16 Best Things to Do in Petaluma (My Hometown Favorites)

Petaluma is one of those Northern California towns that people often overlook, and I honestly think they’re missing out. I’ve lived here for over 40 years, and still love discovering new things to do in the place I call home. I’m sharing my favorite spots and experiences to show you why Petaluma deserves more than just a quick stop on your way somewhere else.

From browsing the independent shops downtown and sipping local wine to hiking beautiful trails, exploring the river, and finding a few unexpected surprises, here are the things I’d recommend doing in my hometown.

Best Things to Do in Petaluma

Shop + Stroll Historic Downtown Petaluma

Petaluma’s historic downtown is one of the easiest places to start exploring. Petaluma Boulevard, Kentucky and the surrounding streets are where you’ll find a mix of vintage treasures, home décor, specialty gifts, and places to stop for a coffee or something to eat.

A few of my favorites to seek out are Flourish, which specializes in indoor plants and vessels; Acorn Shop, with its thoughtfully curated home goods and gifts designed to make everyday moments feel special; and Boho Bungalow, which offers handmade candles, fragrance, gifts, and home décor. Give yourself time to browse the side streets, too!

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Drink at a dive bar

Petaluma has its fair share of dive bars, and honestly, some of them are part of the town’s charm. My first date with my husband was at one of the diviest of them all, The Hideaway. I know, classy! But if you’re looking for a casual drink and a little local character, there are several others worth popping into.

The Buckhorn is an old-school cowboy bar that’s been family-owned since 1938, with pool tables, inexpensive drinks, and Saturday karaoke. Gale’s is a fun downtown stop for pool, cheap drinks, and weekend entertainment. For something with a little history, head to Volpi’s Speakeasy, where the hidden bar dates back to Prohibition. You can also check out the neighborhood feel at Mario & John’s or the laid-back, beer-focused atmosphere at Ernie’s Tin Bar. Just don’t expect fancy wine lists or fancy anything, really. That’s kind of the point.

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See a Show at the Mystic Theatre

For a lively night out, check the calendar at the Mystic Theatre, a historic downtown venue that hosts concerts and performances throughout the year. The cover bands draw big crowds, and my favorite is Wonderbread 5. They play hits from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, and today, which means there’s a pretty good chance you’ll recognize most of the songs. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve been onstage dancing at one or two of their shows.

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Taste Olive Oil (& Wine) at McEvoy Ranch

If you think a tasting room is just about wine, McEvoy Ranch offers something a little different. This family-owned, 550-acre working farm in Petaluma is known for its estate-produced extra-virgin olive oil, along with small-lot wines and culinary products. You can stop in for a wine flight, sample their olive oils, or try a seasonal culinary tasting.

The countryside setting is beautiful, too. On warm days, my friends and I sometimes pop in just for a quick glass of wine and to enjoy the grounds.

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Go Flower Foraging at Garden Valley Ranch

If you love flowers, a little time in the garden, or just want a peaceful break from sightseeing, visit Garden Valley Ranch. This Petaluma rose farm welcomes visitors to explore the gardens, forage for fresh-cut flowers, and even bring a picnic to enjoy alongside its resident farm animals, including goats, chickens, cats, and dogs.

Your visit starts with a brief orientation before you’re free to wander the fields and gardens and cut your own bouquet to take home. The ranch provides a bucket, and you can borrow cutting shears and garden gloves or bring your own.

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Hike Helen Putnam Regional Park

If you like to add a little exercise to your travel, then I’d say you have to go for a hike at Helen Putnam Regional Park. It’s close to my house, so I’ve hiked here many times, and I never seem to get tired of it. The rolling green hills, oak trees, and views of Petaluma and the surrounding countryside make it a beautiful spot to get outside and stretch your legs.

There are about six miles of trails, with options for a shorter walk or a more challenging hike. Just know that some of the trails are pretty hilly, so it’s not all an easy stroll. There’s also a fishing pond, picnic areas, and a playground if you’re visiting with kids. 

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Taste Petaluma Gap Wine

Some people wouldn’t expect it, but the town has a booming wine scene. The area is part of the Petaluma Gap, a wine-growing region known for its cool ocean air and fog that roll inland through the coastal mountains. That cooler climate influences the grapes and gives the area’s wines their own character.

One of my favorite winery stops is Keller Estate. The grounds are absolutely stunning, and I’m a big fan of their Rôtie wine (I always have a few bottles of it at home!). It’s a few miles outside downtown, so you’ll need a reservation and should give yourself extra time to enjoy the visit. If you’d rather stay closer to downtown, I recommend a tasting at Adobe Road or just stop for a glass at La Dolce Vita wine bar.

More of a beer person? Petaluma has you covered there, too. Check out Lagunitas Brewing Company’s first ever taproom, Old Caz Backyard where the pizzas are just as good as the bee, or Crooked Goat Brewing which is a locals favorite (especially for their trivia nights!). PS: for all you non-beer drinkers like me, all of them serve wine too.

