Discover Art All Around Santa Rosa, One of the Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Art Lovers
Santa Rosa is turning heads—and not just for its wine. Recently featured as one of the Best Small Towns in the U.S. for Art Lovers, Santa Rosa is gaining recognition for its vibrant and ever-growing art scene. From striking murals to whimsical sculptures, the city is a canvas of creativity. From museums to interactive street art and working artist studios, art lovers will find endless inspiration around every corner.
Downtown
Downtown Santa Rosa is a living gallery in itself. Murals splash across historic brick walls, sculptures anchor city blocks, and interactive installations invite you to play, pose, and connect. Stroll through Courthouse Square and Railroad Square to take in the mix of public art, galleries, and creative businesses that make this downtown district so dynamic.
Museum of Sonoma County
Located in downtown Santa Rosa, the Museum of Sonoma County offers a rich blend of art and history through its diverse collections and exhibitions. Situated on a campus that includes the historic 1910 Santa Rosa Post Office, a contemporary art gallery, and a sculpture garden, the museum presents 10–12 rotating exhibitions annually. Its permanent collection comprises over 18,000 objects that document the region's rich history and celebrate the work of local artists. The sculpture garden, designed by landscape architect Frederic Warnecke, provides an outdoor space where visitors can enjoy a variety of artworks nestled among native plants and redwood trees.
SOFA Arts District
Just south of downtown, the SOFA Arts District (South A Street) is home to nearly 40 working artists' studios, as well as independent galleries and eclectic small businesses. This creative corridor pulses with energy during monthly art walks and the annual festival, WinterBlast, offering visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creativity of our local arts scene.
Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center
Just a short drive from downtown, the Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center celebrates the life and legacy of the beloved Peanuts creator. The museum features original comic strips, a recreation of Schulz's studio, and large-scale installations like the 3.5-ton wood sculpture of Snoopy's evolution and a 22-foot-high mural of Lucy and Charlie Brown composed of 3,588 Peanuts strips.
Peanuts on Parade Statues
In tribute to Schulz's impact on the community, Santa Rosa and surrounding towns are home to over 100 Peanuts character statues, part of the "Peanuts on Parade" series. Visit Santa Rosa has recently launched an interactive digital map to help fans locate these whimsical sculptures scattered throughout the city and greater Sonoma County. Discover the map here.
Paradise Ridge Winery
Santa Rosa’s artistic spirit even flows into the vineyards. Paradise Ridge Winery blends fine wine with fine art, thanks to its expansive outdoor sculpture garden. Don’t miss the iconic LOVE sculpture—originally debuted at Burning Man 2009—along with other large-scale pieces that turn a wine tasting into a cultural experience.
Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
At the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, creativity thrives both on stage and throughout the campus. In 2015, LBC expanded its visual arts offerings with the Sculpture Garden—a gift to the North Bay community made possible by Sutter Hospital and other generous donors. This outdoor space features rotating works by contemporary regional artists and serves as a tranquil transition between the LBC and hospital campuses. Rebuilt after the 2017 fires and reopened in 2018, the Sculpture Garden has become a cherished place to relax, reflect, and experience the power of public art.
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