Discover the Best Museum Experiences in Santa Rosa, California
Looking for enriching, entertaining, and educational things to do in Santa Rosa? Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a cultural day trip, Santa Rosa offers a wide variety of museums that bring history, art, nature, and innovation to life. From hands-on activities for kids to immersive exhibits for curious minds of all ages, here’s your guide to some of the best museum experiences in Santa Rosa.
Family-Friendly Museums in Santa Rosa
Traveling with kids? Santa Rosa’s museums make learning fun with interactive exhibits and play-based environments. The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County is a must-visit for families, featuring exhibits focused on science, art, and nature. Children can build, splash, explore, and create in a space designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
Just a few blocks away, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center invites guests to step into the world of Peanuts. Explore the life and work of beloved cartoonist Charles “Sparky” Schulz, view original comic strips, and enjoy family-friendly activities, a re-creation of Schulz’s studio, and even a theater showing animated classics.
For something truly unique, the Pacific Coast Air Museum, near the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, offers a hands-on experience with real aircraft. Visitors can get up close to restored fighter jets, helicopters, and historic planes, many of which are open for boarding. It’s a great way to learn about aviation history while having fun outdoors.
Explore History and Heritage
Santa Rosa is rich in local history, and several museums help tell its story. The Museum of Sonoma County, located in a beautifully preserved 1910 post office building, features permanent and rotating exhibitions that highlight the diverse cultural history of the region. Exhibits explore everything from the county’s agricultural roots to contemporary social movements.
Learn more about California’s Native peoples at the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center, a vital resource for understanding the deep and continuing histories of Native communities in the region. Through exhibits, storytelling, and digital experiences, visitors can engage with the perspectives and traditions of California Indian nations past and present.
Explore Rare Natural Beauty
For a peaceful, nature-inspired experience, take a short scenic drive from Santa Rosa to visit the Sonoma Botanical Garden. This living museum is home to rare and endangered plant species from Asia and the Americas, displayed along winding garden paths and tranquil wooded trails. With vibrant seasonal blooms, quiet picnic spots, and guided tours available, the garden invites visitors to connect with the natural world while learning about plant conservation and global biodiversity. It’s the perfect complement to a day of cultural exploration in and around Santa Rosa.
Stop by the California Welcome Center in Historic Railroad Square
No visit to Santa Rosa is complete without a stop at the California Welcome Center, located inside the beautifully restored 1904 Northwestern Pacific Railroad Depot in Historic Railroad Square. This charming visitor hub features a small train museum with authentic artifacts, signage, and an interactive model train display honoring the city’s rail history.
The Welcome Center is also your go-to for maps, local travel tips, and one-of-a-kind Santa Rosa souvenirs and gifts. While you're there, check out rotating art exhibits by local artists and temporary displays in the Cargo Room, often curated in partnership with beloved local institutions like the Charles M. Schulz Museum.
Related Content:
