The Barlow
A 12-acre outdoor market district in Sebastopol, featuring repurposed industrial buildings filled with local shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, shops open
The Barlow
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere, shops open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 12-acre outdoor market district in Sebastopol, featuring repurposed industrial buildings filled with local shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms.
"The Barlow is the place where it all happens, where good beer, apples and ecology come together and create a wonderful symphony of the good life and happy days."
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
It's a large outdoor market, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring!
⏰ Check Business Hours
Many shops and tasting rooms close by 5 PM. Plan your visits accordingly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Local Food & Drink Scene
Various eateries and tasting rooms
Savor farm-to-table sandwiches, tacos, poke bowls, and craft beer or wine flights.
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Unique Boutique Shopping
Throughout the market
Discover artisanal crafts, metaphysical goods, and local artisan creations.
Retro Arcade Fun
The Rewind Arcade
Enjoy craft beer, karaoke, and a fantastic selection of retro pinball games.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoor Market Vibe
Timing is Key for Tastings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
It's a large outdoor market, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring!
⏰ Check Business Hours
Many shops and tasting rooms close by 5 PM. Plan your visits accordingly.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking is available, though it can be limited to 2 hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
It's a large outdoor market, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring!
⏰ Check Business Hours
Many shops and tasting rooms close by 5 PM. Plan your visits accordingly.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of free parking is available, though it can be limited to 2 hours.
📅 Look for Events
Check The Barlow's event calendar for special happenings and markets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Barlow for its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and the friendly, attentive staff across its diverse shops and eateries. It's celebrated as a vibrant 12-acre outdoor market offering a fantastic array of local food, wine, beer, and unique crafts. While some find the crafts a bit pricey, the overall experience is highly recommended for a half-day of enjoyable exploration.
"So chill and comfortable 😎. Very welcoming. Staff was so very nice ,helpful, laid back, attentive and just accommodating. They made sure we had what we needed and still have us the space we needed for our private little surprise birthday party we had there for our best friends 45th. They helped us get cards loaded and gave the info for ordering food."
Jay kay Kay jass
"The Barlow is a 12 acre outdoor market so there is plenty to do and explore in this area. There are lots of local food restaurants, wine tasting rooms, places with beer and spirits, boutique shops, a cheese shop, and stores with local crafts and goods.
The service at all of the places I have been to is excellent and everyone is friendly and inviting. As far as food, I love the Osito Tacos, because who doesn't love tacos. I haven't tried all the food options here but the ones I have tried were all great. I also love Region, a self-serve wine bar, and enjoy sampling different wines. Each month they feature a winery and you can enjoy a flight of wines or partake in different events they have.
The Barlow is dog friendly so you will see cute dogs on leashes. They have plenty of outdoor and indoor areas to sit, relax, and enjoy your time there. They have events so if interested in going to any events here, check out their events calendar online."
Katrina
"Should you be lucky enough to visit Sebastopol, you must also visit The Barlow. The Barlow is the place where it all happens, where good beer, apples and ecology come together and create a wonderful symphony of the good life and happy days. I came there by chance and quickly fell in love. A wonderful place to spend half a day."
Jesper Rasmussen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Barlow is located in Sebastopol, California. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. If coming from San Francisco, it's about a 1.5-hour drive north.
While public transportation options exist to Sebastopol, direct routes to The Barlow itself might be limited. Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the area.
The Barlow is a 12-acre outdoor market district. The best way to explore is on foot, so wear comfortable shoes. You can wander between the repurposed farm buildings housing various shops and eateries.
Absolutely! The Barlow makes for a fantastic day trip from San Francisco, offering a diverse range of food, drink, and shopping experiences.
Yes, Sebastopol itself offers charming downtown areas, and the wider Sonoma County region is known for its wineries and apple orchards, making it a great base for exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Barlow is an open outdoor market district, and there is no admission fee to enter. You only pay for purchases made at individual shops and tasting rooms.
