Petaluma
The Petaluma Adobe in Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is one of the country's oldest adobe buildings. Experience this architectural legacy by taking one of the free, 1-hour guided walking tours organized by the Petaluma Historical Museum and led by a costumed docent. The tours are conducted on most Saturdays from May through October; for more information phone (707) 778-4398.
Farms, artisan food producers and wineries in this rich agricultural region offer a variety of tours, tastings and activities, from picking your own organic apples and tomatoes to bakery tours and garden walks. For information about area ranches and farm trails contact the Petaluma Visitor Center.
Petaluma and vicinity have appeared in such movies as “American Graffiti,” “Peggy Sue Got Married” and “Mumford.” Just 32 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city makes a convenient base to explore Sonoma County's wineries, towering redwoods and dramatic Pacific coastline, which includes Point Reyes National Seashore.
Stroll through Shollenberger Park, just off the S. McDowell Boulevard extension along the Petaluma River; many species of birds, animals, fish and plants can be seen at this wetlands preserve. The visitor center has a brochure as well as a list of bird species you might spot.
Visitor Centers
Petaluma Visitor Center 210 Lakeville St. Petaluma, CA 94952. Phone:(707)769-0429 or (877)273-8258
Self-guiding Tours
Maps and brochures detailing a driving tour and a self-guiding walking tour of historic residential and commercial areas, film sites, heritage trees and wetland preserve areas can be obtained at the visitor center.
Shopping
Banana Republic, Gap, Nike, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and Tommy Hilfiger are some of the 60 outlet stores to be found at Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, 2200 Petaluma Blvd. N.