Petaluma

The riverside town of Petaluma on Sonoma County's Highway 101 was once called the "Egg Basket of the World" for its bustling egg industry in the early 20th century, Petaluma is now known as a foodie haven, with dining options that include a mix of ethnic cuisines and awarding-winning restaurants using the best locally grown and produced products. Also known for its wines, Petaluma boasts world-class beers and ales, award-winning olive oils, and artisan cheese that are served in some of the finest restaurants nationwide. From brand names to charming inns, Petaluma has a wide array of lodging choices.

Built on secure bedrock, Petaluma is one of the few Bay Area communities not damaged in the 1906 earthquake. Today, Petaluma's well-preserved, historic city center is filled with an engaging mix of boutiques, antiques shops, and specialty stores, many in historic buildings. The imposing 1920s Sonoma County Bank building now houses the Baker Creek Heirloom "seed bank" store. Petaluma boasts a thriving arts community, with more than a dozen downtown art galleries, exhibiting handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and sculpture by contemporary artists of local and international renown.

Picturesque Petaluma has captured the attention of numerous filmmakers, serving as a location for many major films — American Graffiti (1973), Cujo (1983), Peggy Sue Got Married (1986), Basic Instinct (1992), Scream (1996), Pleasantville (1998), Cheaper by the Dozen (2003), and many more.