The lifestyle in Santa Rosa is vibrant and varied, as this small but mighty city offers an ideal combination of amenities and entertainment with a distinctly cosy small-town feel.
New arrivals will find plenty of ways to get a breath of fresh air, and with sunny days being the norm, outdoor pursuits of all kinds can be enjoyed for most of the year.
Shopping in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Plaza is the city's main shopping centre. It's relatively compact, but has a good range of stores to fill day-to-day needs. In the area surrounding the mall, you can also find a scattering of speciality stores and some restaurants.
Not far off is Railroad Square, the centre of Santa Rosa's historical district. Home to a variety of antique stores and art galleries, this area makes for an interesting afternoon of browsing.
Coddingtown Shopping Center is also worth a visit as one of Santa Rosa's staple shopping centres. The car park features a 72ft (22m) rotating sign that was declared a historical landmark by city authorities in the early 90s.
Entertainment and nightlife in Santa Rosa
Apart from a few bars in the city centre, Santa Rosa itself is a relatively quiet city when it comes to nightlife. But those who enjoy their wine and beer, or a hearty night out at the pub, will still find themselves with plenty to do.
As the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, Santa Rosa has much for both casual and seasoned wine enthusiasts to explore. Enjoy a feast of the senses at any of the close to 200 wineries in the region. A wide range of experiences is available, including food-and-wine pairings featuring locally sourced fare.
The city also has a lively brewery culture, so beer lovers are catered to as well. Pick up the Santa Rosa Beer Passport to enjoy specials and unlock rewards as you visit participating locations.
Eating out in Santa Rosa
Foodies are in for a treat in Santa Rosa. The diverse backgrounds of the city's residents result in a broad range of cuisines from around the world.
Highlights of the city's restaurant scene include several excellent Italian, Mexican, and Asian restaurants. Also not to be missed is Mitote Food Park, California's first Mexican food park. Numerous food trucks serving up regional cuisines from across Mexico can be found here.
Outdoor activities in Santa Rosa
Luther Burbank, one of Santa Rosa's most famous residents and a renowned botanist, horticulturist, and agricultural scientist, once wrote that the region was "the chosen spot of all the earth as far as nature is concerned." With such a wide range of natural wonders in one spot, it's easy to see why he was inspired to make this comment.
There are over 700 acres of parkland in Santa Rosa itself, spread across 70 parks. Venturing beyond the city, you'll find just about every variety of landscape you could think of, including mountains, plateaus, wetlands, lakes, beaches, and redwood forests. Camping, hiking, cycling, and water sports are all within easy access – or just soak up the scenery and enjoy.
See and do in Santa Rosa
Charles M. Schultz Museum
Peanuts creator Charles M. Schultz spent the latter half of his life in Santa Rosa, and this museum dedicated to him holds the world's largest collection of Peanuts artwork. Permanent and temporary exhibits feature beloved characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. A highlight is the museum's accurate recreation of Schultz's own studio, where he would create his comic strips.
Snoopy's Home Ice
Head across the road from the Schultz Museum to Snoopy's Home Ice, an ice rink designed by Schultz and his first wife. The Warm Puppy Café on site has a fantastic view of the ice, and Schultz himself was a regular here before he passed in 2000. His favourite table remains reserved in his honour, and you can order his favourite tuna sandwich off the menu, too.
Howarth Park
Howarth Park is nicknamed "the Jewel of Santa Rosa", and it truly is a gem for families keen for a day out. Step back in time as you ride the park's steam train, or visit the Animal Barn to make a few new furry friends. Three dedicated play areas provide plenty of room for the little ones to run around, while the park's tennis courts and softball field are great for sports fans. There are plenty of scenic picnic spots that can be reserved in advance.
Meeting people and making friends in Santa Rosa
Moving to a new city can be daunting, but one way to feel at home fast is to make friends with the locals. The best way to meet people is often to join in on an activity aligned with your interests and passions.
Options are virtually endless – try a local sports club, volunteer organisation, or hobby group. There are also plenty of apps and websites, like Meetup, that are designed specifically to arrange social events for meeting new people. Professional networking organisations are another good option.
Stepping out of your comfort zone may be tough at first, but a little courage goes a long way. Here are a few places to start.