Petaluma was selected as one of the "Top Ten Bay Area Leisure Boating Destinations" by Latitude 38 magazine, the boaters' bible. Boaters choose Petaluma because they can dock in the heart of Historic Downtown and walk to restaurants, antique and specialty shops, nightlife or downtown parks. For a change of pace there is also easy access to several walking tours featuring noted landmarks and points of interest. All visits to the Petaluma River's Historic Downtown Harbor, the Turning Basin, are scheduled by the Petaluma Visitor Center. To schedule a visit to the Petaluma River Turning Basin, call the Petaluma Visitor Center at 769-0429. Click here to request a boater's packet of information. A comprehensive "Boaters' Packet" with nautical, contact, and visitor information will be sent immediately.

The D Street Bridge is undergoing revitalization from Sept. 3, 2008 to mid-November. It will be in the "down" position for that duration. For more information, read the Press Release about the D Street Bridge Revitalization, or call (707) 769-0429 or toll free: 1-877-2-PETALUMA (1-877-273-8258).

The Petaluma Marina, 781 Baywood Drive, offers monthly rental of guest berths to 65 feet. The use of a public boat ramp is available and open 24 hours, for a $2 fee. The Petaluma Marina is closed Mondays, but open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 778-4489 or follow this link, cityofpetaluma.net/parksnrec/marina for more information.

The Petaluma Yacht Club (PYC) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and continues to be a vibrant asset to this historic river city. The PYC is located on the Turning Basin of the Petaluma River in the center of Historic Downtown. This location is ideal for yacht club activities, visiting yacht clubs and boaters alike and continues to be the scene of many memorable river related activities. The Turning Basin includes city docks that can accommodate a large number of boats with 30-amp power and water. These docks are just a short trip down a pedestrian ramp adjacent to the PYC and a brief boat ride from the Petaluma Marina. The PYC features a full bar, toilets and showers for Bay Area-wide PICYA members and guests, a dance floor with juke box, two decks overlooking the Turning Basin and a limited galley.

Clavey River Equipment, 409 Petaluma Blvd. So. has kayak sales and rentals. Call Clavey at 766-8070 or visit www.clavey.com for more information.