A treasure awaits just a short drive north of San Francisco, in a stunning yet somewhat “secret” area of sprawling countryside and coastal beauty. This is Sonoma County, a Northern California region thriving with residential communities, businesses, and some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the state. Here, you’ll discover family-friendly attractions such as the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa and the Safari West Wildlife Preserve near Healdsburg. Outdoor recreation abounds, from kayaking on the Russian River to hiking in the redwoods and cycling through vineyards. And, of course, since this is Northern California, there’s farmhouse fun, lakeside campsites, and plenty of excellent wine. “We’ve been seeing more visitors over the past several years, as people discover we’re a hidden gem in the wine country,” says a local winemaker. “I credit part of it to technology. Cell phone navigation helps people find us, hidden on the map.”
Discover how you can make this off-the-radar destination your own private paradise. We’ve highlighted six great trip ideas to get you started.
Healdsburg’s Charming Plaza
Just past the bustling city of Santa Rosa on Highway 101, you’ll suddenly find yourself in the charming town of Healdsburg, which boasts a picturesque plaza that looks like it was lifted straight out of a European village. Established during the 1850s, Healdsburg is now a vibrant hub of wine tasting rooms, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants surrounding its central plaza. You can start your day with a homespun breakfast at Costeaux French Bakery, famous for its artisanal breads and pastries. For a bit of modern luxury, taste wines at MacRostie Winery or Dry Creek Vineyard, where you may meet the winemakers themselves. Then head to dinner at the elegant Valette, where chef Dustin Valette creates magic with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Great Russian River Wine Finds
It’s something that large Napa and Sonoma wineries have long known: the Russian River Valley grows exceptional grapes. For decades, winemakers have flocked to this area for its cool-climate varieties—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel—using them to produce world-class wines. Today, the Russian River Valley is an official American Viticultural Area (AVA), producing a remarkable array of wines that rival the best in the world. A day of sightseeing and tasting along the Russian River Valley Wine Road should include a stop at the legendary Korbel Champagne Cellars, founded in 1882, where the iconic sparkling wine is still made using the méthode champenoise. Also, don’t miss Iron Horse Vineyards, known for its stunning views and exceptional bubbly, or the charming Arista Winery with its beautiful Japanese gardens.
Family Fun
Be it interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, zip-lining through redwoods at Sonoma Canopy Tours, or a wild adventure at Safari West, there’s something for every age in Sonoma County. Another top draw is the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad, a beloved miniature railway in the town of Sonoma, where families can enjoy a scenic ride through beautifully landscaped gardens and even a petting zoo. Sonoma County is also home to several historic sites, like Jack London State Historic Park, where you can explore the legacy of the famous author and adventurer.
Farm-Fresh Delights
Acres of vineyards, apple orchards, olive groves, and organic farms dominate this region, with hundreds of farms operating in Sonoma County. As you drive through the scenic roads, you’ll find plenty of farm stands offering just-picked fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products. For the ultimate farm experience, visit Farm Trails during their seasonal events, where you can tour working farms, meet the farmers, and even participate in farm-to-table dinners. Or stop by McEvoy Ranch for a taste of their award-winning olive oil, or the Redwood Hill Farm for fresh goat cheese and yogurt.
A Golfer’s Paradise
Sonoma County offers a variety of golf courses, from scenic public courses to exclusive country clubs. Windsor Golf Club, for instance, wins fans for its well-maintained fairways and challenging holes, surrounded by vineyards and natural beauty. Another nearby course, the Northwood Golf Club in Monte Rio, is unique for being nestled among towering redwoods along the Russian River. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, it’s one of the few courses in the world where you can play a round of golf in the heart of a redwood forest.
Scenic Trails and Outdoor Adventures
The Sonoma County countryside offers plenty of opportunities to hike, kayak, and check out the abundant wildlife. The Sonoma Coast State Park and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve are perhaps the most famous local greenspaces, offering miles of trails through redwood forests and along dramatic coastal cliffs. The Russian River is another popular retreat, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing, with plenty of beaches and picnic spots along the way. For a more challenging adventure, head to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a hike up to Bald Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the entire Bay Area.
Military History
Military history buffs will find several points of interest in Sonoma County. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, once the largest private rancho in California, offers a glimpse into California’s Mexican period. Meanwhile, the Pacific Coast Air Museum in Santa Rosa features an impressive collection of aircraft and exhibits, including a section of the Berlin Wall. Other points of interest include the historic Fort Ross, a Russian outpost on the Sonoma Coast that offers living history programs and stunning ocean views.
