Petaluma

You might be surprised to learn what Petaluma is famous for: Chickens, cows, cuisine, celebrations and cinema. A booming agricultural city between the 1860s and 1920s, Petaluma was once known as the “Egg Basket of the World,” and produced poultry and dairy products for much of the American West. Today, Petaluma is known as a foodie destination, with local farms and farmers’ markets still providing top-notch eggs, dairy, veggies, olive oil and much more. Each April brings the annual Butter & Egg Days Festival, honoring the city’s farming legacy with a huge parade through Downtown Petaluma. 

By the late 20th century, Petaluma was becoming a filming location, starting with George Lucas’ 1973 film American Graffiti. Each May, the city honors this movie with the annual Cruisin’ the Boulevard event, with classic American cars cruising Petaluma Boulevard, and rock ’n roll music from the 1950s. Other movies shot in Petaluma include Peggy Sue Got Married (1986 – directed by American Graffiti producer Francis Ford Coppola), Basic Instinct (1992), Scream (1996), Pleasantville (1998), and Cheaper by the Dozen (2003).  

Petaluma is roughly 40 minutes from Doran Beach, a wide, sandy, two-mile beach in the Sonoma County town of Bodega Bay. From Downtown Petaluma, travel west on Bodega Avenue, which becomes Valley Ford Road, then connects with the legendary Highway 1. Heading north from Doran Beach along Highway 1, it’s another 10 minutes (50 minutes total) to the breezy Bodega Dunes, and 20 minutes (1 hour total) to neighboring South Salmon Creek Beach and North Salmon Creek Beach. The latter three beaches are set on the Pacific Ocean, within the 17-mile-long Sonoma Coast State Park.  

Yes, it sure does. The vibrant, historic Downtown Petaluma is set beside the Petaluma River, its walkable streets full of National Historic Landmarks and ornate storefronts from the 1850s through the 1920s. Some of Sonoma County’s most popular cafés and restaurants are found here, as well as sought-after boutiques, antique shops, winery tasting rooms, and craft breweries. Public art is on display everywhere, and nightlife includes cocktail bars and intimate music venues.  

Summer temperatures in Petaluma average about 85 degrees, but in peak summer, they might climb as high as 100 degrees. To make a summer trip to Petaluma more enjoyable, always pack layers (the mornings can be chilly, year-round), as well as a hat and a reusable water bottle. Consider bringing a swimsuit so you can cool off with a dip in the Petaluma River, or head west to the beaches on Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast. You could also rent a watercraft at The Floathouse Boat Rental Center, from pedal boats to kayaks, SUPs to hydro-bikes, canoes, and rowboats. There’s nothing like a light breeze off the river on a hot summer’s day!