Visiting Sonoma Valley? Don’t miss these things! Looking for the best things to do in Sonoma? We’ve visited three times, and each time, we’ve discovered how much more there is to Sonoma than wine. People call Sonoma the laid-back, authentic neighbor of Napa, and our Bay Area friends love Sonoma and always tell us IYKYK. It’s not only known for its wine but also for its farm-to-table cuisine, diverse geography, and open spaces. A big thank you to Visit California for sponsoring this post and Sonoma County for hosting our trip. All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible. Last Updated: September 12, 2026 −−Content Menu Best Things to Do in Sonoma County CA Map of the Best Things to Do in Sonoma More Things to Do in Sonoma County Best Places to Eat in Sonoma Essential Tips for First Timers Frequently Asked Questions How to Get to Sonoma Best Places to Stay in Sonoma Planning Checklist More Resources About Sonoma County Sonoma County has three distinct regions: the pacific coastline, redwood forests and rivers, and fertile valleys and vineyards. Amongst these regions, you’ll find over 30 small towns, villages, and cities. Is your visit to Sonoma part of a larger California trip? You’ll want to check out these articles. Redwood National Park Guide California Coast Road Trip Big Sur Guide San Francisco Bucket List Best Things to Do in Sonoma County CA 1. Wineries Let’s start with the obvious. For most, Sonoma = wineries. Since Jacob is allergic to wine, it’s nice to have options that don’t involve wine. But there was also no way I would skip out when I have the perfect DD. Wineries cover less than 6% of Sonoma County’s land, but amount to over 60k acres of vineyards and 400+ wineries. Because of the varying landscapes, you can find over 50 grape varietals. We highlighted the ones we visited, plus other notable wineries we want to check out next time. Wine and Art Pairing at Paradise Ridge Winery 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, map If you love art paired with your wine, visit Paradise Ridge Winery, only 10 minutes away from downtown Santa Rosa. As we drove onto the property, large-scale art installations greeted us against the backdrop of the beautiful vineyards. We loved the origin story of how they began incorporating art into the vineyard. Rene, co-owner and one of five kids who runs the winery, told us his dad had proposed to his mom in a sculpture garden. Some pieces are from Burning Man, and they even have a portion of The Empyrean Temple, a 40-foot sculpture. We started our visit with a tasting at the main building, then strolled through the sculpture garden to view the art. Even though I’ve taken wine tasting classes, I don’t know my wine. I know what I like, and I loved how easy their sparkling Shiraz went down. Local Tip: Every Wednesday from May to October, they host a wine and sunsets event with live music. They have multiple seatings at 5, 5:30, and 6. Korbel Winery + Korbel Delicatessen & Market 13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, map Afterward, we headed over to Korbel Winery for some food and bubbly. They have a delicatessen and market, where we had our lunch. The sandwiches and salads were fresh and yummy, and we enjoyed our time on the outdoor patio. They offer complimentary tastings for up to 3 champagnes, but you must call ahead and make a reservation. Bartholomew Estate Winery 1000 Vineyard Ln, 95476, map Bartholomew Estate Winery is the first privately owned vineyard in Sonoma Valley. It’s conveniently located minutes from downtown Sonoma and is a great place to taste wine and stroll in its 375-acre park. Buena Vista Winery 18000 Old Winery Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476, map Buena Vista was founded in 1857 and is the oldest commercial winery and California’s first premium winery. Francis Ford Coppola Winery 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441, map If you want more than wine, check out Francis Ford Coppola Winery. They not only produce over forty wines, but they also serve food at their restaurant to pair with your wine. You can dip in either of their two swimming pools and check out their huge collection of movie memorabilia. Benziger Family Winery 1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, map Benziger Family Winery is one of the first wineries to integrate biodynamic farming, and you can even take a Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour. Other Wineries to Check Out Cline Cellars (we shot our anniversary photos here) Ferrari-Carano Vineyard Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves & Vineyard Gundlach Bundschu Winery Hamel Family Wines Jordan Vineyard & Winery Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Lake Sonoma Winery Larson Family Winery Ledson Winery Medlock Ames Nicholson Ranch Pangloss Cellars Ravenswood Winery Repris Wines Roche Winery Local Tip: Check out their guide to wineries you should visit during the holidays. 