
Petaluma Historic Downtown
Petaluma, CA
Petaluma's downtown features one of the best-preserved collections of iron-front commercial buildings in California, dating from the 1880s. The Petaluma River runs through the center of town, with a turning basin that reflects the historic waterfront buildings. The area has been used as a filming location for American Graffiti and other productions.
Photography Guide
- Best Time
- golden hour
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Shot Types
- widedetailreflection
- Best Seasons
- springsummerfallwinter
Gallery
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Nearby Places

Petaluma, CA
Petaluma River Turning Basin
The Petaluma River turning basin is a widened section of the navigable river in downtown Petaluma where historic boats and small craft moor. The calm water provides mirror-like reflections of the surrounding Victorian-era waterfront warehouses, particularly at dawn. The McNear Building and other brick structures along the basin date from Petaluma's 19th-century river commerce era.

Santa Rosa, CA
Crane Creek Regional Park
Crane Creek Regional Park offers 128 acres of open grasslands and rolling hills on the outskirts of Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa. The park provides panoramic views of Sonoma Mountain and surrounding vineyard-covered hillsides. In spring, the hillsides are blanketed with wildflowers including lupine and poppies.

Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Plaza
Sonoma Plaza is the largest plaza in California and the historic heart of the city, dating to 1835. The plaza is surrounded by historic stone buildings including the Sonoma Barracks and Mission San Francisco Solano. Mature trees, a duck pond, and the distinctive City Hall create a classic small-town scene.
