Take a Scenic Drive on California’s Bohemian Highway

Across 10 miles of Sonoma County Wine Country, the two-lane Bohemian Highway weaves through tiny hamlets, redwoods, pastures, and rocky ravines for one of the most scenic drives in California.

The Bohemian Highway is where you’ll find artists, nature lovers, and the unique small towns of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone. Along the drive, explore organic farms and wineries, specialty nurseries, and innovative restaurants and shops. It’s also a gateway for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, ziplining, and more.

Here is your handy guide to the charming townships along this iconic stretch in scenic Sonoma County.

Monte Rio

Stretched along both sides of the Russian River, Monte Rio (pop. 977) greets visitors with a 1950s-style neon sign arched over the roadway, reading, “Welcome to Monte Rio: Vacation Wonderland.”

Other significant structures in town include a 1934 pony-truss bridge that spans the Russian River to connect the two sides of town, and the 1911 Monte Rio Amphitheater, an outdoor showcase for concerts, theater-under-the-stars, and events. 

Monte Rio also offers a golf course, tennis courts, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, and dining options. The town boasts one of the largest beaches on the Russian River — Monte Rio Community Beach. Known by locals as Big Rocky Beach, this destination offers a serene, family-friendly river experience, complete with watersport rentals, volleyball courts, barbecue grills, and a concession stand.

If you want more time to enjoy this laid-back community, consider dining and staying at two special local properties, both built in 1906. The rustic-chic Highland Dell Lodge generally hosts the local OktoberFest, and the Gatsby-themed Boho Manor boasts a riverfront lounge and cozy speakeasy.

Occidental

At roughly the midpoint of the Bohemian Highway, pretty little Occidental (pop. 823) has a two-block-long main street and plenty of charm. Founded in 1876, Occidental was once the last stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad, which brought tourists from San Francisco. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Occidental became an area for social movements and communes.

Today, this small but diverse town reflects both its historic roots and its dynamic present, featuring a variety of galleries, unique shops, and the Occidental Center for the Arts, a performing venue with superb acoustics and an exhibition gallery.

For adventurous travelers, Occidental also offers Sonoma Zipline Adventures, a more than two-hour zip-lining experience that lets you fly through the towering trees.

Italian food lovers are in luck! Founded as a railroad saloon and boarding house in 1879, the Occidental Union Hotel Restaurant is an Italian cafe, bakery, and pizzeria, complete with red-checkered tablecloths. And, Occidental’s famous Negri’s Italian Dinners & Joe’s Bar, with its vintage trattoria ambience, has been serving Italian classics since 1943. Learn more about these iconic Occidental restaurants.

Other cuisines in town include French, Mexican, farm-to-table, and pub grub. On Friday evenings from May to October, the Occidental Community Farmers Market offers prepared foods, fresh produce, crafts, music, and more. 

Lodging is available in the pet-friendly Occidental Lodge, local vacation rentals, or at The Inn at Occidental, which showcases a true luxury inn experience.

While in Occidental, consider taking a detour down Coleman Valley Road toward the ocean; it climbs steeply and then descends into a stunning valley with spectacular views of the coast.

Freestone

At the southern end of the Bohemian Highway, Freestone (pop. 32) is a village with a handful of Old West-style buildings surrounded by pastoral vistas and rolling hills. Only about a half-mile long, Freestone is a common stop for cyclists in Sonoma County Wine Country and for travelers heading to the Sonoma Coast.

Many folks go out of their way to drop by Wild Flour Bread, where sourdough loaves, scones, biscotti, and more are baked in a wood-fired brick oven. An extensive garden out back supplies the fresh fruit, herbs, and vegetables that go into many of the baked treats.

The crowning jewel of Freestone is the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. The only day spa in the country that offers the Cedar Enzyme Bath (a rejuvenating Japanese heat treatment) Osmosis is the place go for secluded relaxation and pampering. The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps, along with a meditation garden and a boutique.

More Options

Exploring the Bohemian Highway can take less than an hour or several days, depending on your pace and the number of stops. Here are a few more attractions to consider adding to your itinerary.

• Visit the nearby towns of Forestville and Guerneville along the Russian River.
• Explore Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve to stroll paths that weave through sky-scraping California redwood trees.
• Taste at Korbel Champagne Cellars, where the winery’s grounds include lush, sprawling gardens.
• Experience the tiny village of Bodega (about 4 miles inland) and the coastal town of Bodega Bay

Looking for other scenic drives around Sonoma County Wine Country? Check out the Sonoma County Wine Tasting Road Trip Itinerary.