Why go in summer: Coast-cooled weather and a drive-worthy farmers' market at its peak.
Some locals call it: The Pool
Population: 7,484
Dress code: So casual, even tie-dye's on view.
Ground zero: The Town Plaza is where the action is ― especially on a summer Sunday. Watch as the entire community comes out of the woodwork to play catch up at the farmers' market.
Best brunch on wheels: Yes, Mateo Granados's "mobile kitchen" (7–2 Sun; Sebastopol Town Plaza, Petaluma Ave./State 116 at Weeks Way), at the farmers' market, is a taco truck. But he draws on skills picked up at San Francisco's Masa's and Rubicon to create eye-openers like tamales with suckling pig, and huevos rancheros with black-bean purée, Bodega Bay goat cheese, and homemade salsa.
Cool off: Float and splash your way through the redwoods on the Russian River, about 14 more miles up State 116.
Next: What to do and where to eat in Sebastopol