2. Foraging and Tasting Experience with Timber Cove Lodge 21780 Coast Hwy #1, Jenner, 95450, map My mom grew up in a mountain village in Korea, where foraging was a part of life. Even after we immigrated to the US, I have childhood memories of my grandma and mom plucking random weeds on their walks for banchan (Korean side dishes). Dandelion leaves were one of them. I have always been curious about foraging, but it wasn’t until this trip that I got to try it for myself. I’m not sure if my mom’s spirit is coming alive in me, but I had so much fun. After foraging, we returned to Timber Cove Lodge for the tasting portion. Everything was delicious, but I was most intrigued by the oxalis lemonade. I will try this if I ever run into a patch of oxalis. What You Can Find: Various mushrooms (chanterelles, porcini, hedgehogs, morels, turkey tails), bay laurel nuts, miner’s lettuce, stinging nettle, fiddlehead, oxalis, wild radish flower, forget-me-not, nori, huckleberry, blackberry, mussels, and sea snails. Caution: There are toxic lookalikes. If you don’t know what you’re doing, go with a trained guide like Ty Kun! Also, certain protected parks are illegal to forage in, or a permit is required. Double-check the regulations before you go. 3. Sonoma Hot Air Ballooning 21870 8th St E, Sonoma, CA 95476, map We’ve been on different balloon rides across the world, but there’s something so romantic about flying over the vineyards in Sonoma. It’s always magical to see the first light kiss the edges of the rolling hills, and as a photographer, I appreciated how the different vineyards shaped the landscape. If you’re from the Bay, it’s the closest balloon ride from San Francisco and much more affordable than in Napa if you want to add it to your SF Itinerary. Pro Tip: Book your balloon ride early in your trip. This gives you time to reschedule if weather cancels it. 4. Cedar Enzyme Bath at Osmosis 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, CA 95472, map Osmosis Day Spa and Sanctuary was the highlight of our first trip. We did the Cedar Enzyme Bath, a Japanese practice, and Osmosis is one of two places you can get this treatment in North America. When we first heard about the cedar bath, we imagined a cedar tub filled with water, but we were surprised to find ourselves buried in a mixture of ground cedar and rice bran. The natural enzyme fermentation creates a warm treatment that improves circulation, relieves joint and muscle pain, and cleanses skin. In addition, the rest of the property is stunning. We spoke with Michael Stusser, who founded the spa. He studied as an apprentice in Japan, which helped him design the beautiful Zen gardens. Fun fact: the property used to be a junkyard, and they left one of the old cars there as a tribute to the space. Local Tip: They have a locker where you can keep your belongings when you’re in the spa. Our therapist was nice enough to snap a few shots during the Cedar Enzyme Bath. 5. Forest Bathing + Wine Tasting with EcoWisdom Have you heard of forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku? It was developed in Japan in the 80s and is part of preventive health care and healing after seeing a decline in mental health from being overworked. The idea is that you slow down and mindfully walk and meditate in a forest environment. Like meditation or yoga, if you’re a beginner, it helps to have someone guide you through it. Oftentimes in Japan, you end up having tea made from what was foraged during your forest bath. You take it all in through meditation and then taste the land. Jenny from Ecowisdom showed us how to forest bathe with a Sonoma twist at Zephyr Vineyards. Near the end of our forest bath, rather than tea, we did a wine tasting, since wine is one of the few beverages where you taste the earth. If you try it, let us know if you can taste the redwood spice. Even when I got home, it helped me pick up the daily habit of meditating again. We did a second meditation with Jenny when we visited Timber Cove Lodge and loved being by the coast. Local Tip: It was rainy during our first experience, so having a solid rain jacket and waterproof boots helped. 