Get Out, Get Active
Join our special excursions, guided hikes and group outings.
Connect with the land in Sonoma County, one of California’s most diverse natural destinations. More than 60 regional and state parks beckon travelers to hike through redwood forests, paddle along the coast or down rivers, or just sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature. More daring explorers may opt to zip line with Sonoma Zipline Adventures. Check out our guides to outdoor activities, cycling, hiking, camping, and backpacking in Sonoma County.
Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
The quaint coastal towns of Sonoma County give you a front-row seat to the impressive Pacific Ocean and some of…
Goat Rock Beach in Jenner offers endless opportunities for exploration and beach walks; it’s also one of the most popular and best…
Sonoma County has so much extraordinary geography, from the Pacific Ocean, rivers, and lakes, to mountains, and California redwoods, that…
Whether it’s a romantic getaway for two, an unforgettable family vacation, or a gathering of friends, Sonoma County is the…
Swimming in the Russian River and playing along the stunning Pacific Coast beaches are fun summer activities in Sonoma County…
Each June Sonoma County blossoms with lavender, and celebrates with lavender events, lavender sales, and lavender farm tours. For many…
The trails at the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer some of the most rewarding and unusual Sonoma County hikes, with…
Beautiful state, regional, and community parks are located in Sonoma County’s most scenic spots where locals and visitors come to…
There’s nothing like standing on the deck of a boat, heading out for a day on the water. Whether you…
As the largest freshwater wetlands complex on the northern California coast, the Laguna de Santa Rosa offers a mosaic of…
Every year, towards the end of winter, many Sonoma County vineyards come alive with a brilliant carpet of mustard blossoms…
Western Sonoma County offers its visitors a delightful mix of rolling hills, vineyards, redwood trees, charming small-town main streets, fine…
Sonoma County boasts more than 50 scenic parks that include nature trails and open spaces that cover nearly 60,000 protected…
Enjoy the spectacular spring flowers in Sonoma Wine County. Visit any of Sonoma County’s state parks for a brilliant display…
Sonoma County is gorgeous year-round, but spring is particularly pretty, inviting locals and visitors to have fun in the golden-green…
In Sonoma County, the tiny coastal town of Fort Ross is rich in California history and known for the Russian…
Kissed by winter rains, spring in Sonoma County means an array of colorful wildflowers like orange poppies, blue iris, purple…
Beneath the soaring redwood canopy of Sonoma County’s Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, you’ll be awed by ancient, majestic trees. …
With Pacific Ocean beaches, a vibrant coast, healthy marshlands, and thick forests — not to mention its location on the…
It’s easy to enjoy the spectacular spring flowers of Sonoma County — just visit any of the region’s parks for a…
With its mild year-round climate, as well as mountains, forests, and more than 50 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, Sonoma…
Sonoma County parks offer activities for the entire family, but Spring Lake Regional Park is a standout, especially in the…
If you love the great outdoors, discover Sonoma County’s mountains, forests, impressive number of nature preserves and parks, and more…
Sonoma County’s parks include numerous boat launches along the Russian River, serene lakes, and beautiful bays. Many are free to…
Horseback riding can be done all year long in Sonoma County, California, where you’ll encounter deep woods, mountains, lakes, creeks,…
With nearly 6,000 acres and 20 miles of trails through meadows and woodlands and across rolling hills, Austin Creek State Recreation…
Writer and adventurer Jack London lived in the village of Glen Ellen, California, from 1905 until his death in 1916,…
Located in the quaint town of Glen Ellen, the Sonoma Botanical Garden offers tours of its large, impressive collection of Asian…
Sonoma County is home to more than 50 regional parks and 11 state parks, from Gualala in the north to…
Winding its way across the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, the Russian River offers a wide variety of outdoor opportunities….
One of Sonoma County’s lesser-known but highly rated outdoor adventures is rock climbing. “There aren’t a lot of climbing rocks…
Sonoma County is blessed with three rivers: the Russian River, which runs through a large portion of the county and…
One of the best ways to enjoy Sonoma County, California, is to check out its superb natural wonders. These marvelous…
Camping in Sonoma County will put you right in the middle of some of the most beautiful spots on Earth….
