The charming city of Petaluma and the surrounding area offers a number of fantastic touring opportunities, from historic tours that explore local parks and neighborhoods to guided wine country tours to self-guided walking tours around town.

Self-guided tours are an economical and leisurely way of exploring the immediate area of Petaluma’s Riverwalk, historic downtown and Victorian neighborhoods, and local parks. Free maps are available through the local Visitors Center and will help you plan your tour while making sure you hit all the highlights.

Nearby Shollenberger Park offers 16 acres and more than three miles of trails that meander through wetlands and wildlife sanctuary along the banks of the Petaluma River. More than 150 species of birds have been sighted in this beautiful setting. There are also docent-led tours on the fourth Saturday of each month. If you’d like a self-guided tour you will find a wetlands bird species list and trail guide at the park entrance kiosk or at the Petaluma Visitor Center. Ellis Creek is also nearby, and has 30 acres of wetlands that attract many species of waterfowl and wildlife.

You can also take a self-guided tour of trees in Petaluma’s eclectic neighborhoods and historic districts. You will find examples of extraordinary native species and heritage trees. Petaluma has been designated a "Tree City USA" because of the community commitment to its urban forest.

Other tours in the area include the Victorian Home Tour, the 23-mile Driving Tour which gives you a sense of the area’s heritage, the Hollywood Tour which showcases Petaluma’s long cinematic history, and if course the numerous wine country tours.

Whether you are planning activities for a group large or small, there’s a Petaluma tour available that’s sure to suit your budget and entertain everyone.