6. Take a Stroll through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Even if you’re not outdoorsy, you can take a leisurely walk through the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. The trails are flat and quiet, and it’s an enjoyable stroll through the towering redwoods. I once heard someone say redwoods are “just trees”. I’m not immune to reductive thinking patterns, but hearing that made me want to hold onto the awe and wonder all the more. Don’t miss the Colonel Armstrong Tree, which is approximately 1400 years old. 7. Sonoma Coast State Park If you’re looking for beach time, head to the Sonoma Coast State Park. It encompasses 17 miles of the coast from Bodega Head to Vista Trail and has multiple beaches and rocky cliffs. Schoolhouse Beach, Wright’s Beach, or Goat Rock Beach are popular spots for sunset. We wanted to spend some time on the beach, but since it was rainy the entire time, we saw Schoolhouse Beach from above. Local Tip: It’s always good to have cash if you need to pay for entry and/or parking. See More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip Map of Things to Do in Sonoma More Things to Do in Sonoma County Guerneville River Rock Casino Spa Bathing Ritual at Dawn Ranch – soaking in their redwood tubs outside was so relaxing. Healdsburg The Hand Fan Museum Healdsburg Plaza – People say it looks kinda like the Gilmore Girls town. Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society Russian River Rose Co, Healdsburg – nursery and display garden Petaluma Helen Putnam Regional Park Mystic Theatre – live music venue and theatre Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park Petaluma Historical Library and Museum Rancho Obi-Wan – the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection. Rivertown Revival Festival Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue Windrush Farm Santa Rosa Charles M Schulz Museum – Also known as Snoopy’s house to the local kids. This was so cute! I especially loved all the interactive parts, where you can draw your own comics. Children’s Museum of Sonoma County – Go “fishing” in a miniature Russian River. Harvest Fair Luther Burbank Home and Gardens Museum of Sonoma County Pacific Coast Air Museum Trione-Annadel State Park – great for hiking and cycling Sonoma (City) California Missions Museum Cornerstone Sonoma – a marketplace with gardens, stores, wine tasting, and eateries. Depot Park Museum Farmer’s Market – Sonoma Plaza has one Tuesday 5-8 pm May to September. See others in the area via the link. First Thursday Sonoma Art Walk – First Thursday of the month. General Joseph Hooker House General Vallejo’s Home, Sonoma State Historic Park Mission San Francisco Solano Overlook Trail – 2.5 mi round trip easy trail that gives you views of the valley. SIFF – Sonoma International Film Festival Sonoma Plaza – 8-acre park with shops, eateries, 20+ tasting rooms, and you can sample cheeses at the Cheese Factory. It’s also a National Historic Monument. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art TrainTown Railroad Watch a race at Sonoma Raceway Misc Towns and Cities Florence Ave, Sebastopol – Showcase junk art of Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent Graton Casino & Resort, Rohnert Park Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, Cazadero Poet’s Corner Bookshop, Duncan Mills – I loved this tiny, cozy bookshop. They carry used books, and I didn’t find what I was looking for, but I will keep stopping by if I’m in the area. Russian River – Float, Tube, Kayak, or Boat down. Sonoma Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen – Originally named Quarryhill Botanical Garden Salt Point State Park, Jenner Sandy Cove Beach, Jenner Sea Ranch Chapel, Sea Ranch Best Places to Eat A lot of restaurants in Sonoma County are farm-to-table and source everything locally. That means you get seasonal dishes and the freshest food. Although Healdsburg is known for its world-class restaurants, you can find great food everywhere. Here are some of the restaurants to check out in the area Boon Eat + Drink, Guerneville (, New American) – Farm-to-table CA bistro founded by Chef Crista Luedtke Bravas, Healdsburg (, Tapas) El Molino Centrale, Sonoma (, Mexican) – best taco ever according to local Chef Duskie Fern Bar, Sebastopol (, New American) – really cute plant decor Fishetarian, Bodega Bay (, Seafood) – get the clam chowder and shrimp tacos Flamingo Lazeaway Club, Santa Rosa (, New American) – solid fusion food Hog Island Oysters Co (, Seafood) – self-shuck oyster deals J Vineyards, Healdsburg (, Wineries) – tasting menu The Kefiry, Sebastopol (, Beverage Store) – do a complimentary kefir tasting Khao Soi Thai Zen (, Thai) – yummy Thai food The Sea Ranch Lodge Dining Room, Sea Ranch (, New American) – this was our favorite meal in Sonoma. I’m not sure if it’s because we toured the farm right before, but