Cheers! 8 Reasons Why Petaluma Is Such a Special (And Friendly) Place

There’s a lot that can be said about why Petaluma such a special place; this is the condensed version:

1.      The Small Town with the Big Personality

Although Petaluma’s population may be on the small side (56,727), you’ll never hear Petaluma described as a sleepy little town. Far from it. Petaluma’s Events Calendar is jam-packed with fairs, festivals and events that are a little bit quirky and a whole lot of fun. Some of the most popular are the Cow Chip Throwing Contest (yes, it’s what you think it is) that is held during the Butter & Egg Days Festival, the art boat race at the Rivertown Revival, the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California and the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest at the Sonoma-Marin Fair. Please visit our Events Calendar for a complete list.

2.      Step into the Past in Petaluma’s Walkable Historic Downtown

Chartered in 1858, Petaluma is one of the oldest cities in California. And because it was spared any destruction in the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, Petaluma has buildings whose foundations were laid more than a century ago and whose facades are some of the best examples of iron-front architecture in the entire United States. Now the iconic buildings are home to boutiques, antique and art galleries, and restaurants. Park in one of our free all-day parking garages. The fun is just steps away in our Historic Downtown.

3.      A Bird-Watchers’ Paradise

Shollenberger Park  is a serene haven in the Petaluma wetlands for bird watchers yet it is located only two miles from Downtown. Over 200 species of birds and 100 species of plants have been identified in the 500-acre wetland area. You’ll want your binoculars because during the active season from April to July, more than 60 nests of Great Egret, Snowy Egret and Great Blue Heron nests can be seen. And best of all, Petaluma’s mild climate means that enjoying the wildlife is never out of season.

4.      Petaluma is the Perfect Home Base for Exploring Sonoma County

With so many options that are only an easy 30 minute drive away, Petaluma is an ideal base location for day trips to the scenic surroundings. Turn to the east for Wine Country. Head west to Bodega Bay for whale watching. A few miles north, the Russian River offers miles of leisurely and picturesque canoeing. Point Reyes, to the southwest, boasts more than 150 miles of trails for hiking or riding horses in woodlands or on ocean bluffs. Our gateway location makes it easy to get to all of them.

5.      Go Treasure-Hunting in Historic Downtown Petaluma

Historic downtown Petaluma is a premiere shopping destination for merchandise with some history behind it. The architecture of the Victorian iron-front buildings sets the scene for the more than a dozen antique galleries that are all within walking distance. Of course, there is vintage jewelry, furniture, and ceramics to be discovered but history buffs won’t want to miss the Military Antiques and Museum, the country’s largest retail military shop. It has collectibles ranging from the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam and more recent events.

6.      Bringing Petaluma’s Best to You

From artisan cheese to dessert port, a variety of outstanding products claim Petaluma as their hometown. Lagunitas Brewing Company, Adobe Road Winery, and McEvoy Ranch Olive Oil are just a few of the many nationally recognized brands that have grown up in Petaluma.

7.      Committed to Preserving our Agricultural Heritage

In the late 1800s, Petaluma carried the title of “World’s Egg Basket” because of the boom in egg production prompted by the invention in Petaluma of the first practical chicken incubator. The city became a leader in the dairy industry which was the county’s top agricultural product until 1987.

Petaluma celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival. But our commitment to preserving our roots goes far beyond a one-day event. For 365 days a year, local companies are working to carry forward the rich agricultural tradition that began more than 150 years ago. Clover Sonoma, Petaluma Poultry, home of Rocky the Range natural and organic chicken, Straus Family Creamery, and Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Store are just a few companies that sustain our authentic agriculture.

8.       A Starring Role

Why recreate a location that already exists in Petaluma? That’s why Petaluma’s iron-front buildings, immaculate Victorian mansions, and “American hometown” charm have attracted so many filmmakers to use our city as a backdrop. One of Petaluma’s most famous roles was in “American Graffiti.” Many of the film’s most memorable shots were filmed here. The annual “Salute to American Graffiti” in downtown Petaluma in May pays tribute to the era when more than 350 classic cars rumbling into town for a car show and festival.