A blend of historic charm and modern creativity, this riverside town invites exploration at every turn. Its walkable downtown is packed with eclectic boutiques, vintage treasures, and a thriving food scene that highlights local and global flavors. Whether you’re savoring fresh pastries, wandering through indie record stores or hiking rolling green hills, Petaluma offers a perfect balance of easygoing charm and unexpected delights.
WHERE TO GO
With eclectic small boutiques, antique shops and tons of great restaurants, Petaluma’s downtown is charismatic and intimate. Jumpstart the day at the grab-and-go counter at legendary bakery Della Fattoria (143 Petaluma Blvd. N.). The cinnamon twist is a harmony of savory and sweet — odds are you’ll be covered in some highly coveted crumbs before you make it out the door.
Browse sustainable clothes and apothecary goods at Estuary (120 Petaluma Blvd. N.); get lost among stacks of vinyl at Paradise Found Records & Music (316 B St.); stock up on heirloom seeds at Petaluma Seed Bank (110 Petaluma Blvd. N.); or lose an hour or two at Copperfield’s Underground (140 Kentucky St.), a treasure trove of rare and used books.
A short walk away, everyone loves the Swedish meatballs (with extra lingonberries, please) and falafel kebabs at family-owned Stockhome restaurant (220 Western Ave.). Don’t leave without a bag of colorful candies from the glass jars that line the counter for your own version of the Swedish custom of lördagsgodis, or Saturday morning sweets. From there, a quick stop at Cottage Gardens of Petaluma (3995 Emerald Drive) provides inspiration for future flowery goodness, with paths lined with roses, succulents and bubbling fountains.
Lush and green, the hillsides at Helen Putnam Regional Park (411 Chileno Valley Road), a short drive from town, shine this time of year. If it’s been a rainy week, the paved Ridge Trail is a go-to. When the ground is firm, the park’s 6-mile looped trail system weaves together quiet spaces for reflection with panoramic views of the city and rolling pasturelands.
Back in town, celebrate all those steps from a comfy seat near the window at Barber Lee Spirits (120 Washington St.). Whiskey drinkers will certainly feel at home here, but the family-owned distillery is also well-known for crafting spirits that aren’t widely produced in the United States, including anise-flavored absinthe and lambanog, a traditional 100-proof liquor from the Philippines with an alluring slight sweetness.
From the tasting room at Barber Lee, it’s less than a 15-minute walk to a memorable dinner at Table Culture Provisions (312 Petaluma Blvd. S.). What started as a fried chicken pop-up during the pandemic has blossomed into an ambitious, multicourse tasting menu that reminds us of the bounty in our backyard.
Experience the best of Petaluma for yourself! Plan your visit today and uncover the charm, flavors, and hidden gems that make this town so special. Whether you're here for a day or a weekend, there's always something new to explore. See you in Petaluma!
