Central Sonoma

Towns Of Central Sonoma

Fulton CA
Lakeville CA
Penngrove CA
Santa Rosa CA
Petaluma CA
Rohnert Park CA
Cotati CA

Central Sonoma Information

The cities and towns of Central Sonoma are among some of the largest in the county, yet they still have that small town feel that seems to accompany so many of the towns in Sonoma County's beautiful wine country.

Many Central Sonoma locations are easy to reach from Highway 101, which heads south into San Francisco and north to pretty Mendocino County. Many individuals who work in the Bay Area make their homes in some of these Central Sonoma towns, enjoying the opportunity to escape the big city in favor of the suburbs and other more rural areas.

Sonoma's county seat of Santa Rosa is the largest in the county yet still a pleasant place to live and visit. Santa Rosa is home to many interesting attractions including the Charles M. Schulz Museum - which pays homage to the illustrator of Peanuts, and the Northwestern Railroad Museum. Arts aficionados will love the many galleries that dot the city as well as a few local theaters that present outstanding productions. Outdoor activities take you to Annadel State Park or Spring Lake. You'll also enjoy a number of yearly festivities, many centered around Santa Rosa area wineries.

The quaint Victorian town of Petaluma has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Less than an hour's drive from San Francisco, this town of about 60,000 residents is the perfect place to raise a family. Guests love it, too! You'll want to visit local wineries and microbreweries for some taste-testing, play in the nearby parks like Helen Putnam Regional Park, treat yourself to a performance by the Petaluma City Ballet, or just go browsing in the art galleries and antique shops that grace this pretty town. Petaluma lodging and restaurants are diverse, making it an accessible town for visitors of all budgets.

The third largest city in Sonoma County, Rohnert Park boasts enough activities to keep active visitors busy for at least a few days. Go kayaking or canoeing at nearby Cloverdale River Park or hike, bike, and horseback ride around the 128-acre Crane Creek Regional Park. Catch a show at the Spreckels Performing Arts Center or visit local Sonoma State University for a wealth of sports- and arts-related events.

Quirky Cotati, population about 7,000, is a quiet residential community that was once the center for alternative music lovers. Hang out in the unique hexagonal town square, book an appellation tour of nearby wineries, or enjoy one of the town's unique festivals, like the annual Accordion Festival which attracts squeeze box players and fans worldwide.

The tiny town of Lakeville provides easy access to the waters of San Pablo Bay, where guests can participate in a number of fun watersports, including boating, fishing, water skiing, and nature hikes through the local Wildlife Reserve.

Penngrove, just a few miles off Highway 101, is a charming historic town where visitors can tour 19th century buildings and shop at local art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Fairfield Osborn Preserve, home to much of Sonoma County's unique flora and fauna. Offering lectures, classes, and nature hikes, the Preserve is run by volunteers and students from Sonoma State University.

Fulton, halfway between Santa Rosa and the North Sonoma town of Healdsburg, provides easy access to Sonoma County's many wine regions including Alexander Valley, the Russian River Valley, and Dry Creek. The town is also surrounded by a lot of park land, such as Austin Creek Recreation Area and Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, where outdoor activities are plentiful.

Central Sonoma lodging is quite varied, ranging from well-known chain hotels/motels in Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park to small inns and cozy bed and breakfast establishments in some of the smaller towns. Restaurants are diverse as well and include everything from fast-food eateries and five-star restaurants in the bigger cities to excellent ethnic establishments and delis or cafes in the small towns.