Santa Rosa City Guide

Strong local food scene with farm-to-table and local wines. International options include Mexican, Italian, and Asian. Many places offer vegetarian and vegan choices. Late-night food spots exist but are limited.

Moderate nightlife with breweries, wine bars, casual pubs mainly downtown, plus some live music venues.

Good coffee scene with local roasters and independent cafés focusing on quality.

Tipping is expected in most service areas. 15-20% at restaurants and for rideshares/taxis. Optional around 10% for average service. Tips common for personal care services too.

SIM cards can be bought at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile stores, or electronics shops like Best Buy. Prepaid SIMs usually don't require ID. Coverage is good across major networks.

Mostly clean streets and good waste/recycling services. Some urban areas may have occasional litter.

Some pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS have 24-hour locations. Convenience stores (7-Eleven) are open 24/7. Emergency rooms always open; urgent care centers have extended hours but rarely 24/7. After-hours food options are limited.

Supermarkets like Safeway, Lucky, Raley's, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s offer a good range including international products. Farmers markets also sell fresh local produce.

Most places take credit and debit cards. Cash is accepted but rarely needed.

ATMs are common at banks (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase), supermarkets, and stores. Out-of-network fees usually range from $2.50 to $5 per use.

Santa Rosa High School and Montgomery High School are notable local schools. Instruction is mainly in English. International schools are rare locally but more common in the wider Bay Area.

Smaller nomad community with limited events. Local coworking spaces and cafes support remote work. Networking mainly via business groups.

Abundant parks and trails with shaded paths suitable for walking and running, including Howarth Park and Annadel State Park.

Popular running spots include Joe Rodota Trail and Santa Rosa Creek Trail. Generally safe routes with active running clubs. Air quality can drop during wildfire season.

Several gyms available along with sports fields in parks for soccer, baseball, and basketball.

Public tennis courts in city parks with mostly hard surfaces. Private clubs and coaching are available.

No significant padel facilities reported.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and classes with English-speaking instructors, plus meditation and wellness centers.

Several martial arts schools offer styles like BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo. English-speaking teachers and options for drop-in classes.

No nearby ski resorts. Closest ones are 3-4 hours away in the Sierra Nevada (Lake Tahoe area).

Kayaking and paddleboarding available on Russian River and in Bodega Bay. Rental gear and guided tours accessible in warmer months.

Surf spots along the Sonoma Coast are about an hour away. Water is cold year-round and a wetsuit is needed. Salmon Creek suits beginners; others are more challenging.

Diving along Sonoma Coast with kelp forests and marine life. Visibility varies; summer and fall are best. Suitable for beginners in some spots, others require experience.

Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Santa Rosa have English-speaking staff. Both public and private healthcare are high quality. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are common, some with drive-thru service.

Tap water meets all state and federal safety standards and is safe to drink.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions like Charles M. Schulz Museum and Safari West are good for families.

Generally welcoming and safe with anti-discrimination laws. Sonoma County Pride events and local support groups exist.

Pet-friendly with parks, dog areas, and pet supply stores. Many accommodations and restaurants welcome pets.