Sieze Day

IN PETALUMA

Camp Out in Style

THERE’S S’MORE FUN TO BE HAD.

San Francisco North/ Petaluma KOA offers ample space and accommodations— whether you prefer a tent, an RV, or a cabin—a mere 34 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Venture out for food and wine excursions (p. 19), walk and hike in redwood forests, head to the coast for a beach day (p. 20), or stay local and enjoy the many charms of downtown Petaluma.

During the summer season, the campgrounds offer a variety of activities, tours, and entertainment.

Leave No Trace

HELP PROTECT THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

We kindly ask visitors follow the Sonoma County Leave No Trace Seven Principles. It’s easy: Stick to marked trails, pick up your trash and your pet’s waste, do your research before you go, be very careful with fire, keep wild things wild, and share the outdoors—there’s room for everybody here. Go to sonomacounty.com/ leave-no-trace-sevenprinciples for more.

Naturally Fun

With great weather year-round, rolling hills, miles of farmland, and a river that runs through downtown, Petaluma invites outdoor exploration. Hike, paddle, ride, or cycle; however you like to play outside, it’s easy to plan your adventure in Petaluma.

By Matt Jaffe

Climb To A View

Ascend to a sweeping vista of the bucolic countryside at Helen Putnam Regional Park, a 216-acre preserve a few miles from town. The six-mile trail network, open to hikers, equestrians, and bikers, travels through the park’s oak woodlands and grassy hillsides. Several different loops lead to the well-named Panorama Trail, which takes in a 360-degree view that’s especially gorgeous in the early morning and late afternoon light.

Hit The Road

Just outside Petaluma, the Spring Hill Road-Chileno Valley loop is a cyclist’s dream. Along this 20-plus mile backroad route, pedal through rolling hills that are even prettier after winter and spring rains paint them a vivid green. There’s just enough climbing to challenge riders, but the miles go quickly thanks to the passing scenery.

Float On The River

Explore the Petaluma River on a tour, or with a kayak or paddleboard rental from Clavey Paddlesports. See the city from a different perspective and keep an eye out for wetlands birds such as cinnamon-colored long-billed curlews and stocky, black-capped night herons.

PET A PONY

Fall in love with the irresistible herd of miniature horses at family-owned Stable Acres, home to American Made Miniatures Farm Sanctuary These horses may be small in stature but they’re certainly not short on charisma, and you can feed and pet them during private one-hour tours (by appointment only). The tour and My First Little Pony classes are a great way to introduce young kids to horses.

For the Young Jedi USE THE FORCE

If your kiddo aspires to be in a galaxy far, far away, then you’ve got to visit Rancho Obi-Wan your bike or get some cycling gear at Big Bowl Bike Shop Smith & Bergen Bicycles, or Mike’s Bikes

Have a Yes Day

Get ready for some family fun. Petaluma has options for all ages, whether the aim is active, educational, or just spending time together.

By Kristen Haney

HHead off a hunger-fueled meltdown by starting with a big lunch. Sax’s Joint a ’50s-style diner decorated in homage to the Pink Ladies of Grease, dishes out kid-approved classics like burgers, grilled cheese, mini corn dogs, and junior milkshakes. Or, order a few pies at Pinky’s Pizza Parlor, a local institution for more than 60 years that still serves some of the best pies in town—plus plenty of arcade games.

Make a reservation for Code Zone Escape Room and try to solve the clues before time ticks down in the pirateor detention-themed rooms. For an educational outing, Petaluma Historical Library & Museum offers exhibits on Miwok history and Petaluma’s past, plus the occasional downtown walking tour led by costumed docents (p. 14).

Take a family stroll through downtown to shop for the perfect souvenir: board games and puzzles at Goblin Bros.; books galore at Copperfield’s Books; vintage video games and consoles at Nostalgia Alley (don’t miss the retro arcade in the back); a huge variety of toys, games, and books at Toy B Ville and cute clothes and “Chick City”

T-shirts at The Hunter & The Bird.

Risk a sugar rush by ending at Once Upon a Slush, where kids are guaranteed to have a hard time choosing from nearly two dozen flavors of Italian ice–esque “slush” or soft serve, or opt for a mixture of the two layered in a cup or waffle cone. Or head to Angela’s Ice Cream, where parents will appreciate flavors like French custard or chocolate raspberry.

This nonprofit museum houses the world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia (certified by the Guinness World Records). From action figures and collectibles to a Darth Vader costume (some parts of which were used in the movies) to a C-3PO costume hand, Rancho Obi-Wan dives deep into the movie franchise fandom. Schedule a docent-led, small-group tour online.

For Teens Rock It Out

While The Phoenix Theater may be a favorite concert venue at night, during the day, this old moviehouse and former opera hall is a community center. Touted as “everybody’s building,” the volunteer-run space is used as a teen center, offering free music lessons and jam sessions, a skateboarding area with four quarter-pipe ramps, and a lounge section used for homework, tutoring, or just hanging out. (Without parents!)