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The Footbridge: In downtown Petaluma, near dozens of brick and mortar establishments, sits the John Balshaw River Walk Bridge, otherwise known as the Footbridge. The short wooden bridge that crosses over the Petaluma River, connecting River Plaza to the bustling downtown, is a good spot for capturing a friend pensively looking out over the water. With a backdrop of historic buildings and cobblestone roads, this bridge is perfect for those who want to add an old-timey feel to their photos. Located off Water Street, between Dempsey’s and Water Street Bistro. (Shutterstock)
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Steamer Landing Park: A little further down the river from the bridge, Steamer Landing Park is a small strip of land sandwiched between the Petaluma River and McNear Channel, where the annual Rivertown Revival is hosted. The grassy field includes an old red barn (the David Yearsley River Heritage Center) and a rustic row boat that’s perfect for rural photos. One side of the barn has large, vibrantly painted monarch butterfly wings; so if you’ve ever dreamed of being a big beautiful butterfly, you know where to go. Located off Copeland and East D streets. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
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Monarch butterfly wings on the old barn at Steamer Landing Park. (Photo by @bottykotty)
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A more urban view at Steamer Landing Park in Petaluma. (Photo by @luclonde)
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Shollenberger Park: If you’re looking for a nature-themed photoshoot, there are countless opportunities at Shollenberger Park. The large marsh in the center of the park offers a quaint backdrop, especially when the sun is setting, and it invites a variety of birds, such as swans and sparrows, to add some natural elegance to your shot. The park also overlooks the Petaluma River, with its rowers and boats, if you want a nautical touch. Located at 1400 Cader Lane. (Photo by Crissy Pascual)
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Red-shouldered hawk at Shollenberger Park in Petaluma. (Photo by @rswanee44)
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Hotel Petaluma: One of the main attractions of Petaluma is its old-timey feel and many historical buildings. The Hotel Petaluma, established in 1923, features several 20th century architectural accents, such as large archways and antique lamps, making it a great place to take sophisticated, old-fashioned photos. Whether your photoshoot is outside on the stone patio with the bubbling water fountain or inside the high-ceilinged lobby with the grand fireplace, your photos are sure to make you look and feel like a socialite. Located at 205 Kentucky Street. (Photo by Rebecca Chotkowski)
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Fall colors outside Hotel Petaluma. (Photo by @hotelpetaluma)
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A room with a view at Hotel Petaluma. (Photo by @mtnsidemediaco)
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The lobby at Hotel Petaluma. (Photo by Rebecca Chotkowski)
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Helen Putnam Regional Park: The largest park in Petaluma, with several hiking trails meandering through peaks and valleys, Helen Putnam Regional Park offers a great opportunity for a nature photoshoot. The natural sunlight brightens the rolling hills in the background and the gnarly valley oaks make photos come alive. Come to the park in the evening before sunset for an unbelievable golden hour with a rich, warm glow. Located at 411 Chileno Valley Road. (Photo by Jenna Fischer)
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Spring evening at Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma. (Photo by @allisonparsonss)
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Helen Putnam Regional Park in Petaluma. (Photo by @valflor83)
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American Alley: Alleyways aren’t typically known for their photographic potential, but Petaluma’s American Alley is an exceptionally photogenic locale. This not-so-hidden gem contains abstract and realist murals and paintings depicting a window-view into the life of the working class, all painted on historic brick buildings. For a decidedly American photoshoot, take a stroll down the alley and capture the colorful artwork in all its urban glamor. Located between Petaluma Boulevard North and Kentucky Street, off of Washington Street. (Photo by Rachel Simpson)
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The Phoenix Theatre: This historic, multi-purpose theater is renowned for housing notable acts, from Ray Charles to the Ramones, from Metallica to Van Morrison. When it’s not hosting live musical acts or pro wrestling matches, the venue serves as a teen center and a safe haven for anyone to hang out in — and take cool artsy photos. The interior of the theater is adorned with stunning wall-to-wall graffiti, giving the place a vividly colored urban feel, along with the skate ramps. So if your aesthetic is vibrant skater punk rock, you might want to schedule several photoshoots at The Phoenix. Located at 201 Washington Street. (Photo by John Burgess)
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Artwork in The Phoenix Theater parking lot. (Courtesy photo)
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Petaluma Arts Center: Adjacent to the town’s visitor center and the SMART train station is the Petaluma Arts Center, a 4500 square foot gallery housed in the historic Railroad Station freight building. Be inspired by the art inside the gallery, then let the exterior of the burnt orange building with forest green doors and terracotta roof shingles serve as the backdrop to your creative pictures. Don’t miss the steampunk metal sculptures outside, just begging to be posed with. Located at 230 Lakeville St. (Photo by John Burgess)
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Inside the Petaluma Arts Center. (Courtesy photo)
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Golden hour at the Petaluma Arts Center. (Photo by @bobandmarge)
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Maxfield Bala Murals: Petaluma was once known as the as the "Egg Capital of the World." Celebrate the town's heritage as a poultry hub by snapping a shot in front of one of local artists Maxfield Bala's massive murals. In creating his artwork, Bala drew inspiration from vintage postcards - you'll find his 50-foot-wide "Welcome to Petaluma" mural off of Highway 101 on Petaluma Blvd. S. and his 20-by-40-foot "Petaluma Chicken" mural on the side wall of the old Worthy of Love home furnishings store (226 Petaluma Blvd N). (Photo by Aaron Quinnell / @aaron_shane125)
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The "Petaluma Chicken" mural by Maxfield Bala. (Photo by Chris Samson)
