'''Santa Rosa''' [http://www.visitsantarosa.com] is the largest city in Sonoma County, California.

Get in

Depending on traffic conditions, Santa Rosa is 1-2 hours north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on '''Highway 101'''. Driving through Marin County and southern Sonoma can be mind-numbingly slow during the afternoon commute and on weekends.

You can also fly '''Horizon Air''' [http://horizonair.com] to '''Charles M. Schulz Airport''' [http://www.sonomacountyairport.org/] from Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, or Las Vegas.

Get around

Being largely suburban, a personal vehicle remains the most common method of getting around Santa Rosa and the surrounding area. There is, however, the [http://transit.511.org/providers/providerinfo.asp?cid=SR Santa Rosa CityBus], but frequency, operating hours, and coverage leave much to be desired. [http://transit.511.org/providers/providerinfo.asp?cid=SO Sonoma County Transit] and [http://transit.511.org/providers/providerinfo.asp?cid=GG Golden Gate Transit] also provide service in Santa Rosa, but focus mainly on inter-city travel.

Bicycling in Santa Rosa is a reasonable option. Most destinations are reachable via not-too-busy roads, and notable car-free pathways exist from downtown to and beyond the western city limit. The primary off-street bicycle and pedestrian path system is the Prince Memorial Greenway, extending along the banks of Santa Rosa Creek from City Hall in the heart of downtown, out beyond the city to the west. On the western edge of downtown, near the Marriott Hotel in Railroad Square, this connects to the Joe Rodota Trail, a paved off-street path going to Sebastapol paralleling CA highway 12. Much of the city is relatively flat.

The downtown core is easily walkable, and if one were staying downtown they could conceivably while away a day on foot.

See

  • '''Charles M. Schulz Museum''', 2301 Hardies Lane, 579-4452, [http://www.charlesmschulzmuseum.org/]. Celebrating Mr. Schulz's world-famous creation: the ''Peanuts'' comic strip.
  • '''6th Street Playhouse''', 52 West 6th Street, 523-4185, [http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/]. A state-of-the-art professional theatre facility, home of the Santa Rosa Players and the Actors Theatre, located in downtown's historic Railroad Square District. The 2005/2006 season features eight shows: 4 musicals by the Santa Rosa Players and 4 contemporary plays by the Actors Theatre.
  • '''Safari West''', 3115 Porter Creek Road, 579-2551, 800-616-2695, [http://www.safariwest.com/]. A 400 acre wildlife preserve that is home to over 400 mammals and birds.
  • '''Luther Burbank Home and Gardens''', located in downtown Santa Rosa, on the corner of Santa Rosa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue, (707) 524-5445, [http://www.parks.sonoma.net/burbank.html]. The historic Burbank home property was given to the City of Santa Rosa by Burbank's widow, Elizabeth, upon her death in 1977. The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens Board and City staff cooperatively oversee and maintain the property. The site is open to the public and its programs are staffed by volunteers.
  • '''Sonoma County Museum''', 425 7th Street, Santa Rosa, tel:707-579-1500, [http://www.sonomacountymuseum.org/]. The Sonoma County Museum is in the former U.S. Post Office and federal building, completed in 1910, one of the oldest surviving federal buildings in the state and a premier example of federal architecture from the era. It is located in downtown Santa Rosa one block west of B Street, north of the downtown shoppng mall, the Santa Rosa Plaza. It has a collection of works relating to the artist Cristo and has rotating displays on art, culture, and local history, including such displays as the works of Ansel Adams and the history of mapping the California Coast.
  • Do

  • '''Visit some nearby wineries'''. Santa Rosa sits in the center of the famous Sonoma Wine Country and has nearly 200 wineries to choose from.
  • '''Play golf'''. With 16 golf courses in the county, you're bound to find one that suits your tastes.
  • '''Skate''' at the '''Redwood Empire Ice Arena''' [http://www.snoopyshomeice.com]. This well-known ice rink also known as "Snoopy's Home Ice" features Snoopy and the gang - and was once owned by none other than Charles M. Schulz himself. It is located just across Hardies Lane from the Schulz museum.
  • '''Hike the county and state parks'''. A few minutes from downtown, two adjacent parks offer short hikes in varied terrain, featuring two lakes. Lots of dogs, ducks and geese to see. A nice way to get in a bit of exercise without too much effort.
  • Buy

    Get your hair done at Passions for Hair on Fourth Street, just above Tex Wasabe's Restaurant. Passions is professional with a personal touch. Nails and waxing too.

