Santa Rosa combines Peanuts art, horticultural history, historic buildings, and outdoor activities. When planning your visit, it’s worth first choosing the main focus of your stay: the Charles M. Schulz Museum offers a distinct artistic focus, while Trione-Annadel State Park and Howarth Park offer different activities on trails and by the water. Historic Railroad Square adds a historic district to the mix, accessible by SMART from southern Sonoma County and Marin.
Art and Horticultural History
The Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa displays the world’s largest collection of original Peanuts artwork. The museum has a clearly defined focus: original works from the world of Peanuts. Those seeking cultural experiences with a specific artistic connection will find a different focus here than at the parks and gardens.
At Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, the Carriage House traces a path from its former use to the history of the museum: it originally stored carriages and horse tack, and was renovated as a museum in 1986. It features rotating exhibits about Luther Burbank’s life and work. The gardens cover more than an acre and include many of Burbank’s horticultural contributions. This offers two distinct perspectives: the exhibits explore his life and work, while the gardens showcase his contributions to horticulture.
Exhibits change; plant displays and access may also change. Check the latest information from Luther Burbank Home & Gardens before your visit.
Trails, a Lake, and Outdoor Activities
In the heart of Santa Rosa, Trione-Annadel State Park covers more than 5,000 acres and has more than 45 miles of trails. The park has trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can also see old quarry pits and stone walls along the trails, offering evidence of the area’s industrial past. These visible traces add a historical dimension to the outdoor activities. Trail conditions and temporary closures may change, so check the latest park information before setting out.
Lake Ralphine in Howarth Park offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Boating may be seasonal; if it’s important to your plans, check the latest operating information. The trails in Howarth Park have their own focus, too: they connect with Spring Lake Park and Annadel State Park, creating opportunities for running, biking, and hiking.
Also in Howarth Park is The Land of Imagination, a play area designed for people with different abilities. Facilities may be maintained or updated, so check for the latest information before visiting. In addition to trails and activities at Lake Ralphine, Howarth Park therefore offers a play area with its own explicitly inclusive design.
Explore Historic Railroad Square
Historic Railroad Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is accessible by Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) from southern Sonoma County and Marin. Service details may change, so check the latest schedule before traveling. Those who want to explore the district on foot can start at Railroad Square Depot. A walking tour passes historic buildings dating back to 1904.
Discover more destinations: Stewarts Point, Cazadero, Rohnert Park, Forestville, Cotati, Valley Ford, Windsor, Monte Rio.
For the broader travel overview: Sonoma.
