Justine's Guidebook for Santa Rosa
Restaurants
One of my favorite restaurants in town. Wood fired pizza and home made cheese!
51 locals recommend
Rosso
53 Montgomery DrOne of my favorite restaurants in town. Wood fired pizza and home made cheese!
Bar/restaurant. Great cocktails and wood fired pizza. Salads, sandwiches, great happy hour! Nearby in Railroad Square.
46 locals recommend
Jackson's Bar and Oven
135 4th StBar/restaurant. Great cocktails and wood fired pizza. Salads, sandwiches, great happy hour! Nearby in Railroad Square.
Shady Oak Barrel House
420 1st StUnique modern Thai food, by the same restauranteurs as Ramen Gaijiin. LOVE the atmosphere and food and service equally!
Khom Loi
Unique modern Thai food, by the same restauranteurs as Ramen Gaijiin. LOVE the atmosphere and food and service equally!
A great Mexican restaurant- about a 15 minute walk or a 1 minute drive. Featured on The Food Network.
10 locals recommend
La Texanita Restaurant
1667 Sebastopol RdA great Mexican restaurant- about a 15 minute walk or a 1 minute drive. Featured on The Food Network.
Sazón | Peruvian Cuisine
1129 Sebastopol RdDelicious Peruvian food only a few blocks from us!
One of our personal favorites for a nicer dinner and great cocktails, located in the small town of Graton, about a 20 minute drive or a little less. Across the street is their sister restaurant Willowood Market, our favorite breakfast/brunch spot (they also do dinner).
109 locals recommend
Underwood Bar and Bistro
9113 Graton RdOne of our personal favorites for a nicer dinner and great cocktails, located in the small town of Graton, about a 20 minute drive or a little less. Across the street is their sister restaurant Willowood Market, our favorite breakfast/brunch spot (they also do dinner).
Khoom Lanna
107 4th StGreat Thai food only 8 blocks away- in Railroad Square.
The Spinster Sisters
401 S A StGreat hip restaurant in a super cute small arts district.
My favorite sushi spot. Great atmosphere and service and the rolls have really fun names!
8 locals recommend
Haku Sushi
518 7th StMy favorite sushi spot. Great atmosphere and service and the rolls have really fun names!
Stark's Steak & Seafood
521 Adams StA super great happy hour menu, can't beat!
Authentic Italian food, accents to prove it! This place wins best Italian restaurant in local reader polls each year, also wins most romantic too :) Traditional and yummy.
40 locals recommend
Lococo's Cucina Rustica
117 4th StAuthentic Italian food, accents to prove it! This place wins best Italian restaurant in local reader polls each year, also wins most romantic too :) Traditional and yummy.
One of our personal favorites, located in the small town of Graton, about a 20 minute drive or a little less. Across the street is their sister restaurant Underwood, these are 2 of our personal favorites.
90 locals recommend
Willow Wood Market Cafe
9020 Graton RdOne of our personal favorites, located in the small town of Graton, about a 20 minute drive or a little less. Across the street is their sister restaurant Underwood, these are 2 of our personal favorites.
Marshall is tiny and adorable and the source of all our yummy oysters- a beautiful drive to the coast and several spots to stop and eat oysters on the bay. Continue South and visit Point Reyes too!
67 locals recommend
The Marshall Store
19225 CA-1Marshall is tiny and adorable and the source of all our yummy oysters- a beautiful drive to the coast and several spots to stop and eat oysters on the bay. Continue South and visit Point Reyes too!
Fine dining in the charming river town of Guerneville, their bar and deli on the same block are also both fabulous. Tell Clare I sent you!
164 locals recommend
boon eat + drink
16248 Main StFine dining in the charming river town of Guerneville, their bar and deli on the same block are also both fabulous. Tell Clare I sent you!
Awesome deli and lunch spot, amazing biscuits! In the charming river town of Guerneville.
90 locals recommend
Big Bottom Market
16228 Main StAwesome deli and lunch spot, amazing biscuits! In the charming river town of Guerneville.
Love this place, it's right near a Whole Foods and the Snoopy Museum if you're over that way.
