’Moon Travel in Sonoma County: Mini-Moons, Babymoons and More

Just like a new moon signifies a new cycle in life, a new season, a new change, so does the newest trend in travel: ’Moon travel. From babymoons to retirement-moons, the classic honeymoon to the trending mini-moon, these special trips help celebrate the start (or close) of a chapter in life, be it a baby, a marriage, or even a job.

With a menu of wellness options, be it traditional or not-so-much, plus an exciting lineup of activities and events, Sonoma County welcomes ’mooners looking to get away, celebrate, and reset.

The Mini-Moon

DEFINITION: A shortened and compact honeymoon that allows a couple to get away and relax post-wedding, but saves on time or money

A short, easy mini-moon lets newlyweds savor the “just married” feeling without the logistics or time commitment of a long honeymoon. A Sonoma County mini-moon could be two or three unhurried nights tucked into a quiet, intimate bed & breakfast, with maybe one big activity a day. The beauty of a Sonoma County mini-moon is its flexibility, allowing a couple to be indulgent without being over-planned, and take a romantic getaway on a manageable post-wedding budget.

The Mega-Moon

DEFINITION: An extended, more elaborate trip post-wedding that allows a newlywed couple to check-off multiple bucket-list destinations or activities

The exact opposite of a mini-moon, some couples choose to take extra time off post-wedding for an extended, two-week or even month(s)-long, once-in-a-lifetime-type experience, checking off multiple bucket-list destinations or activities before returning to “real life” as an official couple.

With so much to do and so many types of experiences to be had here, Sonoma County is the perfect spot for a mega-moon, allowing couples to hop from town to town and experience to experience without a flight or extra-long drive. For example, spend a few days in and around the town of Sonoma or Healdsburg, wine-tasting and indulging in incredible food, then head out to Guerneville to experience California’s Old Growth redwoods and the neighboring towns nestled along the Russian River. Book a coastal getaway in Bodega Bay, Fort Ross, Timber Cove, or The Sea Ranch, followed by an off-the-map escape with no cell service in Cazadero. Catch a festival or event in the city of Santa Rosa, then get a taste of agrotourism, with an incredible side of arts and culture, in the towns of Sebastopol or Petaluma. The possibilities are literally endless, with more than 30 unique towns and cities to explore.

The Mysterymoon

DEFINITION: When a couple has a third party plan their honeymoon, making their post-wedding trip a worry-free surprise to themselves

A mysterymoon might be planned by a travel agent who knows Sonoma County well, or perhaps by the couple’s parents as a meaningful wedding gift. Luxury experiences with a romantic vibe might be booked in advance, while the rest of the mysterymoon itinerary could simply leave time for shared moments of peace, quiet and connection to unfold. Sonoma County is well suited to a mysterymoon, as the planner essentially can’t go wrong with so many activities to discover and vibes to be had.

The Buddymoon

DEFINITION: When a marrying couple invites close friends to join not only their destination wedding, but the honeymoon to follow

With miles of gorgeous open space and tons of activities, Sonoma County makes it easy for a buddymoon to feel warm and relaxed for the whole group, while not requiring the newlyweds to sacrifice romance. A buddymoon in Sonoma County might mean staying in multiple villas at Bodega’s Sonoma Coast Villa, spending mornings together over coffee, then breaking off into smaller groups for wine tasting, brewery visits, some hiking, or spa time before regrouping for long, laughter-filled dinners. A couple might coordinate the core itinerary, while friends can use down-time how they like. A Sonoma County buddymoon allows a couple to extend their wedding joy, sharing a favorite place with their favorite people and creating memories, all together.

The Familymoon

DEFINITION: When a newlywed couple that has children includes the kids in the honeymoon

Sonoma County is an easy fit for a familymoon, with lots of family-friendly hotels and large vacation rentals, and a wide variety of activities that suit all ages. A familymoon in Sonoma County could include shared adventures like bike rides, winery visits or coastal exploring, followed by casual dinners. Planning becomes part of the fun, too, with kids helping choose family-friendly activities or weigh-in on where to go next, making it a true group effort from the start. The result is a trip that celebrates family connection while still leaving room for the newlyweds to enjoy quiet moments of their own.

The Babymoon

DEFINITION: A pre-baby getaway (typically taken during the second trimester) designed to help expecting parents relax and reconnect with each other before their little one arrives

Having a babymoon in Sonoma County is about slowing the pace of life: Sleeping in at a cozy, intimate inn, exploring the winery scene with alcohol-free experiences, enjoying spa treatments, and simply spending time together pre-baby. Planning should be simple and flexible, emphasizing proximity and daily downtime so there’s no need to rush.

Need some babymoon inspiration? Sonoma County “moon expert” Cindy Scott-Fuchs owns Mellow Mommy in Sebastopol and Sonoma Moons Healing Center in Occidental, both of which offer nurturing experiences for expecting parents. She also hosts babymoon retreats at the laid-back, romantic Inn at Occidental and the airy, coastal Timber Cove Resort, both ideal spots for unwinding and reconnecting before parenthood begins.

“I’m thrilled that ’moon-travel has become a thing – I feel it was meant for me! Personally, I’m a nature lover who’s especially drawn to the night sky, and being in tune with the lunar cycles has been woven into my life as long as I can remember. Night walks, night swims, stargazing, moon-bathing, planning getaways during a full moon, or at least making sure to step outside and pause under a powerful bright moon for ‘letting go and manifesting’ are all part of my self-care rituals – and now part of my wellness offerings, which I call ’moon ritual kits.’”

Cindy scott-fuchs

At Sonoma Moons, Scott-Fuchs also creates custom-tailored “moon” getaways to honor any momentous occasion.

The New-Job-Moon

DEFINITION: A short getaway taken before starting a new job

Sonoma County manages to feel restorative without being overly removed from everyday life, making it an ideal setting for a job-change- (or even a career-change-) reset. A new-job-moon in Sonoma County might mean a few nights at a walkable hotel, mornings spent with coffee and a good book, and afternoons that include a little sightseeing, shopping, and wine-tasting, followed by an unhurried dinner. Or maybe this is the time to enjoy the outdoors, going horseback riding, hot air ballooning, or whale watching – getting in some PTO before any new PTO accrues. Planning can be focused on ease and flexibility rather than a packed itinerary, leaving room for reflection and recharging.

The New-You-Moon

DEFINITION: A personal-growth getaway to celebrate the start or end of a particular time in life

Maybe you’re entering a new decade or navigating a new chapter in life – life on your own or as new empty nesters, perhaps. Some people like to celebrate the milestone, or get away to re-evaluate life and check-in with themselves. With incredible spas, places to mediate and places to celebrate, Sonoma County is the perfect wellness destination, and a popular, safe choice for a solo getaway. Soulful travel through Sonoma County can also help recalibrate the mind and body.

The Retirement-Moon

DEFINITION: A short getaway taken to celebrate and kick-off a retirement

Sonoma County is an inviting place to celebrate years of work with time that’s finally your own. A retirement-moon in Sonoma County might include settling into a relaxing inn, spending each morning lingering over breakfast, and filling days with pleasures that now come without a clock – scenic drives, art walks, wine tasting or golf. With planning shaped around personal interests rather than schedules, a retirement-moon in Sonoma County can feel reflective and rewarding, offering a graceful beginning to life after work.

Don’t let the sun set on your next ’moon-travel getaway. For more inspiration, check out these pre-made itineraries.

---

Written by Melanie Wynne