Hikes & Nature

Ancient old-growth redwood forest with easy, mostly flat trails through towering giants including the 1,400-year-old Colonel Armstrong Tree.

Spectacular ocean views and whale watching January-May. Easy coastal loop with seal rookery, sea stacks, and dramatic cliffs.

World-class museum celebrating Peanuts creator Charles Schulz with original artwork, interactive exhibits, and a recreation of his studio. Next door to Snoopy's Home Ice.

Family-friendly Russian River access with paved Makahmo Trail. Shallow calm waters safe for children, kayak launch, and picnic areas.

Spectacular spring wildflowers including California poppies. Easy loop trail through oak woodland with creek access.

Free hands-on nature museum inside Spring Lake Park. Live tide pool, fish displays, taxidermy wildlife, and watershed exhibits.

Three fishing ponds with bass and bluegill, 7 miles of trails, and wheelchair-accessible Three Lakes Trail. Spring wildflowers.

Sonoma County's largest harbor seal rookery. Watch seal pups March through May. Stewards present during pupping season.

Six miles of trails with playground, wildflowers, and fishing pond. Panoramic Petaluma views and famous climbing oak tree.

Santa Rosa's beloved family park featuring a miniature train, carousel, animal barn, playground, lake, and miles of hiking trails connecting to Spring Lake.

Historic Beauty Ranch with Wolf House ruins, vineyard views, and the Grandmother Tree. Museum, trails, and fall color destination.

Wheelchair-accessible trail through the largest freshwater wetland on California's north coast. Premier bird watching with 200+ species.

Large accessible playground, skatepark, and 2.5 miles of creek trails through oak woodland in the heart of Sonoma.

Reconstructed Coast Miwok village with roundhouse, native plant garden, and educational programs about indigenous peoples of Sonoma County.

California's largest surviving adobe building from the Mexican rancho era. Living history programs, farm animals, and hands-on activities for kids.

Two-level playground, 3+ miles of creek trails, and dog park. Home to the annual Gravenstein Apple Fair. Sports fields and peace garden.

Easy trails around two lakes with great blue heron rookery and redwood grove. Perfect for bird watching and nature photography.

Shaded creek trails through oak and evergreen forests. Fall colors, pond, and views of Santa Rosa Plain.

Wildlife rehabilitation center with Saturday public tours. Meet non-releasable native animals including hawks, coyotes, and mountain lion.

ADA-accessible Valley of the Moon Trail through oak woodland. Dog park, picnic areas, and seasonal wildflowers.

Beloved Santa Rosa park with a 2.3-mile paved loop trail around the lake, swimming lagoon, boat rentals, Environmental Discovery Center, and connections to Howarth Park and Trione-Annadel.

Easy creekside nature trails with campground and astronomy observatory. Self-guided nature walk and meadow loop perfect for families.

15+ miles of trails with panoramic views and nature playground. Red Tail Play Area features hawk's nest climbing structure and embankment slide.

Wild bird rehabilitation center open first Saturday of each month. Meet raptors and learn about local bird species.

11 miles of trails with golden eagles, burrowing owls, and seasonal lake. Views of San Pablo Bay and SF skyline. Home to Tolay Fall Festival.

Miniature railroad adventure on 10 acres with train rides through tunnels and over bridges, plus a petting zoo, carousel, and vintage amusement rides.

13+ miles of paved trail linking Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Forestville. Perfect for family biking with farmland and vineyard views.