Exchange Ave, Santa Rosa

Old Courthouse Square is on the eastern side of town in the area that locals call "Downtown." More of a promenade than an actual street, it is a great shortcut for walkers who want to avoid the noise and traffic of the busy streets. It has a lovely park with comfortable sitting benches amidst lots of big trees. A lot of downtown workers eat lunch on the benches or sprawled along the grassy, rolling hillocks.

There are 4 PM concerts in the park on each first Friday from May through September too, along with a nearby arts and crafts fair.

One landmark is the main Santa Rosa branch of U.S. Bank, whose ATMs are placed along the walkway. If you drive to the Square, you can park in the garage; otherwise, be sure to bring plenty of change for the parking meters, which are vigilantly patrolled.