The Nostalgic Motor Lodge Road Trip

Start your road trip in the heart of Sonoma County at the Historic Railroad Square in Santa Rosa and the Santa Rosa Visitor Center/California Welcome Center, where you can check out historic displays, pick up maps, and get special event tips.

Whimsical Snoopy characters can be spotted throughout downtown as Sonoma County honors its famous late cartoonist, Charles Schulz, who lived here for more than 40 years. See how many you can find!

Wake Up and Smell The Coffee

Stop by A’roma Roasters, a coffee shop beloved for the large selection of quality coffee and tea. It’s hard to resist the smell of coffee beans roasted on-site — take a few bags with you to enjoy again.

For a sit-down breakfast, make your way to Spinster Sisters for fresh, local ingredients in dishes like breakfast tostadas, classic eggs Benedict, and deviled eggs with kimchi and bacon.

Spinster Sisters is located in the Arts District, called SOFA (South of “A”), and the dining room here is adorned with rotating artwork. Take a stroll around this neighborhood to see murals and art galleries. Grab a latte to go at Café Frida, which many weekends features live music on the outdoor stage.

Sip and Bike

A fun way to sample wine or craft brews is to cruise on hybrid bikes with Ace It Bike Tours. You’ll roll along picturesque side roads with a knowledgeable guide leading you to great local tasting rooms or breweries on a truly memorable outing.

Santa Rosa has a number of favorite local breweries not to be missed. Get a flight from Russian River Brewery in downtown Santa Rosa (don’t leave without sampling their famous Pliny the Elder).

Check out what’s on tap at Fogbelt Brewery, where you’ll find excellent barrel-aged and experimental beers along with elevated pub food.

Stop at Henhouse Brewing to enjoy their craft beer outside with bites from one of the rotating food trucks.

Check into The Astro Motel in downtown Santa Rosa for an urban, retro experience. Each room at The Astro features mid-century modern furnishings and a curated selection of snacks and amenities from their favorite Sonoma County makers. The Astro is particularly great for bike enthusiasts as rentals and basic repairs are available on-site.

Another excellent option is the mid-century modern Flamingo Resort, an iconic marvel located on a lush, 10-acre campus. Unique amenities include a hot tub and large pools heated year-round, a spa, a fitness center with a robust roster, tennis courts, a fun onsite restaurant, and an outdoor tiki bar for guests to enjoy.

Wine and Dine

For dinner, lots of tasty options are close by. Bird & the Bottle features delectable small plates like fried chicken sliders, crispy skin salmon wings, and Dungeness crab hush puppies. Tasty cocktails feature flavors like milk punch and spiced pear.

Alternatively, try dining on the patio at La Rosa Tequileria & Grille in downtown Santa Rosa, where everything is made from scratch. We recommend the fajitas, tequila shrimp, or lomo saltado (Peruvian stir-fry). La Rosa boasts more than 160 tequilas — try a tasting flight.

Grab dessert across the street at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie, where you’ll find all the best homemade treats under one roof. Along with classic favorites, you may discover unique, ever-changing flavors like Thai Tea or black sesame coconut.

Today, head to the charming town of Guerneville, known for its cool rivers and towering redwoods. Stop by  Piknik Town Market for breakfast for the biscuit that made Oprah’s list of Favorite Things. True foodies will want to pick up a bag of biscuit mix and one of the gorgeous featured cookbooks to bring home.

Redwoods Are Calling

Take a stroll through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve under a canopy of towering trees. Meander through one of the planet’s oldest living things, the California Redwoods. Take the self-guided tour to learn more about the history of this magnificent forest.

To really get your heart pumping, try soaring through the Redwood trees with Sonoma Zipline Adventures in the nearby village of Occidental. Here, expert guides lead you on an exhilarating (and educational!) adventure in the tree tops. The fun includes ziplines, sky bridges, a 45-foot rappel to the forest floor, and epic views.

After working up an appetite, relax in a casual setting with craft beer and pub eats at Stumptown Brewery. Try the BBQ pulled pork sandwich with a “boat-load” of fries, select a beer from their ever-changing taps, and enjoy your meal on the patio by the Russian River.

Elsewhere, try boon eat + drink for modern California cuisine featuring organic ingredients from their own garden. Tuck into their signature boon burger with truffle fries, polenta lasagna, and plenty of local wine and beer.

More great lunch spots nearby include: Rio Nido Roadhouse, Russian River Pub, and La Bodeguita Mexican Restaurant.

In the afternoon, spend time at the iconic Russian River with a visit to Johnson’s Beach. At this favorite spot, you can rent lounge chairs, kayaks, and inner tubes to float on the river and soak up the sun.

Alternatively, you can head to Burke’s Canoe Trips and take the 10-mile self-guided canoe trip through the redwoods. Try to spot wildlife like herons, turtles, otters, and more.

Sip and Savor

For an afternoon of wine tasting, take a public tour (or reserve a private tour ahead of time) at Korbel Champagne Wine Cellars, where you’ll sip bubbly and learn fascinating facts about this oldest champagne house in North America. Check out their delicatessen for excellent cheese and ask the experts about the perfect sparkling wine to pair with it.

Head over to Guerneville Bank Club to see the historic exhibits, take a fun photo in “the vault,” and grab a scoop of hand-churned ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s.

For dinner, check out Chef Crista Luedtke’s restaurant, Road Trip (an appropriate name for your adventure!). Dishes here offer a fun, fresh take on favorites from around the world, like street food standouts, fast food classics, and an eclectic offering of drinks.

Off The Beaten Path Lodging

Check out the fun, boutique boon hotel + spa in Guerneville. Or for a different kind of nostalgia, check into AutoCamp Russian River, a unique outdoor experience featuring modern Airstreams and glamping tents for luxury camping complete with fireside s’mores under the stars.

Or for a head start on the last part of your itinerary, make your way west to stay at the Bodega Harbor Inn in Bodega Bay. You’ll find lounge chairs waiting for you to relax on the spacious lawn and overnight options that include vacation houses and suites overlooking the beautiful bay and harbor.

The Coast is Calling

On your last day, enjoy the refreshing Sonoma Coast starting with breakfast at Ginochio’s Kitchen. With its outside patio overlooking Bodega Bay, Ginochio’s Kitchen is the ideal spot for a hearty breakfast burrito or brisket and hash.

Take a stroll on Sonoma County’s 55 miles of coastline, like Doran Regional Park. Enjoy the two-mile stretch of beach where you can bird watch, fly a kite, and bury your toes in the sand. Try to spot migrating whales or harbor seals in the ocean.

Don’t forget to visit Bodega Head, the rocky landmark known for fabulous views and trails that traverse down craggy cliffs to hidden coves.

No trip to the coast is complete without fresh, local seafood. Try the classic combination of clam chowder and a Dungeness crab sandwich at Spud Point Crab Company. Enjoy your lunch on the picnic tables with a view of Spud Point Marina, where you can watch local fisherman dock their boats.

Alternatively, try the popular Fishetarian Fish Market for their sustainable seafood offerings like fish tacos, chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, or panko-crusted fish and chips.

After lunch, check out Bodega Bay Kayaks to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a few hours. Explore on your own or take a guided tour with a local expert.

Go further on the water on the 3-hour sailing tour with Bodega Bay Sailing. Enjoy the invigorating ocean air, watch for frolicking sea lions or dolphins, and enjoy the beautiful views.

Before you leave, drop by Candy & Kites, a fun local shop that exudes nostalgia. Shop for colorful kites, beach souvenirs, or classic saltwater taffy in an array of scrumptious flavors to sample on your way home. It’s a sweet top to a memorable trip — until your next visit to Sonoma County, California.