Santa Rosa · Sonoma County, CA

Cheap things to do in Santa Rosa

Scout analyzed 69 Santa Rosa places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.

Places analyzed

69

Matches

24

Typical spend

$45

Typical visit

2.2 hr

Scout-verified spots

Bodega Bay Trailhead

Outdoors

Bodega Bay Trailhead

This trailhead offers a free opportunity for a scenic walk or hike along the Bodega Bay coast, lasting 1.5 to 3 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or a meal at a nearby restaurant in Bodega Bay.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Montgomery Village

Shopping

Montgomery Village

Montgomery Village is an outdoor shopping mall suitable for a couple of hours of browsing shops or grabbing a meal. Expect to spend $20-$100 per person depending on purchases, and parking is typically easy.

ShoppingFoodRelaxed
$20–$100 typical1 hr visiteasy parking
YogaSix

Wellness

YogaSix

YogaSix is suitable for a solo wellness activity, typically lasting about an hour per class. A single class may cost around $25-35, but memberships are common.

SportsWellnessRelaxed
$25–$35 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking
Kenwood Inn & Spa

Wellness

Kenwood Inn & Spa

This upscale hotel and spa is suited for a romantic getaway or special occasion, offering relaxation and fine dining over a multi-day stay. Expect a significant per-night cost.

WellnessFoodCocktails
$500–$1000 typical24 hr visiteasy parking
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Food & Drink

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual, inexpensive meetup. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Crooks Coffee

Food & Drink

Crooks Coffee

A typical coffee shop visit for a quick drink or light bite, often paired with errands or a walk. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
The Spinster Sisters

Food & Drink

The Spinster Sisters

The Spinster Sisters is a good spot for a dinner out, whether for a casual date or a small group. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $40-80 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$40–$80 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Brew

St. Rose Neighborhood Association

Brew

Brew is a homey cafe suitable for a relaxed solo visit or a casual meet-up, ideal for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. Expect to spend $15-35 per person for a visit lasting about an hour, fitting well into a morning or afternoon outing.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$15–$35 typical45 min visitmoderate parking
Bird & The Bottle

Memorial Hospital Neighborhood

Bird & The Bottle

Bird & The Bottle is a good spot for a dinner date or special occasion, offering upscale Southern & Asian fusion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $35-70 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRelaxed
$35–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

Food & Drink

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

This coffee shop is good for a quick stop for a Hawaiian coffee and a small bite, pairing well with a solo errand run or a casual meeting. Expect to spend 30 minutes and $5-15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Montis

Food & Drink

Montis

Montis is a stylish restaurant suitable for an evening meal or drinks, especially on the patio if weather permits. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, costing around $35-75 per person for food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Outdoors

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is ideal for a half-day to full-day outdoor adventure, offering hiking trails and stargazing opportunities. Expect to spend about $10 per vehicle for entry, making it an accessible option for nature lovers.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park

Outdoors

Shiloh Ranch Regional Park

Shiloh Ranch Regional Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor activity, offering rugged trails for hiking and biking. Expect to pay a park entrance fee per vehicle, making it an affordable outing that pairs well with a packed lunch or post-hike local restaurant.

OutdoorsViewsAdventurous
$7 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Riverfront Regional Park

Outdoors

Riverfront Regional Park

This park is suitable for a relaxed few hours outdoors, ideal for a family picnic, a nature walk, or some fishing. Expect to spend a few dollars for parking and consider bringing your own food.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Trione-Annadel State Park

Outdoors

Trione-Annadel State Park

This state park is ideal for a half-day or full-day outdoor excursion with hiking and scenic views, costing around $7 for parking. It pairs well with a picnic or a post-hike meal in nearby Santa Rosa.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$7 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Spring Lake Park

Outdoors

Spring Lake Park

Spring Lake Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor excursion, offering trails and a swimming lagoon. Plan for a few hours of activity, costing around $7-10 for parking, and pack a picnic or snacks.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$7–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Avid Coffee

Food & Drink

Avid Coffee

Avid Coffee is a good spot for a quick, inexpensive coffee and pastry stop, fitting well into a solo outing or a brief break during errands. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-10 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed
$5–$10 typical45 min visiteasy parking
Ca'Bianca Ristorante Italiano

Food & Drink

Ca'Bianca Ristorante Italiano

Ca'Bianca is a good choice for a sit-down dinner for a date or special event, with an average visit lasting about 1.5 hours. Expect to spend $40-80 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors
$40–$80 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking
Mystic Theatre

Arts & Culture

Mystic Theatre

The Mystic Theatre is a live music venue suitable for an evening out, often paired with dinner at the adjacent eatery. Expect to spend 3 hours and $50-$150 per person on tickets and drinks.

Live musicCocktailsFood
$50–$150 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking
Green Music Center

Arts & Culture

Green Music Center

The Green Music Center is ideal for an evening out to enjoy a concert or performance, potentially paired with a meal at its restaurant. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, with tickets and potential dining costing between $50-$200 per person.

Live musicArtsFood
$50–$200 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking
Taylor Mountain Regional Park

Outdoors

Taylor Mountain Regional Park

Taylor Mountain Regional Park is suitable for a 2-4 hour outdoor activity like hiking or picnicking. Expect to pay a small parking fee, and combine it with a meal in Santa Rosa afterward.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Finley Community Park

Outdoors

Finley Community Park

Finley Community Park is ideal for a low-cost family outing or solo walk, offering playgrounds and open spaces. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here, potentially packing a picnic for a meal.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Coffey Park

Outdoors

Coffey Park

Coffey Park is suitable for a casual family outing or a quiet solo walk. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the playground and green spaces, with no cost for entry.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Southwest Community Park

Southwest Santa Rosa

Southwest Community Park

This community park is a good spot for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, typically lasting about an hour or two. It's suitable for families with young children or a solo walk, and pairs well with a picnic or a coffee stop before or after.

OutdoorsAnimalsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

What Scout found

  • 60 of the 69 analyzed Santa Rosa places fit cheap day out.
  • 42% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 60% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Adventurous, Scenic, Playful, Quiet.

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