25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Santa Rosa, CA

Are you dreaming of a laid-back getaway and exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, California? Whether as a visitor or resident, this guide highlights the best and most fun activities and must-see places in  Santa Rosa, CA, to ensure your trip is memorable.

Santa Rosa, CA, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, is a vibrant city known for its wine country charm and rich cultural heritage. As the largest city in California’s wine country and Redwood Coast, Santa Rosa offers a perfect mix of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

The city is celebrated for its thriving arts scene, historic architecture, and scenic landscapes. Visitors can explore the iconic Charles M. Schulz Museum, enjoy wine tasting at world-renowned vineyards, or take a stroll through the beautiful gardens of Luther Burbank Home & Gardens.

25 Best And Fun Things To Do In Santa Rosa, CA (2024)

1. Juilliard Park

Begin your adventure in Santa Rosa with a visit to Juilliard Park, a serene urban oasis and a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city.

The park boasts a large outdoor amphitheater, a spacious playground with age-appropriate equipment, well-maintained trails wind through the park, numerous picnic tables, and grassy areas.

Also, the park has beautifully landscaped gardens that showcase a variety of plants and flowers, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors of all ages to enjoy a plethora of fun and thrilling things to do in Santa, Rosa, CA, today.

Address: 227 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.

2. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts

Exploring the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, a renowned performing arts venue and a cultural hub that hosts a wide range of performances boasts one of the fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.

Founded in 1981, the center features a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater with a capacity of 4,400 seats, an indoor theater with a capacity of 1,200 seats, and presents a wide range of performances, including classical music, dance, theater, comedy, and family-friendly shows.

The Center offers various educational programs for both children and adults, including workshops, masterclasses, and artist residencies, and hosts events and initiatives that promote arts and culture.

Address: 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.

3. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

Discover the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County, a hands-on learning center offering a variety of interactive exhibits and programs among other unique things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with kids.

Founded in 2005, the museum offers a variety of play areas, including a water play zone, a construction zone, a pretend play area, and a natural science exhibit. It also offers a variety of educational programs, including workshops, camps, and special events

What’s more, the museum features interactive exhibits that stimulate curiosity and learning, such as a giant bubble machine, a magnetic wall, and a light table, providing a fun and engaging way for children to learn about science, math, art, and other subjects.

Address: 1835 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.

4. Safari West

Embark on an adventure to Safari West, a unique wildlife preserve and open-air zoo that offers visitors the opportunity to experience a close encounter with a variety of exotic animals in a natural setting and enjoy many unique things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with kids.

Spanning 400 acres, this attraction offers guided tours in an open-air vehicle allowing visitors to encounter animals like giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and rhinos in their natural habitat.

Visitors can have up-close encounters with certain animals, such as feeding giraffes or hand-feeding lemurs, camels, and antelopes. or spend the night in one of Safari West’s luxurious tents or cottages and enjoy a truly immersive experience.

Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

5. Trione-Annadel State Park

One of the many fun and unique things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today is enjoying the peaceful ambiance of Trione-Annadel State Park, a stunning natural setting offering a wide range of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Spanning 5,092 acres, the park features a vast network of trails that wind through redwood forests, oak woodlands, and meadows, picnic areas, and boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities at Lake Annadel.

Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the park and appreciate the diversity of its ecosystems, keep an eye out to spot animals like deer, rabbits, squirrels, and various bird species, or engage in other activities like hiking, biking, birdwatching, and picnicking.

Address: 6201 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States.

6. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is a historic botanical garden and museum offering some educational things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.

The gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants, including many of Burbank’s original creations, such as the Shasta daisy, Burbank plum, and Thornless Boysenberry. It offers educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can tour Burbank’s former home, which is preserved as a museum showcasing his personal belongings and memorabilia, appreciate the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the gardens, and participate in educational programs.

Address: 204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

7. Museum of Sonoma County

Explore the Museum of Sonoma County, a renowned cultural institution offering a plethora of fun and educational things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today for everyone.

Established in 1985, the museum features a wide range of exhibits that explore the region’s history, including its Native American heritage, Spanish colonial period, and early American settlement.

Also, the museum offers a variety of educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and tours, for both children and adults, houses a significant collection of art, featuring works by local and regional artists, and hosts special events, such as exhibitions, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

Address: 425 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.

8. Snoopy’s Home Ice

Enjoy skating at Snoopy’s Home Ice, an iconic ice skating rink as one of the most thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA,  in the winter.

As the home rink of the San Francisco Bulls minor league hockey team, it is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of skating and entertainment options.

