Spend your days wine-tasting at prestigious vineyards, savoring seasonal dishes at farm-to-table restaurants, or lounging in a luxury vacation rental with panoramic views of rolling hills.

Whether you’re seeking exclusive wine tours, indulgent spa treatments, or private chef experiences, here are some tips for getting the most out of Santa Rosa, California.

Why Visit Santa Rosa?

Santa Rosa is the perfect destination for wine lovers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Known as the gateway to Sonoma County, this vibrant city offers easy access to top wineries, gourmet dining, and scenic hiking trails.

Beyond its wine country appeal, Santa Rosa boasts bustling markets, charming downtown boutiques, and cultural attractions. The region offers miles of scenic hiking and biking trails for outdoor lovers.

With its relaxed vibe and luxurious offerings, Santa Rosa is a popular bachelorette party destination, with wine tasting in Santa Rosa County being one of our favorite bachelorette party ideas.

The Best Vineyards in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa is surrounded by renowned wineries and scenic vineyards, making it a hotspot for wine tasting. Here are some must-visit local estates:

• St. Francis Winery & Vineyards: An award-winning destination pairing artisan wines with seasonal dishes.
• Coursey Graves Estate Winery: A mountain-top winery with sweeping views and Monet-style gardens.
• Matanzas Creek Winery: Known for its lavender gardens and elegant wines, this estate provides a picturesque and serene tasting experience.
• Harvest Moon Winery: A family-owned boutique winery offering red, white, and sparkling wine tasting on an appointment-only basis.
• Paradise Ridge Winery: A Russian River Valley estate featuring wine, food pairings, and sunset tastings.

For more top picks in Santa Rosa, read our guide: The Best Wineries in Santa Rosa, CA, and see our Wine Lover’s Guide to Sonoma Valley for recommendations in the surrounding area.

Food and Drink in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa’s culinary scene offers everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to casual eateries and charming bakeries. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Santa Rosa:

• Ca’Bianca Restaurant: An Italian restaurant blending Milanese, Sicilian, and Tuscan cuisine in an upscale setting, ideal for special occasions.
• Bird & The Bottle: A chic eatery fusing Californian and Asian flavors, offering creative small plates and craft cocktails.
• La Rosa: A tequileria and grille specializing in authentic Mexican food with rare tequilas and tasting flights.
• Criminal Baking Company: A quirky café serving fresh-baked pastries, breakfast dishes, and locally roasted coffee.

Check out our Santa Rosa Restaurant Guide for more recommendations, and read our guide to the best dining experiences in Sonoma County for eateries in the neighboring towns.

The Best Activities in Santa Rosa

While wine tasting is what draws many visitors to Santa Rosa, there’s much more to explore:

Outdoor Adventures in Santa Rosa

Make the most of this region’s stunning landscape by discovering the outdoor activities Sonoma has to offer:

• Hike in Trione-Annadel State Park: Discover scenic trails, wildflowers, and serene lake views in this pretty pake.
• Bike the Joe Rodota Trail: Explore this paved trail perfect for cycling, offering scenic views of vineyards and countryside.
• Safari West: Experience Wine Country’s own Africa, with guided tours featuring giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
• Hood Mountain Regional Park: Plan a stop at this wooded park into your pet-friendly vacation.

Cultural & Historic Attractions

Explore Santa Rosa’s cultural gems that the whole family can enjoy, including:

• Charles M. Schulz Museum and Ice Rink: Celebrate the legacy of the Peanuts creator with original comics, exhibitions, and a Snoopy-themed ice rink, perfect for kids.
• Railroad Square Historic District: Wander through this charming area filled with boutique shops, antique stores, and cafés.
• Luther Burbank Home & Gardens: Visit the historic home of famed horticulturist Luther Burbank for beautiful gardens and exhibits.

Choosing Where to Stay in Santa Rosa

Tucked away among rolling vineyards, Wander’s Santa Rosa properties offer a secluded escape with easy access to the region’s best wineries and attractions.

Wander Sonoma Hills is a modern hillside home with a spacious patio, hot tub, and stylish interiors sleeping up to eight guests. Nearby, Wander Sonoma Valley is a three-bedroom gem with floor-to-ceiling windows, a private pool, and a cozy fireplace to gather around in the evenings.

Our other luxury rentals in Sonoma include Wander Sonoma Vineyards, in the neighboring area of Forestville, and Wander Dry Creek, perched atop the Healdsburg vineyards.

Getting Around

Arrive via Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS), just 15 minutes from downtown Santa Rosa. Alternatively, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are about 90 minutes away by car.

While Santa Rosa has public transport services, the region is best explored by car. Renting a vehicle allows you to easily visit wineries, nature trails, and neighboring towns at your own pace.

For those seeking a stress-free travel experience, Wander Concierge is available 24/7 to assist with car rentals, private chauffeurs, or even wine tour transportation.

For more advice on getting around, read our Santa Rosa transportation guide.