everything tasted fresher, and it gave us a greater appreciation for farm-to-table. Sushi Kosho, Sebastopol (, Sushi Bars) – Yummy sushi and Japanese dishes Trillium, Guerneville (, Wine Bar) – wine bar with good food Wild Flower Bread, Freestone (, Bakeries)- famous whipping cream scones The Barlow 6770 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472, map The Barlow is an open-air marketplace that covers four city blocks of restaurants, shops, breweries, cideries, galleries, and more. We had a delicious lunch at Kosho Sushi and grabbed coffee at Taylor Lane Organic Coffee. I also couldn’t resist stopping at California Sister Floral, a super cute plant shop next to Taylor Lane. The area was home to the Barlow family, who built facilities to process apples into applesauce. Some of the original structures still exist. In 2012, new structures were added, and local makers created a community where people can shop, drink, and play together. Local Tip: If you see any fruit on the trees in the public areas, then you’re free to pick it. – Duskie, Farm to Pantry Best Places to Stay in Sonoma We’ve visited a few times and have stayed in different parts of Sonoma. During our first visit, we stayed at the Highlands Resort in Guerneville (photos below). We stayed in a cute cabin with a fireplace and jacuzzi. Plus, it’s a short walk from great food and shops. For other hotel options, check the map below. On our most recent visit, we stayed at The Lodge at Bodega Bay and loved the property! It’s farther away from other places in Sonoma but such a beautiful getaway. We also stayed at Dawn Ranch in Guerneville, which had cabins, chalets, and luxury tents. They have a huge property that’s perfect for a creative retreat. Essential Tips Don’t just go for the wine. We all know Sonoma is known for its vineyards, but they’re also famous for plenty of other things like their apples and farm-to-table dining. There are a lot of smaller communities. Do a little bit of planning to make the most of your time in each town. Sonoma has a Mediterranean climate and has mild winters. Try to explore all three regions to see the diversity of the county. Having a rain jacket and waterproof shoes is important outside of Summer when it might be rainy. Want to know what to wear to the airport? These are our ideal airport outfits and our in flight essentials. For more guides and resources, check out SonomaCounty.com. How to Get to Sonoma By Air The Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) is in Santa Rosa and is convenient for flying in and out of the county. Since it’s a smaller airport, only a handful of airlines fly here, including: Alaska Airlines: Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle Avelo Airlines: Burbank and Las Vegas American Airlines: Dallas Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Phoenix Sky Harbor United Airlines: Denver and San Francisco Other nearby airports San Francisco International (SFO) 1.5 hrs and 75 miles away Oakland International (OAK) 1.5 hrs and 76 miles away Sacramento International (SMF) 2 hrs and 119 miles away Find rental cars here. By Car From SF – Sonoma is only an hour away from San Francisco, making it an easy drive from the city. You have to pay a toll on the Golden Gate Bridge when you enter SF but not when you leave. From Sacramento – Take US-80 West to Ca-12/121 West. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours. From Seattle/Portland – Take US-5 or US-101 South. The drive from Portland takes nearly 10.5 hours. Public Transportation Sonoma County Airport Express – from SF or Oakland airports with four stops in Sonoma County Golden Gate Transit – buses from San Francisco to Petaluma and Santa Rosa Ferry – from the San Francisco Ferry Building to Larkspur Ferry (then take the Golden Gate Transit or ride a SMART train to Sonoma County) Greyhound – from San Francisco to Santa Rosa Sonoma County Transit – buses that run throughout Sonoma County Sonoma-Marin Area Regional Transit (SMART) – clean diesel trains from San Rafael in Marin County to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport Amtrak – trains run to Martinez, and you can connect with buses to Santa Rosa or Healdsburg Frequently Asked Questions WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO TO SONOMA? The peak season is June through October. It’s the best weather and you get to be there during apple season too. Unfortunately, it’s the busiest time to visit. We prefer shoulder months like November and May for fewer crowds. During the winter, it’s after harvest season, so you have all the locals’ attention. You get to meet the owner and maker since things are still small and