    Shopping Malls

  • '''Santa Rosa Plaza''', 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, 544-7467. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. Anchored by Macy's, Mervyn's and Sears and featuring over 100 stores.
  • '''Coddingtown''', 733 Coddingtown Mall, 527-5377. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-8PM, Su 11AM-6PM. This over 40 year old mall features Macy's, JC Penny, Gottschalks, Old Navy and over 100 other stores. The 72 foot tall revolving sign in the parking lot was declared a historical landmark in 1993 by the City of Santa Rosa.
  • '''Montgomery Village''', Farmers Lane and Sonoma Avenue. This outdoor shopping center includes several streets of chain and local stores. It includes a mix of boutique and more pedestrian options, as well as several good restaurants.
  • '''Snoopy's Gallery and Gift Shop,''' 1665 West Steele Ln., 800.959.3385, [http://www.snoopygift.com/]. 10AM-6PM. Find your ultimate ''Peanuts'' gift item here; it's just right next door to the ice arena.
  • Downtown Shopping

    Downtown Santa Rosa consists of two main shopping areas:

  • The 'main' downtown, centered around 4th St. east of Santa Rosa Plaza mall, primarily from B St. to E St., with less-concentrated options within a several-block radius of that core. Bookstores, newsstands, a music (instrument) store, small specialty shops, jewelry stores, and a number of restaurants are on-offer.
  • Railroad Square, centered around 4th St. west of Santa Rosa Plaza mall and the freeway, primarily between Davis and Wilson streets. This growing area includes a number of antique shops, art galleries, and shops focusing on wares from places such as Indonesia and Mexico. A large local outdoors outfitter is on 3rd St.
  • Eat

  • '''Fourth Street Deli''', 300 Mendocino Ave. Best sandwiches and salads in town at very reasonable prices. Great place to grab lunch and then go eat it at the park across the street. The owners are very friendly as well.
  • '''Traverso's''', downtown Santa Rosa, [http://www.traversos.com]. Gourmet grocery store. You can get your picnic supplies there.
  • '''El Patio''', 901 4th St. Excellent and inexpensive Mexican food.
  • '''Equus''', 101 FountainGrove Parkway, [http://www.fountaingroveinn.com]. A popular restaurant for local Sonoma County residents, business professionals, and wine lovers alike.
  • '''Shogun''', 2350 Midway Drive, in Montgomery Village shopping center. Good sushi.
  • '''Osake''': Japanese; possibly the most attractive Japanese restaurant in the city, with among the best sushi. Patio Ct. near Montgomery Village.
  • '''Thai Taste''': Good, small Thai restaurant. Patio seating in nice weather. Near the Flamingo Hotel, Farmers Lane north of 4th St./Sonoma Hwy.
  • '''La Vera''': Excellent pizza. Patio seating in nice weather. Downtown, 4th St. between Santa Rosa Ave. and D St.
  • '''Mary's Pizza Shack''': Family-friendly Italian restaurant and Sonoma County tradition. Features good-value lunch specials until 5pm. Two locations in Santa Rosa: across from Howarth Park on Summerfield Rd. near Montgomery Dr.; and Northwest Santa Rosa at Marlow Rd. and Piner Rd.
  • '''Crèpe Escape''': Pleasant and attractive Montgomery Village space serving tasty dinner (gallettes) and dessert crèpes, as well as good coffee. Free wireless Internet access.
  • '''El Charro''': Good Mexican food. In shopping center off Farmers Lane between Bennett Valley Rd. and Freeway 12.
  • '''Oliver's Market''': Local semi-gourmet grocery. In addition to standard supermarket options are at taqueria, very good freshly-made sushi, excellent desserts, very good cheese and wine selections, and a salad bar. Tables available to eat there, or take out. The Santa Rosa location is in Rincon Valley, on Montecito Dr. at Middle Rincon Rd.
  • '''Third Street Aleworks''': Popular brewpub with good food. Both bar- and restaurant-style seating available, plus patio seating in good weather and billiards upstairs. Frequently loud. Downtown, 3rd St. between Santa Rosa Ave. and D St.
  • Drink

