Petaluma, Sonoma County, California, USA

There are tons of “top ten” lists out there—best cars, best retirement spots, best beaches. Recently, CNN Travel put out a list of the ten best towns in the U.S. to visit, and guess what? Petaluma, population 60,000, located in southern Sonoma County, made the cut. 

So, what’s the scoop on Petaluma, and why do most travelers overlook it?

 

Along the Petaluma River
The old mill on the left was once a feed mill
for the dairy and chicken industries

 Why Petaluma is Cool

First off, the downtown area is pretty cool. It's a paradise for foodies and beer enthusiasts, and let’s not forget about nearby wine country. There are lots of events and entertainment, especially impressive for a town of its size. Plus, the summer weather is cool, thanks to those refreshing Pacific breezes that roll in most afternoons.

History

Petaluma, established 1851, is a riverfront town. Once known for shipping, dairy farms, and egg production, it referred to itself as the "World's Egg Basket." Now, it hosts quirky events like the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest during the summer fair and is the Wrist Wrestling Capital of the World. 

Yes, there's even an arm wrestling statue in town
Many years ago, my younger brother competed. 
I don't believe he did well.

A lot of 19th-century buildings still stand today because the 1906 earthquake, which shook nearby communities like Santa Rosa, didn’t hit Petaluma as hard.

One of my favorite tales comes from the Civil War era. At that time, Petaluma was primarily settled by Union supporters, while nearby Santa Rosa had its fair share of folks leaning toward the Confederacy. So, Petalumans decided to rally together and ride out with their guns to teach the rebels a lesson. A few miles north of town, they stopped at the Washoe Roadhouse (it's still around today) to grab a drink, only to end up getting a bit too tipsy to continue on to Santa Rosa. I imagine initially many went off to cheers from family and locals earlier that day, only to return home sheepishly and intoxicated. It's the “battle” that never happened.

Movies

The cute downtown and older buildings makes this a place for films set in a bygone era. Petaluma was the primary filming location for American Graffiti. 

American Graffiti filming in Petaluma

Events

Petaluma is known for the American Graffiti Car Cruise weekend, their Veterans Day parade, Butter & Eggs Days festival, The Sonoma-Marin Fair, a beer festival, an antique fair, and a summer music festival.

Food

The dining scene great, similar to what you'll find in many Sonoma County towns. Table Culture Provisions and Stockhome restaurants are mentioned in the Michelin Guide. You'll discover a mix of cuisines, including Italian, French, Middle Eastern, Mexican, Korean, and Japanese. Plus, there are plenty of farm-to-table spots, trendy eateries, and unique fusion dishes to satisfy any palate.

Beer

Petaluma is home to Lagunitas, one of the largest craft breweries in the U.S. Their beer garden is a fun spot, often featuring live music. Other places to find good brews are Brewsters, Crooked Goat, Hen House, and Taps on the River.

Wine

There are a few places to taste wine in downtown Petaluma and nearby winery tasting rooms. The Petaluma Gap wine-growing region boasts several small wineries. However, most wine enthusiasts tend to venture towards the more famous regions of Russian River, Dry Creek, or Sonoma Valleys so they tend to stay in or near the towns of Sonoma or Healdsburg. 

Sonoma is about a 15-mile drive from Petaluma, and Healdsburg is around 30 miles away. The Golden Gate Bridge is just a 35-mile drive. US 101 carries a lot of traffic between San Francisco and Petaluma during rush hour.

The Petaluma Gap. Click on to enlarge

Night Life

When it comes to nightlife, Petaluma has the best in the county. The Mystic Theatre, built over a century ago for vaudeville, features entertainment several nights a week and has hosted artists like Carlos Santana, Taj Mahal, and Van Morrison, to name a few. 

You'll also find plenty of locals bars and trendy spots around town. Petaluma has always had an entertaining history of saloons, even during Prohibition. While bar-hopping, you might spot the Temperance Water Fountain, erected by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in 1891.

Why Stay in Petaluma

If you’re not primarily focused on being close to major wineries but still want excellent food and entertainment options, Petaluma is a great choice. It’s perfect for those looking to explore the coast, Muir Woods, and San Francisco. While Petaluma reflects California prices, it avoids the added tourist pricing found in Sonoma and Healdsburg. Plus, it tends to be less crowded during peak seasons, making for a more enjoyable experience.

Downtown Petaluma, Mystic Theater and McNear's Saloon & Dining House
photo from Petaluma Downtown Assoc.