Things To Do
Sonoma County
Known for its world-class wineries and picturesque vineyards, Sonoma County is the perfect destination for wine lovers. Spend a relaxing afternoon wine tasting at some of the region’s renowned wineries, or enjoy a leisurely drive through the scenic countryside. Healdsburg and Sebastopol are charming towns with great vineyards worth exploring, and Healdsburg has a farmers market Saturday mornings that could be a nice post-wedding morning experience. And of course, Napa Valley is just a short drive away!
Point Reyes National Seashore
One of Northern California's most beautiful coastal landscapes and less than an hour drive from Petaluma! If you like hiking, beaches, or wildlife spotting, it's a fantastic way to spend a day. There are hikes of all levels, but the Tomales Point Trail through the Tule Elk Reserve is one of our favourites!
Mount Tamalpais
For those who love hiking and panoramic views, Mount Tamalpais is a must-visit. With a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the Bay Area, rolling hills, and sometimes even the fog rolling in over San Francisco. Our favorite is the Dipsea Trail to Stinson Beach that takes you from the mountain down to the beach. Don't forget to refuel with fish sandwiches from Hook Fish in Mill Valley afterwards!
Muir Woods National Monument
A must-see to experience California's majestic redwoods! There is everything from a stroller-friendly 0.5 mile loop that can be accessed from the main parking lot to 11 mile trails that connect to Mount Tamalpais. If you access Muir Woods through the main entrance (required if you are not hiking in from a longer trail), you will need to make a parking reservation ahead of time on GoMuirWoods.com. We recommend arriving early to avoid crowds.
Marin County
Marin County is a collection of scenic towns and beautiful beaches spread throughout the rolling hills just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Some of our favorite things to do are relaxing on Muir Beach followed by lunch at the Pelican Inn - a British pub, exploring the picturesque town of Tiburon with a stop at Sam's Anchor Cafe for seafood, wandering (or kayaking) around the houseboats in Sausalito followed by fish tacos at Sausalito Taco Shop, or visiting Battery Spencer for a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Marin County is also a premier cycling destination so we definitely recommend renting a bicycle and cycling through the headlands - Paradise Loop is a must-do!
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a charming seaside town just a short drive from Petaluma. Enjoy fresh seafood, scenic hikes along the rugged coast, or simply take in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.
Russian River
Russian River is a beautiful, slow moving river that we like to float down with friends - its a great way to nurse a hangover, relax, and spend some time in nature. The float takes about 3 hours and there is a well organized shuttle and tube rental service you can access through the link below. Bring plenty of water, beer, and snacks! Guerneville, a quirky town nearby, is a fun stop for a bite to eat afterwards.
Petaluma
If you prefer staying close, Petaluma’s historic downtown is a charming place to spend a morning or afternoon. Grab a coffee at Acre Coffee or Della Fattoria Cafe and stroll down the Petaluma river, visit the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum, sip a California craft beer at Lagunitas Brewing Company or local wine at Brooks Note Winery, or grab a bite at Wild Goat Bistro.
San Francisco
Just an hour south of Petaluma, San Francisco is a city full of diverse neighbourhoods, great food, and beautiful architecture. To fully immerse yourself in the city's unique charm, we recommend booking an Airbnb in areas like Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow, Russian Hill, or the Mission. This will give you a more local experience and easy access to parks, cafes, and restaurants. While San Francisco has many hotels, most are located downtown where we do not recommend staying. We have put together a list with some recommendations for eats & activities below! San Francisco has a homeless population that is concentrated in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods, please avoid these areas. Outside of here, San Francisco is generally safe and should be approached with the street smarts of any other big city.
