Parks
86 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
- Finali Park1.2 mi from downtown
- Harvest Park2.1 mi from downtown
- A Place To Play2.6 mi from downtown
On a budget
Free things to do in Santa Rosa
5 kinds of free outings in and around Santa Rosa.
Good days out in Santa Rosa don’t have to cost anything. These ideas come from the city’s parks, libraries, historic landmarks and nearby public lands. For free concerts, markets and festivals this week, see the free events calendar.
Libraries
Borrow books, movies and museum passes, and join free programs.
- Central Santa Rosa Library211 E Street
- Sonoma County Public Law Library2604 Ventura Avenue
- Sonoma County History & Genealogy725 3Rd Street
Historic places
14 landmarks on the National Register, many easy to see on a walk.
- Hotel La Rose
- Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
- Rosenberg's Department StoreBuilt 1937
Hiking
Trails on public land; some areas charge a parking or day-use fee.
- Boat-In Sites (Lake Sonoma)24 mi northwest
- Cedar Roughs Wilderness24 mi east
- Lake Sonoma25 mi northwest
Wildlife viewing
Birding and nature watching on public land.
- Cedar Roughs Wilderness24 mi east
- Lake Sonoma25 mi northwest
- Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)27 mi east
Around town
Get a feel for the city
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Fun Things to Do in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California
An activity Short shared by Sonoma County.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
Day Trip Ideas | Santa Rosa, California
An activity Short shared by Visit Santa Rosa.
Watch on YouTube ↗Questions
What are free things to do in Santa Rosa?
Parks, Libraries, Historic places, Hiking, Wildlife viewing. City parks and libraries are free; some outdoor areas on federal land charge a parking or day-use fee, noted on each listing.
Are there free events in Santa Rosa this weekend?
Check the free events calendar, updated daily from local organizations, libraries and the city.
Do I need a library card to use the library?
No card is needed to visit or attend most programs; a free card from the local library lets you borrow books, movies and often museum passes.