Sebastopol Guidebook
Welcome to charming Sebastopol, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Sonoma County! This guide will help you discover the best coffee shops, restaurants, outdoor adventures, and music venues this delightful town has to offer.
Coffee Shops & Cafés
Downtown Sebastopol
Retrograde Coffee Roasters – Local favorite for expertly roasted coffee
Hardcore Espresso – Sweet family-run spot with excellent baristas and a chill atmosphere
Emilou's Café – Cozy neighborhood café perfect for a morning brew
Coffee & Moore – Located in Gravenstein Station, ideal stop after walking the Joe Rodota Trail
Westside Cafe – Classic coffee shop with local charm
The Harvest Cafe – Farm-to-table café experience
Crooks Coffee – Local roaster with artisanal approach
Ice Cream Shops
Screamin' Mimi's Ice Cream (6902 Sebastopol Ave) – Local institution with creative flavors and classic favorites
Many other artisanal options downtown (seasonal offerings vary)
The Barlow: Food & Drink Hub
A 12-acre outdoor market district featuring local food, wine, beer, spirits, and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans.
Restaurants & Bars in The Barlow
Fern Bar – Live music and innovative zero-proof cocktails
The Punchdown – Natural wine bar and bottle shop
Salt & Sea Poke – Fresh Hawaiian-style poke bowls
Region – Self-serve wine bar with local vintages
Blue Ridge Kitchen – Exceptional cuisine in a welcoming setting
Barrio – Authentic Mexican cuisine
Crooked Goat Brewing – Local craft brewery
Acre Pasta – Handmade pasta and Italian-inspired dishes
Patisserie Angelica – Elegant high tea and scones (reservations recommended)
Sarmentine – Organic French bakery
Taylor Lane Coffee – Flagship location with organic drinks and patio
Two Dog Night Creamery – Small-batch organic ice cream made from Straus cream
Near The Barlow
The Farmer's Wife – Farm-to-table dining
The Redwood – Contemporary American cuisine
Third Pig Bar – Neighborhood bar
Portico – Italian comfort food
Goldfinch – Upscale seasonal cuisine
Americana – Local farm-fresh comfort fare
Downtown Sebastopol Dining
Lunch Box – Quick, casual bites
Campanella Kitchen & Garden Patio – Italian-inspired with outdoor seating
Sebastopol Cookie Company – Delicious baked goods and treats
Outdoor Adventures
Joe Rodota Trail
8.5-mile paved trail connecting Santa Rosa and Sebastopol
Great for walking, biking, and scenic views of the Laguna de Santa Rosa
Best enjoyed in fall and spring
Coastal Hikes near Bodega Bay (30–45 minutes away)
Bodega Head Trail – Clifftop ocean views, whale watching, easy-to-moderate hike
Kortum Trail – Bluff-top trail between Salmon Creek Beach and Goat Rock, wildflowers in spring
Duncan's Landing – Rugged rocky coast, tide pools, dramatic wave action
Shell Beach – Peaceful beach walk, sunset views
Salmon Creek Beach Trail – Birdwatching, gentle lagoon-side trail
Music Venues & Events
HopMonk Tavern Sebastopol
230 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA
Sebastopol's music hub with local and touring acts in an intimate tavern setting
Peacetown Summer Concert Series
Every Wednesday, June to August
Dance at Ives Park
Americana at HopMonk
Vibes for days
Rancho Nicasio (about 45 minutes away)
Rustic Marin County roadhouse with dinner shows, live music, and western charm
Community Events & Markets
Sebastopol Farmers' Market
Held every Sunday at Town Square – a community gathering of local farmers, artisans, and fresh produce in a charming park setting
Additional Barlow Attractions
Artisan workshops and maker spaces
Local breweries and distilleries
Organic landscaping and edible gardens
Pet-friendly paths and patios
Rotating art shows and pop-up events
Getting Around
Very walkable downtown
The Barlow is easily walkable from Main Street
Ample parking at most venues
Trailheads around town
Beaches require a short scenic drive west
Best Times to Visit
Spring (March to May) – Wildflowers, mild temps
Summer (June to August) – Outdoor dining, Peacetown series
Fall (September to November) – Harvest season, fewer crowds
Winter (December to February) – Stormy coastlines, cozy vibes
Final Note
Sebastopol is all about laid-back charm, great food, and stunning natural beauty. Whether you're sipping local wine, biking scenic trails, or dancing under the redwoods, this town is ready to welcome you.