Why Winter's Better In Petaluma: Beat The Blues With These Local Picks

Winter may be here, but the fun doesn’t slow down in Petaluma. From family outings to seasonal events and easy day trips, there’s plenty around town to keep your calendar full. Just remember to double-check hours, ticket details , and weather updates before heading out. January is typically cooler and rainier, so pack layers and be prepared for some wet days, perfect for cozy restaurants and investigating local history. But make sure bring something for a hike or a paddle on beautiful days when the clouds part to reveal cornflower blue skies. And if you want even more local winter ideas, keep scrolling — you’ll find a way to get personalized suggestions based on what you love to do.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum

Address: 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA
Phone: (707) 778-4398
Details: Nestled in a neoclassical building, the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum is a destination for anyone interested in Petaluma's past or California's. Originally constructed as a Carnegie Library in 1904, the museum serves as a hub for regional history exhibits and cultural events.

Barber Lee Spirits

Address: 120 Washington St, Petaluma, CA
Phone: (707) 971-7107
Details: Barber Lee Spirits is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Petaluma, especially if you have a penchant for bourbon and moonshine and dessert to match — perfect for a cold winter night.

Petaluma Creamery Ice Cream & Cheese Shop

Address: 711 Western Ave, Petaluma, CA
Phone: (707) 762-9038
Details: Cheese, butter, ice cream, freshly grilled BBQ — the Creamery is a Petaluma favorite for local and ethically-produced dairy goods from Sonoma County. Lavender ice cream...what more is there to say?

The Shuckery

Address: 100 Washington St, Petaluma, CA
Phone: (707) 981-7891
Details: Located in the historic Hotel Petaluma, The Shuckery is a charming bistro/neighborhood oyster bar co-owned by two sisters. This convivial restaurant offers chef-prepared cuisine, elegant wines, a cozy patio with a Petaluma no-fuss elegance, and, of course, oysters.

Street Social

Address: 29 F, Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma
Phone: (707) 774-6185
Details: Tucked into a corner of the Lan Mart building, Street Social serves eclectic comfort food that reflects Petaluma's curated but down-to-earth style.

The Floathouse

Address: 50 Water Street, Petaluma
Phone: 707-971-3640
Details: Discover Petaluma from the river on a boat by visiting the Floathouse, open year-round, making available pedal and paddle kayaks, SUPs, hydro-bikes, Schiller water bikes, oarboards, canoes, and rowboats. Go solo, take a tour, or join an event on the water (group outings available by reservation). Winter hours Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Shollenberger Park

Address: 1900 S. McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA
Phone: See site
Details: Winding through a 165-acre wetlands area, Shollenberger Park is the largest and most visited park in Petaluma, with five miles of flat walking and bicycle paths. It's a perfect place for bird watching – over 230 species of birds have been identified in the wetlands or just taking advantage of Sonoma County in January.