Things To Do
in Petaluma

Local cheeses (from regional creameries) paired with sourdough loaves and seasonal jams — available at farmers’ markets, cheese shops and many restaurant menus.

Must-Try!

Fresh oysters and simple coastal seafood preparations sourced from Tomales Bay and the Sonoma Coast — often featured at local restaurants and seafood markets.

Menus rotate with the seasons and showcase locally grown vegetables, heritage meats and creative small plates at many downtown restaurants.

Petaluma is home to notable breweries and close to Sonoma wineries; expect IPA and experimental small‑batch beers plus elegant regional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

A lively market (commonly on weekends) with seasonal produce, cheeses, baked goods and prepared foods—ideal for sampling local products and picnic supplies.

Scattered food trucks and popup vendors appear at events and near the riverfront; they serve everything from tacos to wood‑fired pizza depending on the day.

People are generally relaxed and informal—greetings are friendly but not intrusive. Politeness and patience go a long way.

Many nearby attractions are on working farms or ranches—always ask before entering private property, follow posted signs and avoid disturbing livestock.

Respect quiet hours in residential areas, especially late at night; downtown bars close earlier than big cities but neighborhoods value low noise.

Recycling and composting are common; dispose of waste appropriately and follow beach/marsh rules to protect wildlife and habitats.

Tipping is customary across the U.S.: plan on 15–20% at full‑service restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of the bill, and 10–15% for taxis or ride‑shares if the driver assists with luggage. Tip food delivery drivers, hotel staff and tour guides when appropriate.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple/Google Pay) are common. Cash is useful for small vendors or some food trucks—carry a small amount just in case. Most merchants use chip readers; keep an eye out for minimum card purchase amounts at tiny stalls.

Mild temperatures, wildflowers on nearby hills and busy farmers’ markets—great time for hiking, birdwatching and seeing farms come alive.

Warm inland days but frequent morning fog and cool afternoons near the river and coast; expect popular weekends and higher visitor numbers for outdoor dining and coastal trips.

Harvest season brings winery events, crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons—ideal for food and wine outings and outdoor activities before the rainy season.

Cooler, wetter weather with short daylight hours; winter storms are possible but crowds are smaller and lodging rates may be lower.

Located near Santa Rosa (about 25–35 minutes north by car), STS offers regional flights and is the quickest domestic gateway for Sonoma County.

Major international airport about 45–75 minutes south by car depending on traffic; offers the most flight options and ground transportation into the region.

Another Bay Area option (about 1–1.5 hours drive), often convenient for domestic flights and access from the East Bay.

Further south (roughly 1.5–2 hours by car), SJC can be a useful alternative depending on flight options and plans in the Bay Area.

Multi‑generational families with deep ties to agriculture and the community; involved with local businesses and civic life.

Residents who commute to jobs in Santa Rosa, the Bay Area or tech centers—bringing a mix of suburban and urban sensibilities.

A creative community of artisans, restaurateurs and independent shop owners who shape the downtown character.

A significant Hispanic/Latino population contributes to the cultural fabric, businesses and cuisine of the area.

Road and recreational cycling are very popular — Sonoma County’s scenic roads and gentle hills attract cyclists year‑round.

Youth and community baseball are common; many residents follow the San Francisco Giants for professional baseball.

Youth and amateur soccer leagues are active in the region, reflecting the area’s family‑oriented recreational offerings.

Horseback riding and equestrian events are part of the rural lifestyle in surrounding areas and on local ranches.

Vegetarian diners will find plenty of seasonal vegetable dishes, salads and cheese plates; many restaurants can adapt mains and have vegetarian options on the menu.

Vegan options are increasingly common—look for plant‑based bowls, vegetable‑forward small plates, and request substitutions where needed at farm‑to‑table venues.

Gluten‑free bread and pasta options are available at several cafés and restaurants; speak to staff about cross‑contamination if you have celiac disease.

Restaurants are used to handling allergies—inform servers about severe allergies and double‑check ingredients for dressings, nuts, dairy and shellfish.