Vacation Nearby
Vacation Nearby
Why?
If “wanderlust” is your middle name, you might be drawn to scores of exotic or exciting worldwide destinations. Even if you grant yourself the occasional dream vacation, consider this: We live in an area that’s a dream vacation for other travelers! Learn to see our city and county through tourists’ eyes. Besides cutting your greenhouse gas emissions, you may discover some local and regional gems you didn’t know about. Planning a home staycation is even easier on the planet and may get your creative juices going!
Find nearby destinations & attractions
Okay, begin right here, in Petaluma. For starters, it’s a town that knows how to do home-spun fun and it’s a foodie’s delight to boot! From Butter & Egg Days to the Salute to American Graffiti to the Art & Garden Festival – see if you can find a weekend where there isn’t a lot going on right in your hometown. Outdoor exploration is plentiful as well, from river recreation to cycling or hiking in Helen Putnam Park. Countywide, you have even more options for wine tasting, antique hunting, listening to music, whale watching, and beachcombing.
Sonoma Magazine: 20 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Sonoma County
Create a staycation itinerary
You can easily create a staycation itinerary from Petaluma or Sonoma County destinations. Or try something new right at home. It may be more fun than you imagined and is sure to be easier on the wallet. First, consider setting a few ground rules such as eliminating digital distractions, chores, and other work. Then plan your fun as a family! The resources below have a wealth of options, including backyard camping, inventing your own game, cartooning, stargazing, and creating a scavenger hunt.
Living Well: 25 Awesome Staycation Ideas
Nerdwallet: 99 Staycation Ideas for This Summer
Skip the cruise
Planes, trains, and automobiles…. But what about boats? According to a 2017 study, cruise ships emit between three to four times more carbon per passenger per kilometer than commercial flights. And that doesn’t even consider the other environmental impacts they impose.
