Outdoor Activities in Sonoma County

With its mild year-round climate, as well as mountains, forests, and more than 50 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline,  Sonoma County offers so many wonderful ways to enjoy the great outdoors.

For starters, Sonoma Wine Country boasts an array of beautiful, preserved nature trails at Sonoma County’s 11 state parks and more than 50 regional parks. Many of these protected parks also offer opportunities like fishing, swimming, boating, equestrian trails, and camping.

In addition to hiking and biking the numerous routes in Sonoma County’s state and regional parks, you can walk and bike through popular urban areas, too.

Discover the historic plaza in the town of Sonoma, with its ties to early California and lots to see and do. Stroll along Florence Avenue in the vibrant village of Sebastopol to be delighted by all the large, whimsical sculptures on outdoor display by artists Patrick Amiot and Brigette Laurent. See the scenic side of Santa Rosa on the Santa Rosa Creek Trail — it’s perfect for cruising on bikes. Or bicycle to the coast along Highway 12 and get old Hollywood vibes in the tiny town of Bodega, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed The Birds.

Sonoma County welcomes cyclists of all levels.

With more than 50 miles of gorgeous Pacific Ocean coastline, you’ll also find lots of fabulous Sonoma County beaches where you can breathe fresh air from the sea and marvel at limitless views.

Stroll the sand, explore tidepools, watch for whales, spot sea life, fly a kite, and marvel at sea stacks.

Reserve a spot on a Sonoma County charter boat in Bodega Bay to take a tour or try your hand at sport fishing.

However you enjoy time at the ocean, the invigorating sea air will surely work up your appetite, and the Sonoma Coast has many excellent eateries for seasonal seafood and farm-to-table treats.

Here are just a few other ideas for outdoor adventuring in Sonoma County:

• Canoeing and kayaking*
• Camping
• Horseback riding
• Swimming at Sonoma County beaches* or swimming pools in Sonoma Wine Country*

• Safari at an African wildlife park
• Boat camping at Lake Sonoma*
• Water Skiing at Lake Sonoma*
• Ziplining
• Hot Air Ballooning
• Golfing
• Sky Diving

*Before heading out on the water, make sure to review this helpful list of Sonoma County safety tips for water activities.

For even more options, check our listing of all Sonoma County outdoor activities.

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.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez