Get to know the waterfront area of Petaluma by exploring the pedestrian-friendly Petaluma River Walk. The River Walk extends around Turning Basin and Harbor, across the draw bridge, through some of downtown via First Street, and then eastward along the Petaluma River. There are also a number of parks and green areas near the River Walk.

The Petaluma River is a tidal estuary that is linked to San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay, and it is also known as the Petaluma Slough or Creek. Hunters first camped along the banks of the river in the 1850s, and later the area became a busy river port where flour, shoes, eggs, lumber and potatoes were exchanged.

Today you’ll see there are newer docks and the Balshaw footbridge. Pedestrians can stroll from the footbridge to the Golden Eagle Center, which was once the site of an enormous flour mill. Then a staircase leads to docks along the east side and to picturesque Cavanagh Park. The drawbridge then takes you back toward Petaluma Boulevard and the historic downtown area.

The Petaluma River Walk is a great place to go birding, take your canine best friend for a walk, or treat someone with limited mobility to a beautiful day outside. The downtown area is designed to allow you to spend an enjoyable day shopping downtown, exploring the riverfront, grabbing a bite at one of the waterfront eateries, and strolling through Petaluma’s charming residential areas – all while on foot.

You can learn a great deal about Petaluma’s history through the River Walk, the Victorian Homes Walking Tour and just by strolling around downtown. Take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this historic riverfront city just a short drive north of San Francisco and the Bay Area, located in the heart of Sonoma County wine country.