Spring in Sonoma County

There’s no bad place to visit in Sonoma County, especially in spring, when the area explodes with color and flavor. However, Petaluma and Healdsburg are must-visits in springtime. Both are lively 19^th-century towns that feature wide, central rivers and plenty of spring-blooming trees and gardens, as well as sprawling outskirts with rolling green pastures, vineyards, and drifts of spring wildflowers. For more local beauty, be sure to see our profiles of Cities and Towns in Sonoma County.

Early spring in Northern California typically runs from late-February to mid-April. In Sonoma County, the start of the season is signaled by golden mustard blooms popping up in the vineyards and baby barnyard animals coming to life on the farms. By late February, the hills are bright green with new grasses, wildflowers begin to bloom, and the days start to get longer. March and April bring milder temperatures (highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F), with a mix of sunny days and light rain.

Celebrities’ favorite stays in Sonoma County include top luxury lifestyle spots like Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, The Lodge at Bodega Bay on the Sonoma Coast, and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, set just outside downtown Sonoma.

In Sonoma County vineyards, mustard flowers bloom between late January and late February, in stunning drifts of yellow and light green. These pungent, sharp-tasting wildflowers are planted in vineyards to naturally suppress weeds and nematodes (microscopic worms that can damage grapevines) and protect hills from erosion during winter rains. In early March, before grapevine bud break begins, mustard flowers will be mowed and tilled into a vineyard’s soil to enrich it with phosphorous and other nutrients.

Yes, you can wear jeans to go wine tasting in Sonoma County — the vibe of the whole region is generally laid-back and casual. To look more refined, consider wearing clean, non-torn jeans paired with a tailored shirt and/or sweater. It’s practical to bring along a warm layer or two, as daytime temperatures can vary widely and many tasting rooms are well air-conditioned. It’s also advisable to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes when visiting wineries, as parking areas and vineyards might feature gravel, mud, or uneven ground.

Some of Sonoma County’s most anticipated springtime food and wine events include the California Artisan Cheese Festival, and the limited release of Pliny the Younger beer, both held in March; the two-day Passport to Dry Creek Valley held in April; and the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience held in May.

In April, Petaluma hosts both its Butter & Egg Days Parade & Festival and the Petaluma Spring Antique Faire, while in May, the Sonoma County Farm Trails Spring Tour is held throughout the county. You’ll also not want to miss the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival, the official kick-off to salmon season, complete with live music, a blessing of the fleet, and a boat-building contest and race. Be sure to check our events calendar for more springtime events in Sonoma County.

Spring outdoor activities in Sonoma County include hot air ballooning, birdwatching, mountain biking and backpacking, and simply going for a picnic. Spring wildflower hikes at the Sonoma Botanical Garden and Jack London State Historic Park are led by knowledgeable staff, and guided horseback riding is a great way to experience the coast and valleys. There are several area wineries with gorgeous gardens to visit, and other unique flower experiences can be found all over the county.

In Sonoma County, you can spot wildlife in every season, but spring is especially exciting.

February through March, year-old male river otter pups can be seen exploring outdoors alone for the first time while their mothers are busy with new litters of pups. You’ll find some good otter-viewing spots along Sonoma County's three rivers and the coastal streams in Gualala Point Regional Park.

March to May marks the annual gray whale migration, which technically blows through Sonoma County between January and May, but spring is the warmest season for whale-watching on the Sonoma Coast. March through May is also Pacific harbor seal pupping season, and the best pup-viewing spot is above Goat Rock Beach in Sonoma Coast State Park.