California Attractions

img

Petaluma, California River

  petalumasmallcraftcenter.org

  rivertownrevival.com

I've always known Petaluma for its historical distinction as Egg Basket to the World, celebrated annually through Butter & Eggs Days in April. In the past several years it has become increasingly known for the Artisan Cheese Festival, as well. But one day passing through Petaluma around lunch time, I found a restaurant with outdoor tables overlooking a river. I really enjoyed this tranquil setting and wanted to know more. Petaluma River, it turns out, is really a 13-mile tributary that flows through Petaluma and feeds into San Pablo Bay. It is not a river, but a tidal slough. It was deemed a river by a 1959 act of Congress, thus enabling it to receive enough federal funding to cover the expensive process of dredging. Named for the city, Petaluma, up till 1970 the river was an eyesore--a dump site for garbage.

PETALUMA RIVER FACTS • Established as a navigable port in 1851. • Is actually a 13-mile tidal slough or estuary of San Pablo Bay. • The river drains a watershed of approximately 32 square miles.

ONGOING Petaluma River Cruise - 3 hour narrated trip on the Petaluma River. View the birds and wildlife that inhabit this special region on the downriver and return journey. Departs from the Petaluma Turning Basin, (510) 527-9622, dolphincharters.com


Subscribe to our newsletter!

More Info

Near Petaluma