Day Trip Ideas
January 25, 2023
Whether you're a foodie, adventurer, relaxation seeker, or traveling with kids, we've crafted four unique itineraries just for you.
For thrill-seekers, the Outdoor Adventure itinerary includes zip-lining through redwoods and biking past vineyards. Need to unwind? Our Relaxation Getaway features a Cedar Enzyme Bath and wine paired with sushi. Food lovers will enjoy the Foodie Field Day, showcasing Sonoma County’s freshest finds and Santa Rosa’s renowned craft beer scene. For families, the Family Fun Day includes a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and a Snoopy statue scavenger hunt.
Don't forget to stop by the California Welcome Center in Historic Railroad Square for maps, insider tips, and local souvenirs!
Outdoor Adventure
- Start with a sunrise hike at Trione-Annadel State Park: Kick off your day with an early hike through Trione-Annadel State Park, where trails lead you through wildflower meadows and ancient oak woodlands, offering stunning views and a perfect morning warm-up.
- Bonus Stop: Nature bathing at Spring Lake Regional Park: After your hike, unwind with a peaceful walk at Spring Lake Regional Park. Enjoy the shaded trails or relax by the lake, taking in the serene environment.
- Bonus Stop: Nature bathing at Spring Lake Regional Park: After your hike, unwind with a peaceful walk at Spring Lake Regional Park. Enjoy the shaded trails or relax by the lake, taking in the serene environment.
- Sonoma Zipline Adventures: You’ll savor breathtaking views of the majestic Redwood forest at a leisurely pace and learn some incredible things about the Redwood ecosystem. Experienced thrill-seekers can try the Tree Tops course, with a 1500’ long line and speeds up to 40 miles per hour!
- Refuel with lunch at Howarth Park: Recharge with a picnic lunch at Howarth Park. This family-friendly spot offers green spaces, picnic areas, and a small lake, perfect for a midday break.
- Cycle through Sonoma County’s scenic landscapes: Spend your afternoon cycling through Sonoma County’s picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. Whether you prefer a leisurely ride or a challenging climb, the views are spectacular.
- Wind down with a sunset hike at Taylor Mountain: End your day with a sunset hike at Taylor Mountain Regional Park. The trails here provide panoramic views of Santa Rosa, offering a perfect finale to your outdoor adventure.
- Finish with a hearty dinner at a local eatery: Cap off your adventure with a farm-to-table dinner at a local Santa Rosa restaurant, savoring fresh, local flavors after a day of outdoor fun.
Relaxation Getaway
- Start your day early with breakfast at Drakes Sonoma Coast: Serene views of Bodega Bay and a farm-to-table seasonal menu is a tasty way to begin your relaxing daycation.
- Bonus Stop: If you’re swept away by the coastal views, take a drive along the Sonoma Coast state beaches between Bodega Bay and Jenner, or stretch your legs at Bodega Head Park & Beach.
- Soak in cedar at Osmosis Day Spa: For an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the western hemisphere, start your visit with Osmosis Day Spa’s authentic Cedar Enzyme Bath. Award-winning Japanese gardens create a tranquil atmosphere that calms the soul and sets the scene for their tea service. The spa offers rejuvenating, holistic treatments that promote relaxation and wellness, so add to the indulgence by pairing this service with a massage or facial.
- Sip wines paired with fresh locally source food at Martin Ray Winery: After a spa treatment, you’ll be ready for something light and refreshing to eat. Martin Ray Winery offers wine pairings featuring seasonal fare and unpretentious hospitality.
- Shop for antique treasures in Historic Railroad Square: This area of Santa Rosa is steeped in history, with train tracks laid in the 1870s. Seven of the surrounding buildings survived the 1906 earthquake. You’ll find several large shops filled with vintage delights, from home décor to art and clothing.
- Polish off the day with a delicious French dinner: You’ve got a tough choice to make for dinner!
Foodie Field Day
- Start your day with a vibrant breakfast at The Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort: Begin your morning in Santa Rosa with a delicious breakfast at The Lazeaway Club, nestled within the iconic Flamingo Resort. This popular spot offers a menu brimming with seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, giving you an authentic taste of Sonoma County to kick off your day.
- Bonus Stop: Explore the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market: Just a short drive away, the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is a great spot to pick up fresh produce, artisanal products, and local goodies.
- Sip craft beers at Russian River Brewing Company: No Foodie Field Day in Santa Rosa is complete without a visit to Russian River Brewing Company. Famous for its Pliny the Elder IPA, this brewery offers a diverse selection of craft beers that pair perfectly with their wood-fired pizzas.
- Indulge in sweet treats at Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar: Satisfy your dessert cravings with a visit to Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar, where handcrafted pies and inventive ice cream flavors take center stage. From rich, creamy scoops to perfectly flaky crusts, each creation is a testament to their commitment to quality and flavor.
- Dine in style at John Ash & Co.: Finish your Foodie Field Day with dinner at the iconic John Ash & Co. Located at the Vintners Resort, this restaurant offers wine country cuisine that emphasizes local ingredients and pairs beautifully with wines from their extensive cellar.
- Cap off your day with a cocktail at Perch + Plow: Round off the evening with a craft cocktail at Perch + Plow, a rooftop bar in downtown Santa Rosa offering stunning views and creative drinks to end your culinary adventure on a high note.
Family Fun Day
- Fill up at Jeffrey's Hillside Cafe: An inviting, casual American spot at Hillside Inn for locally sourced breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.
- Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang charmed families around the world in daily comic strips for more than 50 years. Creator Charles M. Schulz spent the last 30 years of his life and career in Santa Rosa. The Charles M. Schulz Museum celebrates his art through exhibits and programs that are perfect for kids and will delight the kid in you.
- Pro Tip: The Visit Santa Rosa Events Calendar features events happening at the Schulz Museum and elsewhere in Santa Rosa. Plug in your travel date(s) to see if there’s something special going on around town!
- Turn figure eights and sip hot cocoa at Snoopy’s Home Ice* and Warm Puppy Café: You don’t even have to move the car! The Redwood Empire Ice Arena shares a campus with the Schulz Museum. This magical indoor ice rink is the coolest spot in town. Carve up the ice and when you need to warm up, grab a Peppermint Patty Hot Chocolate. P.S. They also serve Taylor Made Farms Organic Coffee for parents who need a pick-me-up.
- *Note: Make sure to check the public skate hours at the ice rink.
- Shoppers’ Bonus Stop: Next door, Snoopy’s Gallery and Gift Shop feature over 1,500 unique PEANUTS™ products including one-of-a-kind collectibles only available there.
- Grab lunch at La Rosa Tequileria and Grille: Featuring an elevated execution and approach to Mexican and Latin cuisine. La Rosa Tequileria & Grille strives to take flavors found in traditional Mexican food and creates exciting modern dishes while celebrating favorite classics.
- Bonus Stop: If you’ve got little ones aged 10 and under, make time for the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County. This indoor-outdoor play space provides more than 40,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive science and art exhibits to entertain and educate. Open until 4 pm daily, except Tuesdays.
- Search for Snoopy and friends: You can discover more than 70 different statues of the Peanuts gang scattered in and around Santa Rosa. We recommend starting in Santa Rosa’s Historic Railroad Square (and home to the California Welcome Center!). Grab a selfie with your favorites!
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