Things To Do in Sonoma County
Life Opens Up in Sonoma County, the ideal getaway for a restorative retreat in Northern California. Thanks in part to its unique geography — spanning redwood forests, Pacific Ocean shoreline, rolling mountains and valleys, the winding Russian River, and agricultural lands covered in orchards and vineyards — you’ll find no shortage of ways to unplug, indulge your senses, revel in nature, and get back to yourself.
Whether you describe yourself as an art-lover, nature-enthusiast, oenophile, foodie, or some other way, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Sonoma County.
Things to Do Sonoma County, CA
Sonoma County Things To Do & Popular Activities
Live music at Gundlach Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, California
There’s no shortage of things to do in Sonoma County, whether you’re sipping wine beside a vineyard, walking in the redwoods, or catching some live music. Foodies will love the farmers markets, wine-and-cheese pairings, and Michelin-rated restaurants, while outdoor lovers can explore the rugged trails at Annadel State Park, not far from downtown Santa Rosa, or take a scenic stroll through Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen.
Visit in spring to see the mustard fields in full bloom, or in summer for festivals and lush, green vineyards. In fall, the leaves turn shades of gold and crimson, while winter brings fewer crowds and gorgeous waterfalls after the cooling rain. Whether you're in it for the adventure, the food, or just some serious relaxation, Sonoma County is the place to be.
An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
Sonoma County has a dream lineup of outdoor activities, with everything from peaceful hiking trails along the Pacific Coast to thrilling zipline adventures above the treetops. You can explore the awe-inspiring giants at Armstrong Redwoods, go horseback riding across rolling hills, or see Wine Country from above on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. You can take a cycling tour between wineries, or for something totally unique, try glamping at Safari West, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of exotic wildlife.
Come for the Wine, Stay for the Relaxation
Whether you’re visiting solo or with a partner, Sonoma County is the perfect place to unwind and treat yourself. Less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco, you’ll find top-notch spas and wellness retreats surrounded by vineyards, offering everything from massage and facials to mud baths and mineral pools. It’s easy to pair your treatments with a laid-back day exploring the wine and wineries in Sonoma County, where Wine Country is all about relaxing in style.
Arts and Culture
The arts and culture in Sonoma County are just as vibrant as the landscapes. You can catch a show at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, browse local art galleries in Sebastopol and Healdsburg, or explore public art in Santa Rosa, Geyserville, and Petaluma. Don’t miss the Museum of Sonoma County for a dose of local history and rotating art exhibits, or the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art for the work of contemporary Bay Area artists. Whether you're into live music, pottery, or storytelling under the stars, there's always something creative and inspiring happening here.
Your Guide to Sonoma County
Sonoma County is big – like, 1,500 square miles big – so it helps to have a sightseeing and tours game plan to make the most of your visit. Whether you're into wine tasting, redwoods, hiking, or all of the above, there are trip itineraries that can help you hit the highlights without missing special experiences. You’ll find everything from guided food tours to scenic drives and nature walks, all designed to make sure your time here is as fun and memorable as possible.
Dining in Sonoma County
Cyrus in Geyserville, California
The food and wine in Sonoma County are some of the best in America, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hidden gems. You can grab hot, fluffy beignets at The Parish Café in Healdsburg, or cozy up with a bowl of the legendary clam chowder at Spud Point Crab Company in Bodega Bay. For farm-to-table goodness in Sonoma Valley, check out the girl & the fig, and if you're into craft beer, be sure to visit Russian River Brewing Company. And of course, no Sonoma County trip is complete without a few food and wine pairings at wineries like Jordan Vineyard & Winery and Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Bon Appetit!
Sonoma County Eateries
Sonoma County is a foodie’s dream, with everything from Michelin-starred dining to casual meals at neighborhood spots. You can graze your way through weekend farmers markets packed with local produce, cheese, and baked goods, or book a food and wine pairing experience at wineries like Kendall-Jackson or St. Francis. Whether you're craving gluten-free treats, quick bites from local food trucks, or a picnic with vineyard views, there's no shortage of delicious ways to eat your way around here.
A Wine Lover’s Haven
With about 425 wineries in Sonoma County, there’s no shortage of places to sip and explore – whether you're into big, bold reds; crisp whites; sparkling wines; or rosés. You can book guided wine tours with local companies that handle the driving (and the insider access), or go at your own pace using tasting passes, which start at around $59 and give you discounted wine tasting flights at dozens of wineries
Beverages Beyond Wine
Sonoma County is famous for its wine, but there’s so much more to sip here. The area is also home to a thriving scene of breweries, distilleries, and cider houses, which are definitely worth checking out. You can try small-batch gin, vodka, or whiskey; sip craft brews at a laid-back taproom; or cool off with a crisp, dry, hard cider made from locally grown apples. It’s a delicious way to mix things up between wine tastings, and discover some new favorites along the way.
Let the Family Help Decide What To Do in Sonoma County
Giraffe spotting at Safari West, Santa Rosa, California
Family travel to Sonoma County is full of surprises – this place isn’t just for wine lovers! Families can go whale watching at Bodega Head, zipline through the redwoods, rent a boat at Lake Sonoma, or meet giraffes and rhinos at Safari West.
Maybe pack a picnic and take a nature walk along the Sonoma Coast, or head to Bodega Bay for kayaking and fresh clam chowder. Meet the Peanuts gang at the Charles M. Schulz Museum, then go canoeing on the Russian River or cycling along the paved Santa Rosa Creek Trail.
No matter how your family decides to visit Sonoma County – seeking outdoor adventures, soaking up the culture, celebrating the holidays, or enjoying festivals, fairs and parades throughout the year – there’s an itinerary to match your crew’s vacation vibe.
Sonoma County Signature Experiences
It’s the experiences you can have that go beyond the bottle, whether it’s deep into the vineyards, foraging along the coast, or flying through the redwoods. Here, we present a collection of experiences that take you behind the scenes and help you experience Wine Country your way.
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