As you visit, engage in fun activities such as enjoying the trills of ice skating, cheering on a hockey game, learning a new skill, and enjoying quality time with family and friends.

Address:  1667 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.

9. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

Wine enthusiasts can unearth exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for adults at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, a family-owned winery offering a relaxed environment and exceptional wines.

The winery boasts a collection of vineyards located in various microclimates of Sonoma County, a taproom where wine enthusiasts can test multiple wines, and offer guided tours and guided wine tastings.

Get a chance to savor a variety of St. Francis wines, including Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and other varietals, appreciate the picturesque surroundings, share in the friendliness of the venue, and attend different events.

Address: 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States.

10. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and presents an array of fun and unique things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.

The museum features a variety of exhibits showcasing Schulz’s work, including original comic strips, drawings, and animation cells, a gift shop where visitors can purchase Peanuts merchandise, and a research center.

Also, the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden features bronze statues of Peanuts characters, including Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown.

Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Schulz’s life and work, and the impact that Peanuts had on popular culture, explore different exhibits, and bring back fond memories of reading Peanuts comics.

Address: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.

11. Howarth Park

Fun and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with kids await visitors and locals at Howarth Park, a public park known for its diverse attractions, scenic beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere.

The park is home to a variety of recreational facilities, including a zoo, an amusement park, an arboretum, a historic carousel, and numerous picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as boating, hiking, and picnicking, and spend quality time with families and friends.

Address: 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, United States.

Exploring other attractions near Santa Rosa? Why not check out some fun things to do in Rancho Cordova, and fun things to do in Colfax, CA?

12. Railroad Square Historic District

Explore the Railroad Square Historic District, a vibrant neighborhood in Santa Rosa, centered around the city’s former railroad depot for some fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.

It’s a charming blend of historic buildings, trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Visitors can find a variety of unique shops, including antique stores, clothing boutiques, and specialty shops selling local crafts and products.

Address: 9 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.

13. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds

Enjoy a fun time with families and friends at Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, a versatile venue for events of all sizes, from fairs and festivals to concerts and conferences.

The center is known for its spacious grounds, diverse facilities, and convenient location and offers a variety of venues to accommodate different event types, including exhibition halls, an amphitheater, arenas, meeting rooms, and outdoor spaces.

Visitors searching for thrilling and fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, can enjoy live music, shows, and other entertainment options, and explore other outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and exploring the grounds.

Address: 1450 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

14. Matanzas Creek Winery

Matanzas Creek Winery is a vineyard renowned for its stunning lavender fields and award-winning wines that offer a picturesque and relaxing escape and other unique romantic to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.

Founded in 1977, the winery is famous for its expansive lavender fields, creating a fragrant and visually stunning backdrop and producing a variety of high-quality wines.

What’s more, the winery offers picnic grounds amidst the beautiful surroundings, a bocce court, and a series of wine tastings.

Address: 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

15. Spring Lake

Enjoy refreshing and relaxing things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, at Spring Lake, a man-made reservoir and regional park.

Spring Lake Regional Park boasts a variety of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, an environmental Discovery Center,  and numerous water activities such as kayaking canoes, fishing, swimming, or paddleboarding.

Visitors get to enjoy and participate in a variety of activities, from hiking to boating, and discover the unique flora and fauna of the region.

Address: Santa Rosa, CA, United States.

16. First Empire Escape Rooms

Discover thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for all ages at First Empire Escape Rooms, an exclusive entertainment venue offering a variety of thrilling escape room experiences.

The escape room has themed rooms filled with puzzles, riddles, and challenges, letting visitors venture into adventures like finding a missing gem or finding codes to escape the room within the allotted time.

Experience an engaging activity as you work with friends, family, or colleagues to solve puzzles and riddles making it an exciting form of entertainment

Address: 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza Ste 1034B, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.

16. Downtown Santa Rosa

Downtown Santa Rosa is the vibrant heart of the city, offering a charming blend of historic architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, diverse dining options, and an array of fun and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.

This vibrant and historic district boasts a unique blend of architectural and modern structures, thriving arts and entertainment scenes,  specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, parks and green spaces, and breweries.

A visit to Downtown Santa Rosa offers a delightful experience, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of the city and its vibrant community, explore the hidden treasures and unique shops that make Downtown Santa Rosa special, or savor the flavors of the region’s diverse cuisine.

Address: 50 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

17. Castello di Amorosa

Make a stop at Castello di Amorosa, a 14th-century-authentically styled Tuscan castle winery, and explore some romantic things to do near Santa Rosa, CA.

