Free Things to Do in Sonoma County

Sonoma Wine Country is full and rich — but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive! With its welcoming, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere, scenic Sonoma County can be the perfect destination for those looking for fun and adventure without breaking the bank. From vineyards and wine to art and the great outdoors, here’s a round-up of free and low-cost things to do in Sonoma County, California.

Complimentary Wine Tastings

Sonoma County, known for exceptional grapes and famous wines, also has tasting rooms that offer free wine tasting or low-fee tastings that are often deducted when you buy a bottle. (Grab one to pack in your picnic!) Find the comprehensive list of all Sonoma County Wineries.

For a vineyard experience, Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures is a listing of free, no-appointment, self-guided tours that are easy to walk and usually less than a mile long. It’s a great way to stretch your legs and see the sights at unique winery estates throughout Sonoma Wine Country.

Visit a Local Farm

Sonoma County Farm Trails offers a wonderful (free!) way to visit working farms and ranches when they open up to the public on select weekends during the year. Use the handy Farm Trails Map to venture from one farm to the next, to see the newest barnyard babies, sheep, llamas, honey bees, butterflies, birds, farmstand goods, and more.

You can also experience the area’s agricultural bounty at a Sonoma County farmers market, where, in addition to vendors selling fresh produce and local crafts, you may also find live music, activities, delicious prepared foods, artisan crafts, and more.

Visit an Art Exhibit or Gallery

• Florence Avenue in Sebastopol is lined with giant, whimsical sculptures made from reclaimed items. Drive or stroll down this three-block-long neighborhood to admire a tea-sipping Mad Hatter, a sea captain, and roughly two dozen more works by Florence Avenue residents and artists Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent.
• Christopher Queen Galleries in Duncans Mills features early California art (1860s – 1940s) by acclaimed artists, while another portion of the gallery showcases exceptional contemporary art.
• Sonoma County Art Trails Open Studios in Sebastopol lets you visit artists in their studios during this annual event held over two weekends in October.
• Follow Sculpture Trails in the charming towns of Geyserville and Cloverdale, with online maps that provide details about unique outdoor art installations and the route to stroll (or drive) to each.
• Art Walks in Sonoma Wine Country are events where you can walk to participating galleries and studios in quaint towns to view a variety of work and perhaps sip wine, nibble an appetizer, or enjoy live music. 

Visit Gardens

The climate that makes Sonoma County perfect for growing grapes also makes it an ideal home for unique gardens and nurseries featuring an amazing variety of plants.

Winery Gardens

• Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery in Healdsburg features five acres of diverse gardens, meandering paths, foot bridges along a stream, waterfalls, fish-filled ponds, and bronze sculptures.
• Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville has extensive gardens to enjoy, including a rose garden that blooms each spring and continues into summer and fall. Admission is free, and garden tours are also offered.

Famous Gardens

• Luther Burbank Home and Gardens in Santa Rosa is a unique city park where you can see many of the plants that Burbank, the famous horticulturist, experimented with over his 50-year career, as well as the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm. Free self-guided tours and docent-led tours are available.
• Cornerstone Sonoma in the town of Sonoma is home to the Sunset Magazine Gardens + Outdoor Test Kitchen, and also offers a mix of shops, galleries, and tasting rooms for you to discover. 

Unique Gardens

• Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve in the coastal town of Jenner offers one of the prettiest walks, especially from early spring to mid-June when the spectacular wild rhododendrons burst into bloom. This scenic spot is adjacent to Salt Point State Park, which features a pygmy forest and 20 miles of hiking trails.
• Sonoma Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen is home to one of North America’s largest collections of Asian plants, as well as waterfalls, ponds, and amazing views to explore. 
• Russian River Rose Company in Healdsburg features 650 rose varieties and more than 2,000 individual plants. Seasonal events and workshops are offered.

Farm Gardens + Nurseries

• Western Hills Garden is a three-acre botanical gem, once described by the New York Times as the “Tiffany’s of plants.” Full of beautiful sights and rare plants, this destination is open for tours and plant sales on select days. 

Explore Beautiful Protected Parks

• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Occidental is a 805-acre living reminder of the magnificent redwood forests that once covered much of this area. Discover this magnificent grove of ancient old-growth redwoods, self-guided nature trails, the large outdoor amphitheater, and a variety of picnic facilities.
• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood offers 25 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Bicycles are allowed on designated paths, and on clear days, visitors can see views of the Sierra Nevada and the Golden Gate Bridge.
• Robert Ferguson Observatory, located in Sugarloaf Park, periodically offers the public the chance to view the stars for free or for a nominal fee. Stroll along the Planet Walk, a scale model of the solar system.
• Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen combines 1,400 acres of trails with historic buildings in a memorial to writer Jack London, who made his home at the site from 1905 until his death in 1916.
• Sonoma County Regional Parks offer everything from sandy beaches and river access to playgrounds and camping facilities.
• LandPaths in Sonoma County is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people experience the beauty of the land by offering off-the-beaten-path hikes and activities typically for free.

Head to the Coast

• See seals and sea lions on the beach in the coastal town of Jenner. Learn all about local wildlife at the Jenner Visitor Center.
• Explore the 17-mile-long Sonoma Coast State Park that offers excellent places to discover on the Pacific Ocean’s scenic shoreline, like Goat Rock Beach, a sandy beach with a seasonal colony of harbor seals that make their home on the far end.
• Also part of the Sonoma Coast State Park, Bodega Head offers hiking trails with access to sandy coves and spectacular bluff-top views for observing migrating gray whales.

Be sure to see Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities.

Paddle in Fresh Water

• Lake Sonoma Recreation Area offers more than 2,700 surface acres of water for canoes, sailboats, motorboats, fishing, and skiing. About 40 miles of surrounding trails are available to horseback riders and hikers. Visitors here can also check out the Warm Springs Visitor Center and Fish Hatchery.
• Steelhead Beach Regional Park provides access to the Russian River for drift boats, kayaks, canoes, and other small watercraft. It’s also great for bird watching and picnicking.
• Forestville River Access offers a wide, sandy beach along the Russian River, known locally as “Mom’s Beach.” It’s a fantastic spot for anyone who wants to enjoy relax and enjoy life by the river.

Be sure to see Sonoma County’s safety tips for water activities.

More Information

Looking for more fun things to do during your trip to Sonoma County? Take a look at the many outdoor activities in Sonoma Wine Countryand get the free Visitor Guide and Map.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas when planning your trip to 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.