A San Francisco Bay Area town was named one of the 10 best towns in the nation to visit this year by CNN Travel, and no, it’s not San Jose, Napa, or San Marin.
The honor goes to Petaluma in Sonoma County, ranked sixth and the only California city to make CNN Travel’s second annual list. Petaluma, chartered in 1858, flourished thanks to the Petaluma River and the rich lands in the region for agriculture, said Visit Petaluma, and it was once known as the “world’s egg basket.”
Petaluma, home to nearly 60,000 people last year, was praised for its culinary scene, historic downtown, and proximity to the region’s many offerings, such as wine country.
CNN Travel dug what the town had to offer in food and drink, calling attention to Stockhome, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand (meaning the restaurant is good quality and offers good-value cooking), the pizzas of L’Oro di Napoli, and many other worthwhile bites and brews.
“You could spend two weeks in Petaluma and not nearly eat through all the delicious dining options in town,” CNN Travel said.
But other reasons to visit include Petaluma’s 19th-century buildings, “hip bars” and “loads of nostalgia,” according to CNN Travel.
“Whether by foot or kayak, you see old Petaluma still in action everywhere,” CNN Travel said. “The tallest building downtown is a grain factory still operating for dairy feed. The Hampton Inn Petaluma is in a nicely renovated silk mill. The Mystic Theatre — the showcase music venue in town — is another old vaudeville stage.”
What is the best town in America to visit in 2025, according to CNN?
The top spot was Ithaca, New York, for its “easy access to nature, vibrant college-town culture and homegrown flavors,” said CNN Travel.
Places chosen for the list were narrowed down from hundreds of candidates as CNN Travel said it examined finalists’ attractions, cultural and nightlife scenes, food and beverage offerings, and other factors.
Here are the other towns chosen as America’s Best Towns to Visit in 2025 by CNN:
How far is Petaluma from San Francisco?
Route dependent, Petaluma is about 40 miles north of San Francisco, taking drivers anywhere from 45 minutes to a little over an hour to get there, depending on traffic.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: CNN said this NorCal river town is one of the best in US to visit. Hint: ‘World’s egg basket’
Reporting by Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
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