  • '''Russian River Brewing Company''', [http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/].
  • '''The 440 Club''', The quintisential dive bar. Jackalope mounted on the wall, local music in the jukebox, and friendly service. Can't beat a Sierra Nevada draught for $2.
  • Seven Ultralounge. lub Seven. 28 7th St. 1 (707) 528-4700. ttp://www.sevensr.com/ultralounge/index.html. Seven host a great 80s night on Wednesday, Gay Night on Thursday and Rock and Roll Sunday School on Sundays. The crowd can be rough outside on hip-hop nights.

    Sleep

  • '''Hotel La Rose''', 308 Wilson Street, 579-3200, 800-527-6738, [http://www.hotellarose.com/]. (''Located in Railroad Square, Northwest of Highway 101 and Highway 12's intersection.'') This historic stone building was built in 1907 and renovated in 1985. With 48 guestrooms, you'll find amenities like whirlpool tubs or balconies overlooking the rose garden courtyard. Rates range between $100 and $300.
  • '''Vineyard Creek Hotel and Spa''', 170 Railroad Street,''+1 707'' 284-1234, [http://vineyardcreek.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml]. Part of the Hyatt family of hotels, this Mediterranean styled hotel is located in historic Railroad Square and features amenities such as a on-site spa, sauna, bar, and free parking. Rates average $300.
  • '''Fountain Grove Inn''', 101 Fountain Grove Parkway, ''+1 707'' 578-6101, 800-222-6101, [http://www.fountaingroveinn.com]. 124 guestrooms decorated in elegant simplicity. Rates between $100 and $200.
  • '''Best Western Garden Inn''', 1500 Santa Rosa Avenue, ''+1 707'' 546-4031, Fax: ''+1 707'' 526-4903, [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=05125].
  • '''Comfort Inn''', 2632 Cleveland Avenue.
  • '''Courtyard Santa Rosa''', 175 Railroad Street, ''+1 707'' 573-9000, Fax: ''+1 707'' 573-0272, [http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/STSCY].
  • '''Extended Stay America - North''', 100 Fountain Grove Parkway, Ph: ''+1 707'' 541-0959, Fax: 707-541-0931, [http://www.extendedstayhotels.com].
  • '''Extended Stay America - South''', 2600 Corby Avenue, Ph: ''+1 707'' 546-4808, Fax: 707-546-4860, [http://www.extendedstayhotels.com]
  • '''Flamingo Resort Hotel''', 277 4th Street.
  • '''Holiday Inn Express''', 870 Hopper Avenue, ''+1 707'' 545-9000, [http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/srsex].
  • '''Motel 6 Santa Rosa North''', 3145 Cleveland Avenue, ''+1 707'' 525-9010, Fax: ''+1 707'' 528-2761, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=1362].
  • '''Motel 6 Santa Rosa South''', 2760 Cleveland Avenue, ''+1 707'' 546-1500, Fax: ''+1 707'' 527-8070, [http://www.motel6.com/reservations/motel_detail.asp?MotelId=0016].
  • '''Ramada Limited''', 866 Hopper Avenue.
  • '''Sun Plaza Resort Hotel''', 3345 Santa Rosa Avenue.
  • '''Travelodge - Downtown''', 635 Healdsburg Avenue.
  • '''Vintners Inn''', 4350 Barnes Road.
  • '''Hilton Sonoma Wine Country''', 3555 Round Barn Blvd, ''+1 707'' 523-7555, [http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=STSSCHF].
  • Get out