Welcome to Sebastopol
A rural West County town with picturesque beauty and a sense of whimsy
Set against the backdrop of wine country’s dramatic hillside and sweeping vistas sits Sebastopol, a lush haven of art, organic farms, and warm welcomes. Here colorful Victorian homes share sidewalks with shell-adorned mermaids and smiling caterpillars — because Sebastopol’s whimsical community is an artist colony of sorts, and residents have the gift of alchemy. In their deft hands, tin lids become fish scales, old engines become dinosaurs, and the mundane moments of daily life are celebrated. Sebastopol embraces eccentricity, and the community is all the better for it — Sebastopol has been lauded as one of the best small towns in wine country.
Tucked between Bodega Bay and Santa Rosa, Sebastopol sports both the relaxed coastal approach of a beachside hamlet and the tight-knit community of a small town. And while wine country is considered the star of Sonoma County, Sebastopol stands apart with a gem of its own — the apple. This small town has a big reputation as the Gravenstein Capital of the World and celebrates the apple in delicious style with several fairs and events dedicated to the Gravenstein.
What to Love:
Local Lifestyle
Full of lush parks and community celebrations, the warm and friendly town of Sebastopol sets the scene for idyllic family life. Residents welcome newcomers with a smile, and the town itself is designed to cater to social gatherings and fun.
Sebastopol loves its dogs, and residents of this canine-friendly community can often be found going for a morning stroll with the family pup or lounging in the park for an afternoon game of fetch. Nature’s wild beauty is on full display in Sebastopol, and residents enjoy hiking the redwood forests and wandering the banks of the Russian River.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
While apples are the theme of Sebastopol’s festivals, daily dining takes on global flavors and international influences. HopMonk Tavern invites guests to imbibe and indulge in its rich gastropub cuisine, craft cocktails, and local wine. Mixologists showcase creative combinations with drinks like the shishito margarita and banana foster Manhattan, while pub classics like pickle fries and hot fried chicken sandwiches delight the palate. Screamin’ Mimi’s is a playful ice cream shop with an incredible menu of creative confections.
The Barlow is Sebastopol’s latest craze, and for a good reason — this outdoor market spans 12 acres of trendy shops, wine tastings, and gourmet bistros. From the organic produce at the Community Market to the Parisian style and fresh seafood at Oyster, the Barlow is Sebastopol’s go-to spot for culinary excellence.
Things to Do
As a farming town, Sebastopol has long been known for rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, but this heavenly little hamlet has also earned the title of Gravenstein Apple Capital of the World. And Sebastopol is proud to embrace the moniker — some of the town’s most beloved events feature everything apple-related. The Gravenstein Apple Fair, also known as the sweetest fair in Sonoma County, celebrates the gem with live music, craft cider, arts and crafts activities, farm demonstrations, and an abundance of Gravenstein-centric food and drink.
Here in Sebastopol, there is more than one way to eat an apple, and the Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival and Parade is proof. This spring celebration features countless apple recipes, music, and a lively parade with horses and performers dancing their way down Main Street.
In a town as artistic as Sebastopol, the opportunity to see and make art is everywhere. The Sebastopol Center for the Arts showcases exhibits and provides art instruction, and the Sebastopol Gallery features work and handmade jewelry from Sonoma County artists.
