8 Ways to Spend a Day in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is synonymous with Charles Schulz — and his presence is felt nearly everywhere, with loving nods to the Peanuts crew sprinkled all around — but this charming Sonoma town has so much more to offer. With an incredible lineup of musical events at the Luther Burbank Center and a busy summer schedule at the county fairgrounds, there is always something fun just around the corner. Whether you are traveling for a concert, food festival or just for a quiet weekend away in Wine Country, Santa Rosa is the ideal destination for a laid-back weekend escape.

Flamingo Resort
2777 Fourth Street

If you need an injection of Palm Springs without leaving the Bay Area then make the Flamingo Resort your next stop. Revamped interiors, a reimagined indoor-outdoor Lazeaway Club restaurant (serving a California take on Thai favorites) and a heated pool for living out all your 1950s fantasies — this hotel has fun family getaway written all over it.

Grossman’s Noshery & Bar
308 ½ Wilson Street

Described as “a taste of Brooklyn in Wine Country,” this East Coast–inspired bakery, deli and bar is everything you hope it would be. Delicious bagels and schmears (don’t forget the lox), knishes, pastrami on rye and a signature cocktail list — need we say more?

Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens
5007 Fulton Road

One of Sonoma’s most recognized names in winemaking, Kendall-Jackson is a staple of the Santa Rosa wine scene. No trip to the area is complete without a visit. This month, don’t miss its Farm-to-Table dinner series, which kicks off on June 11 (and runs through October), or the much-anticipated Taste of Sonoma food and wine festival (www.tasteofsonoma.com) on June 25.

Made Local Marketplace
2421 Magowan Drive

A short drive from downtown (and tucked away in a little shopping strip with other must-visit stores like Sur La Table), this shop stocks an eclectic mix of locally made goods ranging from teas, jams and superfood powders to pottery, candles and jewelry. Looking for a gift? This is the place.

Olive + Rose
111 Fourth Street

This gem of a store — which is also the brick-and-mortar location of the O + R interior design studio — is situated on a corner of Railroad Square and is the epitome of chic Sonoma style. The thoughtful collection includes luxe bedding, bath towels, throw pillows and so much more.

The Branch Line
10 Fourth Street, Ste. 100

This recently opened plant-based eatery and mercantile now occupies the former Flying Goat Coffee space in Railroad Square (it is a sister property of The Pharmacy Cafe). This will definitely be your first stop if you take the oh-so-convenient SMART train (the store is located just outside the station), and it’s a soon-to-be favorite for vegans and carnivores alike.

Vintner’s Resort
4350 Barnes Road

One step onto this property and you are immediately transported to Tuscany thanks to its Old World charm and lush grounds. With a brand-new spa (with 15 percent off treatments for Bay Area locals Monday through Thursday), an iconic restaurant and breathtaking garden and vineyard views from almost every window — this charming hotel begs an overnight stay.

Wild Honey Mercantile
2332 Magowan Drive

A perfect shop for the woman who loves pretty things. The store’s clothing selection epitomizes California’s bohemian chic aesthetic with a tempting array of bath and wellness items, jewelry, kitchen accessories and more — it’s nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.

What’s Happening in Santa Rosa This Month

Saturday, June 4
The second largest Pride Festival in Northern California is in Santa Rosa. The festival takes place on Saturday, but expect a weekend filled with fabulous fun — and plenty of food and wine, of course.

Saturday and Sunday, June 4 & 5
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Hot Air Balloon Classic is a one-of-a-kind Bay Area event and one that has to be witnessed in person. It’s a very early start, but well worth setting your alarm for.

Friday and Saturday, June 10 & 11
Peggy Sue’s Car Show & Cruise is a must for classic all-American car lovers. Whether you are participating or just there to enjoy the show, it’s guaranteed to get your motor running.

Saturday, June 11
A beer fest in Wine Country? Absolutely. Proceeds from Beer Fest – The Good One benefit Face to Face, a nonprofit on a mission to end HIV in Sonoma. More than 40 breweries will have offerings on tap.

Saturday, June 18
‘Tis the season for food and wine festivals! North Coast Food & Wine Festival promises a day filled with incredible chefs, live music, interactive experiences and the best wines around.