In western Sonoma County, Sebastopol is an independent shopping and dining destination that’s part farm town and part artists’ community. Its modern agricultural roots trace back to the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, where the famed horticulturist developed hundreds of new plant varieties in the late 1800s. That agricultural spirit can still be seen here – in Russian River Valley wineries and roadside orchards, the lively year-round farmer's market, and the beloved Gravenstein Apple Fair, an annual celebration of the town’s own heirloom apples.
Downtown is compact, walkable, and full of personality. Along Main Street’s “Antique Row,” you’ll find vintage treasures, art galleries, indie bookstores, and boutiques selling handmade and fair-trade goods, plus cozy cafés and standout restaurants. Just up the road, The Barlow is a former apple-packing plant turned open-air marketplace that brings together tasting rooms, breweries, local makers, and laid-back gathering spots in a relaxed, park-like setting. Just a few minutes from The Barlow, the trails and wetlands at the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve offer some quiet, fresh air and prime birdwatching. Top of Form
In the vibrant town of Sebastopol, California, the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm is a little-known Sonoma County treasure and hallowed ground…
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Where to Stay
In Sebastopol, lodging options range from comfortable, familiar chain hotels like the Fairfield Inn and Suites Santa Rosa Sebastopol to cozy, locally owned retreats like the Pearlessence Vineyard Inn. Vacation rentals include the airy, three-bedroom David August Farmhouse with its solar-heated backyard pool, and winery stays include those at Kanzler Vineyards and the Dutton Estate Winery. Use our website to find Sebastopol lodging that suits your needs.
Things to Do
The Barlow Market District, located in Sebastopol, California
There are plenty of fun things to do in Sebastopol, between the large arts and culture scene, outdoor adventures, winery tasting rooms, and popular restaurants. Downtown and at open-air marketplace The Barlow, you’ll find local clothing, craft, and homewares shopping. Treat yourself to a Thai massage at Jaiyen Spa or a spirit- and immunity-boosting session at the Energy Wave Center, and catch some live music in the fairy-lit beer garden at HopMonk Tavern Sebastopol.
Set in a restored 1917 railway depot, the West County Museum tells the early stories of Sebastopol and western Sonoma County. Some of those stories are the focus of family-friendly annual events like April’s Apple Blossom Parade & Festival and August’s Gravenstein Apple Fair, both of which draws a lively crowd.
Arts & Culture
Sebastopol is a major hub of arts and culture in Sonoma County. Downtown, the Sebastopol Center for the Arts features curated exhibits by local, regional, and nationally recognized artists, as well as literary readings and musical performances. The center also sponsors two annual tours of local artists’ open studios: June’s Art at the Source and October’s Sonoma County Art Trails. Around the corner, wander along residential Florence Avenue to discover whimsical sculptures made from recycled objects by local artists Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent. More than 40 other local artisans and makers sell their wares at 12-acre outdoor market The Barlow, and local galleries feature artwork and crafts by area and California artists. Discover more arts-focused fun in our guide to things to do in Sebastopol.
Vineyards and Wine Tasting
Iron Horse Vineyards, Sebastopol, California
Sebastopol lies within two cool-climate winegrowing regions, the Russian River Valley AVA and Sonoma Coast AVA, both known for premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wineries in Sebastopol include Merry Edwards Winery, long famed for its Pinots and Sauvignon Blanc, Iron Horse Vineyards, which specializes in bubbly, and Lynmar Estate, known for its elegant pairing menus.
At The Barlow, you can visit the Pax Wines tasting room to try seasonal flights of current releases, or head to the indoor-outdoor Region, which offers self-serve WineStation machines and traditional sit-down tastings that showcase Sonoma County winemakers. For more winery and tasting room suggestions, see our guide to wine tasting in Sebastopol.
Where to Eat
The exciting, chef-driven food scene in Sebastopol draws diners from all over. Notable restaurants in Sebastopol include Khom Loi, which puts a creative spin on Thai classics, and for Japanese specialties, Ramen Gaijin and Sushi Kosho. Sebastopol offers some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Sonoma County, while Psychic Pie is the local go-to Roman-style pizza, and Handline highlights California oysters and house-made tacos. Be sure to check out Sebastopol farmers markets and farms for some of the best ingredients used in local eateries.
Outdoor Activities
Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sebastopol
In Sebastopol, most outdoor adventures are within 15 minutes of downtown. Laguna de Santa Rosa is Sonoma County’s largest freshwater wetlands complex, featuring almost 20 miles worth of accessible trails amid creeks, marshes, forests and grasslands, and playing home to hundreds of migratory bird species. For cycling, walking and running, head to Ragle Ranch Regional Park where you’ll find more than 3 miles of paved, backcountry trails through open greenspace and oak woodlands, and the rural, 5.5-mile West County Regional Trail, which passes by farms and vineyards.
Visit Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm for a self-guided tour of its gardens and orchards, where many of Sonoma County’s signature crops were first developed. Meet dairy goats at Redwood Hill Farm - Capracopia, which is also home to a flower field, apple orchard and olive grove, and meet colorful butterflies among the paths, vines, and flowers at Hallberg Butterfly Gardens.
Shopping
Downtown Sebastopol offers unique shops, boutiques, and specialty stores. Shops you won’t want to miss in Downtown Sebastopol include Sagestone, which specializes in crystals, geodes, gemstones and jewelry, the spirituality-focused Many Rivers Books & Tea, and Native Riders, a Sebastopol shop that offers one-of-a-kind Native American arts and clothing. Well-stocked antique stores like Antique Society are found west of downtown, and a few blocks south of downtown, be sure to visit The Barlow culinary and arts center for clothing, crafts and gourmet goods.
Local Sebastopol Businesses
5starVR.com
Sebastopol
A Room for Pilates
Sebastopol
Acorn Shop – The Barlow
Sebastopol
Acre Pasta
Sebastopol
Acre Pizza – The Barlow
Sebastopol
Ambix Spirits
Sebastopol
Americana Restaurant Sebastopol
Sebastopol
Andrea Oreck Fine Arts
Sebastopol
Andy’s Produce Market
Sebastopol
Antique Society
Sebastopol
Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch
Sebastopol
Art & Soul of Sebastopol
Sebastopol