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My 25 Favorite Things to Do in Sonoma County
👉 Jump to: Best Things | Unique Towns | Food & Drink | Sites & Attractions | Outdoor Adventures
You’ve heard of the wine, but Sonoma County has so much more to offer. Of course, yes, the wine is delightful — so we’ll cover some of the best wineries too!
As a lifelong California local, I’ve gotten to explore Sonoma County, from Geyserville to Petaluma and everywhere in between. I’m excited to share all my favorite spots to dine, drink, and hike in this article, including a few undiscovered gems.
And make sure to bookmark my guide to where to stay in Sonoma. You’ll want to jump on booking that hotel by the time you finish reading this article.
Without further ado, here are my favorite things to do in Sonoma County.
Best Things to Do in Sonoma
Jack London State Historic Park
Adventure into the world of an American literary icon when touring the Sonoma County ranch built by the author of The Call of the Wild.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 938-5216 | Website | Park Hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: $10 vehicle entry fee
It’s no wonder that a man who penned epic tales of adventure would choose the rolling hills and forested valleys of Sonoma County as his home.
Literary buffs and lovers of the great outdoors who are familiar with London’s work will find this place an intriguing window into the daily life of a legend. There is an inherent heartbreak in the ruins of the Wolf House, and a pervasive joy within the House of Happy Walls.
here in Glen Ellen the world of the author’s stories lives on, immortalized by the very place he is laid to rest.
Gloria Ferrer Wines & Champagne Caves
Sip sparkling wines on a patio with sweeping views or in an oak grove accompanied by a treat tasting for your canine companion.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (866) 845-6742 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Wed-Mon, Closed Tues | Tastings & Tours: $60 & up
Gloria Ferrer begins to impress from the moment you enter the ornate iron gates. The long driveway is bordered by olive trees, with rows of grape vines glimpsed between, stretching out so far the lines disappear into a serene swath of green.
You arrive at a gorgeous hilltop estate. Within minutes you’re sipping cold, crisp, sparkling wine on the patio, gazing out over the vineyards to the mountains beyond.
Reservations are strongly suggested for this one. You may be able to nab a last-minute opening for tastings or brunch, but make sure to book Pup the Cork and Vineyard Excursion packages at least 24 hours in advance.
🫒 Pro Tip: Get the olives. They’re grown on the vineyard grounds, pair perfectly with the wine, and are unquestionably the best olives I’ve ever tasted.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Indulge in old-world opulence at a winery where great grapes are born and great wines are made.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 857-1471 | Website | Hours: (tasting room) 11:00 am – 5 pm Thurs-Mon, Closed Tues-Wed
Grand staircases, stellar views, delicious red wine. The Coppola operation in Geyserville is everything you’d expect from the godfather of The Godfather — and a whole lot more.
As a rule, Sonoma wineries are going to treat you well, but this one treats you like family. They invite you to tour the legendary director’s personal collection of film memorabilia and try his favorite dishes from a lifetime of traveling the world, almost as if you were a guest in their home.
Whether you come for wine tasting and movie memorabilia or spend a whole day luxuriating by the pool, the exceptional staff will treat you like a don. This is hands down one of the best wineries I’ve ever visited.
Sonoma Coast State Park
Hike across bluffs and headlands to secluded beaches.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 875-3483 | Website | Parking: $8
Sonoma Coast State Park stretches from Bodega Head to Jenner, encompassing 17 miles of pristine, rugged coastline.
Nature lovers will find plenty to do here. There are over 20 beaches in the state park, but only strong swimmers should attempt a dip — the water is quite cold and the current quite strong. Instead, hike along the bluffs overlooking the wild waters.
You’ll get 4.7 miles of ocean views hiking the Kortum Trail between Goat Rock Beach and Wright’s Beach. It’s a wonderful opportunity to spot whales and other wildlife, especially in spring and summer when harbor seals are rearing their pups in a rookery near Goat Rock.
🥵 Pro Tip: There are great campgrounds throughout Sonoma County, but in the summertime, stick to those near the coast. In the hottest months (July-October) Sonoma Valley temperatures can climb well over 90°F (32°C.)
