5 Fun Things To Do in Cloverdale

Located in the picturesque Alexander Valley near Lake Sonoma, Cloverdale, Sonoma County’s northernmost town, is a perfect base to explore the region’s wineries and stunning natural beauty. Discover the idyllic charm of Cloverdale’s Victorian architecture, and rejuvenate in one of “America’s Coolest Small Towns.”

In Cloverdale, you can stroll Main Street, lined with delightful shops, galleries, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Enjoy the 7.4-acre Cloverdale City Park, shaded by centuries-old oak trees and explore the scenic trails of the Clover Spring Preserve.

Annual Events

Every Friday in summer, the cobblestoned town plaza hosts a fun street fair with Friday Night Live Concerts sponsored by the Cloverdale Arts Alliance. Other annual events include the Cloverdale Citrus Fair and Parade, the Cloverdale Car & Motorcycle Show, the Cloverdale Old Time Fiddle Festival, and, for cycling fans, the Asti Tour de Vine. Check our Events page for current happenings.

Food & Drink

Much of agriculturally blessed Sonoma County is a haven for farm-fresh cuisine, including Cloverdale, where you can enjoy a great meal in an old-school setting. You’ll find diverse and delicious options, from pizza to pad thai. Visit our Restaurants page for where to go.

Pair you meal with a glass of wine or local beer. Wolf House Brewing Company is a favorite spot to enjoy a cold brew, and J. Rickards Winery serves up fantastic wines with views of Alexander Valley.

Now that the basics are taken care of, here are five fun things to do on your visit to Cloverdale:

1. Travel Back in Time at Gould-Shaw House Museum

There couldn’t be a better location for a small town’s history museum than in this authentic 1870s Gothic Revival Cottage, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you’ll find rooms decorated as they would have been at the turn of the 20^th century, along with Pomo basketry and artifacts.

The adjacent 2,000-square-foot Cloverdale History Center houses a vast 65,000-artifact collection and offers exhibits, events, and a gift shop. 

2. Hit the Cloverdale Sculpture Trail

This town has been showcasing art downtown since 2003, including the impressive Cloverdale Sculpture Trail, which features 12 sculptures thoughtfully picked by jury selection each year. They range from humorous to thought-provoking, and some include a message or a story. An enjoyable self-guided audio tour of the walking trail consists of an interactive map with descriptions of each art installation. 

3. Visit the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center

The beautiful and state-of-the-art Cloverdale Performing Arts Center has excellent acoustics. Not only that, but — with only 99 comfy seats and a large stage — it offers the kind of intimate performance that’s rare.

Entertaining plays are spread throughout the year, as well as inspiring musical performances, readings, interviews, comedy, and open mic nights. Check their website for upcoming events to enjoy during your visit. 

4. Chill Out on the Russian River at Cloverdale River Park

The 72-acre Cloverdale River Park graces the Russian River’s west bank. In warm weather, you can launch a kayak or canoe for a paddle adventure, swim and wade in the water, spread a picnic at river-view tables, fire up a grill for an old-fashioned barbecue, and watch osprey, ducks, and herons.

In all seasons, you can enjoy pathways on foot or by bike. A 1.1-mile multi-use paved trail winds through willows, oaks, and cottonwoods and is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The family pooch is welcome on a leash.

5. Camp at the Russian River in Cloverdale

Cloverdale is home to two excellent campgrounds. Located on the Russian River, the Russian River RV Campground is great for RV camping and offers a few cabins. Amenities include river access, playgrounds, volleyball, showers, and laundry facilities.

In the hills overlooking the valley, the Cloverdale Wine Country KOA Camping Resort covers 60 acres, offering comfortable cabins from basic to deluxe, as well as tent and RV sites with full hookups. All sites have fire pits, barbecue pits, and picnic tables, plus there are plenty of amenities and fun things to do.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez