Fodor's Expert Review Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park

A 10-foot cactus fence lines the blacktop path from the parking lot to the Petaluma Adobe, the largest extant 19th-century residential adobe in the United States. History buffs won’t want to miss this landmark, which was, from 1836 to 1846, the headquarters of General Mariano Vallejo’s vast (66,000 acres at its peak) agricultural domain. Exhibits explain Vallejo’s role as Mexico’s head honcho before California joined the United States and depict daily life for native peoples and Spanish and Mexican settlers. The park sometimes closes because of staffing issues; the rangers recommend calling before you visit.