Just 30 miles from San Francisco, the gayest city in the world, Sonoma County features laid-back wine tasting, stunning beaches, river adventures, fine dining, quaint towns and a wide variety of nightlife.

Gay and gay-friendly accommodations abound, and Sonoma Country's reputation as an open place means gay travelers can explore the wonders of wine country and be welcomed.

The string of offbeat river villages that follow the Russian River attract thousands of LGBT visitors every year for a wide range of activities and fun. It's no wonder the area has the nickname of "the West Coast's gay vacation playground."

For more ideas on GLBT happenings in Sonoma County, check out our weekly LGBT blog or visit our Gay Sonoma County community on Facebook.