All Aboard! Discover Santa Rosa Through Its Railroads and Trains
If you’re a train enthusiast—or just looking for a fun, unique way to explore Santa Rosa—you’re in luck. From historic rail depots to miniature train rides, our city offers a host of railway-inspired activities that bring the excitement of the rails to life.
Ride the Rails to Santa Rosa
Start your adventure aboard the SMART Train, which connects Sonoma and Marin counties and conveniently stops in Santa Rosa. Once you arrive, step off at the Santa Rosa Downtown Station to visit the California Welcome Center - Santa Rosa, housed in the beautifully restored 1904 train depot building. Here, train history comes alive at the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Museum. Explore historic artifacts, interact with a miniature train diorama, or try your hand at operating a lever on an old train signal. Kids and adults alike will love sending mini replicas of the SMART Train down the tracks!
Historic Railroad Square
From the Welcome Center, take a leisurely stroll through Historic Railroad Square, a charming district that perfectly blends Santa Rosa’s railroad history with modern shops, cafes, and eateries. The streets themselves tell the story of the city’s past, with architecture dating back to the early 1900s. Along the way, you can explore unique boutiques, browse Whistlestop Antiques for treasures and collectibles, and enjoy locally made goods in other specialty shops. When it’s time to refuel, Railroad Square offers a variety of dining options—from cozy cafes serving artisanal coffee and pastries to full-service restaurants featuring farm-to-table cuisine, perfect for a relaxing lunch or dinner after a day of exploring.
Miniature Train Fun
Santa Rosa isn’t just about full-size trains—there are plenty of opportunities for little ones (and the young at heart) to enjoy miniature rail experiences. At Howarth Park, a seasonal miniature train operates from spring through early fall, taking passengers on a delightful loop through a scenic slice of the park’s natural beauty.
For a truly unique experience, check out the Redwood Empire Live Steamers, a non-profit that operates a miniature steam engine at Youth Community Park (1701 Fulton Rd). From May through October, on the first weekend of each month from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting), you can watch—and ride—the steam engine in action, an experience that captures the charm and nostalgia of classic railroading.
Stay Close to the Tracks
For a full-on train experience, spend the night near the action at one of our nearby hotels. Hotel La Rose, AC by Marriott, Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country, and Courtyard Marriott put you just minutes from Historic Railroad Square, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Santa Rosa’s rail history from dawn to dusk.
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