Scenic Sonoma County, California, is popular for its outdoor pleasures, including backcountry camping, which means hiking to a site with…
Breathtaking California beaches, rugged coastline, and the legendary Pacific Coast Highway are all part of the Sonoma Coast, where more…
Swim, fish, or paddle along the scenic banks of the Russian River in Sonoma County. Dip a toe in to…
To really get away from it all, there’s nothing like hopping into a speedboat, canoe, or kayak with your camping…
Camping in Sonoma County, California, gives you an array of campground options along the Pacific Ocean Coast, next to the…
Get close to nature with your favorite canine in tow at the numerous Sonoma County campgrounds that welcome your four-legged…
When it comes to cycling, Sonoma County, California, is one of the best destinations on the planet. Come peddle along…
It’s time to smell the roses. Sonoma County gardens beckon with special events, tours, and promises of abundance. Together, we…
Camping offers many benefits for families. You can spend entire days hiking, swimming, paddling, and having adventures together, racking up…
Like a well-structured Cabernet, golf just keeps getting better in Sonoma County, California. For golfers who want a little wine with…
Not everybody loves the idea of enjoying a traditional camping experience. For those who hope to enjoy a more glamorous…
Sonoma County boasts great swimming beaches all along the Russian River, Lake Sonoma, and the Pacific Coast, many of which…
For more than 130 years, travelers have come to the Russian River area in Sonoma County to swim, paddle, hike,…
Explore the majestic beauty of California’s redwood forests in beautiful Sonoma County. Coast redwoods are the tallest living things in…
Experience the stunning landscape throughout Wine Country from the basket of a hot air balloon. Like a bird, you’ll float…
Sonoma County’s rich, diverse landscape is one of the top reasons people visit this Northern California coastal region. And, with…
With nearly 2,000 acres at the northern end of the Sonoma Valley, Hood Mountain Regional Park & Open Space Preserve offers…
The Sonoma Coast offers a stunning drive along Highway 1. Yet there’s endless beauty to explore on foot, as well, so…
Along with so many other gifts of Mother Nature – mountains and meadows, redwood forests and pygmy trees, and that…
Beautifully situated in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley amidst rolling hills, soaring redwood trees and lush vineyards, the tiny town of…
It’s only about 35 miles along the Sonoma Coast from Jenner, at the mouth of the Russian River, north to…
Autumn is such a vibrant time in Sonoma Wine Country, with endless opportunities to savor hikes in the colorful parks…
There’s a definite tendency to linger in Sonoma Coast State Park, which offers rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, hidden coves, and…
There’s nothing quite like discovering a high spot with a clear view, where everything seems to stretch out before you….
Fishing is plentiful in Sonoma County, with great spots at parks on the Russian River, along the 55-mile coast, on San…
Whether you’re an avid or novice hiker, hiking (or walking!) offers ample opportunities for you to discover the wealth of…
Whether cantering swiftly on a beach at sunset with waves crashing alongside, stepping through a thick forest comfortably astride a…
Sonoma County boasts some of the greatest leaf-peeping and best fall hikes in Northern California. Where else can you see…
For folks traveling with furry friends, finding a destination with pet-friendly things to do can be a deciding factor. Throughout…
You’ll find some of the best parks for mountain biking in the majority of Sonoma County’s 60+ state and regional…
Want to try a hike in Sonoma County that’s a bit (metaphorically speaking) off the beaten path? Here are three distinct…
Dungeness Crab season typically runs from November through June off the Sonoma County coast, but winter is always the time…
The California Coast is one of the most iconic and scenic coasts in the country. The coastal stretch north of…
Comprising 1,768 square miles and stretching for 55 miles along the Pacific Ocean, Sonoma County is big. This gorgeous region…
There’s something about seeing one of these beautiful and massive creatures gliding through the ocean that brings out a sense…
Fall is the perfect time to get outside in Sonoma County. Sunny blue skies remain but cooler temperatures prevail. And…
