Cruising the Back Roads of West Sonoma County

Explore the back roads of western Sonoma County, California, and uncover hidden gems, from Sebastopol to Forestville. Also known as “West County,” this area is a treasure trove of historic buildings, acclaimed restaurants, and enticing two-lane roadways that offer something new just around the bend.

This route will take you through unique towns and a variety of experiences others might miss in Sonoma Wine Country.

Unusual Outdoor Sculptures

Start your backroads adventure in Cotati (pop. 7,454), a small town with strong historic roots in agriculture and music. Cotati offers delights, including an annual accordion festival and a music festival.

From Cotati, head to the diverse town of Sebastopol (pop. 7,760). It’s charming downtown houses an eclectic collection of shops, restaurants, galleries, and more. About a half-mile out of downtown, you’ll find more shops, tasting rooms, and eateries in the park-like center known as The Barlow.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of Sebastopol is a unique display of artwork crafted from colorful metal pieces — old cars, one-time cookware, discarded radiators and pipes, and aluminum trash cans. You’ll find this unusual outdoor gallery on Florence Avenue, a small residential street.

Discover these whimsical sculptures by artists and Florence Avenue residents Patrick Amiot and Brigitt Laurent on the lawns of tidy-looking homes along a three-block section of this street. Park your car and walk around; you can’t miss these oversized pieces, such as those depicting a train, fire engine, an overworked waitress, a mermaid, and more.

Wine, Butterflies, and Good Food

Next stop is the village of Graton (pop. 1,889). Less than five miles away, it lies in the heart of the Green Valley.

One of the smallest appellations in Sonoma County, the Green Valley wine region is home to excellent wineries with tasting rooms, including DeLoach Vineyards, Dutton Estate, Iron Horse Vineyards, and Marimar Estate. For more ideas, check our Guide to Wine Tasting in Graton.

You’ll know you’re in Graton’s tiny business district when you see a late 19^th– and early 20th-century collection of handsome and historic wooden buildings that now hold art galleries, restaurants, and a combination general store and cafe: Willow Wood. This gem has managed to keep up with the times without losing its old-fashioned flair. Check out exquisite California fine art at the Graton Gallery, and don’t miss the Underwood Bar & Bistro for one of the best burgers in Sonoma County.

One of Graton’s most unique attractions is Hallberg Butterfly Gardens, a non-profit wildlife sanctuary offering nine acres of meadows, flowers, and dense thickets, all of which provide habitat and food for more than 40 species of butterflies. Among the beauties seen here: Pipevine Swallowtail, Purplish Coppers, Painted Ladies, and Monarchs.

Small-Town Charm

Nearby, your next stop is the unpretentious, blink-and-you-miss-it village of Forestville (pop. 3,761) and some dandy discoveries in and around town.

Eateries, for example, like Canneti Roadhouse Italiana, feature rustic Italian fare prepared by a Tuscan-born chef using the best local ingredients. Nightingale Breads specializes in European-style breads baked in a wood-fired oven. And don’t miss Tiny Town Cafe, a popular local coffee shop.

Just outside town, set amidst woods and vineyards, is the one-star Michelin restaurant at the Farmhouse Inn, which has itself won a Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Award four years running.

Also outside town is Russian River Vineyards, open for tastings daily by appointment. With a rich history as a family farm and winery dating back to the 1890s, the sweeping vineyard views and laid-back atmosphere immerse you in the good life. In nice weather, which is most of the time, tasting is in the lushly-flowered garden. 

And last (but certainly not least) on your back roads adventure, Forestville is where you’ll find Steelhead Beach Regional Park. The beach has an intact ecosystem running beside the Russian River, giving you the chance to see unique riparian plants and river wildlife.

Scenic Trails

When exploring the back-roads of West Sonoma County, consider the West County Regional Trail — a flat and paved 5.57-mile walking/biking trail that runs between Forestville and Sebastopol (and vice versa). If you’d rather leave the car behind and get some exercise, you could cycle or stroll your way along this tour and enjoy natural beauty and great wildlife sightings as you go.

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.