10 Things to Do in Rohnert Park: Active, Outdoorsy Sonoma County

  • Things To Do
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on DECEMBER 24, 2015
  • 2431
  • 0
Nothing balances winery visits with a little outdoor adventure. The hidden treasures, off-the-beaten-path entertainment and natural splendor of Rohnert Park, California have established this little town as a repeat visit for wine lovers and lovers of the great outdoors alike. We’ve assembled a list of the very best ways to pass the time in this pristine hamlet.

Lakeside Serenity

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Image Source: Yelp
Roberts Lake Park
5010 Roberts Lake Rd.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928

This picturesque little park is conveniently located close to Highway 101. Home to the Roberts Lake Dog Park and the Rohnert Park Fishing Derby, animal lovers and nature lovers alike flock to this lovely spot. Locals fish for rainbow trout and largemouth bass, and birdwatchers regularly spot Western Bluebirds and Scrub-jays at this park that offers plenty of on-street parking alongside the waterfront.

Insider tip: The dog park offers a special section that keeps senior and small dogs safe.

Scenic Golf

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Image Source: Yelp
Foxtail Golf Club
100 Golf Course Dr.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 584-7766
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 15 reviews

Not only does Foxtail Golf Club offer two 18-hole courses open to the public, as well as an 18-hole FootGolf course, but the club also demonstrates its commitment to the environment by using only reclaimed water for its courses. In a state that faces serious drought, Foxtail Golf Club balances high quality golf with stewardship of the land in a way that serves as a model for other courses.

Insider tip: Check out the online booking specials for the South Course, which has no booking fees.

Spectacular Music Venue

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Image Source: Yelp
Weill Hall
Green Music Center, Sonoma State University
1801 East Cotati Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(866) 955-6040
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 28 reviews

Weill Hall hosts world-class performances in architectural splendor on the campus of Sonoma State University. Showcasing a variety of acts such as jazz, world music, chamber ensembles, and ethnic dance, eye-opening performances line the schedule year round. Be sure to book a reservation before or after your show at onsite restaurant Prelude, which cooks up elegant American fare in a 2- or 3-course prix fixe menu.

Insider tip: Summer travelers can pack a picnic and enjoy an evening lawn performance.

Vibrant Farmers Market

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Image Source: Yelp
Rohnert Park Farmers Market
City Center Plaza
500 City Center Dr.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(415) 999-5635

This bustling, year-round farmers market is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well as summertime Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Rohnert Park’s City Center Plaza. With more than 40 vendors, visitors will find healthy, farm-fresh organic produce, creative cooking classes, and tantalizing prepared foods like the ultimate fusion food: the Sushi Burrito. Live music, kids’ activities, and artisan wares make this diverse weekly gathering a delicious slice of life.

Insider tip: Don’t miss The Killer Baking Company’s handmade ice cream. It’s heaven on a cone.

Full-Service Fitness

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Image Source: Yelp
Callinan Sports and Fitness Center
5405 Snyder Ln.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 588-3488

The Callinan Sports and Fitness Center is owned by the town of Rohnert Park and is open to members and visitors alike. This full-service gym offers pickup basketball and volleyball games, state-of-the-art cardio equipment, and a sauna. Free weights, racquetball courts, and limited childcare, as well as access for people with disabilities, round out the services the fitness center provides. You’ll find Callinan Sports and Fitness Center a friendly, welcoming place to fit in a workout.

Insider tip: If the weather’s nice, warm up or cool down at the scenic Sunrise Park right across the street.

Artisan Whiskeys

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Image Source: Yelp
Sonoma County Distilling Co.
5625 State Farm Dr., Unit 18
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 583-7753
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 5 reviews

This tiny craft distiller produces world-class whiskies in the heart of Rohnert Park. You can take a hour-long tour, learn about their grain-to-glass process, and sample the distillery’s unique offerings: Sonoma Rye Whiskey, 2nd Chance Wheat Whiskey, and West of Kentucky Bourbon. Don’t let the industrial park warehouse setting fool you: you’re in for a hands-on, handcrafted treat.

Insider tip: The tasting room doesn’t serve food, so stop in nearby Michael’s Sourdough for delicious sandwiches after your tour.

A Taste of Vegas

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Image Source: Yelp
Graton Resort and Casino
288 Golf Course Dr. West
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 588-7100
TripAdvisor: 3 stars, 177 reviews

Graton Resort and Casino lets you take your chances and win big. Featuring penny slots, Pai Gow Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em, you can spend a couple hours or an entire evening at this glittering casino. When hunger strikes, grab a quick bite at the marketplace, where you can try a Farmer’s Market pizza at Tony’s, a mouthwatering prime steak at 630 Park, or go for dim sum at M.Y. Noodles. Though there’s no lodging yet: the resort expansion is slated to open in fall of 2016.

Insider tip: The Graton Casino Express offers East Bay visitors the chance to arrive in leisure on a number of charter bus routes, and some even offer a bonus for free slot play.

Hiker’s Haven

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Image Source: Yelp
Crane Creek Regional Park
5000 Pressley Rd.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 539-8092

Located along the scenic Crane Creek, this park boasts 128 acres of rolling grasslands and picturesque oak trees. With 3.5 miles of hiking trails, some of which are suitable for horseback riding, an 18-hole disc-golf course, and picturesque settings for a gourmet picnic lunch-to-go, this park on Crane Creek offers an intimate experience fueled by the tranquility of nature.

Insider tip: Make sure you pack some water if you plan on hiking, as there are no water fountains in the park.

World-Class Comedy

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Image Source: Yelp
Sally Tomatoes
1100 Valley House Dr.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 665-0260
TripAdvisor: 2.5 stars, 3 reviews

For more than just a typical dinner, Sally Tomatoes has you covered. First-rate comedians and entertainers delight while you dine: In years past comedians Gilbert Gottfried and David Alan Grier have made sides sore, and in addition to the laughs, garden fresh salads, juicy burgers, and mouthwatering pastas are all on the menu. Call ahead if you have a large group: Sally Tomatoes is happy to accommodate big parties with some advance notice.

Insider tip: Come for the free comedy shows from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

Breakneck Speed

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Image Source: Yelp
Driven Raceway
4601 Redwood Dr.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 585-3748
TripAdvisor: 3.5 stars, 2 reviews

Hit Driven Raceway for some white-knuckle turns around the track. Fine-tuned Italian-made electric karts let you fly around the D-Force Super Track while protected by state-of-the-art safety features. Driven Raceway also offers black light mini-golf, alley trax mini-bowling, and an arcade set up for the whole family. Insider tip: Driven Raceway regularly changes its racetrack layout to keep drivers on their toes.

Best known for its proximity to award-winning wineries, Rohnert Park is a charming getaway for couples or families. Filled with little neighborhood parks offering plenty of places to enjoy Sonoma County’s natural beauty, as well as restaurants that offer the fresh seasonal bounty of fields, orchards, and vines, Rohnert Park welcomes you to relax, refresh, and renew.


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.