10 Highlights of Sonoma County
If you want to know the best wineries in California, favorite beaches on the Northern California coast, award-winning spas, world-class performance venues, and majestic redwood groves, then this list of highlights in Sonoma Wine Country is for you.
1. Incredible Wine
Sonoma County has more than 425 wineries for tours and tastings. Discover a new favorite at Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Korbel Champagne Cellars, St. Francis Winery, and Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens.
Or find unique wineries with hidden caves, amazing vistas, history, food and wine pairings, and wineries off the beaten path. If you’re new to the area, these are the wineries we recommend for our first-time visitors.
2. Amazing Wine and Food Festivals
Fabulous food paired with amazing wines tickles the taste buds and enhances your visit to Sonoma Wine Country. A few of our top festivals include Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, Passport to Dry Creek Valley, and Barrel Tasting.
Check our calendar of events for dates and info. Also check this list of the biggest + best annual festivals in Sonoma County.
3. World-Renowned Nature Parks
More than 60 regional and state parks in Sonoma County, plus a handful of private and federally managed parks, beckon travelers to hike through redwood forests, paddle along the coast, or just sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Must-sees include Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Spring Lake Regional Park, Trione-Annadel State Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (with the Robert Ferguson Observatory), Jack London State Historic Park, and Lake Sonoma.
Learn more about Sonoma County, California’s State Parks and Regional Park System.
4. The Pacific Ocean
Miles of pristine sand, rugged cliffs, scenic viewpoints, whale watching, and more give visitors reasons to visit more than 55 miles of amazing Pacific coastline in Sonoma County.
A few places to highlight along Sonoma County include Bodega Bay, Doran Regional Park, Goat Rock, Salmon Creek, Stillwater Cove, or Salt Point.
On the Sonoma Coast, you can go whale watching, explore Bodega Head, discover Sonoma Coast State Park, swim at a few of our great swimming beaches, or take a peaceful beach walk.
5. Top Spas and Resorts
There’s nothing as rejuvenating as a great massage. Resorts and stand-alone spas enhance any visit.
Check out Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Kenwood Inn & Spa, The Lodge at Bodega Bay, and Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.
Choose to rejuvenate at some of the area’s top spas, stay in a Sonoma Wine Country resort with a spa, or check out yoga and fitness in Sonoma County.
6. Gourmet Local Cuisine
You get a true taste of Sonoma County, California, when you explore this foodie haven. Many restaurants grow their own produce or source fresh, seasonal ingredients locally.
Dine at places as Stark’s Steak + Seafood, the girl & the fig, and Terrapin Creek Cafe.
Here are more favorite restaurants in Sonoma County:
- 7 Restaurants with Authentic Sonoma Wine Country Cuisine
- Michelin Star Restaurants in Sonoma County
- Best Brunch Restaurants in Sonoma County
- Top 10 Fine Dining Restaurants
- Top Farm-to-Table Restaurants in Sonoma County
- Top Romantic Restaurants in Sonoma County
- 10 Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Sonoma County
See our full list of Sonoma County restaurants, which you can filter by location or cuisine, here.
7. History
Sonoma County is …
- The birthplace of California’s wine industry, where you can tour and taste at one of the oldest estates, Buena Vista Winery.
- Home of the northernmost and last Spanish-Mexican mission, as well as homes, barracks, and more to see in the Sonoma State Historic Park.
- The location of the 1812 Russian-American hunting and trading coastal settlement, Fort Ross, that you can tour today.
- Petaluma, one of the oldest cities in California, has one of the best-preserved historic downtown areas along the charming riverfront. Check out this 48-hour guide to Petaluma.
- Jack London, author of ‘The Call of the Wild’ and ‘White Fang,’ was a pioneer, and you can visit his final home and ranch at the Jack London State Park, located in Glen Ellen.
8. A Wide Variety of Recreational Activities
In scenic Sonoma County, you can get outside and explore over 19 golf courses, the Safari West Wildlife Preserve, Sonoma Zipline Adventures, horseback riding, kayaking, hot-air ballooning, and more.
Search for your favorite Sonoma County outdoor activities.
9. World-Class Biking
Sonoma County is known as a cyclist’s paradise with 1,400 miles of secondary roads and off-road bike trails. Take a look at our guide to cycling in Sonoma County. From challenging routes with epic views to biking from winery to winery on a guided tasting tour, there’s a full range of cycling experiences and rentals for you in Sonoma Wine Country. Check out a few favorite cycling treks in Sonoma County.
10. A Vibrant Arts Scene
The acclaimed Green Music Center is a world-class performing arts center in Sonoma County, California. In this vibrant area, you can find performing arts, galleries, museums, and cultural events. Is it any wonder that Sonoma County is said to have more artists per capita than anywhere else in California?
Bonus Highlight
Bask in the amazing California weather: Sonoma County’s natural beauty and moderate temperatures seldom dip below freezing, even in the winter.
The area’s 25- to 30-inch annual rainfall happens primarily from November through April. In January, the average high/low temps inland are 58 F (14C)/36F (2C); on the coast, 56 F (13C)/35F (2C).
In July, the average high/low temps inland are 90 F (32 C)/52 F (12 C); on the coast, 80 F (26 C)/48 F (8 C).
Find out more for your next visit to Sonoma Wine Country:
- FAQ about Hotels in Sonoma County
- FAQ about How to Travel to Sonoma County
- What Sonoma County is Famous For: A-Z Guide.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more ideas when planning your trip to Sonoma County.
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THIS IS WINE COUNTRY.
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