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Trek through a majestic forest of towering giants including Colonel Armstrong, a 1,400-year-old tree that soars upward of 310 feet overhead.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 869-2015 | Website | Hours: 8 am – sunset, daily | Entrance: Free | 👉 Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip
Few sights on Earth are so awe-inspiring as a redwood forest. To stand among these noble ancients is to be in the presence of greatness.
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve is a must-do for families vacationing in the Russian River Valley. The easiest hike goes to two of the park’s main attractions, Armstrong Tree and Forest Theater, roundtrip in under a mile. Other hikes range from 2 – 10 miles, with varying levels of difficulty.
🐕 Traveling with Doggos? Like most of the state parks in this area, dogs are only allowed in certain areas. This map will tell you which treks to tackle with your fur family.
Russian River
Float, kayak, or swim in this meandering river over 100 miles long — and don’t forget to explore the unique riverfront towns lining its shores.
The Russian River is an integral part of Sonoma County’s landscape, running from inland wine county all the way to Goat Rock Beach, where it empties into the Pacific Ocean.
You can access the Russian River in plenty of spots, but the most popular section runs from Forest Hills to Monte Rio. Here, you’ll find the most riverfront towns and sandy beaches. Be sure to check out Stumptown Brewery, where you can kayak right up to the beach and order a beer!
Unique Towns
Healdsburg
Wander on foot between wine tastings, boutiques, and Michelin-starred dining on the tree-lined lanes of this charming wine-country town.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Healdsburg Tours on Viator
Healdsburg is a hot ticket for San Francisco weekend getaways among locals who prefer to set trends rather than follow them. And friends, they’re on to something.
Healdsburg is home to gorgeous vistas, farmland, plentiful wineries, and some of the best restaurants in the county, just for starters.
Located along the Russian River, Healdsburg even has a beach and is a launch point for canoe and kayak adventures. The Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach features a par course and a lovely family-friendly swimming area (in summer).
🛎️ Need a Hotel? Located near the center of town, Harmon Guest House provides guests with free bikes and a scrumptious continental breakfast.
Bodega Bay
Escape to the tranquility of a tiny coastal fishing town surrounded by forests.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Private Sailing Tour of Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a first-rate destination to get away from it all whether your pleasure is the great outdoors or a great massage.
Hiking Bodega Head Trail, an easy loop around the peninsula, is a great way to get a feel for the area. At the south end of the bay, Doran Regional Park features one of the county’s only beaches where the water near the shore is suitable for wading and swimming. Another good place for splashing around with your kiddos is the creek part of Salmon Creek, to the north.
Those traveling with their board (and a wetsuit) can scope out a couple of decent surf spots near Bodega Dunes beach.
🐦 For The Birds: Birds are so prolific in Bodega Bay that it was chosen as the filming location for Hitchcock’s The Birds. One of the most popular spots is a deep pond at the end of Bodega Head, known locally as “The Hole in the Head.”
Sebastopol
Explore a whimsically bohemian town with an award-winning art scene.
Sebastopol is a lively wonderland filled with colorful junk art sculptures, and quirky local shops like Psychic Pies.
Art galleries are all over town, exhibiting the work of international artists and locals alike. You’ll be able to find live music just about every night of the week in HopMonk Tavern or Sebastopol Community Cultural Center.
Shoppers can peruse a bevy of local goods at The Barlow, a spacious marketplace devoted to all things made in Sonoma.
👉 Pro Tip: Although sculptures by Patriot Amiot and Brigitte Laurent pop up all over town, you won’t want to miss the collection of works on Florence Avenue, where almost every home sports one of these vibrant works.
Occidental
Free your mind and soar to undiscovered heights in an enchanting haven of art and creativity tucked away in a forest.
As sparkly a hidden gem as ever there was, Occidental offers a timeless escape. The tiny hamlet appears nearly unchanged since its time as a vacation hotspot, and a passionate, artistic community continues to flourish here.
