Attractions and Places To See around Sebastopol - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Sebastopol include a vibrant art scene and access to the Russian River and coastal recreation areas. This region is known for its Gravenstein apple production and high-quality wines. The natural landscape features agricultural ranches and the Laguna of Santa Rosa. It serves as a gateway to diverse outdoor activities and rural charm.
Best attractions and places to see around Sebastopol
- The most popular attraction is Santa Rosa Creek Trail, a trail that provides a safe, shaded, paved connection for bikers and hikers right downtown. This trail is part of a network of dedicated bike trails for enjoyable riding away from car traffic.
- Another must-see spot is Sebastopol, a settlement nestled in a region known for apple production and grape-growing. This laid-back town boasts a thriving art scene and rural restaurants, making it a suitable choice for exploring the countryside.
- Visitors also love Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol 🚴, a cycle way that is 8.47 miles of paved trail. This trail offers an opportunity for families with young children to experience an outdoor outing for walking, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and roller skating.
- Sebastopol is known for its trails, cycle ways, and charming settlement areas. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, from paved paths suitable for cycling and walking to the town's art scene and local eateries.
- The attractions around Sebastopol are appreciated by the komoot community, with 17 upvotes and 16 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol 🚴
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
The Joe Rodota Trail is 8.47 miles of paved trail. Sections of the trail run along an abandoned railroad line. The trail offers an opportunity for families with young children to experience an outdoor outing for walking, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and roller skating. The trail meanders along agricultural ranches, and the Laguna of Santa Rosa. There are signs of the historic railroad throughout the property. Three bridges are on top of the old train trestles. The trail is especially popular in the spring with a burst of color from wildflowers. The trail is an excellent place for year-round bird watching.
The West County Regional & Joe Rodota Trails are built along land that was once the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, a line that linked Petaluma and Santa Rosa with Sebastopol and Forestville. The trails total fourteen miles long. The trails are paved for walking, bicycle riding, and roller skating. An unpaved equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved trail. Designated as a Community Millennium Trail by Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, the trail offers beautiful views of farms, vineyards, and other agricultural lands. Fall and Spring are particularly beautiful times of the year to use the trails. Please note that the most northern trail section in Forestville has not been completed. If you want updated information, contact (707) 565-2041.
parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Joe_Rodota_Trail.aspx
For links to loop options connecting the Joe Rodota trail to other flat, dedicated bike trails around Santa Rosa, check out annotated highlights and trail segments at komoot.de/tour/9465621
Tip by
Santa Rosa Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Santa Rosa has several well developed dedicated bike trails for enjoyable riding away from car traffic. The network is wide and trips can be from short level rides to longer destination rides e.g. to Sebastopol, Forestville, or into the Sonoma wine country, a shorter loop to the swimming beach at Spring Lake, or to the gravel trails through Annadel State Park.
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Sebastopol
Highlight • Settlement
Tip by
Santa Rosa Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Santa Rosa Creek Trail - Piner to Laguna de Santa Rosa
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Sebastopol.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Sebastopol, nestled in the heart of a region known for dominating the world's Gravenstein apple production and grape-growing area for high-quality wines, is the perfect gateway to the renowned Russian River and coastal recreation areas. This vibrant, laid-back town boasts a thriving art scene and charming rural restaurants, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely lunch during a delightful day of exploring the beautiful countryside.
1
0
Excellent green hiking trail shared with bikes all through the urban area of Santa Rosa along the creek, without seeing any car traffic
0
0
Very enjoyable laid-back town with a vibrant art scene and great little restaurants in a rural setting
0
0
This outer section of the paved trail runs from the confluence with Piner Creek on the West side of town to the end of the trail at the Lagoon
0
0
Downtown section of the excellent bike trail that runs on both sides of the Santa Rosa River.
0
0
Santa Rosa Creek Trail goes right downtown as a safe, shaded, paved connection for bikers and hikers. Santa Rosa has several well developed dedicated bike trails for enjoyable riding away from car traffic. The network is wide and trips can be from short level rides to longer destination rides e.g. to Sebastopol, Forestville, or into the Sonoma wine country, a shorter loop to the swimming beach at Spring Lake, or to the gravel trails through Annadel State Park.
