Santa Rosa (population 153,000) is located in northern
California, about a one hour drive north of
San Francisco on State Highway 101. It was first settled in 1829, and it was incorporated in 1868. The rich soil and temperate climate dictated that Santa Rosa would be first and foremost an agriculture-based community.
The climate of Santa Rosa ranges from an average low of 58 degrees in January to an average high of 84 degrees in July. The average annual rainfall is 30 inches.
Santa Rosa is known for its cuisine. It is in the heart of California’s wine country, surrounded by over one hundred wineries. The moderate climate also means that fresh, local produce is available year round at a twice weekly farmer’s market. The economy of Santa Rosa is driven by its restaurant and tourism business, but also making significant contributions are high-tech design and manufacturing, bio-medical research, education, and green industry.
Visitors to Santa Rosa often spend their time touring vineyards or hiking in nearby Annadel State Park. The coastline, Sonoma Coast State Beach, is about an hour’s drive away and provides the visitor with great hiking and biking trails through beach and redwood forest environments. Downtown Santa Rosa is full of shopping, eating, and entertainment options.
Peanuts creator, Charles M. Schulz is a Santa Rosa native. Snoopy and Charlie Brown are ubiquitous in Santa Rosa and the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center will be opening soon.