One of the best ways to explore Sonoma County’s backroads is by visiting local farms, and thanks to the maps…
Lace up your boots — here are our standout hiking picks for each month of 2024: January — Armstrong Redwoods Armstrong…
The beautiful setting of Sonoma County, California, makes it easy to enjoy nature on a walk in one of the…
Arriving to Sonoma County late in the day? No worries. It’s a pleasure to celebrate beneath our dark, clear, dazzling…
If you already knew everything there was to know about where you live — well, that wouldn’t be much fun,…
Whether paddling on the river, doing yoga or catching waves on the ocean, a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) can be meditative,…
Foraging (or wildcrafting) is the ancient practice of collecting wild-grown ingredients for use as food, medicine, and even arts and…
What’s better than a hike in the green hills? A hike in the green hills, followed by fresh sticky buns…
While Wine Country may be best known for its wineries, restaurants, and tasting rooms, Sonoma County also offers a plethora…
Traveling with intention can feed your soul, enrich your life, help you relax, rejuvenate and restore inner peace. Enter soulful…
You know the drill. No sooner is the Memorial Day barbecue consumed than you turn your fantasies to summer —…
Ruby-red strawberry juice drips down your chin and your hands are sticky and stained purple with blackberries. It’s the joy…
Go beyond the typical vacation and travel with intention. How do you want to feel when you return home? Relaxed,…
Sonoma County has dozens of picturesque hiking trails, and encouraging responsible recreation is key to protecting these outdoor spaces –…
Unfurling along a particularly stunning stretch of Sonoma County’s rugged coastline, Bodega Bay is a favorite destination for locals and…
From fields of wildflowers to views of the rugged California coast, Sonoma County offers a wealth of scenic hikes, ranging…
When done with intention, travel can rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. The secret lies in the details. Take time…
Sonoma County is proud to be a wildly popular destination for travelers, with some of America’s most gorgeous landscapes. Lush…
The rain can cause some of Sonoma County’s regional trails to get a bit muddy. But this doesn’t prevent you…
This portion of our guide to the Russian River Valley follows the lazily meandering river on its journey through northern Sonoma County as…
This final portion of our guide to the Russian River Valley continues west to where the Russian River meets the coast…
This portion of our guide to the Russian River Valley follows the Russian River as it ventures into redwood country. On this leg of…
Twice each year, some 20,000 gray whales pass along the California coast as they swim south to breeding lagoons on…
In a place known for both idyllic landscapes and world-class beverages, it’s only fitting to combine the two during a…
Visitors travel from around the world to take in the stunning beauty of Sonoma County’s great outdoors. It’s an experience…
It can be hard to venture off our usual retail route, which, lately has been dotted with a lot of…
As a premier wine and food destination, Sonoma County attracts travelers seeking a getaway that feeds the senses, connects people…
Find hidden gems, outdoor adventures and more with tips from those who know the coast better than anyone: The locals….
Springtime offers a brilliant array of things to see and do in Sonoma County, from wildflower walks to cheese crawls!…
Winter might be considered the off-season for many of the world’s hottest travel destinations, but a Wine Country visit between…
Find Outdoor Activities
Ace It Bike Tours
Windsor
Ace It Bike Tours Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay
Adventures in Cycling
Rohnert Park
Andy’s Unity Park
Santa Rosa
Arched Rock Beach
Bodega Bay
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Guerneville
Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Guerneville
Bamboo Sourcery
Sebastopol
Bay Area Ridge Trail
Glen Ellen
Bees N Blooms
Santa Rosa
Bennett Valley Golf Course
Santa Rosa
BikePartners.net
Santa Rosa
Explore Sonoma County
We invite travelers to open up and experience the subtleties of visiting one of the most stunning corners of America. This couldn't be truer now, as life, and travel, opens up.
Pause & Effect
Sustainable Choices Make More Meaningful Experiences
THIS IS WINE COUNTRY.
Share your experience using #SonomaCounty or #LifeOpensUp