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 Float the Petaluma River on a Paddleboard

Getting out on the Petaluma River is one of my favorite ways to see the town from a different perspective. I’ve paddleboarded here many times, and I’m always a little surprised by how different Petaluma looks from the water. Head to the Floathouse Petaluma in the downtown river turning basin to rent paddleboards, kayaks, rowboats, water bikes, and other small watercraft.

If you plan it right, one of the best ways to enjoy the river is during Bands on the Basin, when hundreds of people float on the water while listening to live music.

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Plan a Day Trip to the Sonoma Coast

When I need a little coastal escape, Bodega Bay is one of my favorite places to go, and it’s just about a half hour from Petaluma. Of course, a visit isn’t complete without eating something. I usually have a hard time deciding between the clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Company and the fish tacos at Fishetarian, so depending on my appetite, I might just make room for both. Plus, you need to save room for taffy at Patrick’s!

After lunch, get outside and take in a little more of the coast. Bodega Head is a favorite for a short hike and those wide-open ocean views. I also love heading to Salmon Creek Beach to walk along the sand, watch the waves, and enjoy being near the water.

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Ogle the Historic Homes on the West Side

One of my favorite things about Petaluma is its collection of charming old homes, and D Street is a great place to see them. Even though I live on the west side, near D Street, I never get tired of driving down this street and the neighboring side roads to admire all the unique Victorians, bungalows and cottages. Some have colorful paint, fancy trim, inviting porches, and architectural details that make you wonder about the stories behind them.

You don’t need a tour or a plan for this one. Just take a leisurely stroll or drive through the neighborhood and enjoy the scenery.

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Attend One of the Many Events

If you enjoy a little treasure hunting, plan a visit during the Spring or Fall Antique Faire, when hundreds of dealers fill several downtown blocks with vintage furniture, jewelry, artwork, collectibles, and all sorts of interesting finds. The Butter & Egg Days Parade in April is another longtime favorite, celebrating Petaluma’s agricultural roots with a quirky parade, food vendors, live music, and wonderfully silly contests. And if you’re a classic car fan, don’t miss Salute to American Graffiti, a springtime celebration of the movie that was filmed on many of Petaluma’s streets.

My personal favorite is the Petaluma Art & Garden Festival in July. I’ve been several times and love wandering downtown to browse the local artists, handmade goods, garden finds, and beautiful plants. I’ve definitely purchased a plant or two here to add to my growing family.

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Visit the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

If you’re curious about how Petaluma became the town it is today, stop by the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum. Housed in a beautiful historic building, the museum has exhibits that tell the story of Petaluma’s past, from its agricultural roots to the people and events that shaped the community. Even after living here for more than 40 years, I think there’s always something interesting to learn about the place you call home.

For a little more history, I also recommend looking into the museum’s downtown walking tours. They’re led by costumed docents who bring early Petaluma stories to life as you stroll through the historic streets. Tours typically run on Saturdays from May through October at 10:30 a.m. They’re free, though donations are appreciated, and reservations are recommended.

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 Discover Petaluma’s Murals and Street Art

One of the fun things about wandering around Petaluma is spotting colorful artwork tucked into alleyways and along downtown streets. Start with American Alley, where you’ll find several murals by local artists, then look for the large abstract mural on the side of the Phoenix Theater. Other favorites include the Petaluma Heritage Mural at Washington Street and Petaluma Boulevard, the Welcome to Petaluma mural along Petaluma Boulevard South.

I love that you can turn this into an impromptu art walk while browsing shops or grabbing lunch downtown. For more murals and their exact locations, check out the City of Petaluma’s Public Art Map.

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Visit the Petaluma Arts Center

If you enjoy browsing art and seeing what local artists are creating, add the Petaluma Arts Center to your list. It’s housed in a historic freight building near the SMART train station and features rotating exhibitions of local and regional artwork. Since the exhibits change throughout the year, there’s usually something new to discover. I like that it’s a chance to do something a little different between shopping, eating, and exploring the town.

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Get Out of an Escape Room at Code Zone

Looking for something fun to do with friends or family that doesn’t involve eating or shopping? Try an escape room at Code Zone Petaluma. You’ll work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete a mission before the clock runs out. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual sightseeing, and a good excuse to see which person in your group is surprisingly good at figuring things out (or insists they are).

Code Zone offers different themed rooms, including adventures like a pirate quest and a golden-egg heist. Check the website for current games, age recommendations, availability, and booking details. I’d reserve ahead rather than count on walking in, especially if you’re visiting with a group.

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Do a Port Tasting at Sonoma Portworks

If you’re in the mood to try something a little different from the usual wine tasting, stop by Sonoma Portworks. They specialize in artisan port wines, offering tasting flights alongside other wines and seasonal pairings. It’s a fun way to explore a different side of Petaluma’s wine scene, especially if you’ve never sampled much port before. And don’t leave without trying the DECO port. It’s my favorite, and definitely the one I’d tell you to look for!

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