Sonoma County Itinerary for Nature Lovers

Serene Lakes and Nature Parks

Today, you’ll take in the county’s magnificent beauty — there’s plenty to see and do, so aim for an early start!

Spring Lake Regional Park in Santa Rosa is a small, forested gem of 320 acres. Follow the easy 2.3-mile Spring Lake Loop past woodlands and around the peaceful lake dotted with ducks, gulls, and the occasional egret. You eventually reach a swimming lagoon, where you can splash around or rent a kayak.

Or, for a high-energy hike, head instead to adjoining Trione-Annadel State Park. Here, you’ll find 5,092 acres largely undeveloped with undisturbed woodlands, a fishing lake, and more than 40 miles of trails for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers if you want to rent a bike.

Lunch in Town

Head to the welcoming town of Sebastopol for a flavorful lunch at Osito Style Tacos. Choose from an array of mouthwatering Mexican-style street food with a gourmet edge.

Redwood Groves & the Russian River

In Sonoma Couty’s popular Russian River region, choose from these excellent activities: Explore a redwood grove, canoe along the river, and/or zipline through the world’s tallest trees!

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Guerneville

Wander and marvel in this awesome living reminder of the magnificent redwood forests that once covered this area. Trails wind through impressive trees that live to be 500 – 1,200 years old, grow to a diameter of 12 – 16 feet, and can approach nearly 400 feet in height.

Sonoma Zipline Adventures, Occidental

Have a high-flying adventure wearing a comfortable, specially designed harness to zip on cables from one aerial platform to the next. Take in breathtaking views on this guided zipline tour, complete with sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, a rappel — and the unparalleled beauty of California’s coastal redwoods.

Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville

Sun, swim, and float at this favorite riverbar beach. There’s a roped-off area for kids to splash and all kinds of equipment to rent, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, inner tubes, beach chairs, and umbrellas. There’s also a small snack bar with beer, wine, treats, and eats.

Memorable Lodging

Check out Sonoma County’s fun options for an unforgettable stay in the area.

Mine + Farm, the Inn at Guerneville is a fully-restored 1906 farmhouse with an organic garden and green principles. Rooms at this stylish farmhouse have private bathrooms, and guests rave about the farm-fresh breakfasts.

Casini Ranch Family Campground in nearby Duncans Mills is a cabin and RV campground located on the Russian River. You’ll find playgrounds, dog parks, and volleyball courts, plus activities like hayrides and marshmallow roasts. Amenities include a recreation hall with a full kitchen and rentals for canoes, bikes, golf carts, and more.

Dinner Time

As in most of Sonoma County, choices hereabout are positively epic. Tuck into old-fashioned Italian family-style dining at Negri’s Italian Dinners & Joe’s Bar.

For more fresh and tasty dishes with Italian influence, relax at the Union Hotel Restaurant.

Or, check our listings of all Sonoma County restaurants to find the food you’re in the mood for.

The Sonoma Coast

After a hearty breakfast, head west to the magnificent Pacific Ocean.

Take a 13-mile cruise to the coast lined with views of groves, meadows, and pastures that quickly turn into some of the world’s most gorgeous coastline on California’s legendary Route 1, known as “the Coast Highway.”

Beaches & State Parks

Sonoma Coast State Park beckons with a series of beaches and bluffs that stretch for 17 breathtaking miles.

Park and take a cliff trail to check out the beaches. Kortum Trail is a great bluff-top path. This scenic trail goes to Shell Beach and Blind Beach in Jenner and to Wright’s Beach in Bodega Bay. To see trail maps, view the Sonoma Coast State Park brochure.

Lunch With Views

In the tiny sea village of Jenner at River’s End Restaurant & Inn, where the food is sublime and the views are unforgettable.

Stop at a Historic Site

Head north to Fort Ross State Historic Park in the coastal town of Jenner to stroll an original structure and authentic reconstructions of a Russian fur trading outpost founded in 1812 with lots of art, artifacts, and sweeping ocean views.

Beautiful Blooms and a Pygmy Forest

In Jenner, explore the Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve, with a forest of redwoods and other trees among ferns, seasonal streams, and five miles of trails. In spring, the wild rhododendrons bloom, making this gorgeous site alive with pops of brilliant pink.

Salt Point State Park, also in Jenner, consists of 6,000 acres of coastal cliffs, coves, and 20 miles of hiking trails along the bluffs. At the highest elevation, you can wander the fascinating pygmy forest populated with miniature pine, cypress, and even redwood trees. These mature trees are, in some cases, more than a century old — but they’re all only a few feet tall and worth seeing.

As you head north, watch the east side of the highway (inland) for the whimsical Sea Ranch Chapel, a hand-crafted, non-denominational chapel that’s a work of art both inside and out.

Dinner & Lodging

Spend the night at the stunning Timber Cove Resort. Named one of Sunset Magazine’s “10 Hideaways by the Sea,” it offers spacious rooms with dramatic coastline views, hot tubs, and fireplaces. Dine on coastal wine country cuisine in the restaurant, on the patio, at the bar, or in the outdoor living room next to the cozy firepit.

Check out the soaring sculpture by Benjamin Bufano that resides here, perched on the edge of a coastal bluff.

If you have a few more days to explore, visit more of Sonoma County’s nature destinations: Cazadero, Austin Creek State Recreational Area, or Lake Sonoma.

Find the complete list of Sonoma County nature parks and campgrounds.