Cow Heaven: An Agricultural Self-Guided Driving Tour
Active
1h - 1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A 21-mile self-guided audio driving tour from Point Reyes National Seashore to the town of Tomales.
Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, fifth-generation sheep rancher Bill Jensen guides recalcitrant lambs through a foot bath. A few miles down the road, Bob Giacomini checks out his high-tech milking barn.
Bill and Bob are part of a rich agricultural community of dairy farmers, cattle and sheep ranchers and oyster growers in West Marin County. How was this rural paradise, so close to a major metropolitan area, saved from development? A lot of the credit goes to two women who came up with a unique idea...
Available options
Cow Heaven: An Agricultural Self-Guided Driving Tour
What's included
VoiceMap Application
Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Detailed itinerary
1
The tour takes place in Point Reyes National Seashore
2
We'll begin our tour at the Bear Valley Visitor Center, hearing the stories of this land and the family farming that continues to thrive to this day.
3
The tour passes through Point Reyes Station.
4
The tour passes Millerton Point.
5
The tour passes through Marshall.
6
Our tour ends in the town of Tomales after admiring the beautiful views along Tomales bay. Here the residents "get to know everybody, and everybody gets to know you".
What's not included
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food/Drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour
Available languages
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
3.3
3 reviews
5★
1
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.2
13 reviews
5★
9
4★
1
3★
1
2★
0
1★
2
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
Important notes
VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.
DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now
PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.
SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me
About Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa, nestled in California's Sonoma County, is the heart of the Wine Country. Known for its lush vineyards, historic charm, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, it offers a blend of urban amenities and rural tranquility. The city is a gateway to world-class wineries, redwood forests, and the rugged Pacific coastline.
Top Attractions
Sonoma County Wine Country
Santa Rosa is the gateway to Sonoma County's renowned wine country. With over 400 wineries, the region offers a diverse range of tasting experiences, from boutique family-owned vineyards to large, well-known estates.
Nature/Cultural
Half day to full day
Free to $50 per tasting
Charles M. Schulz Museum
Dedicated to the life and work of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, this museum offers a fascinating look at the history of the beloved characters and the impact of the comic on popular culture.
Museum
1-2 hours
$15 for adults, $10 for children (6-17), free for children under 6
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
This stunning redwood forest offers a peaceful escape into nature. With towering ancient trees and scenic trails, it's a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Nature
Half day
Free
Bodega Bay
Located about 30 minutes from Santa Rosa, Bodega Bay offers stunning coastal views, beaches, and a charming small-town atmosphere. It's a great spot for whale watching, birding, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Beach/Nature
Half day to full day
Free to $10 for parking
Howarth Park
A beautiful park located in Santa Rosa, offering a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The park is home to a lake, playgrounds, and a small zoo.
Nature/Park
1-3 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Wine Country Salad
A fresh salad featuring local greens, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and a variety of fruits, often paired with a local vinaigrette.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, can be made vegan without cheese
Cioppino
A seafood stew made with a variety of local seafood, such as crab, shrimp, and clams, in a tomato-based sauce.
Dinner
Contains shellfish, gluten-free if prepared without bread
Artisan Bread
Freshly baked bread made with local ingredients, often served with butter, jam, or cheese.
Breakfast/Snack
Contains gluten, vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Biking in Howarth Park
Wine tasting in Sonoma County
Picnicking in Howarth Park
Shopping in Santa Rosa Plaza
Visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum
Exploring the Santa Rosa Farmers Market
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
September to October
This is the harvest season, perfect for wine tasting and enjoying the outdoors. The weather is warm and sunny, ideal for exploring the region's vineyards and parks.
15-25°C
59-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time.
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Santa Rosa is generally a safe city, but visitors should take the usual precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur in crowded areas, so it's important to be vigilant and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
- • Avoid isolated areas, especially at night
Getting there
By air
- Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport • 10 km from city center
- Oakland International Airport • 100 km from city center
By train
Santa Rosa Station
By bus
Santa Rosa Transit Mall
Getting around
Public transport
Sonoma County Transit operates a network of buses that serve Santa Rosa and the surrounding areas. The system is convenient and affordable for getting around the city and connecting to nearby attractions.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Santa Rosa
Ravenswood
South Santa Rosa
Day trips
Bodega Bay
30 km from Santa Rosa • Half day to full day
Bodega Bay offers stunning coastal views, beaches, and a charming small-town atmosphere. It's a great spot for whale watching, birding, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Healdsburg
25 km from Santa Rosa • Half day to full day
Healdsburg is a charming town in the heart of Sonoma County's wine country. Known for its boutique wineries, art galleries, and gourmet restaurants, it's a popular destination for food and wine lovers.
Petaluma
20 km from Santa Rosa • Half day to full day
Petaluma is a historic town known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, antique shops, and local museums. It's a great destination for history buffs and those interested in exploring the region's past.
Festivals
Santa Rosa Plaza Jazz Festival • October
Sonoma County Fair • July
Wine Country Festival • September
Pro tips
- Visit local wineries for unique tasting experiences and to learn about the region's wine-making traditions
- Explore the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve for a peaceful escape into nature
- Stroll through downtown Santa Rosa to discover local shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions
- Attend local festivals and events to experience the region's vibrant arts and culture scene
- Try local specialties, such as wine country salads, cioppino, and artisan bread
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
