Things to do in  Santa Rosa

Fashioned after a 14th-century Tuscan castle, Castello di Amorosa looks like it belongs on an Italian postcard instead of in the heart of California wine country. The Napa Valley winery produces a selection of premium red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines, but many visitors are drawn by the eight-level structure itself, which includes five defensive towers, a drawbridge, and a moat.

Located at the base of Mount Saint Helena in Napa Valley, Calistoga is known for its laid-back charm, natural hot springs, and volcanic-ash mud baths. In addition to numerous spa resorts, Calistoga also offers proximity to world-class wineries and plentiful restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

Known for growing organic grapes and using sustainable farming practices, Benziger Family Winery attracts visitors with its open-air tram tours that show off the beautiful property spread across the hills of Sonoma County. The winery is set in the town of Glen Ellen, making it easy to visit from both San Francisco and Napa.

California's Russian River is one of the longest rivers in the San Francisco Bay Area, beginning in Mendocino County and cutting through Sonoma County on its way to the ocean. The area is famous for its wine and farm-to-table cuisine, and in warm weather the river is a hotspot for outdoor adventures like canoeing, swimming, and fishing.

Safari West is a 400-acre (162-hectare) private wildlife preserve located in Santa Rosa, California. The park focuses on species native to Africa and is home to more than 800 wild animals, including cheetahs, Cape buffalo, zebras, rhinos, and giraffe.

A brewpub in the heart of California wine country, the HopMonk Tavern is known for craft beers, live music, and a fun atmosphere—it’s a great place to get a taste of local brews in an area famous for its wine. Housed in a historic stone and timber farmhouse, it’s particularly lively on sunny days when the patio becomes a beer garden and fire pits keep you warm during the evenings.

Fort Ross State Historic Park in Sonoma County is part fortress, part settlement. It was originally built in 1812 as part of the Russian-American Company, a commercial enterprise to supply goods to Russian outposts in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Most of the buildings date to 1836 and offer a well-preserved peek into an overlooked piece of California history.

Just east of Santa Rosa, California, St. Francis Winery is among Sonoma County’s premier wineries. It’s a tried-and-true destination for wine tastings, pairings, and an elaborate collection of on-site wine experiences. Nestled amidst rolling vineyards and lush NorCal landscapes, the Tuscan-style estate produces award-winning wines using sustainable methods.

Whether you’re a Peanuts fan or just want to see original comic-strip artwork by the famous cartoonist, the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa features exhibits starring Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and all their friends. The museums is also home to a theater where you can watch—what else—Peanuts.

In a region full of wineries, Hanna stands out by offering picnics under a famous oak tree and a prime location in the Russian River Valley between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. A local favorite since the 1980s, the winery has two tasting rooms: this location and another up north in the Alexander Valley, near Healdsburg.