Are you a local or guest seeking exciting activities in Santa Rosa, CA? You’ve come to the right spot! In this guide, we’ll uncover the 24 best and most enjoyable things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, ensuring you make the most of your time in this charming independent city.
25 Best And Fun Things To Do In Santa Rosa, CA (2024)
1. Poppy Bank Epicenter
Discovering the various exciting possibilities at Poppy Bank Epicenter, an entertainment complex and a one-stop shop for families and individuals seeking fun and excitement, is one of the most distinctive and exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, California, with kids these days.
The entertainment center occupies 130,000 square feet and has a number of arcade games, multiple trampoline courts with a dodgeball arena and foam pit, traditional bowling lanes, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Additionally, the facility provides flexible areas for birthday parties, corporate functions, and other get-togethers.
Address: 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.
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2. Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market
For some unusual and enjoyable things to do in Santa Rosa, California, for everyone, treasure hunters can check out the Santa Rosa Wednesday Night Market, a bustling community event with a varied variety of local sellers.
The market has a vibrant atmosphere with live music, a variety of local companies, including food trucks, crafts, face painting, and games for kids, and it boasts a wide range of local businesses, including farmers, craftsmen, and craft exhibitors.
When shopping at the market, one may discover unique products ranging from fresh produce to handcrafted crafts, taste a range of regional cuisine from food trucks and merchants serving everything from gourmet burgers to exotic cuisines, and take in the lively ambiance of the marketplace.
Address: Old Courthouse Sq, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
3. Taylor Mountain Regional Park
Taylor Mountain Regional Park is a fun place for nature lovers and outdoor fans to visit in Santa Rosa, California. It is an open-space preserve that gives animals a variety of places to live.
The park covers 1,100 acres and has several creeks, rolling hills, oak forests, an 18-hole disc golf course, a play area, and 7 miles of unpaved trails for horseback rides, hiking, and biking.
Animals like deer, foxes, and different kinds of birds live in the park, and pet owners can bring their animals with them as long as they are on a leash. From the top of the park, visitors can see stunning views of the surrounding area.
Address: 2080 Kawana Terrace, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
4. Blind Scream Haunted Houses
Going on an exciting adventure at Blind Scream Haunted Houses is one of the most exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, CA for everyone. The full and scary experience is meant to thrill and scare people of all ages.
There are several haunted houses at the site, and each one has its own theme and scary things inside. This lets tourists pick how scared they want to be and try out different scary adventures.
If you like thrills, get ready for an exciting and adrenaline-pumping experience as you navigate through the creepy scenes and meet scary creatures while having a fun night out with family and friends.
Address: 98 Santa Rosa Plaza, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.
5. Juilliard Park
Start your trip in Santa Rosa by going to Juilliard Park. It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city that both locals and tourists love, providing a quiet place to relax.
The park has a big outdoor stage, a big playground with equipment that’s right for kids of all ages, well-kept trails that go all through the park, lots of picnic tables, and grassy areas.
Also, the park has beautifully landscaped gardens with a wide range of plants and flowers. These gardens create a calm atmosphere where people of all ages can enjoy many exciting and fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.
Address: 227 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.
6. Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is a famous place for performing arts and a culture hub that hosts a wide range of events. One of the fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone is to check it out.
The center has been around since 1981 and has a modern outdoor arena with 4,400 seats and an indoor theater with 1,200 seats. It puts on a lot of different kinds of shows, such as classical music, dance, theater, comedy, and shows that are good for the whole family.
The Center hosts events and programs that support arts and culture and has educational programs for both kids and adults, such as workshops, masterclasses, and artist residencies.
Address: 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.
7. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is a hands-on learning center with many fun things for kids to do in Santa Rosa, CA. Each exhibit and event is designed to keep kids interested.
The museum has been around since 2005 and has many play areas, such as a water play area, a building area, a pretend play area, and a natural science exhibit. It also has many training programs, such as camps, workshops, and special events.
The museum also has hands-on displays that encourage learning and curiosity, like a light table, a big bubble machine, and a magnetic wall. These make learning about science, math, art, and other subjects fun and interesting for kids.
Address: 1835 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.
8. Safari West
Safari West is a unique wildlife preserve and open-air zoo where tourists can get up close and personal with a wide range of exotic animals in a natural setting. There are also many other fun things for families to do in Santa Rosa, California.
This 400-acre attraction lets tourists see animals like giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and rhinos in their natural environment through guided tours in an open-air vehicle.
Visitors can get very close to some animals. For example, they can feed giraffes, lemurs, camels, and antelopes by hand. Feel like you’re really there by spending the night in one of Safari West’s fancy tents or cabins.
Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
9. Trione-Annadel State Park
Trione-Annadel State Park is a beautiful natural setting with lots of fun things to do for nature fans and people who like being outside. It’s one of the many fun and interesting things to do in Santa Rosa, CA today.
The park covers 5,092 acres and has many trails that go through redwood forests, oak woodlands, and meadows. There are also picnic spots and Lake Annadel, where you can fish, swim, and rent boats.
People can enjoy the park’s natural beauty and learn about the different ecosystems that live there. They can also look for animals like deer, rabbits, squirrels, and different kinds of birds, or they can do other things like hike, bike, watch birds, and have a lunch.
Address: 6201 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States.
10. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
The Luther Burbank Home & Gardens is a historic botanical garden and museum offering some educational things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.
The gardens showcase a diverse collection of plants, including many of Burbank’s original creations, such as the Shasta daisy, Burbank plum, and Thornless Boysenberry. It offers educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages.
Visitors can tour Burbank’s former home, which is preserved as a museum showcasing his personal belongings and memorabilia, appreciate the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the gardens, and participate in educational programs.
Address: 204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
11. Museum of Sonoma County
Explore the Museum of Sonoma County, a renowned cultural institution offering a plethora of fun and educational things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today for everyone.
Established in 1985, the museum features a wide range of exhibits that explore the region’s history, including its Native American heritage, Spanish colonial period, and early American settlement.
Also, the museum offers a variety of educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and tours, for both children and adults, houses a significant collection of art, featuring works by local and regional artists, and hosts special events, such as exhibitions, festivals, and cultural celebrations.
Address: 425 7th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.
12. Snoopy’s Home Ice
Enjoy skating at Snoopy’s Home Ice, an iconic ice skating rink as one of the most thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, in the winter.
As the home rink of the San Francisco Bulls minor league hockey team, it is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of skating and entertainment options.
As you visit, engage in fun activities such as enjoying the trills of ice skating, cheering on a hockey game, learning a new skill, and enjoying quality time with family and friends.
Address: 1667 W Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.
13. St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
Wine enthusiasts can unearth exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for adults at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, a family-owned winery offering a relaxed environment and exceptional wines.
The winery boasts a collection of vineyards located in various microclimates of Sonoma County, a taproom where wine enthusiasts can test multiple wines, and offer guided tours and guided wine tastings.
Get a chance to savor a variety of St. Francis wines, including Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and other varietals, appreciate the picturesque surroundings, share in the friendliness of the venue, and attend different events.
Address: 100 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, United States.
14. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts and presents an array of fun and unique things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for everyone.
The museum features a variety of exhibits showcasing Schulz’s work, including original comic strips, drawings, and animation cells, a gift shop where visitors can purchase Peanuts merchandise, and a research center.
Also, the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden features bronze statues of Peanuts characters, including Snoopy, Woodstock, and Charlie Brown.
Visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Schulz’s life and work, and the impact that Peanuts had on popular culture, explore different exhibits, and bring back fond memories of reading Peanuts comics.
Address: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.
15. Howarth Park
Fun and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with kids await visitors and locals at Howarth Park, a public park known for its diverse attractions, scenic beauty, and family-friendly atmosphere.
The park is home to a variety of recreational facilities, including a zoo, an amusement park, an arboretum, a historic carousel, and numerous picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a meal or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as boating, hiking, and picnicking, and spend quality time with families and friends.
Address: 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, United States.
16. Railroad Square Historic District
Explore the Railroad Square Historic District, a vibrant neighborhood in Santa Rosa, centered around the city’s former railroad depot for some fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.
It’s a charming blend of historic buildings, trendy shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Visitors can find a variety of unique shops, including antique stores, clothing boutiques, and specialty shops selling local crafts and products.
Address: 9 4th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.
17. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
Enjoy a fun time with families and friends at Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds, a versatile venue for events of all sizes, from fairs and festivals to concerts and conferences.
The center is known for its spacious grounds, diverse facilities, and convenient location and offers a variety of venues to accommodate different event types, including exhibition halls, an amphitheater, arenas, meeting rooms, and outdoor spaces.
Visitors searching for thrilling and fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, can enjoy live music, shows, and other entertainment options, and explore other outdoor activities such as picnicking, walking, and exploring the grounds.
Address: 1450 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
18. Matanzas Creek Winery
Matanzas Creek Winery is a vineyard renowned for its stunning lavender fields and award-winning wines that offer a picturesque and relaxing escape and other unique romantic to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.
Founded in 1977, the winery is famous for its expansive lavender fields, creating a fragrant and visually stunning backdrop and producing a variety of high-quality wines.