Just 5 minutes outside Occidental, Sonoma Zipline Adventures lifts your journey to thrilling heights as you glide through a forest of giant redwoods. For the ultimate tree-top getaway you can stay overnight in your own private treehouse, which comes complete with gourmet meals delivered straight to your tree.
For more rural gems, check out our guide to California mountain towns.
Guerneville
Relax in this free-spirited, LGBTQ-friendly resort town on the banks of the Russian River.
Guerneville is one of the most quirky and endearing towns in Sonoma County. This tiny enclave in the middle of the forest packs a surprisingly large punch, with expansive riverfront beaches, historic architecture, and an up-and-coming food and drink scene.
Suntan and swim at Johnson’s Beach, or rent a kayak and paddle down the gentle Russian River. Imbibe in the region’s wines at one of the tasting rooms downtown, or shop at the local boutiques on River Rd.
Guerneville has long been a hotspot for Northern California’s LGBTQ+ community, thanks to the annual Lazy Bear week — and no, we’re not talking about the animal. This summertime festival draws the crowds, so accommodation is pricier during this time.
Food & Drink
The Girl & the Fig
Dine on seasonal delicacies that unite fine French cuisine with comfort food satisfaction.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 938-3634 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 9 pm Sat & Sun
Wine country is essentially farm country with a bacchanalian twist, so it makes perfect sense that one of the best things to do here is eat! The French-influenced cuisine at this bistro would hold its own against restaurants around the world.
You don’t have to be a foodie to appreciate the exquisitely crafted dishes at the Girl & the Fig, but if you are one, you’ll be doubly impressed. Think duck confit with fried green tomato compote or steak tartare with lavender sea salt. This straight-up culinary wizardry will make you understand why Sonoma is one of California’s best towns.
💰 Pro Tip: The 3-course bistro menu with wine pairings is a fantastic bargain. It’s one of the best meals in Sonoma Valley, and only slightly more expensive than a single wine tasting.
Starling Bar
Sip superb cocktails at a low-key local watering hole.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 938-7442 | Website | Hours: 5 – 10 pm Mon-Wed, 5 – 11 pm Thurs, 5 pm – 2 am Fri, 5 pm – 12 am Sat, 4 – 10 pm Sun
Rarely, if ever, have I encountered more talented, dedicated mixologists than those at Starling. These folks craft exquisite cocktails quite literally from the ground up, starting with ingredients grown in a garden right outside the bar.
There’s no better place to get in amongst the locals. Much of what Starling doesn’t grow is gifted by patrons and producers in the surrounding community. From drinks to bar bites to wood-fired pizzas made by the ever-popular Girl & the Fig, the menu here is Sonoma through and through.
Seeking a second wind? Order Bark Up the Strong Tree. Made with home-brewed Thai tea and coconut, this pisco cocktail gives you a boost and a buzz.
Starling Bar is located conveniently close to downtown and within walking distance for those staying in hotels on Sonoma Plaza. Check the website for the bar’s latest live music schedule.
Buena Vista Winery
Luxuriate over a bottle of rich cabernet sauvignon, a varietal this vineyard has been perfecting for over 150 years.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 926-1266 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun
Buena Vista Winery is often billed as the “oldest commercial winery” but that’s a rather drastic oversimplification. We’re talking about a place established by a Hungarian nobleman who became the first sheriff of San Diego during the Gold Rush. These walls have seen things.
Nowadays the original building is a California Historic Landmark and remains home to the winery, wine-tasting rooms, and visitor’s center. Most importantly, they make some delicious wines. Standing tastings in the Press Room are a bargain at just $25.
For an experience keeping with Buena Vista’s storied past, go for the Barrel Tasting tour. That one winds up with you in a cave, thieving wine from a barrel. Maybe just keep an eye out for the sheriff’s ghost.
🥂 Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, book a tasting in the Bubble Lounge. It’s like having a mini white party in wine country.