The castle houses a fully operational winery where Sattui produces a variety of high-quality wines. The interior of the castle features richly decorated rooms and chambers designed to evoke the atmosphere of a medieval Italian castle.

Also, the cattle features a gift shop that offers a variety of medieval-themed items, including wine, souvenirs, and clothing.

Address: 4045 Street Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States.

18. Pacific Coast Air Museum

Visitors and locals searching for educational and fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, can make a stop at the Pacific Coast Air Museum, an aviation museum housing a collection of historic aircraft.

The museum boasts a collection of over 30 American military, propeller, and jet aircraft, and showcases exhibits of local aviation history, including artifacts and documents related to significant events and figures.

Additionally, the museum houses a model room featuring dioramas and models of aircraft, and a gift shop selling aviation-themed merchandise.

Address: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.

19. spring Lake Park

Unearth an array of exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with a visit to Spring Lake Park, a unique park centered around the Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir.

The park offers a variety of features including a 2.3-mile paved trail encircling the lake, a seasonal swimming lagoon and water park, picnic areas with grills and tables, and fishing opportunities.

Visitors to Spring Lake Park can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking, observing wildlife, such as birds, turtles, and fish, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake.

Address: 5585 Newanga Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, United States.

20. Coursey Graves Estate Winery

Romantic things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today await couples at Coursey Graves Estate Winery, a boutique winery with picturesque vineyards and gardens known for its French-inspired approach to winemaking.

The winery features the highest quality and authentic,  guided tour of the estate’s vineyards and the enchanting Monet-style gardens, picnic areas, and breathtaking panoramic views of Sonoma Wine Country.

Visitors can enjoy the 90-minute signature tasting experience with guided tours through the hillside vineyards, beautiful gardens, and working boutique winery.

Address: 6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

21. Jack London State Historic Park

Explore family-friendly things to do near Santa Rosa, CA, at Jack London State Historic Park, an ample green space offering a wide range of recreational amenities for people of all ages.

Spanning 1400 acres, the park features several historic buildings, including London’s cottage, the Wolf House ruins, barns, stables, and the “Pig Palace.” It offers an extensive trail network for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The park is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including redwood groves, meadows, and Sonoma Mountain, and provides a peaceful and inspiring setting for visitors to appreciate the outdoors.

Address: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, United States.

22. Poppy Bank Epicenter

One of the unique and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with kids today is exploring the many fun options at Poppy Bank Epicenter, an entertainment complex and a one-stop destination for families and individuals seeking fun and excitement.

Seating on a 130,000-square-foot building, the entertainment center features a variety of arcade games, numerous trampoline courts, including a foam pit and dodgeball arena, classic bowling lanes, and an on-site restaurant and bar.

Also, the center offers versatile spaces for corporate events, birthday parties, and other gatherings.

Address: 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.

23. Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market

Treasure hunters can explore Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market, a vibrant community event featuring a diverse selection of local vendors for some unique and fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.

The market showcases a wide range of local businesses, including farmers, artisans, food trucks, and craft vendors, and features a lively atmosphere with live music, and activities for children, such as face painting, games, and crafts.

By shopping at the market, visitors can find one-of-a-kind items, from handmade crafts to fresh produce, sample a variety of local cuisine from food trucks and vendors, offering everything from gourmet burgers to international flavors, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

Address: Old Courthouse Sq, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

24. Taylor Mountain Regional Park

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can explore fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, at Taylor Mountain Regional Park, an open-space preserve providing a diverse habitat for wildlife.

Spanning 1,100 acres, the park features rolling hills, oak woodlands, several creeks, an 18-hole disc golf course, a play area, and approximately 7 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and various bird species, and allows pet owners to bring their pets on leash. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the park’s summit.

Address: 2080 Kawana Terrace, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.

25. Blind Scream Haunted Houses

Embarking on an adrenaline-pumping adventure at Blind Scream Haunted Houses, an immersive and terrifying experience, designed to thrill and scare visitors of all ages is among the most thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.

The haunted house attraction offers a variety of haunted houses, each with its unique theme and scares. This allows visitors to choose their level of fear and experience different terrifying adventures.

As a thrill-seeker, be prepared to enjoy an adrenaline-pumping and thrilling experience and steer through the creepy scenes, encounter terrifying creatures, and enjoy an entertaining night out with families and friends.

Address: 98 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.

plan your visit to Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa, California, is a scenic town that offers an array of recreational activities ranging from its deep historical roots and vibrant local culture to its scenic parks and welcoming community, there’s a wide range of enjoyable things to explore in this quaint town.

Plan your visit today and uncover all the delightful attractions Santa Rosa has to offer! Enjoy your journey.