family-owned vs corporations in Napa. WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN SONOMA BESIDES WINE TASTING? WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN SONOMA UNDER 21? As we’ve reviewed in this post, Sonoma is so much more than just wine. There are plenty of outdoor places to explore, delicious restaurants, and quaint towns. If you’re visiting with your family, fly a white on the coast, go on a safari at a wildlife preserve, or check out the local museums. IS SONOMA CHEAPER THAN NAPA? Overall, Napa is typically more expensive than Sonoma. With that said, you can easily spoil yourself and make a dent in your wallet in Sonoma by staying in a 5-star hotel, eating pre-fixe meals, and going on wine tasting tours in private cellars. HOW FAR APART ARE NAPA AND SONOMA? The city of Sonoma and the city of Napa are only 14 miles apart, but each county has distinct climates, landscapes, and conditions. Can I DO YOU NEED A CAR IN SONOMA?? Generally having a car is helpful if you want to explore multiple towns in Sonoma. They’re pretty spread out, and we always like having the freedom and flexibility. If you choose to visit without a car, you can do guided wine tours, so you don’t have to worry about having a DD or use buses to travel between towns. WHAT IS SONOMA KNOWN FOR? Sonoma is known for wine, apples, farm-to-table restaurants, and beautiful landscapes that span forests, rivers, valleys, hills, beaches, and rocky cliffs. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO SONOMA? CAN YOU WEAR JEANS TO A WINERY? WHAT IS WINE COUNTRY CASUAL? A general rule of thumb is when in doubt, go dressier over casual. You want to be comfortable, though, since you’ll most likely be visiting multiple spots. It also helps to have layers for when it gets cooler. Wine country casual includes sundresses, casual skirts, and slacks or jeans with a dressier top. I recommend comfortable shoes, whether that’s wedges, flats, or boots. Avoid gym shorts, cut-off jeans, shorts, sports tees, and flip flops. If you plan on going to a nice restaurant, you will have to dress up more (often jacket required for men). WHAT WINE IS SONOMA KNOWN FOR? Sonoma is best known for pinot noir from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. HOW MUCH DOES WINE TASTING COST IN SONOMA? Between $20-30 is standard for most tastings, but you can find ways to do it on a budget or splurge on exclusive experiences. HOW MANY WINERIES ARE THERE IN SONOMA? More than 425! DOES SONOMA HAVE A DOWNTOWN? Yes, downtown Sonoma is a great spot to explore and the surrounding towns and communities also have their own distinct downtown experiences. IS NAPA OR SONOMA CLOSER TO SAN FRANCISCO? Both the city of Sonoma and the city of Napa are about an hour away from San Francisco. WHAT IS THERE TO DO BETWEEN SONOMA AND SAN FRANCISCO? There are a few spots you can explore between San Francisco and Sonoma, including Sausalito, Berkeley, Mill Valley, and Napa. You can also check out J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Alcatraz, the San Rafael Farmers Market, or Point Reyes Lighthouse. Planning Checklist Get comprehensive insurance for your trip. Download these helpful language apps. Find a great deal on Sonoma hotels. Arrange a rental car for your trip. Book a tour for your visit. Get airport lounge access. Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged. Get a new backpack for your trip. Buy a Sonoma travel guide. Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip. Don’t forget your in-flight essentials. More Resources Day Hikes Around Sonoma County: 125 Great Hikes Napa & Sonoma Travel Guide 100 Things to Do in Sonoma County Before You Die The photos from Cline Cellars and our Airstream were taken by Joe Hendricks from our 6th year anniversary shoot. Can you think of any other things to do in Sonoma that can’t be missed? Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later SEE MORE FIRST TIMER CITY GUIDES ⟡⟡⟡⟡⟡ ASTORIA OREGON BILOXI MISSISSIPPI BISHOP CALIFORNIA CARSON VALLEY NV CHATTANOOGA TN COLUMBIA SC COLUMBUS OHIO DESTIN FLORIDA IRVINE CA KANAB UTAH KANSAS CITY MARFA TEXAS MONTEREY CA NASHVILLE TN PALM SPRINGS PIGEON FORGE TN SARASOTA FL ST GEORGE UTAH “Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust Esther + Jacob Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas. Follow on Instagram (E + J), YouTube, TikTok, and Pinterest. The post 7 Best Things to Do in Sonoma Valley appeared first on Local Adventurer » Travel Adventures in Las Vegas + World Wide. Source link Post navigation Conservatorio y jardín botánico de Bellagio: su guía completa Cómo explorar la región vinícola de Burdeos sin coche