5 Fun Things To Do in Valley Ford

Amid western Sonoma County’s rolling hills and just slightly inland from the coast, discover the off-the-beaten-path village of Valley Ford, which blends country hospitality with culinary and artistic finesse.

The surrounding land has long been home to farms and ranches, with sweeping vistas that include beautiful old barns and plenty of grazing cows. Here are some great things to do in the Sonoma Wine Country town of Valley Ford, California.

1. Stay and Dine

Built in 1864, the historic Valley Ford Hotel features seven charming and pet-friendly guest rooms. This is also where you’ll find the popular Rocker’s Roadhouse, a fun bar serving Southern-inspired food crafted with fresh Sonoma County ingredients.

The family-owned Valley Ford Market is a farmers’ grocery that also has plenty for visitors, because in addition to produce and tackle, it boasts an extensive offering of local wines and delicious deli food.

Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery offers fresh coffee and Danish to start the day, along with a lunch menu that highlights its freshly made cheeses.

Enjoy the friendly small-town atmosphere and craveable dishes at Dinucci’s Italian Dinners.

Tuck into a tasty breakfast or lunch at Estero Café, featuring soul-warming favorites like Swedish pancakes with applesauce, chicken-fried steak, and homemade cakes and pies.

2. Revel in Art History

In 1976, one of the most interesting art installations in history, Christo and Jean-Claude’s “Running Fence,” ran through this town, dominating the landscape for miles.

Standing 18 feet high and constructed of more than 165,000 yards of white nylon hung from steel posts and cables, the Running Fence progressed boldly across the landscape for 24.5 miles to its descent into the Pacific Ocean. The installation existed for two weeks but lives on in books, photographs, a 1978 cinema verité film, and our memories.

You can visit the site of Christo’s Running Fence at Sonoma County Historic Landmark #24, located at 14459 Valley Ford Road (next to the post office), where a bronze plaque and one of the original fence poles commemorate the art. About three miles north of Valley Ford, discover a quarter-acre picnic area with displays about the art at Running Fence – Watson School Historic Park. 

3. Take in Ranch Life

Wake up to the sight of Longhorn Cattle, dairy cows, and horses grazing on the grassy hills … but leave the hard ranch work to someone else while you wine-taste or explore the nearby beach and redwoods. A drive through Valley Ford feels like driving though a painting, with bucolic ranch life all around.

4. Paddle Peacefully to Bodega Bay

See the sights from the water with a kayak or paddleboard. Gliding along the Estero Americano estuary toward Bodega Bay is one of the most beautiful and idyllic paddling excursions around, and you’ll be amazed by the diverse bird life along the way.

Bodega Bay Kayak has helpful tips and top-of-the-line equipment, including single and tandem boats. Take advantage of one of their enjoyable guided tours, led by an experienced guide who will assist, navigate, and share details about the surrounding natural beauty from a local expert’s knowledgeable lens. The pros here welcome beginners.  

If you have your own kayak (or if you’re incredibly fit and own a standup paddleboard), don’t miss these scenic waters. Bodega Bay Kayak offers helpful information on the best places to launch your craft and suggested routes for a memorable experience.

5. Bike the Back Roads

The scenic landscape here is made for cycling. You can pedal along Highway 1 into Bodega Bay and spend time at Bodega Head for glorious ocean views. Or you could cruise the local roads that edge the Estero Americano waterway — a haven for local birds.

Not traveling with your own bikes? Rent folding bicycles from BikeParnters.net, which fit in the trunk of a car! These road-seasoned bikes are easily stowed and provide an exceptional travel experience. Call or text to check availability and ask about bikes delivered to you with a professional demonstration to get you all set to explore on two wheels. For a truly perfect ride, don’t forget to grab picnic treats from Valley Ford Market and Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez