15 Unmissable Things to do in Sonoma County, California
Sonoma County, California is a paradise for those seeking natural beauty, world-class wine, and a laid-back lifestyle. Located just an hour north of San Francisco, Sonoma County offers an endless array of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and culinary experiences. In this post, we will highlight 15 unmissable things to do in Sonoma County.
Wine Tasting: Sonoma County is renowned for its wine, and there are over 425 wineries in the region. With so many options, it can be challenging to choose where to go. Some top wineries to visit include Chateau St. Jean, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Iron Horse Vineyards.
Hiking: With its stunning landscapes, Sonoma County is an outdoor lover's paradise. Some of the best hiking trails include the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, Sonoma Coast State Park, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience Sonoma County from a unique perspective by taking a hot air balloon ride. Companies like Sonoma Ballooning Adventures offer sunrise and sunset rides with stunning views of the countryside.
Food Tour: Sonoma County is a foodie's dream, with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and farm-to-table restaurants. Take a food tour with Sonoma Food Tours or Savor Healdsburg to discover the best culinary experiences in the area.
Art Walk: Sonoma County is home to many talented artists and galleries. Take a stroll through the Healdsburg Art Walk, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, or the Arts District in Santa Rosa.
Beach Day: Sonoma County has over 55 miles of coastline with beautiful beaches like Goat Rock Beach, Salmon Creek Beach, and Bodega Bay.
Kayaking: Explore the Russian River by kayak or canoe with companies like River's Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips or Russian River Adventures.
Cycling: Sonoma County is a popular destination for cyclists, with scenic routes like the Sonoma Valley Wine Trail, West County Regional Trail, and Joe Rodota Trail.
Farmers Market: Visit one of the many farmers markets in Sonoma County for fresh produce, artisanal bread, and homemade jams. The Santa Rosa Original Farmers Market and Healdsburg Farmers Market are popular options.
Spa Day: Relax and rejuvenate at one of Sonoma County's many spas, like the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, The Spa at Hotel Healdsburg, or Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.
Horseback Riding: Enjoy the beauty of Sonoma County on horseback with companies like Triple Creek Horse Outfit or Sonoma Valley Trail Rides.
Cheese Tasting: Sonoma County is famous for its artisanal cheeses, and there are many creameries to visit, including the Cowgirl Creamery and the Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company.
Farmers Market Dinner: Enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at one of Sonoma County's many farms, like the Farmhouse Inn, Dry Creek Kitchen, or Valette.
Golfing: Play a round of golf at one of Sonoma County's many courses, like the Links at Bodega Harbour, the Fountaingrove Golf and Athletic Club, or the Mayacama Golf Club.
Beer Tasting: Sonoma County is not just about wine. It is also home to many award-winning craft breweries like Russian River Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Bear Republic Brewing Company.