1. It’s Everyone's Home
You won’t have to worry about fitting in here in
Santa Rosa. The city is filled with people from all walks of life with various interests and hobbies. From the classically sophisticated to the famously West Coast weird, you’ll find something to suit your lifestyle and make you wonder what took you so long to get here.
2. Snoopy Is Your New Hometown Hero
Charles M. Schulz, creator of the world famous Peanuts comics, lived the last half of his life in Santa Rosa. The city show their serious pride of his legacy with The Charles M. Schulz Museum and statues of Peanuts characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown throughout the city. But you’ll know even before then, when you land in the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County airport.
3. Congratulations, You’re Now A Giants Fan
Santa Rosa rests 50 miles north of San Francisco, which for out-of-towners means that everyone here cheers for the Giants. If you’re not already a fan, it won’t be hard to adapt. The Giants are seven-time World Champions, most recently taking the 2012 title in a sweep against the Tigers, and have the most Hall of Famers in all of professional baseball.
So, get yourself some orange and a panda hat because you’ll need it.
4. You’re Literally Surrounded By Wine...
Located in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is the main city in California’s famous Wine Country, putting most of the best wineries and vineyards right in your backyard, and many others just a short drive away.
With more than 300 to choose from, it’s understandable if you don’t know where to begin. Harvest Moon, Paradise Ridge, Matanzas Creek, and Deloach Ridge are just a few stops to make as you start your journey.
5. But The People Are More Than Just Winos
Wine lovers aren’t the only ones that get to have fun in Santa Rosa. Russian River Brewery and Third St. Aleworks are two of the city’s big breweries, both located in the downtown district, and locals line up, sometimes down the street, for their specialty crafted brews.
6. It’s Also Farm Country
Numerous farms can be found along Sonoma County’s Farm Trails, and make for a farmers market lover’s dream come true. Fresh Produce, meats, and natural, artisan creations such as sheep milk yogurt are sold all over the city, like the West End Farmer’s Market and Wednesday Night Market downtown, so residents can eat as local and fresh as they want.
7. But That Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Have A Fun Night Out
Whether you’re out for an anniversary or just a night on the town, you’ll never have to dig for something nice to do in Santa Rosa. Start off with a delicious dinner at the fine Bistro 29 on 5th street. When you’ve taken your last bite of crème brulee, head over to the 6th Street Playhouse to catch the latest show for a great night out in city.
8. You’ve Got The Beach Right In Your Backyard
If you find yourself missing the serenity of the ocean, you won’t be missing it for long. The breathtaking Sonoma Coast State Beach is just a half hour away with long beaches and secluded coves. Take the popular and scenic Sonoma Coast Trail past the Russian River for another.
9. Hollywood Loves Santa Rosa As Much As The Locals Do
Directors like Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas and Wes Craven have all shot films in Santa Rosa, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. You can tour the different locations of films like “Shadow Of A Doubt,” “Peggy Sue Got Married,” “Scream,” “Cheaper By The Dozen,” “Die Hard 2,” “Cujo,” “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” among many others.
Be sure to swing by the Flamingo Motel where the Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton movie “Bandits” was filmed.
10. But People In Santa Rosa Definitely Love Dogs More Than You...
Pet lovers will feel completely at ease in Santa Rosa. The city offers five different dog parks and drinking stations for dogs at water fountains throughout different locations. It’s also been nominated for one of the best cities for traveling with pets by Go Pet Friendly.
11. Not To Mention Biking...
Santa Rosa is known as one of the top cycling destinations in the world, for its bike-friendly paths and scenic routes. Prince Memorial Greenway runs along Santa Rosa Creek from downtown to the west end. Santa Rosa has also been a host city for the annual AMGEN Tour of California professional eight-day bike racing event.
12. ... Also The Earth...
Along with preserving the wildlife and nature of Sonoma County, the passionate people at Pepperwood Preserve work to educate the rest of Santa Rosa about conservation and sustainability with research and education programs and workshops. And locals love to get in on it, especially tree planting.
13. ... And Buying Everything Local
Part of keeping the Santa Rosa community so alive and vibrant is putting back into the community what it gives to you. That’s why the locals shop with the little guy. Head to Railroad Square downtown for shops ranging from clothing to cupcakes, all within walking distance.
14. Public Art Is On Display Around Every Corner
You don’t have to go to a museum to find great art in Santa Rosa, because it’s right on the streets. The ArtStart public benches around Courtyard Square are hand painted by local artists in a variety of themes, and there are sculptures everywhere from Olive Park to Downtown Plaza, and murals everywhere in between.
15. There's Always A Festivus For The...Well, You Know
If you mark your calendars for all of the events and festivals that go on in Santa Rosa, you’re probably going to need another calendar. The city hosts events like the Sonoma County Harvest Festival, the annual Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival, the Wine & Food Harvest Fair, the Harmony Fair, Live at Julliard, Wunderkammer Festival and much more.
16. And A Park For All Seasons
Santa Rosa is home to a total of 65 parks offering everything from sweeping Sonoma County scenery to playgrounds and sports fields. Annadel State Park is a local favorite sitting on 5,092 acres of land full of real hiking trails (not just boring paths) varying from thick forest patches to calm meadows.
17. Seriously, You Can Even go On An African Safari
Safari West brings locals and tourists from all over out to tour the herds of exotic wildlife in their natural habitat up close, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, rhinos and much more.
18. And Santa Rosa Has A Museum For Every Mood...
Along with the Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa also boasts many other venues for visitors to tour, learn, and take in some culture. The Sonoma County Museum covers history and art lovers, the Children’s Museum Of Sonoma County is perfect for kids, the Pacific Coast Air Museum is heaven for aviation enthusiasts, and the Ripley Museum Church of One Tree has something for all those lovers of oddities and the bizarre.
19. ... Not To Mention A Scene For Even The Biggest Music Snob
It doesn’t matter what strikes your musical fancy, there’s something for everyone to take in here. The local music scene can be found in the local bars, clubs and even on the streets. The city is home to the Santa Rosa Symphony, not to mention festivals to celebrate soul, like the Russian River Jazz & Blues Festival.
20. Don’t Be Surprised If You Wake Up Covered In Yarn
The wonderfully artsy crafters in Santa Rosa do some pretty unique things to further beautify their city and make it a unique place to live. In 2013, yarn bombers teamed up with the city on Yarn Bomb Day to cover Courthouse Square in colorful hand-knitted “sweaters,” even on the trees, bringing a smile to locals’ faces with even more public art to the streets in a new fashion.
21. A Slice At Mombo’s Will Make You Forget All About NYC
Look no further than Mombo’s for your favorite pizza joint in Santa Rosa. Their famous thin crispy crust pizzas have won the Bohemian award for Best Of The Bay every year since 2002.
22. Santa Rosa Has Been Getting Inked For Decades
For the past 23 years the city has hosted the popular Santa Rosa Tattoos & Blues Festival. World famous tattoo artists, music makers, and everyone in between for this three-day event of skin art and blues. A different theme is featured every year, and you can even win prizes for the best costumes.
Feature Image: Visit Santa Rosa Facebook