18 locals recommend
SEA Noodle Bar
286 Coddingtown CenterLove this place, it's right near a Whole Foods and the Snoopy Museum if you're over that way.
Really, really yummy ramen with amazing thick broth, 6 minute eggs, fresh greens, etc... downtown Sebastopol which is a 10-15 minute drive due West from my house- we are right near the Highway 12 onramp!
68 locals recommend
Ramen Gaijin
6948 Sebastopol AveReally, really yummy ramen with amazing thick broth, 6 minute eggs, fresh greens, etc... downtown Sebastopol which is a 10-15 minute drive due West from my house- we are right near the Highway 12 onramp!
Bakery and coffee shop, really great moist scones- try the bacon apple cheddar one! Some gluten free choices too!
21 locals recommend
Criminal Baking Co.
808 Donahue StBakery and coffee shop, really great moist scones- try the bacon apple cheddar one! Some gluten free choices too!
The best taco truck in the hood! Just walk up Sebastopol Road about 3 blocks from my house. (Ignore the address here- they have a taqueria in Petaluma so the map is confused) It's on the left and the truck is orange (not to be confused with the Elenitas truck which is a half block later).
13 locals recommend
El Roy's Mexican Grill
210 Edith StThe best taco truck in the hood! Just walk up Sebastopol Road about 3 blocks from my house. (Ignore the address here- they have a taqueria in Petaluma so the map is confused) It's on the left and the truck is orange (not to be confused with the Elenitas truck which is a half block later).
Nimble & Finn's
16290 Main StAmericana
Farm to table, cozy and delicious, locally owned.
DELICIOUS Puerto Rican food- a bit of a drive to Petaluma, but maybe on your way south you will be hungry! They also have a location in San Rafael (a bit further North past [Petaluma).
Sol Food
DELICIOUS Puerto Rican food- a bit of a drive to Petaluma, but maybe on your way south you will be hungry! They also have a location in San Rafael (a bit further North past [Petaluma).
Super fun food truck area featuring Oaxacan food and a bar built from a shipping container. Only a short walk from us.
Mitote Food Park
Super fun food truck area featuring Oaxacan food and a bar built from a shipping container. Only a short walk from us.
El Roy's Taco Truck
760 Sebastopol RdEveryone's favorite taco truck- only a short walk from us.
Shopping
This my shop, come by and say hi! (Even though the address is on 4th street, you will enter on the side of the building which is Wilson Street.)
7 locals recommend
Cast Away Yarn Shop
This my shop, come by and say hi! (Even though the address is on 4th street, you will enter on the side of the building which is Wilson Street.)
Wander around Santa Rosa's Old Town, lot's of shops and restaurants and bars. Only a 15 minute walk from my house.
10 locals recommend
Historic Railroad Square
135 4th StWander around Santa Rosa's Old Town, lot's of shops and restaurants and bars. Only a 15 minute walk from my house.
Oliver's Market - Stony Point
461 Stony Point RdThe best and closest grocery store to us.
Trader Joe's
2100 Santa Rosa AveThe closest Trader Joes to us.
Wineries
Located in Petaluma with a hoppin' beer garden and a full service kitchen, it's a nice place to spend a few hours. But drive safe back!
140 locals recommend
Lagunitas Brewing Company
1280 N McDowell BlvdLocated in Petaluma with a hoppin' beer garden and a full service kitchen, it's a nice place to spend a few hours. But drive safe back!
Currently holding the spot for the worlds best beer- try Pliny and all their other great beers!
262 locals recommend
Russian River Brewing Company - Santa Rosa Location
725 4th StCurrently holding the spot for the worlds best beer- try Pliny and all their other great beers!
The winery's Marijke's Grove Sculpture Garden is nestled among four acres of ancient, gnarled oaks. The artwork is displayed among mossy rocks and small grassy clearings.
37 locals recommend
Paradise Ridge Winery
4545 Thomas Lake Harris DrThe winery's Marijke's Grove Sculpture Garden is nestled among four acres of ancient, gnarled oaks. The artwork is displayed among mossy rocks and small grassy clearings.
Known for their champagne (the White House drinks it), their tasting room gives an amazing view of the apple orchards that surround. A great place to catch a sunset.
89 locals recommend
Iron Horse Vineyards
9786 Ross Station RdKnown for their champagne (the White House drinks it), their tasting room gives an amazing view of the apple orchards that surround. A great place to catch a sunset.
