Spend the Day on Santa Rosa’s Historic Fourth Street

Fourth Street’s main shopping area stretches from the Santa Rosa Plaza down to E Street, a few scenic blocks that offer an extra-pleasant walk on a sunny day. Lined with redwood trees and historic shop fronts, this is the best place in town to find local, one-of-a-kind stores suiting just about every need or desire.

Here are a few wonderful spots to shop, dine, and while away a day in downtown Santa Rosa.

Downtown Santa Rosa Shops

Whether you’re searching for a coveted edition of your favorite novel, cute clothes for your niece or nephew, or a locally crafted souvenir, you’re sure to find exactly what you want (and then some!) on Santa Rosa’s Fourth Street.

Treehorn Books

Have you ever been to the house of an eccentric acquaintance and spent hours marveling at his walls and walls of built-in bookcases? That’s what you’ll find at Treehorn Books. The store’s selections are wide-ranging, meaning you can find just about anything here. The store’s huge selection of out-of-print, classic, and perennial favorites have earned Treehorn a loyal clientele. True devotees of the written word should call ahead and make an appointment to visit the rare book room, a hidden space absolutely chock-a-block with the best obscure vacation reading you’ll find anywhere.

Cupcake Children & Maternity

This fun and colorful shop caters to stylish babies and kids, moms, and even trendy moms-to-be. Part Beatrix Potter storybook, part upscale fashion boutique, Cupcake will have even non-parents trying desperately to come up with friends’ kids they can buy an outfit for.

Corrick’s

Corrick’s is a classic Santa Rosa institution that continues to reinvent itself with refreshing modern twists. Owned and operated by four generations of the Brown family since 1915, what was once a simple stationery store is now a go-to destination for all things pretty. While Corrick’s still specializes in custom-printed stationery and fine ink pens, its offerings today also include gorgeous china, Waterford crystal, Wine Country-chic home goods, and pieces from some of the most respected artists participating in Santa Rosa’s annual ARTrails.

Stanroy Music Center

Stanroy Music Center opened the doors to its first location in Santa Rosa in 1947. Since then, it’s moved several times, but has still remained a staple in the local community. The old-school music store houses every instrument imaginable as well as a hodgepodge of music books, printed music, and accessories.

Positively Fourth Street

Named after the famed Bob Dylan song, Positively Fourth Street is the kind of store you visit to buy a gift for someone else, but always seem to leave with a gift for yourself, too. From floor to ceiling, you’ll find a wide array of handmade products from local artists as well as interesting treasures from around the world.

Fourth Street Restaurants

A day of shopping can leave you feeling parched and famished! Fortunately, Fourth Street in downtown Santa Rosa is teeming with a wide array of restaurants and cafés. Here are three local favorites you simply can’t miss.

Jackson’s Bar and Oven

Kid-friendly and casually sophisticated is how owner Josh Silvers describes his restaurant, Jackson’s Bar and Oven. Centered around its wood-fired oven, this cozy-yet-stylish eatery boasts an ever-changing menu of oysters, pizzas, small bites, and other seasonal delights, all featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Bird & The Bottle

A modern tavern celebrating the American melting pot, Bird & The Bottle incorporates flavors from all over the world, including Asian cuisine, Southern classics, and Jewish street food. The restaurant features three cozy dining rooms as well as two outdoor decks, which are perfect for sipping Sonoma County wine and savoring delightful small plates on a sunny day.

Carmen’s Bistro & Bar

Craving upscale bar food? Carmen’s Bistro & Bar has you covered. Dine like a local by ordering the Carmen’s Burger, complete with grilled onions, sautéed mushrooms, applewood bacon, and jack cheese, which is best served alongside an order of beer-battered onion rings and a cold glass of locally crafted beer.

Santa Rosa Hotels

A perfect homebase for all of your Wine Country adventures, Santa Rosa offers a wide range of hotels and other accommodations. From the stylish, four-star Hotel E and mid-century fabulous Flamingo Resort to The Sandman Hotel, a modern motor lodge in the heart of the city, you’ll easily find lodging options that fit your style, budget, and other needs in Santa Rosa.

Discover more things to see and do in Santa Rosa.

Written by Sonoma Insider Jessica Quandt.