What’s more, the winery offers picnic grounds amidst the beautiful surroundings, a bocce court, and a series of wine tastings.
Address: 6097 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
19. Spring Lake
Enjoy refreshing and relaxing things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, at Spring Lake, a man-made reservoir and regional park.
Spring Lake Regional Park boasts a variety of hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, an environmental Discovery Center, and numerous water activities such as kayaking canoes, fishing, swimming, or paddleboarding.
Visitors get to enjoy and participate in a variety of activities, from hiking to boating, and discover the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Address: Santa Rosa, CA, United States.
20. First Empire Escape Rooms
Discover thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, for all ages at First Empire Escape Rooms, an exclusive entertainment venue offering a variety of thrilling escape room experiences.
The escape room has themed rooms filled with puzzles, riddles, and challenges, letting visitors venture into adventures like finding a missing gem or finding codes to escape the room within the allotted time.
Experience an engaging activity as you work with friends, family, or colleagues to solve puzzles and riddles making it an exciting form of entertainment
Address: 1071 Santa Rosa Plaza Ste 1034B, Santa Rosa, CA 95401, United States.
21. Downtown Santa Rosa
Downtown Santa Rosa is the vibrant heart of the city, offering a charming blend of historic architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, diverse dining options, and an array of fun and thrilling things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today.
This vibrant and historic district boasts a unique blend of architectural and modern structures, thriving arts and entertainment scenes, specialty shops, art galleries, restaurants and cafes, parks and green spaces, and breweries.
A visit to Downtown Santa Rosa offers a delightful experience, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of the city and its vibrant community, explore the hidden treasures and unique shops that make Downtown Santa Rosa special, or savor the flavors of the region’s diverse cuisine.
Address: 50 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
22. Castello di Amorosa
Make a stop at Castello di Amorosa, a 14th-century-authentically styled Tuscan castle winery, and explore some romantic things to do near Santa Rosa, CA.
The castle houses a fully operational winery where Sattui produces a variety of high-quality wines. The interior of the castle features richly decorated rooms and chambers designed to evoke the atmosphere of a medieval Italian castle.
Also, the cattle features a gift shop that offers a variety of medieval-themed items, including wine, souvenirs, and clothing.
Address: 4045 Street Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, United States.
23. Pacific Coast Air Museum
Visitors and locals searching for educational and fun things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, can make a stop at the Pacific Coast Air Museum, an aviation museum housing a collection of historic aircraft.
The museum boasts a collection of over 30 American military, propeller, and jet aircraft, and showcases exhibits of local aviation history, including artifacts and documents related to significant events and figures.
Additionally, the museum houses a model room featuring dioramas and models of aircraft, and a gift shop selling aviation-themed merchandise.
Address: One Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, United States.
24. spring Lake Park
Unearth an array of exciting things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, with a visit to Spring Lake Park, a unique park centered around the Santa Rosa Creek Reservoir.
The park offers a variety of features including a 2.3-mile paved trail encircling the lake, a seasonal swimming lagoon and water park, picnic areas with grills and tables, and fishing opportunities.
Visitors to Spring Lake Park can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, boating, and picnicking, observing wildlife, such as birds, turtles, and fish, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake.
Address: 5585 Newanga Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, United States.
25. Coursey Graves Estate Winery
Romantic things to do in Santa Rosa, CA, today await couples at Coursey Graves Estate Winery, a boutique winery with picturesque vineyards and gardens known for its French-inspired approach to winemaking.
The winery features the highest quality and authentic, guided tour of the estate’s vineyards and the enchanting Monet-style gardens, picnic areas, and breathtaking panoramic views of Sonoma Wine Country.
Visitors can enjoy the 90-minute signature tasting experience with guided tours through the hillside vineyards, beautiful gardens, and working boutique winery.
Address: 6860 Serenity Way, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, United States.
26. Jack London State Historic Park
Explore family-friendly things to do near Santa Rosa, CA, at Jack London State Historic Park, an ample green space offering a wide range of recreational amenities for people of all ages.
Spanning 1400 acres, the park features several historic buildings, including London’s cottage, the Wolf House ruins, barns, stables, and the “Pig Palace.” It offers an extensive trail network for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The park is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including redwood groves, meadows, and Sonoma Mountain, and provides a peaceful and inspiring setting for visitors to appreciate the outdoors.
Address: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, United States.
plan your visit to Santa Rosa, CA
Santa Rosa, California, is a scenic town that offers an array of recreational activities ranging from its deep historical roots and vibrant local culture to its scenic parks and welcoming community, there’s a wide range of enjoyable things to explore in this quaint town.
Plan your visit today and uncover all the delightful attractions Santa Rosa has to offer! Enjoy your journey.