Located just outside of town and near one of the eastern entrances to Annadel State park, this winery is beautiful, elegant and comfortable. Love their reds.
96 locals recommend
St. Francis Winery and Vineyard
100 Pythian RdLocated just outside of town and near one of the eastern entrances to Annadel State park, this winery is beautiful, elegant and comfortable. Love their reds.
Family owned, reasonably priced, a fantastic deli and beautiful grounds! We love Korbel and are members here.
137 locals recommend
Korbel Winery
13250 River RdFamily owned, reasonably priced, a fantastic deli and beautiful grounds! We love Korbel and are members here.
Features five acres of diverse gardens done in an Italian/French parterre style with classic geometric shapes. meandering paths, foot bridges, waterfalls, ponds and more!
41 locals recommend
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery
8761 Dry Creek RdFeatures five acres of diverse gardens done in an Italian/French parterre style with classic geometric shapes. meandering paths, foot bridges, waterfalls, ponds and more!
Close to our house, beautiful grounds, affordable and delicious wines.
23 locals recommend
Balletto Vineyards
5700 Occidental RdClose to our house, beautiful grounds, affordable and delicious wines.
Hook & Ladder Vineyards & Winery
2134 Olivet RdEssentials
The closest full service grocery store- locally owned, basics + gourmet.
45 locals recommend
Oliver's Market - Stony Point
461 Stony Point RdThe closest full service grocery store- locally owned, basics + gourmet.
This is a Mexican market with lots of basics, and right near our house! Just a block away. I don't recommend their to go food though, for that see my listing for Mexican restaurants/taco trucks in the dining section. For more complete grocery shopping I recommend Oliver's which is a 5 minute drive.
Lola's Market & Restaurant
440 Dutton AvenueThis is a Mexican market with lots of basics, and right near our house! Just a block away. I don't recommend their to go food though, for that see my listing for Mexican restaurants/taco trucks in the dining section. For more complete grocery shopping I recommend Oliver's which is a 5 minute drive.
Entertainment & Activities
Who doesn't love Snoopy? Charles Schultz lived in Santa Rosa and this museum is a modern and fun art filled place to visit. The Snoopy Ice arena & gift shop is right next door.
144 locals recommend
Charles M. Schulz Museum
2301 Hardies LnWho doesn't love Snoopy? Charles Schultz lived in Santa Rosa and this museum is a modern and fun art filled place to visit. The Snoopy Ice arena & gift shop is right next door.
A larger market on Saturdays, a bit of a drive though.
16 locals recommend
Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market
50 Mark West Springs RdA larger market on Saturdays, a bit of a drive though.
A new children's museum, very sweet & fun with awesome staff and special events!
34 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Sonoma County
1835 W Steele LnA new children's museum, very sweet & fun with awesome staff and special events!
An African adventure in the heart of California wine country. Guests may explore the Sonoma Serengeti on an African wildlife safari alongside romping herds of exotic wildlife or relax in a luxury safari tent under the gaze of a graceful giraffe. Our goal is to actively promote conservation and environmental education. Safari West is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
128 locals recommend
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek RdAn African adventure in the heart of California wine country. Guests may explore the Sonoma Serengeti on an African wildlife safari alongside romping herds of exotic wildlife or relax in a luxury safari tent under the gaze of a graceful giraffe. Our goal is to actively promote conservation and environmental education. Safari West is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
A great big park situated on the edge of a 5000 acre state park (Annadel). Complete with 2 lakes, a large play ground, boat rental and even more in the summer.
77 locals recommend
Howarth Park
630 Summerfield RdA great big park situated on the edge of a 5000 acre state park (Annadel). Complete with 2 lakes, a large play ground, boat rental and even more in the summer.
Here in town with family and loved ones? Schedule a photo shoot with Kate, a personal friend and talented photographer.
Kate Nagle Photography
100 4th StHere in town with family and loved ones? Schedule a photo shoot with Kate, a personal friend and talented photographer.
Ice skating for everyone in our local original ice rink formerly run by "Sparky" himself. Get some fries & hot cocoa in the Warm Puppy Cafe! A great gift shop and right next door to the museum.
44 locals recommend
Snoopy's Home Ice
1667 W Steele LnIce skating for everyone in our local original ice rink formerly run by "Sparky" himself. Get some fries & hot cocoa in the Warm Puppy Cafe! A great gift shop and right next door to the museum.