The Barlow itself is generally accessible, but individual shop and restaurant hours vary. Most businesses operate from late morning to late afternoon, often closing around 5 PM. It's best to check the specific hours for any place you wish to visit. +1
Yes, The Barlow frequently hosts events, including farmers' markets and special themed days. Checking their official website or social media is recommended to stay updated on upcoming events.
Entry to tasting rooms is typically free, but you will be charged for any wine or beer flights or individual glasses you purchase. Some may have a small tasting fee.
Yes, The Barlow is family-friendly. There are activities and spaces that kids can enjoy, like exploring shops and outdoor areas.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Activities
You'll find a diverse range of shops, including boutiques with local crafts, artisanal food stores, metaphysical shops, and more.
Yes, The Barlow often features local produce and crafts, especially during its farmers' markets. Many shops also sell locally made goods.
Popular activities include exploring the shops, enjoying food and drinks at restaurants and tasting rooms, visiting the retro arcade, and attending events.
Definitely! The Barlow is a perfect spot for a girls' day out with its mix of shopping, wine tasting, and delicious food options.
You can find unique experiences like visiting a witchy spa for massages and facials, exploring a metaphysical apothecary, or playing retro pinball at the arcade bar.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Popular spots include Osito Tacos for tacos, The Farmers Wife for farm-to-table fare, and Salt and Sea for poke bowls. Khom Loi in Sebastopol, near The Barlow, is also highly recommended by Michelin.
Many restaurants offer diverse menus with vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check with the specific restaurant for their current offerings.
Yes, there are coffee shops like Taylor Lane that offer coffee and pastries, perfect for starting your day.
You can find a variety of drinks, including craft beer from breweries like Crooked Goat Brewing, wine tasting rooms like Region, and specialty teas.
Yes, some venues within The Barlow can accommodate private events and parties, offering a unique setting for celebrations.
📸 📸 Photography
The Barlow's industrial-chic architecture, unique shops, and outdoor spaces offer many photogenic opportunities. Look for hand-painted signs and the repurposed farm buildings.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with The Barlow's management or local authorities regarding drone photography policies before flying.
The open outdoor market areas, especially with the repurposed industrial buildings, provide a unique backdrop. The hand-painted signs are also a popular subject.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the industrial-chic aesthetic. However, the vibrant atmosphere during weekend afternoons also offers great candid shots.
The large hand-painted roof signs and the distinctive architecture of the repurposed fruit processing facility are iconic photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there isn't a dedicated playground, the sheer variety of sights and sounds, combined with the opportunity to try different foods, makes it an enjoyable outing for children. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone, as there's a lot of ground to cover.
🐶 Dog Lovers
Many of the outdoor seating areas at restaurants and cafes are perfect for dogs, and you'll likely see many other well-behaved pups during your visit. It's a fantastic spot for dog owners looking for a place to explore and dine without leaving their pets behind.
🍷 Wine and Beer Enthusiasts
The concentration of tasting rooms and breweries makes it easy to sample a variety of local offerings in one visit. Many visitors recommend arriving thirsty and with an empty stomach to fully enjoy the culinary and beverage experiences The Barlow has to offer.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub of Local Flavors
Don't miss the chance to sample local wines at tasting rooms like Region, which often features a winery of the month and hosts events.Many visitors rave about the quality and freshness of the ingredients. The casual, outdoor seating arrangements at many establishments make it a pleasant experience to dine and people-watch. It's a place where you can truly taste the essence of Northern California's food scene.
Shopping Beyond the Ordinary
Many reviewers highlight the welcoming nature of the shop owners and staff, contributing to the overall positive atmosphere. It’s a place where you can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts, far from the typical tourist traps. The repurposed industrial buildings themselves add character to the shopping experience.
Entertainment and Recreation
They also serve craft beer on tap, making it a great place to unwind after exploring the market. Beyond the arcade, The Barlow often hosts events, including farmers' markets, which add another layer of activity and community engagement.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit