TOP 10 Museum for families in Petaluma, California

The West County Museum, located at 261 South Main Street in Sebastopol, California, is a small but fascinating museum featuring local history with rotating exhibits. Open to the public for free on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 2 pm, this volunteer-run institution showcases the original Pomo native settlers, early agricultural history, and the legacy of horticulturalist Luther Burbank in West Sonoma County. The museum also offers a gift shop and knowledgeable volunteers to answer questions. Currently, the museum's exhibit "So… what's in the boxcar?" delves into the museum's archives, showcasing the bits and pieces collected over the years from the town's residents. Housed in a restored 1917 Petaluma and Santa Rosa Electric Railway Depot, the museum's collection includes over 8,000 photographs and artifacts in a Pacific Fruit Express 'boxcar'. Don't miss this unique opportunity to explore Sebastopol's rich heritage at the West County Museum.

General Vallejo's Home, also known as Lachryma Montis, is a must-visit tourist attraction located in Sonoma, California. This historic site was the estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the Military Commander and Director of Colonization of the Northern Frontier. The home is less than a mile west of Sonoma Plaza and showcases the furnishings of the Vallejo family, serene gardens, a reservoir, and a Visitor Center and Museum in the adjacent "Chalet." The Sonoma State Historic Park, where General Vallejo's Home is situated, consists of six midtown locations near the Plaza. Visitors can also explore other historical sites such as Mission San Francisco Solano, the Blue Wing Inn, Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, and the Servants Quarters. Dogs are allowed only in the historic zone and developed areas, but not in certain areas like trails, backcountry areas, historic buildings, and gardens. Free public parking is available behind the Sonoma Barracks, and public restrooms are located in the Sonoma Barracks Courtyard. The park offers a variety of events throughout the year, including music concerts, environmental programs, and campfire programs. Additionally, visitors can participate in guided tours and volunteer opportunities at Sonoma State Historic Park and Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.

Welcome to the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society (NWP RR HS) Restoration Yard, an enchanting museum nestled in the heart of Petaluma, California. Located at 110 Baylis Street, our unique establishment invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich history of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad. Our museum is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic railroad equipment and artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of rail travel in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're a train enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for an engaging family outing, the NWP RR HS Restoration Yard provides an educational and inspiring experience for all ages.