Off The Beaten Path — Sonoma County Road Trip

Sonoma Zipline Adventures, Occidental

Stretch your legs and your sense of adventure in this uber-charming town where you’ll get up close and personal with some of the tallest and oldest living things on Earth. On a fun zip line, you’ll glide through redwoods with an expert from platform to platform among the trees. Take in the views just miles from world-famous vineyards and the Pacific Ocean.

While in this area, don’t miss Wild Flour Bread, a beloved bakery that’s been creating good things to eat for 30 years. Grab a coffee and a loaf for snacking, or enjoy one of their many scones in scrumptious flavors that change daily.

Cruise the scenic backroads to Piknik Town Market in the nearby town of Guerneville, where you can get all the fixings for a memorable picnic in the redwoods. Local wine and craft beer, artisanal sandwiches, famous biscuits, and fresh organic salads are just a few of the tasty offerings you’ll find.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville

Bring your lunch for a stroll at this awe-inspiring California state park. On the path to an ideal picnic spot, you may see Colonel Armstrong, the oldest tree in the park, or Parson Jones, which is as tall as a football field is long. Check out the expansive picnic grounds or veer down the trail to the Redwood Forest Theater for benches to sit and take it all in.

Back in town, check into AutoCamp, your glamping retreat. Modern Airstream trailers are fully equipped with walk-in showers, bath amenities, plush mattresses, and private fire pits. Stroll the property to discover indoor and outdoor fire pits, morning coffee, hammocks, bicycles, games, and a fully stocked canteen.

You can also lodge at boon hotel + spa, a modern 14-room boutique hotel just minutes from the Armstrong Redwoods. This woodland retreat is full of unique touches like an honor bar for mixing your own drink, a solar-heated saline pool, an onsite spa, lawn games, bikes to ride, and turntables with vintage vinyl in each room.

Take a short walk, bike ride, or drive back into downtown Guerneville for dinner at boon eat + drink, a modern California bistro with standout seasonal dishes, fresh salads, tasty small plates, and local wines and craft beer.

Or enjoy a delicious dining experience at El Barrio, where you’ll find upscale, Mexican-inspired dishes like unique tamales and Queso Fundido, along with an impressive array of fine and rare tequila.

Top off the evening with a sweet treat from Nimble and Finns, located in the Guerneville Bank Club, where you can see the inside workings of a bank vault as you explore the delectable menu of unique ice cream creations.

Start your morning at Baked on the River with fresh-baked goodies and savory scones to take on the go. Or, sit down to a hearty breakfast like eggs, ham, and cheese on a buttered sandwich or on a bed of greens. Tasty plant-based options are also available.

Safari West, Santa Rosa

Enjoy the scenic cruise to the “Sonoma Serengeti,” where giraffes, zebras, and other African wildlife await! Climb aboard a safari vehicle to journey with your guide in search of wildebeest, ring-tailed lemurs, cape buffalo, rhinos, and more than 90 unique species. Explore the aviary on foot, look for cranes preening along the path, colobus monkeys playing, and flamingos in the lagoon.

Wine Tasting and Dining

• In Santa Rosa, stop at Woodenhead to sip handcrafted wine and new releases on the tasting room deck overlooking the scenic Russian River Valley.
• At Porter Creek Vineyards in Healdsburg, this charming, rustic family winery takes reservations for seated tastings in a tasting room built from hand-cut redwood beams.
• In downtown Guerneville, visit Equality Vines, offering limited-release, premium wines to benefit organizations working for equality. Pick up bottles to take home and share.

For beer drinkers and all who appreciate a cold pint, stop at Stumptown Brewery in Guerneville. Order a fresh brew at the bar and head to the expansive deck overlooking the Russian River.

Also in Guerneville, Main Street Bistro is a favorite for dinner, serving fresh seafood, pasta, and specialty pizzas often with live music! Jazz, blues, and folk fill the casual dining room most nights, while weekend dinners offer fun cabaret shows.

You can also head off the beaten path for culinary delights in nearby Graton. Enjoy a fresh, new take on comfort food at Willow Wood Market Cafe with beautiful dishes like chicken pot pie, meatloaf, and hot sandwiches with flair. Or, belly up to the bar across the street at Underwood Bar & Bistro, where you may find highlights like pork osso bucco, flat iron steak frites, and local oysters in this hip gathering spot.

For accommodations, discover Guerneville hotels and lodging.

Wind your way to the destination town of Healdsburg, where you can’t miss a fun stop at the Dry Creek General Store, a Sonoma County establishment since 1881. Choose from house-baked pastries, bagels, breakfast burritos, and sandwiches. Take it for the road, or sit on the front porch overlooking the sprawling vineyards of the Dry Creek Valley.

Getaway Adventures, Healdsburg

Meet your cycling guide at the Dry Creek General Store for a leisurely bike ride through picturesque vineyards. Choose the “Sip and Cycle” tour to bike to three off-the-beaten-path wineries with a delicious lunch included on this memorable journey. E-bike rentals are also available.

Lake Sonoma, Geyserville

Meander down Dry Creek Road to take in the beautiful views at Lake Sonoma Overlook or Lake Sonoma Bridge Viewpoint. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak at the Lake Sonoma Marina or enjoy a short horse ride above the lake at The Ranch at Lake Sonoma.

While you’re in the area, get acquainted with the small, charming town of Geyserville. Peruse the western wear at Bosworth and Son General Mercantile, a downtown establishment that dates back to the early 1900s.

Tuck into lunch in the inviting backyard of Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria. We suggest any of their flavorful wood-fired pizzas or a plate of delectable gnocchi.

As you head out of Geyserville toward Highway 101, get a few photos on the iconic Geyserville Sculpture Trail.

If you are not ready to head home yet, relax and unwind at the Geyserville Inn, where breathtaking vineyard views await.