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Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park © W Nowicki / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A bust of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo 18071890 located at the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park outside of Petaluma, California
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PETALUMA ADOBE STATE HISTORIC PARK
PETALUMA ADOBE STATE HISTORIC PARK
3325 Adobe Road
Petaluma, California   94954

Phone: 707-762-4871
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park was the main residence of Rancho Petaluma, the agricultural empire that General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo one of the most powerful men in the Mexican Province of California from 1834 to 1846.

Vallejo ran his cattle, hide and tallow business, raised sheep, bred horses, and grew numerous crops. The adobe contains authentic furniture and exhibits depicting early rancho life.

The huge adobe building, the largest private rancho in California between 1834 and 1846, was the center of activity on one of the most prosperous private estates established during the Mexican period.

The park has shaded picnic areas with views of farmland and oak-studded hills.
History of the Area
Located in Petaluma, California, the park is home to one of the largest adobe structures still standing. The Adobe was built between 1836 and 1846 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo as part of his vast Rancho de Petaluma land grant. It served as a working ranch that produced cattle hides and tallow for trade.

The structure fell into disrepair after Vallejo's death but was purchased by a group called "Native Sons of Golden West" in 1910 who worked on its restoration until it became state property in 1951. In recognition of its historical significance, it has been designated both a National Historic Landmark (in1963) and also listed on the National Register Of Historic Places (in1978).

Visitors can tour this historic building which offers insights into life during Mexican rule over Alta California before U.S annexation.



Picnicking
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park offers picnic tables and grills for visitors. No food services are available, so bring your own meals.
Trails
1. Adobe Creek Loop Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, as well as glimpses into California's history with its proximity to the historic Petaluma adobe building.

2. Eastside Overlook Trail: A moderately challenging hike, this 3-mile round trip takes hikers up to an overlook offering panoramic vistas of Sonoma County's rolling landscapes and vineyards.

3. Valley View Trail: An easy half mile walk from the visitor center leads you through oak woodlands towards stunning valley views at various points along this trail which runs for about one mile in total length.

4. Oak Woodland Trails: These are several interconnected trails running throughout dense groves of native oaks providing ample shade during hot summer days while also serving as habitat for local wildlife like deer, birds etc., totaling around two miles in all when combined together.

5. Meadow Walks: There are numerous short walks available across open meadows within park boundaries where visitors can enjoy wildflowers blooming seasonally or simply take leisurely strolls amidst serene natural surroundings without any significant elevation gains involved.

6. Pond Pathway: This gentle path winds past a small pond often frequented by ducks and other waterfowl making it ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts visiting park premises; overall distance covered on Pond pathway would be less than quarter mile hence suitable even kids or elderly individuals not keen on undertaking longer hikes elsewhere inside Park area.

7. Hill Climb Spur: For those seeking more strenuous workout options Hill climb spur provides steep uphill trek leading onto highest point within entire State Historic Park territory affording breathtaking aerial perspectives over nearby cityscape besides distant mountain ranges beyond horizon line depending upon visibility conditions prevailing at given time period under consideration hereafter referred collectively herein after "Hiking Experience".

8. Riverfront Hike: The Riverfront Hike follows alongside river bank for about a mile, offering serene views of the water and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as otters or herons.

9. Adobe Building Trail: This short trail leads directly to the historic Petaluma adobe building itself where visitors can explore inside this preserved 19th century ranch house while learning more about California's early history through various exhibits on display within its walls.

10. Picnic Area Pathway: A flat pathway leading towards designated picnic areas equipped with tables & benches under shady trees providing perfect spots for family outings during weekends or holidays when park visitation numbers tend to increase significantly compared against regular weekdays throughout year round except winter season due prevailing cold weather conditions then prevalent across region in general thereby limiting outdoor recreational activities accordingly thereafter referred collectively herein after "Picnicking Experience".

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Area Campgrounds
Sonoma County Fairgrounds RV Park
1500 Aston Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA
707-293-8410
San Francisco North Petaluma KOA
20 Rainsville Road
Petaluma, CA
707-763-1492
Area Accommodations (over 20 miles away)
businesss listing main photo
Backyard Garden Oasis BB - Middletown, CA
BBs / Inns
Close to Calistoga, Napa Valley and Lake County Vineyards, and Harbin Hot Springs in the Mayacama Mountains, and 2 hrs away from San Francisco or Sacramento. Backyard Garden Oasis is an exquisite respite for those wanting a nature-filled retreat surrounded by some of Californias most beautiful country.
36.4 miles from park*
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
A twenty minute drive from Sonoma. The park is at the east edge of Petaluma, off Highway 116 and Adobe Road.

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California
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California State Parks

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