This Charming Little Town Is An Underrated Base To Explore California's Iconic Sonoma County

With its wineries, quaint towns, coastal views, and forests, central California's Sonoma County is a welcome escape from big city life. Towns like Bodega Bay, Sonoma, and Sebastopol are just some of the places you can explore in this county, and many of them are less than two hours from San Francisco. For a centrally-located home base in this county from which you can easily reach all it offers, look no further than Petaluma.

Petaluma is a convenient day-trip destination from San Francisco, but you'll likely want to stay longer. Before delving into the town's culinary scene, art, and wineries, get to know the place by exploring its history. Buildings dating back to the 19th century are located downtown but head to the outskirts of town to see the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park. In the 1840s, wealthy General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo owned this ranch, significantly influencing the early settlement that would become Petaluma. Today, you can learn about the region's 19th-century Mexican history at these old wooden ranch structures and take a guided tour to help you imagine ranch life in the 1800s.

Although nearby Napa Valley's Wine Country might be more well-known, Sonoma County is among the best places to visit for wine tasting. In Petaluma, the sustainable Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot grapes cultivated at Sonoma Portworks create ports and after-dinner wines, and a tasting with Sonoma Portworks comes with culinary pairings. For some wine with a view, head to Reis River Ranch Winery & Tasting Room on the outskirts of town. This winery is on a ranch with cattle and horses, so be sure to try some of their grass-fed beef and honey while looking out over the river and pastures.

Along with wine, Petaluma offers beer that goes perfectly with the town's eclectic cuisine. Downtown Petaluma has quite a variety of options. Wild Goat Bistro serves unique and healthy salads full of flavor, savory meat and vegan dishes, and decadent pizza. Find Swedish and Middle Eastern dishes at Stockhome, Puerto Rican favorites at Sol Food, and craft beer made by locals at Crooked Goat Brewery. Pair your beer of choice with their onsite pizza options, and get ready to be spectacularly satisfied.

Also in Petaluma's historic downtown is Gallery One, where visitors can enjoy works by central Californian artists in a family-owned gallery. You can purchase beautiful pieces here or simply marvel at them while you visit. You might even leave with inspiration for art projects of your own. Another excellent gallery is the Petaluma Arts Center further north, with ever-changing exhibitions and different themes each time, making it an all the more exciting visit.

Petaluma is a fantastic base for checking out other amazing Sonoma County destinations. If you feel that you've explored Petaluma to your heart's desire, take a 30-mile drive to see the beautiful coastline at Bodega Bay, where you can spend time on the sand or swim in the ocean at Bodega Dunes Beach and Doran Regional Park. For more magnificent nature and some iconic California redwoods, Jack London State Historic Park is just 20 miles from Petaluma. The park features plenty of these trees and a late 19th-century home, other historic buildings, and information on the fascinating life of turn-of-the-century writer Jack London.