About Petaluma
The charming town of Petaluma, California has earned a well-deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places. With charming Victorian homes gracing its tree-lined streets, and its close proximity to busy San Francisco, it's no wonder that Petaluma has been the town of choice for many families who decided it was time to escape the confines of the big city. Just 32 miles north of San Francisco, Petaluma, with a population of about 58,000, offers great shopping, a bevy of art galleries and antique stores, festivals galore, a variety of specialty nurseries, excellent food and fun local microbreweries. It's a charming place to stay while exploring Sonoma wine country. Want to enjoy some leisure time while visiting Northern California? Petaluma is a good place to take advantage of the many leisure activities available in diverse Sonoma County. Petaluma activities include leisure boating on the beautiful Petaluma River, cycling, auto racing, and golf. Take a hike, horseback ride, or bike trip around Helen Putnam or Crane Creek Regional Parks or enjoy an informative guided tour of the Fairfield Osborn Reserve. Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss Shollenberger Park with its 3 miles of trails and 125-acre wetlands park and wildlife sanctuary. If you love history, you'll enjoy a visit to the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, where you'll find one of the oldest preserved buildings in Northern California which was, by all accounts, the largest and richest privately-owned Mexican estates north of San Francisco Bay. History buffs might also want to make a stop at the Military Antiques and Museum location, where you'll be treated to a 2,000 square foot military history museum and more than 4,000 square feet of retail space, making this the largest retail military shop in the country. Petaluma residents value the arts, and visitors will find an excellent selection of arts-related activities here. Check out Petaluma City Ballet, Cinnabar Performing Arts Center, the North Bay Theater Group, Phoenix Theater, and McNear's Mystic Theater. Where is in the world will you find a Butter and Eggs Day Parade? Only in Petaluma! This special day pays homage to the town's agricultural heritage. There's also an Art and Garden Festival which features fine food and wine, and the wonderful Sonoma-Marin Fair. El Dia de los Muertos features Mexican food and music, and during the December holidays, the city comes alive with a number of special Christmas events. For visitors hoping to stay overnight, Petaluma lodging includes inns, B&Bs, and small hotels/motels. Whatever your budget, you can find suitable accommodations in Petaluma and many choose to stay here and explore the greater San Francisco area, avoiding the crowds and expense of the city. Petaluma restaurants are plentiful. You'll enjoy Mexican delights on one corner and New York-style pizza on the next. Eateries range from casual places to grab a quick bite to elegant locations suitable for special occasions. Situated on a river bearing the same name, Petaluma was chartered in 1858 and miraculously untouched by the earthquake of 1906. From a Miwok Indian word meaning "valley of the little hills," many travel guides have deemed Petaluma one of the truly "great little towns" near a big city.
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