'''Petaluma''' is located in Sonoma County in the Bay Area of California.

Understand

Petaluma was founded in 1848, as a crossroads and marketplace for southern Sonoma and northern Marin counties. Agriculture is and always was central to the town's identity. In the early part of the 1900s, Petaluma was known as the "Egg Basket of the World" due to the large number of chicken farms nearby. Although electronic industries, especially telecom, have started displacing Petaluma's numerous cattle, chicken, and sheep ranches, much of Petaluma still maintains the feel of the old cow-town.

Get in

There are a few ways to enter the city. However, the two most common ways are from the freeway or the backroads.

'''HWY 101:''' The main way to arrive Petaluma is via Highway 101 North or South. There are four main exits off the freeway. '''HWY 1:''' Another approach to Petaluma is on the coastal Highway 1. In Point Reyes, the Point Reyes-Petaluma Road will eventually turn into D Street and lead you into downtown Petaluma. '''Old Redwood Highway & Stoney Point Road:''' Alternative backroads between Santa Rosa and Petaluma. Also popular cycling routes for commuters.

While a car is the fastest and easiest way to travel in and out of the city, there is also a bus service. '''Golden Gate Transit''' [http://www.goldengate.org/] provides intercounty bus service (Sonoma, Marin, & San Francisco counties). '''Sonoma County Transit'''[http://www.sctransit.com/] provides service within Sonoma County only.

One of the more enjoyable ways to enter and exit the city is by bicycle. For cycle enthusiasts there are numerous backroads and alternative routes to enjoy.

Get around

It's easiest to get around by car if traveling from one end of the city to another. Downtown parking can sometimes be unavailable on the street. Should there be parking, strictly adhere to the time limits posted. Tickets are given. There are parking garages downtown and ample parking in them. Many places are accessible by foot downtown, but unless you are adventureous, plan to drive from downtown to the outlet shopping area. For those adverse to walking or driving, '''Petaluma Transit''' provides intercity transport during limited hours. Cycling is another very pleasant option around town.

See

Do

Buy

  • '''Petaluma Village Premium Outlets''', off Highway 101, [http://www.premiumoutlets.com/petaluma]. Find impressive savings at top outlets from Coach, Banana Republic, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue and more.
  • Eat

    Downtown Petaluma is filled with inexpensive yet tasty eateries of many sorts. Volpi's is a hot Italian restaurant serving full seven-course family-style meals. Hiro's is a popular sushi bar, and down the block is Old Chicago Pizza, with some of the thickest-crust pizza you'll see. And, Thai lovers will want to try all FIVE Thai restaurants within a one-mile stretch along the Boulevard. Grazziano's is an excellent, though expensive italian restaurant on Petaluma Boulevard between Western and Washington Streets.

    Many more great restaurants exist outside of downtown Petaluma. Try Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Chunky's Taqueria & Grill, and Giacomo's Italian Restaurant, to name a few.

    Drink

  • '''McNear's''', Petaluma Blvd. Serves good American-style food and drinks with a fun atmosphere. Mystic Theater is next door, offering bands from all over the world.
  • One block up, on 4th Street/Kentucky, are the former Zebulon's Lounge (live music every night), Infusions (offering a more electic atmosphere), Hide Away, and Finbar Devine's Irish Pub. *Dempsey's, nearby on Western St, is similar to McNear's.
  • For some pool (billiards), drinks, and karaoke (on Friday and Saturday nights), check out The Willowbrook.
  • Sleep

  • Best Western Petaluma Inn. 00 S McDowell Boulevard. 1 707 763-0994. 1 800 297-3846. 1 707 778-3111. ttp://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05085.

  • Motel 6. 368 North McDowell Boulevard. 1 707 765-0333. 1 707 765-4577. ttp://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1369.

  • Quality Inn Petaluma. 100 Montero Way. 07-664-8566. ttp://www.winecountryqi.com/.
  • Sheraton Petaluma. 45 Baywood Dr. ttp://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1138.

    Get out