1
0
The Joe Rodota Trail runs between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. The trail starts at the pedestrian/bicycle bridge intersection with the Prince Memorial Greenway (between West 3rd Street and Railroad Street), southwest of the Marriott Courtyard Hotel. The trail ends near the intersection of Mill Station Road and Highway 116 in Sebastopol. Access to the trail is located off the following public streets: Roberts Avenue, Dutton Avenue, Stony Point Road, Wright Road, Sebastopol Road, Merced Avenue, Llano Road, Petaluma Avenue, High School Road, Cleveland Avenue, Ellis Court, DuFranc Avenue, Hurlbut Avenue, and Highway 116. The Joe Rodota Trail is 8.47 miles of paved trail. Sections of the trail run along an abandoned railroad line. The trail offers an opportunity for families with young children to experience an outdoor outing for walking, bicycle riding, horseback riding, and roller skating. The trail meanders along agricultural ranches, and the Laguna of Santa Rosa. There are signs of the historic railroad throughout the property. Three bridges are on top of the old train trestles. The trail is especially popular in the spring with a burst of color from wildflowers. The trail is an excellent place for year-round bird watching. The West County Regional & Joe Rodota Trails are built along land that was once the Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway, a line that linked Petaluma and Santa Rosa with Sebastopol and Forestville. The trails total fourteen miles long. The trails are paved for walking, bicycle riding, and roller skating. An unpaved equestrian trail runs parallel to the paved trail. Designated as a Community Millennium Trail by Former First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, the trail offers beautiful views of farms, vineyards, and other agricultural lands. Fall and Spring are particularly beautiful times of the year to use the trails. Please note that the most northern trail section in Forestville has not been completed. If you want updated information, contact (707) 565-2041. http://parks.sonomacounty.ca.gov/Get_Outdoors/Parks/Joe_Rodota_Trail.aspx For links to loop options connecting the Joe Rodota trail to other flat, dedicated bike trails around Santa Rosa, check out annotated highlights and trail segments at https://www.komoot.de/tour/9465621
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to do around Sebastopol?
Sebastopol is a great base for outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling on paved trails like the Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol 🚴, which is suitable for biking, walking, and even roller skating. The Santa Rosa Creek Trail also offers a safe, shaded connection for bikers and hikers right downtown. For more options, explore various cycling routes around Sebastopol.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Sebastopol?
Yes, Sebastopol offers several family-friendly options. The Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol 🚴 is an excellent choice for families with young children, offering a paved path for walking, biking, and roller skating. The Santa Rosa Creek Trail is also family-friendly, providing a safe and shaded environment for outdoor activities. The town of Sebastopol itself is a laid-back settlement with rural restaurants, perfect for a leisurely family day out.
What kind of hiking trails are available near Sebastopol?
You'll find a variety of hiking trails near Sebastopol, including easy, paved options. The Santa Rosa Creek Trail is a popular choice, offering a green, paved path along the creek. For more easy hiking options, you can explore routes like the Blackberry Trail or Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail. Find more details on easy hikes around Sebastopol.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails around Sebastopol?
Yes, the Santa Rosa Creek Trail includes sections that are wheelchair accessible, offering a paved path for enjoyment. Specifically, the section from Piner to Laguna de Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa Creek Trail - Piner to Laguna de Santa Rosa) is noted for its accessibility.
What is the best time of year to visit Sebastopol for outdoor activities?
Spring and Fall are particularly beautiful times of the year to enjoy the trails around Sebastopol. In spring, you'll see a burst of color from wildflowers, and the trails are excellent for year-round bird watching. The pleasant weather during these seasons makes them ideal for cycling, hiking, and exploring the agricultural landscapes.
What natural features can I explore near Sebastopol?
The region around Sebastopol is characterized by agricultural ranches and the Laguna of Santa Rosa. Trails like the Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol 🚴 meander along these ranches and the Laguna, offering views of farms, vineyards, and opportunities for bird watching. The area also serves as a gateway to the Russian River and coastal recreation areas.
What is Sebastopol known for culturally or historically?
Sebastopol is known for its vibrant art scene and its history in agriculture, particularly Gravenstein apple production and grape-growing for high-quality wines. The town itself (Sebastopol) offers a laid-back atmosphere with charming rural restaurants, reflecting its rich local culture.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Sebastopol?
Yes, there are mountain biking opportunities in the broader area around Sebastopol. While not directly in town, you can find MTB trails such as those in Spring Lake Park or near Gleason Beach. For more detailed routes, refer to the MTB Trails around Sebastopol guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about Sebastopol?
Visitors appreciate Sebastopol for its laid-back atmosphere, vibrant art scene, and excellent rural restaurants. The accessibility to dedicated bike trails like the Santa Rosa Creek Trail and the Joe Rodota Trail, which offer scenic views of farms and vineyards, is also highly valued.
Are there any scenic drives near Sebastopol?
While specific scenic drives are not detailed in the provided data, the region's landscape of agricultural ranches, vineyards, and proximity to the Russian River and coastal areas suggests many opportunities for picturesque drives. Exploring the roads connecting the various small towns and wineries will likely offer beautiful scenery.
Are there any dog-friendly attractions in Sebastopol?
Many outdoor trails in the Sebastopol area, such as the Joe Rodota Trail: Santa Rosa to Sebastopol 🚴, are generally dog-friendly, though it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and check specific park regulations. The open spaces and rural settings are well-suited for walks with pets.
Most popular routes around Sebastopol
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
