3-Day Sonoma County Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

You can fly into the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS) and jump in a rental for nearby Healdsburg, listed by Smithsonian magazine as one of the “Best Small Towns to Visit in the U.S.”

Breakfast at Downtown Bakery & Creamery

This iconic spot has been a Healdsburg staple since it opened in the late 1980s. Savor dishes like legendary Croque Madame, which includes ham, cheese, and poached egg — a great start to a day of wine tasting. There’s also sticky buns, croissants, pain au chocolat, and homemade jam pockets.

Wine Tasting with Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Jordan Vineyard & Winery has been legendary since the stone-and-stucco castle opened in 1972. Known for its sustainably made Cabernets and Chardonnays, this impressive estate offers immersive tours and tastings daily by reservation. Take in the scenery of the famous surrounding Alexander Valley wine-growing region.

Lunch at Healdsburg Plaza

Indulge in a walk-around feast with Healdsburg Wine & Food Walking Tours. The guided stroll includes private seated tastings at boutique tasting rooms, with excellent bites such as honey-drizzled blue cheese atop pears, freshly baked breads, charcuterie, and French pastries.

Following the tour, browse and shop the Healdsburg Plaza. First built in 1872, this plaza is now surrounded by locally owned boutiques, tasting rooms, restaurants, art galleries, and more.

Afternoon Sip & Stroll at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery

Tucked away on five acres of pristine Italian/French-inspired gardens, you’ll find Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery. Grab a glass to sip and meander the gorgeous gardens at your own pace, or book one of the vineyard’s guided food and wine tours. In the spring, enjoy more than 10,000 tulips and daffodils in bloom. 

West Dry Creek Road is a gently curving stretch lined with breathtaking vineyards, wineries, and the rustic-chic Dry Creek General Store, which is a fun place to stop and shop.

Healdsburg sits at the intersection of three world-renowned wine valleys — the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River — so vineyards, winery estates, and tasting rooms abound. Discover more Sonoma County wineries.

Dinner

Healdsburg is known for its innovative culinary scene. Choose from acclaimed eateries, like the three-Michelin-star SingleThread, known for exquisite multi-course meals sourced from their own farm, and Valette, whose Cal-global menu and open kitchen ambience are sure to “wow.”

Need more options? Check out our Guide to Restaurants in Healdsburg.

On your second day, explore a different side of Sonoma Wine Country in picturesque Petaluma. Once dubbed the “Egg Basket of the World” for its robust agriculture, the riverside city has become a haven for both foodies and outdoor enthusiasts.

Paddleboard on the Petaluma River

The city of Petaluma is ripe for outdoor exploration, and the river is a great place to start! The Floathouse Petaluma offers guided paddleboard and kayak tours, private lessons, and rentals. Another great option is Clavey Paddlesports, which offers a variety of fun river and marshland tours, where you often can spot wildlife.

Lunch at Taps Restaurant & Tasting Room

After a morning on the water, you’re sure to be plenty hungry, and Taps Restaurant & Tasting Room is the perfect spot. Open daily, the family-friendly eatery features burgers, wings, and tacos as well as a large selection of local craft beers.

Find more restaurants in Petaluma.

Afternoon Cheesemaking at Achadinha Cheese Co.

Dive into Petaluma’s rich agricultural history at Achadinha Cheese Co. Here, you will roll up your sleeves alongside owners Jim and Donna Pacheco as they teach you how to make your own cheese. The class also includes a full ranch tour, time with the animals, and a cheese tasting, of course! Or reserve a farm tour and learn a little about this scenic landscape.

Evening in Downtown Petaluma

From antique stores and vintage boutiques to tasting rooms, eclectic eateries, and iconic music venues, you’ll find no shortage of fun when exploring downtown Petaluma. For a two-in-one experience, grab dinner at McNear’s Saloon & Dining House, then bop on over to Mystic Theater — located in the same building — to hear a wide range of rock, funk, or blues any given night.

Cap off your getaway to Sonoma County in the historic city of Sonoma. Here you’ll find historic sites, museums, farm-to-table restaurants, and rejuvenating wellness offerings. 

Breakfast at Basque Boulangerie Cafe

Known as “Bistro on the Square,” Basque Boulangerie Cafe is home to Sonoma’s original sourdough. The cafe serves breakfast all day with options ranging from Ricotta Pesto Toast and Veggie Madame (a vegetarian-friendly take on Croque Madame) to coffee cakes, croissants, and many more freshly baked delicacies.

Visit California’s Oldest Winery

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California, complete with caves that are actual historical landmarks. The aging tombs are renovated for modern safety, but remain elegantly dark and mysterious. The winery’s Wine Tool Museum features a 20-minute light, sound, and visual show telling the history of winemaking through its tools. Guided wine tastings are a fun way to experience the winemaking process, from the vine and barrel to the finished bottle.

Grab Lunch at the girl & the fig

Enjoy famous “wine country cuisine” at the girl & the fig, situated in the heart of Sonoma Plaza. This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant is a charming, cottage-style café with a lavishly landscaped patio. Enjoy dishes like savory pork belly sandwich with apples and cabbage on brioche, or wild mushroom ravioli with ricotta, truffles, and ancho cress.

After lunch, pop into the eclectic galleries and shops, enjoy an array of wine tasting rooms, and marvel at the historic sights — all conveniently nestled in and around the Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square in California.

Relax at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

The AAA Four-Diamond Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a luxurious, relaxing oasis surrounded by ancient redwood trees. At the Fairmont Spa, you’ll be nourished with treatments that utilize natural elements. Spa guests can experience the healing properties of the spa’s ancient geothermal mineral springs in five geothermal pools for ultimate bliss. 

Explore more spa and wellness experiences in Sonoma County.

Farm-to-Table Dinner 

Sonoma County is a leader in the farm-to-table movement, using the freshest local fruits, vegetables, and herbs to create flavorful, seasonally inspired menus. At Valley Bar + Bottle, you’ll find a cozy wine bar and bottle shop offering delicious plates, like cod topped with garlic and clams or crispy rice with turmeric.

Get more trip ideas for your wonderful adventure to Sonoma Wine Country with the free Vistior Guide.