic residential neighborhoods, arts and culture, events, great restaurants, famous chefs, wine tasting rooms, brew pubs, and a comfortable inviting atmosphere.

Start your visit at the Santa Rosa Visitor Center / California Welcome Center, located in an old railroad depot in Santa Rosa's Historic Railroad Square. The center staff can offer tips about what to see and do, and the neighborhood offers a charming mix of antique stores, specialty shops, coffee houses, and restaurants.

Santa Rosa is home to a museum that celebrates famed cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s life and work, and colorful street sculptures of Peanuts characters can be throughout the city. On the museum’s campus is Snoopy’s Home Ice, also known as the Redwood Empire Ice Arena. And nearby you'll find the interactive Children's Museum of Sonoma County.

Cycling enthusiasts from around the world are familiar with this city, which offers a wide variety of bike trails for all levels of experience, and has hosted a stage in the Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race.