In a place as big as Northern California, it’s easy for some great places to fall through the cracks. After all, we’ve got nationally-renowned destinations like San Francisco and Yosemite National Park, so it can be tough for other places to get much attention, even if they are fantastic getaways. Next time you’re looking for a day trip in Northern California, skip the obvious spots and head to Petaluma. Conveniently located about an hour outside of San Francisco, it’s got a population of around 60,000, so it’s big enough to have plenty of amenities, but not so large as to be a sprawling tourist destination. Check out some of the great places to see in this town:

The Petaluma Collective Militaria Mall: 300 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952

Lee Steffi/Google Maps This place is so neat! It’s a huge antiques shop with all kinds of military memorabilia dating back to the Civil War. In addition to the 6,000-square foot retail space, there’s also a military museum down in the basement. Check out the museum’s website to see some of their fascinating artifacts. The Petaluma Collective Militaria Mall, Collective, 300 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Lagunitas Brewing Company: 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954

Nancy Douglas/Google Maps We may be best-known for our wineries in Northern California, but there are some great breweries here as well! You’ll definitely want to check out Lagunitas Brewing Company. This dog-friendly brewery has a tap room and regularly hosts live music. Check out the brewery’s website for a calendar of events. Lagunitas Brewing Company, 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA

Petaluma Historical Library and Museum: 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952

aftertec advanced imaging/Google Maps Fans of Northern California history will not want to miss the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. This place has so much information about regional history, with exhibits dating back to the 1850s. Visit the library’s website to see some current exhibits. Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Marin French Cheese Co.: 7510 Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952

Marin French Cheese Co. In addition to beer and wine, some great cheese is produced in NorCal. Marin French Cheese Co. is the oldest continuously operating cheese manufacturer in the country. Here, you’ll find delicious artisanal cheeses of all kinds of varieties. Visit the Marin French Cheese Co. website to learn more. Marin French Cheese Co., 7510 Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Helen Putnam Regional Park: 411 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952

Mike Wasden/Alltrails Want to get outside and explore? Helen Putnam Regional Park is a great option. This lovely 216-acre park boasts six miles of trails, so there’s plenty to see (and the views are incredible). Helen Putnam Regional Park, 411 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park: 3325 Adobe Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954

Douglas Fong/Google Maps Visiting Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is like taking a step back in time. This place has a fascinating history and has got plenty of preserved buildings waiting to be explored. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA

Have you taken any day trips to Petaluma? Share your experiences in the comments!

Lee Steffi/Google Maps

This place is so neat! It’s a huge antiques shop with all kinds of military memorabilia dating back to the Civil War. In addition to the 6,000-square foot retail space, there’s also a military museum down in the basement. Check out the museum’s website to see some of their fascinating artifacts.

The Petaluma Collective Militaria Mall, Collective, 300 Petaluma Blvd N, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Nancy Douglas/Google Maps

We may be best-known for our wineries in Northern California, but there are some great breweries here as well! You’ll definitely want to check out Lagunitas Brewing Company. This dog-friendly brewery has a tap room and regularly hosts live music. Check out the brewery’s website for a calendar of events.

Lagunitas Brewing Company, 1280 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA

aftertec advanced imaging/Google Maps

Fans of Northern California history will not want to miss the Petaluma Historical Library and Museum. This place has so much information about regional history, with exhibits dating back to the 1850s. Visit the library’s website to see some current exhibits.

Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 20 4th St, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Marin French Cheese Co.

In addition to beer and wine, some great cheese is produced in NorCal. Marin French Cheese Co. is the oldest continuously operating cheese manufacturer in the country. Here, you’ll find delicious artisanal cheeses of all kinds of varieties. Visit the Marin French Cheese Co. website to learn more.

Marin French Cheese Co., 7510 Pt. Reyes - Petaluma Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Mike Wasden/Alltrails

Want to get outside and explore? Helen Putnam Regional Park is a great option. This lovely 216-acre park boasts six miles of trails, so there’s plenty to see (and the views are incredible).

Helen Putnam Regional Park, 411 Chileno Valley Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952, USA

Douglas Fong/Google Maps

Visiting Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is like taking a step back in time. This place has a fascinating history and has got plenty of preserved buildings waiting to be explored.

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Rd, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA

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Address: Petaluma, CA, USA