Nestled along the Russian River in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, Healdsburg (pop. 11,254) combines small-town charm (the most charming according to Condé Nast Traveler, to be precise) and stunning vistas with award-winning vintages and incredible food. Centered around a charming town plaza lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries, and bars, Healdsburg is a wine and culinary epicenter.
As one of the more well-known cities in Sonoma County, and sitting at the juncture of three prime winegrowing regions — the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley wine appellations — this the charming town of Healdsburg makes an ideal base of operations for wine tasting.
Dining options are endless, from hearty hamburgers to haute cuisine, and include Sonoma County's Three Star Michelin Star restaurant.
For art lovers, more than two dozen art galleries are within walking distance to the downtown area, and the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society hosts exhibits about the rich history of Healdsburg and surrounding areas.
What To Do in Healdsburg
Named “Sonoma County’s Most Charming Town” by Condé Nast Traveler, historic Healdsburg is surrounded by vineyards, hills and open spaces, and is full of beloved local businesses. Things to do in Healdsburg range from wine tasting to retail therapy; gourmet dining to simply relaxing in the city’s leafy downtown plaza. A Healdsburg 2 day itinerary might involve hiking, exploring local art galleries, and savoring craft cocktails, while a girls’ getaway in Healdsburg could entail brunch, boutique shopping, and a stop at the local farmers’ market. Cheers to discovering Healdsburg!
Wine Tasting
Jordan Vineyard & Winery tasting room in Healdsburg
Three famous Sonoma Wine Country regions - the Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River valleys - all meet in Healdsburg. Of Sonoma County’s 425 wineries, 92 are set within Healdsburg city limits, and 26 have wine tasting rooms right downtown. There are Healdsburg wineries for every vacation vibe, from laid-back to luxury.
The mountainous Alexander Valley is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals, as well as Chardonnay; Jordan Vineyards & Winery and Alexander Valley Vineyards are two of the top wineries in Healdsburg. The expansive Dry Creek Valley is renowned for Zinfandel, but is also popular for Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah; notable producers include Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs and Dry Creek Vineyard. The cool-climate Russian River Valley is most prized for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, found at legendary wineries like Williams Selyem and Joseph Swan.
Exploring Healdsburg
The city’s lively, 19th-century downtown is centered on the Healdsburg shopping plaza, surrounded by locally owned boutiques and top-notch bars and restaurants. The Healdsburg art gallery scene is strung throughout downtown, featuring paintings, jewelry and more by California artists. Downtown can be easily traveled on foot or by bike pedal trolley, or even as part of a Healdsburg tour. Just off the plaza, the Healdsburg Museum illuminates the city’s history, and beyond lie dozens of wineries, as well as river beaches and fishing spots.
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World-Class Dining
SingleThread in Healdsburg is one of only five U.S. restaurants to be awarded Three Michelin Stars and a Green Star for sustainability.
A truly comprehensive Healdsburg restaurant guide ranges from elegant to casual, with cuisines from across Asia, Europe and Central America, plus locally sourced farm-to-table fare. Michelin Star restaurants in Healdsburg include the 3-starred SingleThread, and perennial favorites include Barndiva and Valette. One of Sonoma County’s best bakeries, Quail & Condor, is also in Healdsburg, and it’s easy to find barbecue, burritos, ramen and more. You’ll even find incredible celiac-friendly offerings in this Sonoma County gluten-free foodie guide, including options at Baci Cafe & Wine Bar.
Getting to Healdsburg, California
Healdsburg is about a one-hour drive from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, heading north on Highway 101 the entire way. The two cities are so close, it’s easy to plan a San Francisco to Healdsburg day trip.
Rather fly? Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) is a roughly 10-minute drive from Healdsburg, and is served by three airlines and a few rental car companies, as well as taxis, ridesharing apps, and the Sonoma County Transit bus. Another option is the Groome Transportation shuttle, which travels between STS and the larger airports in San Francisco (SFO) and Oakland (OAK), and takes about three hours.
Where to Stay
When you want to make it a longer stay, it’s easy to find Healdsburg accommodations. For the perfect Wine Country experience, Healdsburg hotels with vineyard views include The Madrona, a Victorian-era mansion built in 1881. NewTree Ranch offers peace amid the redwoods, and Wildhaven’s glamping tents and cabins sit right beside the Russian River. When you stay in Healdsburg, you can enjoy the misty mornings from a porch or deck; spend hours wine tasting, shopping and exploring; then linger over a stellar meal, meeting locals and making new friends. Chances are, your first stay in Healdsburg will be far from your last.
Local Healdsburg Businesses
32 Winds Wine
Healdsburg
A Simple Touch Spa
Healdsburg
A. Rafanelli Winery
Healdsburg
a/muse
Healdsburg
Ace It Bike Tours Healdsburg
Healdsburg
Acorn Cafe
Healdsburg
ACTA Wine
Healdsburg
Adelle Stoll
Healdsburg
Aerena Gallery Healdsburg
Healdsburg
Aesthete Winery & Farm
Healdsburg
Agave Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar
Healdsburg
Aldina Vineyards
Healdsburg