HopMonk
Eat, drink, and dance at a rustic tavern with an outdoor beer garden and two stages for live music.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 829-7300 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 9 pm Mon-Thu, Sun; 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri-Sat
Social butterflies will want to flutter right on over to HopMonk in Sebastopol. The food is good, the cocktails are great, and the wine list is stocked with local wines. Add in a live band, and what you end up with is a good time had by all!
👉 Love the vibe, but you’re not in Sebastopol? No worries! You’ll find another HopMonk location in downtown Sonoma.
Sites & Attractions
Sonoma State Historic Park
Trace a path through the Pueblo de Sonoma of the past on a walking tour of buildings that have stood since the city’s foundation.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 938-9560 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: Free
My favorite thing about downtown Sonoma is that it retains the spirit of the old west outpost it once was. Spread throughout midtown, the six historical sites of Sonoma State Historical Park contribute substantially to this quaint aesthetic.
From east to west, these sites are:
- the Blue Wing Inn
- Mission San Francisco Solano
- Sonoma Barracks
- Servants’ Quarters
- the Toscano Hotel
- General Vallejo’s Home.
You can see all the sites in about an hour, walking about a mile and a half round-trip. The area’s centerpiece is the equally historic Sonoma Plaza, which is bordered by some of the area’s best restaurants and hotels.
Those who fancy staying in a historic property can book a room at the El Dorado Hotel. Once the home of General Vallejo’s brother, the building has been overlooking Sonoma Plaza from the NW corner of 1st & Spain St since 1843.
Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
Ride a giant model train to a miniature town on one of the world’s finest garden-estate railroads.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 938-3912 | Website | Hours: (summer schedule) 10 am – 4 pm daily; (fall, winter, spring schedule) 10 am – 4 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: Free
Whether you’re a kid or not, Sonoma TrainTown is playtime. There’s a wildness to the scale of things that makes you feel like a giant and a child all at once as if the tiny trains have transported you to a world of imagination.
One way to get little ones interested in some of the more “boring” historical sites nearby is to include TrainTown as part of an old-timey-themed day of fun. A few hours of fun on vintage-style amusement rides is a nice lead-in to the Old West feel of Sonoma Historic Park, for example.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
Explore the life and comics of the Peanuts creator.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 579-4452 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon & Wed-Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat-Sun, closed Tues | Admission: $15 adults, $10 seniors (62+), $7 students and youth (ages 4-18), free under 4
No cartoon characters have captured hearts like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and their gang of Peanuts kids. At the Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, visitors can dive into the Peanuts world, read through never-before-seen cartoons, and uncover the stories behind their favorite characters.
Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Peanuts, spent most of his life in Santa Rosa. The museum is maintained by the Schulz family, and is a wonderful place to learn more about the iconic creator and his creations.
The Barlow
Find the right piece of Sonoma to take home in a 12-acre marketplace dedicated to local wares.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 824-5600 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 9 pm Sun-Wed, 7 am – 10 pm Thurs, 7 am – 11 pm Fri & Sat
One of my favorite things about Sonoma County is that you might at any moment discover something new and wonderful. People grow things or make things from scratch with their bare hands, then they sell them to folks like you and me.
The Barlow was created as a place for makers and craftspeople from Sonoma County to showcase the fruits of their labor, both literal and metaphorical. From fresh produce to home goods to artisan apparel, you’ll find it here.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? Fairfield Inn and Suites Sebastopol is less than 2 miles south of The Barlow.
West Dry Creek Road
Cruise a quiet country road that showcases Sonoma County at its peak idyllic.
I’m a big fan of the road less traveled, and Sonoma County is a backroads treasure trove. That’s especially so on West Creek Dry Road. Rolling through farmland and vineyards backdropped by golden hills, this narrow lane takes you to a world free of worry.
Take a right on Yoakim Bridge Rd, then a left on Dry Creek Rd — that will take you to Lake Sonoma. Once you’re there, head over to The Ranch at Lake Sonoma and leave the roads behind on this horseback riding tour.
You can get just about everywhere without having to take a freeway. Just make sure to plan your routes ahead of time. Cell service can be spotty throughout Sonoma Valley.
Outdoor Adventures
Empyrean Temple & Marijke’s Grove Sculpture Garden
Pause for reflection among astonishing works of art backdropped by breathtaking views.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: Free
If you’re looking for Burning Man-esque activities while you’re in Sonoma, well… there are quite a few. But the Marijke’s Grove Sculpture Garden installation on the outskirts of Santa Rosa is the most obvious, and a great one to share with the non-burners in your life.
If none of that makes any sense, this is a place to see enormous works of art created by a dedicated community that puts their heart and soul into each piece. And I’d be hard-pressed to say which is more magnificent — the art or the view.
🚗 How to Get There: Empyrean is easy to spot from Marijke’s Grove but unmarked from the road. Turn left out of the grove’s parking area and make another left on the next gravel road, the parking area is straight ahead.
Salt Point State Park
Hike, camp, and explore rugged beaches in this remote stretch of coastline in northern Sonoma County.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 847-3221 | Website | Hours: sunrise to sunset
Salt Point State Park is one of the most pristine sections of Sonoma County’s wild and rugged coast. Explore over 20 miles of trails through mossy forests or down to rocky, secluded beach coves.
Spring is my favorite time to go, as you can see gorgeous native wildflowers all along the trails. Swimming at the beaches here is possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it — the ocean is pretty cold, and the currents can be dangerously strong.
Salt Point is a fantastic place to go camping in California. The large park is home to over 100 sites spread out between Gerstle and Woodside campgrounds. Both campgrounds are just steps from the coastline and connected by a network of hiking trails.
Farm to Pantry
Glean fresh produce in local orchards and gardens with a non-profit that tackles the issues of food waste and food insecurity in one fell swoop.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 955-9898 | Website
Come late summer/early fall, you start to see all these social media posts of people out apple picking, doing pumpkin hauls, and whatnot. And maybe you think ‘Sure, looks fun, but what the heck am I gonna do with a bunch of apples?’
Farm to Pantry has the perfect answer: give them away to those in need. You can sign up to glean here, which means you’ll get to spend a few hours visiting local farms and orchards, helping to harvest excess crops. The food waste is then donated to local food pantries.
Although fall is prime harvest season, there’s no need to wait until then! Thanks to Sonoma County’s mild climate, this fun form of volunteerism is an option year-round.
Grove of the Old Trees
Walk a serene path of old-growth redwoods in a hidden location with few crowds.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 544-7284 | Website | Hours: sunrise – sunset
The Grove of the Old Trees is a forest oasis tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Occidental. This small patch of old-growth redwoods is perfect for those seeking an intimate experience with nature.
Because the Grove is relatively hidden, you won’t find the crowds you may encounter at other redwood preserves in the area. Dogs on leash are welcome, and the well-maintained paths are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. There are no bathrooms or running water.
There is only one small parking lot, and street parking is NOT allowed. The Grove is rarely crowded, but if the parking lot is full, just come back later.
Goat Rock Beach
Enjoy majestic views over the estuary where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (707) 875-3483 | Website | Entrance: Free
When you’re motoring down the Pacific Coast Highway staking out the perfect spot for sunset, it’s pretty easy to skip over Goat Rock Beach. Rookie mistake. One I made, as a rookie, and am now here to save you from. Because in terms of coastal sunsets, this quiet strip of sand is the G.O.A.T.
In terms of swimming, however, Goat Rock Beach isn’t the best. For one, it’s cold. More importantly, it’s dangerous. Waters along Sonoma’s coast are prone to rip tides, rough surf, and sudden ground swells. Always keep children back from the highest water line mark and never turn your back to the ocean.
During your beach day, be sure to check out the nearby small town of Jenner — one of my favorite coastal towns in Northern California. Go to Cafe Aquatica for a great waterfront sandwich or coffee!
📷 Bonus Rock: Blind Beach, just south of Goat Rock, has a great view of another area icon, Arch Rock.
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Thanks for reading — now you know exactly what to do the next time you’re in Sonoma County. Happy adventuring!
Looking for more city-focused adventuring? Check out our guide to things to do in San Francisco next.
–Laura McFarland contributed to this guide
