Sebastopol, Sonoma County, California
Sebastopol is where we go when we want Sonoma without the wine tasting queues. It is known for apples, and for the number of artists who live there, and beautiful natural surroundings. Sebastopol is also known as the “City of Peace” due to its strong commitment to social justice and environmental protection.
Sebastopol was founded in the 1850s as a small farming community. The town grew quickly, and by the early 1900s it was a busy farming centre, mostly apples. Sebastopol is still home to many farms today, and it is a major producer of apples, pears, and other fruits and vegetables.
The farming is still here, and so is a large population of artists, which explains the sculptures made of scrap metal along Florence Avenue. The town is home to a number of art galleries, as well as craft food and beverage purveyors. Sebastopol is also known for its annual Sebastopol Center for the Arts Summer Festival, which features a variety of performances and activities and the Apple Blossom Festival.
Sebastopol is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The town is located near the Laguna de Santa Rosa, a wetland preserve that offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Sebastopol is within a 30 min drive to the dramatic Sonoma coast and in close proximity to redwood forest towns like Occidental and Guerneville, as well as the Russian river.
One of the most popular destinations in Sebastopol is the Barlow, a former apple cannery that has been transformed into a mixed-use space. The Barlow is home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, tasting rooms, a coffee roaster, shops, and boutiques. It also houses our favorite local grocery store, Community Market, which hosts an array of events in its cafe/bar area in back. You’ll find many local artisan food goods at this Community Market in Sebastopol and it surpasses most peoples expectations of a regular grocery shopping experience.
Another popular destination in Sebastopol is Florence Avenue, a street lined with whimsical and quirky sculptures created by artist Patrick Amiot. Amiot’s sculptures are made from recycled junk materials, and they can be seen all along the street, as well as in front of businesses around town.
Sebastopol is a great place to visit for people of all ages and interests. It offers a variety of things to see and do, from enjoying the natural beauty of the area to exploring the arts and culture scene.
Here is a list of the best things to do in Sebastopol, California:
- Visit the Barlow. Whether grabbing a coffee, groceries, ice Cream or a meal this place is the hub in Sebastopol.
- Checkout the Sebastopol Farmers Market Every Sunday, Rain or Shine, All Year-Round! Usually live music and lots of samples. This is a Fabulous farmers market in the central town square.
- Retrograde Coffee roasters serves up one of the best cups of coffee in Sebastopol IMHO.
- Dine at Handline. Not only does this Sebastopol establishment have great ambiance, though it serves up some deeeelicious food.
- If you have a little extra time on your hands and don’t want to venture to nearby Occidental or Guerneville, then Luther Burbank’s Experiment Farm is worth checking out. It’s small though full of appeal and local history.
- Explore Florence Avenue and the incredible junk art scultpures.
- Eat at Khom Loi , some of our favorite thai food in all of California!
Everything above is gluten free, which is why Handline gets named twice. Their kitchen understands the difference between a preference and a medical need.
Enjoy your time in Sebastopol! It is one of those places that holds a special spot in our heart,
