Reasons to Road Trip to Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is in the spotlight! Freelance travel writer Melissa Curtin recently visited our destination and featured Santa Rosa in California Dreaming: Six Road Trip Inspirations.
She highlights why our city is more than just the gateway to Wine Country—it's a hub of adventure, culture, and incredible flavors. From exploring the legacy of Charles M. Schulz to embarking on a Safari West adventure and indulging in world-class food and wine, Santa Rosa offers something for every traveler.
Read on to discover some of Melissa’s favorite Santa Rosa experiences, and be sure to check out her full article for even more California road trip inspiration!
The largest city between San Francisco and Portland, Santa Rosa is widely known as the gateway to wine country. Centrally located in Sonoma Valley, Santa Rosa is the perfect jump-off point to explore Sonoma, Napa, Healdsburg, the Russian River Valley, and Anderson Valley. But there’s a lot more to this little big town.
DON’T MISS
Learn about the life and creative process of famed American cartoonist Charles M. Schulz and how Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang shaped the nation and our hearts at The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center. At the Safari West wildlife reserve, a refurbished 70-year-old military vehicle takes guests on an overland adventure, to observe many of Africa’s animals on this former 400-acre cattle ranch converted into a world-class conservation breeding facility.
DINE
Stop at the famed Kendall Jackson estate to sip America’s favorite Chardonnay and other award-winning wines from coastal California vineyards. The Reserve Food and Wine Pairing, with outstanding estate wines, is a must experience. Sample tasty brews on a tour of 85,000 square foot “Destination” Russian River Brewing Company’s Windsor Brewery and Pub, with comfort food like beef stew and a pork schnitzel sandwich served with Pliny fries loaded with white cheddar fondue, garlic, pickled jalapenos, and parmesan.
DREAM
Embrace the small-town charm - with redwood trees in the Old Courthouse Square - at boutique Hotel E, located in an elegant Beaux-arts building that combines old-world appeal with modernity and comfort.