From shopping to sight-seeing to wine country tours, there are many interesting activities and attractions in the historic city of Petaluma. Home to 60,000 residents and located just a short drive from San Francisco, Petaluma is the perfect place from which to experience the best of northern California.

Days can be spent wandering the streets of Petaluma, taking in the scenery of the historic downtown area or vintage neighborhoods full of turn-of-the-century architecture. Take a self-guided tour of Victorian homes and historic sites, stroll along the Petaluma River Walk, or visit any of the many nearby wineries.

Just a short drive away is the city of San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore, the California redwoods, Napa Valley, and more.

In the city of Petaluma itself you’ll find a variety of attractions, from museums to art galleries to an outlet center. Peruse the many antique stores, enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront eateries, sample a local microbrew or take in a show at one of the city’s historic theaters. If you’re feeling really adventurous, go kayaking in the Petaluma River, or take a hike along one of the area’s many trails. You can also visit the Rancho Petaluma Adobe built in 1836, or take a trip to one of the area’s many parks.

Petaluma also offers various events throughout the year, such as Art in the Park, the Art and Garden Festival, ARTrails Open Studio Tours, Farmers’ Markets, the Sonoma-Marin Fair, the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, and a "Butter and Egg Days Parade" which celebrates the community’s heritage as the "Egg Basket to the World" and dairy production.

There are also two film festivals in Petaluma each year, the Petaluma Film Fest and the Petaluma International Film Festival. No matter what time of year it is when you find yourself in the historic city of Petaluma, there’s always something interesting going on.