Make It a Day in Downtown Petaluma

couple in jeans walking down a historic downtown street in late-afternoon fall sun.

Spend a Perfect Day Discovering all that Petaluma’s Historic Hub has to Offer

A surprising mix of hot spots awaits visitors to Petaluma’s bustling downtown, from boutique shops to a vibrant entertainment and dining scene. The best way to experience it? Take a walk!

10:00 a.m. Breakfast is Served

two croissants and an orange cup filled with coffee.

Kick-start the day with breakfast at Water Street Bistro with one of renowned chef Stephanie Rastetter’s fresh-from-the-oven, warm and buttery croissants eaten at a bistro table by the Petaluma River. Or, for a buzzing locals’ scene, head to Della Fattoria. Order a coffee and pick out a loaf of fresh brick-oven Rosemary Meyer Lemon bread.

11:00 a.m. Hunt for Treasure

Antique lamp, dresser, coffee table and model car in foreground at antique shop.

Petaluma might just claim more antique, thrift and consignment stores per capita than any other Bay Area city. Top picks include Summer Cottage Antiques, Vicki’s Secret Designer Consignments, and Chelsea Antiques for plenty of design inspiration and high-quality furniture, artwork, and unusual artifacts.

12:30 p.m. Books and Games

man sitting on floor looking at comics in front of a wall filled with them.

A thriving, independent bookstore, Copperfield’s Books is 10,000 square feet of titles in every category, including separate rooms for kids’ books and magazines. At Goblin Bros. Games & Gear, you can go wild with games and gaming supplies and gear for adults.

1:00 p.m. Lunch Calls!

Meatballs and mashed potatoes with a sprig of herb amid other dishes on table.

Head to sunny Stockhome where Nordic flavor meets Mediterranean flair. Or right next door, The Bagel Mill will satisfy a serious carb craving with their chewy, house-made, artisan, sourdough bagels. You can’t go wrong with the Classic Lox or try the Pastrami Reuben on marble rye.

For dessert, stop by Angela’s Creamery for organic, handmade ice cream in a black-and-white tiled parlor that is so charming, it looks like a movie set. Whether you choose an exotic flavor like Lavender Cream or the heavenly French Vanilla, the ice cream is so luscious, you’ll start planning a return visit with the last lick.

2:00 p.m. Explore History

Historic building with pillars, stone steps. "Free Public Library" at top.

Drop in to the Petaluma Historical Library & Museum to learn more of Petaluma’s agricultural and Miwok Indian heritage. Built in 1905, the former Carnegie library-turned-museum offers free guided walking tours of downtown led by a costumed docent. Meet on the steps of the Museum at 10:30 a.m. most Saturdays, May through October.

4:00 p.m. Beer, Wine, or Cocktails?

Couple looking at menu in rustic brewpub filled with diners (and a dog) at community tables.

With open-air seating, 30 revolving craft beers, heat lamps, firepit, bocce, and kids’ playground, the whole family (including Duke the dog) will be happy at Brewster’s Beer Garden. If wine tasting is more your scene, catch a customized flight of Petaluma Gap AVA wines at La Dolce Vita Wine Lounge.

7:00 p.m. Dinner Time

Restaurant bar with diners at bar and bartender at computer. Diners at white-clothed tables.

Ask a local to name their favorite restaurant and they’re likely to say Cucina Paradiso. Chef-owner Dennis makes everything – from pasta to focaccia to dessert – from scratch. One block south is Central Market, where you’ll find locally-sourced modern American cuisine with pairing suggestions from their extensive wine selection and mouth-watering, wood-fired pizzas.

9:00 p.m. Time to Boogie

Couple walking toward historic building with marquee at night.

Built in 1911 and next door to McNear’s Saloon (stop in, if only to ogle the amazing array of memorabilia covering the walls), the Mystic Theatre is widely considered the North Bay’s premier music venue drawing regular big-name national and international acts such as Robert Cray and Van Morrison. Book early, as big shows tend to sell out.

11:00 p.m. Sweet Dreams

Hotel lobby in modernized historic building.

After a full day of exploring downtown, a cozy bed in a friendly Petaluma hotel is waiting for you. From resort-like accommodations at the Sheraton Sonoma Wine Country to historic settings of the Hotel Petaluma and Hampton Inn, or Courtyard by Marriott, even a bit quirky – the Metro Hotel offers Airstream trailers – you’ll feel right at home. If camping is more your style, check out Petaluma KOA which offers RV sites, tent sites, cagins and tiny house lodges. For longer stays, consider Home2 Suites by Hilton where the entrie family, including your pet, can stretch out.

Ahhh…the perfect ending to the perfect Petaluma day.