In California’s Wine Country region, which also includes Napa, Mendocino, and Lake counties, Sonoma County is the largest producer. It has thirteen approved American Viticultural Areas and more than four hundred and twenty five wineries. An astounding number, more than 8.4 million tourists visit each year.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in all that California wine country has to offer in Sonoma County, it can be overwhelming with everything that’s on offer. With Sonoma County’s stunning natural beauty, world-class wines, delicious farm-to-fork food, charming small towns, and dynamic art scene, prioritising your time and deciding what you want to do can be a daunting task. Here are the Top Things to Do in Sonoma, CA:
Take a Step Back in History
At number one on our list in things to do in Sonoma, take a step back in history with a multitude of unique experiences. Want to learn how wine tools shaped the industry? Check out the Buena Vista, California’s oldest commercial winery. Visit the last and northernmost of the California Missions at Sonoma State Historic Park, which houses historical exhibits, an art exhibition, museum chapel and courtyard.
Experience life on a rancho at the Petaluma Adobe. Furnished with authentic furniture and interpretive displays, this building hosts special events that bring to life an adobe ranch of the Mexican period in California. Perched high on a gorgeous coastal bluff at Fort Ross, you can explore a former Russian colony.
Head over to the final home of the famous author and adventurer at Jack London State Historic Park. The property is both a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark. Stroll through horticultural history at the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, where world-renowned horticulturist, Luther Burbank, lived and experimented with plants for most of his 50-year career.
Farm-Fresh Food, and Acclaimed Restaurants
In Sonoma County, slow food and farm-to-fork is a long-established way of life, and it’s number two on our list. It may be a sit-down meal in one of Sonoma County’s acclaimed restaurants, or a food truck at a local farmer’s market, either way, expect everything to be fresh, delectable, and innovative. The fresh food of Sonoma County is utilised by the local chef’s with passion and mastery. So don’t be shy and remember to try every food spot you can to get a taste of the true flavours in Sonoma County.
Wine Tasting & Winery Tours
At number three on our list of the top ten things to do in Sonoma, California is wine tasting and winery tours. Remember, Sonoma is wine country after all. So what better way to explore it than enjoying the offerings of Sonoma County’s more than four hundred and twenty five wineries? Sonoma’s seemingly limitless wineries span from high-end, high-design wine castles to charming mom-and-pop operations. Looking for more of an educational experience, then check out Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens.
If you’re a movie buff, browse the movie memorabilia at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Fancy something a little more acclaimed, give the multi-course wine-and-food pairing at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards a try. Experience a piece of history at California’s oldest premium winery, Buena Vista Winery. If you’re looking for something completely unique, take the entertaining tram tour through bio-dynamic vineyards at Benziger Family Winery.
You can even enjoy a glass of red in a modern castle with gothic spires and archways at the stunning Ledson Winery & Vineyards. If wine isn’t your thing or you fancy something different, no problem. You can follow the Sonoma County Beer, Cider & Spirits map to enjoy some of Sonoma County’s flourishing craft breweries, distilleries and cider houses. Whatever you fancy, Sonoma has it available by the bucket load.
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Walking, Hiking & Zipping
Walking, hiking and even zipping, are at number four on our list. Sonoma County is begging to be explored on foot, with over sixty nature parks, more than 200,000 acres protected from development, and miles of trails. You can take a stroll through the serene, majestic grove at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. If you’re up for more of a challenge, explore the twenty miles of trails at Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
And if that’s not exciting enough for you, mix things up by soaring through the redwood canopy at Sonoma Canopy Tours. With seven zip lines, two sky bridges, a spiral staircase, and an eighty-foot rappel, it will not disappoint.
Steep Yourself in Art
While Sonoma County offers stunning vistas, it’s the wide array of art galleries, museums and outdoor sculptures that are at number five on our list. The stunning artwork of all kinds will delight the eyes and sooth the soul. Enjoy the unique creations made of recycled materials on Sebastopol’s Florence Avenue. Check out more than thirty works of art along the Sculpture Trail in Geyserville and Cloverdale. Pretty much everywhere you look in Sonoma County offers artistic visions you won’t see anywhere else.
Bicycle in Paradise
Bicycling in paradise is at number six. Rent a bicycle or take a guided tour and make the most of your time in Sonoma County with a memorable adventure on two wheels. Whether beginner or a pro, bicycling in one of the best destinations on the planet is a tremendous experience no matter your skill level.
Enjoy the sites on offer by cycling past vineyards and along country roads. Make the most of the occasion by stopping at wineries or craft breweries along the way. Or if you want something a bit more adventurous, you can tackle the more challenging routes. Head high into scenic mountains or travel along the stunning Pacific Ocean coastline. Whichever route you take, the views are out of this world. A truly unforgettable adventure to say the least.
A Plethora of Music
Enjoying the abundance of music is at number seven on our list of the top ten things to do in Sonoma, California. For music lovers, Sonoma County has plenty on offer to fill your need. From small stages in local pubs, farmers markets and festivals to two world-class concert halls, music is a staple throughout Sonoma County. The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa and the Green Music Center on the Sonoma State University campus present nationally and internationally renowned performers.
Enjoy the Russian River & Lake Sonoma
Enjoying the Russian River and Lake Sonoma is at number eight on our list. If you’re a natural born water baby, then the Russian River and Lake Sonoma are perfect for you. You can fish, explore the area, swim the waters and simply relax. Feel free to get out on the water with a canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Lake Sonoma also welcomes ski boats, jet skis and sailboats.
Feel free to bring your own, rent or take a guided paddling tour to fully explore and enjoy the wonderful Sonoma County waters.
Explore the Stunning Pacific Coast
At number nine on our list is exploring the stunning Pacific Coast. Sonoma County’s western boundary is formed by more than fifty miles of gorgeous coastline. It attracts those with a passion for beachcombing, walking bluff-top trails, or those who just wish to dip a toe into the Pacific Ocean. Remote inns and resorts give you the chance to settle down before heading out to discover the coastal wonders on offer.
One of the most remarkable activities available is watching migrating whales, and visiting the colony of sea lions that spend their summers at Goat Rock Beach each year. On the southern end of the coastline at Doran Regional Park, you can fly a kite along the two-mile stretch of sandy beach. And don’t forget to explore the six public access trails at The Sea Ranch in the north.
Hot Air Ballooning
Hot air ballooning across Sonoma County is last but certainly not least on our list of the top ten things to do in Sonoma, California. A Sonoma hot air balloon ride is one of Sonoma Wine Country’s most premier outdoor activities. Feel a sense of freedom like no other as you’ll be captivated by the magic and wonder of your Sonoma Valley balloon ride, one of the best hot air balloon rides in the U.S.
Guided by an experienced pilot, this unique and fun activity certainly adds extra adventure to your time in Sonoma County. Experience the world renowned vineyards of Sonoma like never before, including panoramic views of Sonoma Valley, historic downtown Sonoma, the rolling hills of Petaluma, the famed Carneros wine making region, even outlying views of the San Francisco Bay, Napa Valley and more. The viticulture and history of this area run deep and your pilot will share some fun facts with you.
Do you agree with our list of the top ten things to do in Sonoma, California, or is there something we missed? And if so, what?