Sightseeing
5000 acres of lush beauty! Many many different trails to choose from, my favorite is at the Park Trail Drive entrance- hike up to Lake Illsanjo and back. A beautiful 5 mile jaunt, about 1.5 hours.
162 locals recommend
Trione-Annadel State Park
6201 Channel Dr5000 acres of lush beauty! Many many different trails to choose from, my favorite is at the Park Trail Drive entrance- hike up to Lake Illsanjo and back. A beautiful 5 mile jaunt, about 1.5 hours.
The tiny charming town of Jenner, and drive further north for a stunning drive along the cliffs of our Sonoma Coast!
61 locals recommend
Jenner
The tiny charming town of Jenner, and drive further north for a stunning drive along the cliffs of our Sonoma Coast!
Cornerstone is a creative garden showcase and also offers a mix of unique shops and galleries, as well as tasting rooms and a deli/café. It's in the town of Sonoma and really cool!
52 locals recommend
Cornerstone Sonoma
23570 Arnold DrCornerstone is a creative garden showcase and also offers a mix of unique shops and galleries, as well as tasting rooms and a deli/café. It's in the town of Sonoma and really cool!
Beautiful town on the bay, oysters everywhere! Good kayaking spot, 'town' isn't really a town, but go further and check out Pt Reyes- super cute and fun jaunt!
13 locals recommend
Marshall
Beautiful town on the bay, oysters everywhere! Good kayaking spot, 'town' isn't really a town, but go further and check out Pt Reyes- super cute and fun jaunt!
The quaint town of Sonoma, plenty of wine tasting on the square! And cute shops. Train Town for the little ones! Beautiful country drive.
166 locals recommend
Sonoma
The quaint town of Sonoma, plenty of wine tasting on the square! And cute shops. Train Town for the little ones! Beautiful country drive.
Small garden in town, world-renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank lived and experimented with plants for most of his 50-year career. Free admission.
62 locals recommend
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
204 Santa Rosa AveSmall garden in town, world-renowned horticulturist Luther Burbank lived and experimented with plants for most of his 50-year career. Free admission.
It features mature flowering Asian trees and shrubs, as well as waterfalls, ponds, and amazing views. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is $10 adults, $5 students & kids.
29 locals recommend
Quarryhill Botanical Garden
12841 Sonoma HwyIt features mature flowering Asian trees and shrubs, as well as waterfalls, ponds, and amazing views. Open daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is $10 adults, $5 students & kids.
Giant redwoods! And right near the river and close to the beach. Stop in Guerneville for lunch/dinner.
500 locals recommend
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Visitor Center
17000 Armstrong Woods RdGiant redwoods! And right near the river and close to the beach. Stop in Guerneville for lunch/dinner.
Near the mouth of the Russian River, is part of the Sonoma Coast State Park, a series of beaches stretching 17 miles along the jagged Sonoma coast. Some allow dogs, some don't.
125 locals recommend
Goat Rock Beach
Near the mouth of the Russian River, is part of the Sonoma Coast State Park, a series of beaches stretching 17 miles along the jagged Sonoma coast. Some allow dogs, some don't.
The quaint town of Healdsburg, plenty of wine tasting and restaurants on the square! And cute shops galore.
154 locals recommend
Healdsburg
The quaint town of Healdsburg, plenty of wine tasting and restaurants on the square! And cute shops galore.
Want to spend the day at the river? In the charming river town of Guerneville, this beach spot offers a snack bar with cheap beer and candy, and canoe & umbrella and inner tube rentals!
101 locals recommend
Johnson's Beach
16215 First StWant to spend the day at the river? In the charming river town of Guerneville, this beach spot offers a snack bar with cheap beer and candy, and canoe & umbrella and inner tube rentals!
Downtown museum in historic building with great rotating exhibits.
34 locals recommend
Museum of Sonoma County
425 7th StDowntown museum in historic building with great rotating exhibits.
Traveler advice
Getting around
Winery Tour- drives your car!
Save money on winery tours by hiring this company to drive you in your own car. Fully licensed, insured, and has great winery knowledge and will help you choose where to go. Just web search her- Wine Tasting with Women Drivers