Itineraries for Your Trip to Santa Rosa
3 Days in Santa Rosa for Families
I grew up reading and cherishing the Peanuts comics—so imagine my delight when I discovered, as a teen, that Santa Rosa has an entire museum dedicated to Charlie Brown and Snoopy’s iconic creator, Charles M. Schulz! It’s a great spot for kids and adults alike, a perfect stop for a family vacation. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the experiences you can enjoy with the whole family in Santa Rosa . From historical sightseeing to outdoor activities, there’s plenty to do here on a 3-day trip. I’ve created a list of my favorite family friendly activities for your next trip.
Pack layers for this sunny city; it’s hot in the summer and cool in the winter.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Safari West.
Start your first day with a horseback ride through beautiful Sonoma County. It's a great way to get introduced to the beautiful landscape surrounding Santa Rosa while also getting out and about.
On your return, visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum, where you can learn all about Snoopy and Peanuts, see Schulz's studio, and learn about his life. The nearby Snoopy ice arena is another good stop before grabbing a bite at the on-site Warm Puppy Cafe.
In the afternoon, visit Safari West. This wildlife reserve just north of town has cheetahs, buffalo, zebras, rhinos, and giraffes, all roaming free.
Begin day two on the coast with a kayaking tour in nearby Jenner, which sits at the mouth of the Russian River. Watch for pelicans, seagulls, and seals as you paddle, then enjoy a delicious picnic.
Continue along the coast in the afternoon, enjoying Sonoma County’s premier beaches and coastal bluffs. You can entertain the kids along the way with a self-guided cow tour of the area stretching from Point Reyes to Tomales Bay.
End your day of adventures with dinner at a kid-friendly restaurant in downtown Santa Rosa; we recommend Bird & the Bottle.
Begin your last day with an adventurous e-bike tour. You’ll make the most of the sunny Santa Rosa climate and ride to Sebastopol along the Joe Rodota Trail.
Later, visit the Children's Museum of Sonoma County, which encourages kids to embrace experimentation and exploration. Afterwards, capture mementos from your holiday with a family photo shoot. A local photographer will guide you to the best spots in town.
Alternatively, get a last dose of nature by exploring the local redwood groves. These majestic, ancient trees are part of the local legend and a great way to spend the day with your family.
