We are in summer; the current heatwave has proven that. What is one of the best parts about summer? Vacation season of course. Whether you are planning a ten-day trip or a two-day staycation, Sonoma County has a lot to offer.
1. The Beach
It feels almost needless to say that Sonoma County has fabulous beaches. While they are a bit windy and not as warm as Hawai’i, they are a beautiful place to pack a picnic, fly kites, or go for long walks on the beach. I love Bodega Bay, and there are many great rental houses to choose from, making it a really nice destination for families or large groups. Timber Cove is another favorite. It’s a little less well-known, but there is a resort and some beautiful beaches; Jenner is always a good destination. Another little gem, includes Glass Beach, near Fort Bragg. It is littered with sea glass making it fun for anyone who loves collecting little things at the beach, but watch out for sharp pieces!
2. Wine Tasting
Another obvious thing to do is wine tasting! While Napa is right there, Sonoma is more known for our Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Sonoma County is characteristically more laid back and casual; but don’t be deterred if you like to dress up, because there is space for that too. Here are some recommendations:
Harvest Moon Estate and Winery
3. Thrift/Antique Shopping
This may not be for everyone, but one of the best things to do on vacation is to go shopping! Oftentimes you are left with a practical souvenir that you can use over and over again, and you have the memories as well. Now, while it is not everyone’s favorite, I think it is the best type of shopping, as you can score incredibly unique pieces: thrift shopping. A good estate sale, or side-of-the-road, thrift, or antique store can get you the best things at an even better price. I would say that this is an almost hidden gem of Sebastopol. If you take some time and just drive down Gravenstein Highway you will see many thrift and antique stores. I haven’t visited all of them, but one could spend the day just driving along going into all of them. At the end, you will pop into the heart of Sebastopol. I am not going to give much of a list of different places, you’re just going to have to trust me on this one, but I can say that if you’re going to go to at least one second-hand shop, you’re going to have to go to the Antique Society. This massive warehouse building hosts many vendors who all have their little section selling off their finds; you can see anything from 1920s jewelry and 1950s tea cups to the fabulous neon dresses of the 80s. There is something for everyone, so if you’re going to visit one place, it should be this one. That being said, just driving down Gravenstein Highway, you’re going to find incredible stores, left and right.
4. Hiking in the Redwoods
The West Coast is known for one of the best things: the Coastal Redwood. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, located in Guerneville, is a beautiful place to experience them. If you’re here for a vacation it’s a cannot-miss destination; if you’re from the area then it’s good to visit and support the local parks. They have many trails or any of any ability can experience them. If you’re not a hiker, they have great picnic areas. Make sure to check the website for any closures and more information! In general, Sonoma County has a variety of incredible hikes. Taylor Mountain is one of my favorites, with beautiful views, and even a little play area for the kids. I would suggest checking out the Sonoma County Regional Parks website for all the information on great hikes.
5. Train Town
If you’re traveling with children then there is one absolute destination; Train Town. I have mentioned it before, but I am going to say it again because it is that fabulous. The amusement park has amusement rides, a miniature town with a petting zoo, and of course, a fantastic train ride through the beautiful nature. This is a great way to get young children interested in trains, which play a large part in California’s vibrant history. A fun family day where you can create some great family memories. Make sure to check their website about any closures due to weather.
6. Jack London Historical Site
Writer of classics such as White Fang, Call of the Wild, and The Sea-Wolf, Jack Lonon was born in San Francisco and, at the time of his death, resided in Glen Ellen. The writer had built a house in Glen Ellen that unfortunately was partly destroyed in a fire. The remains of the house are still there today! Due to this historical context, I have to recommend the Jack London Historical Site. It offers tours and trails; you can hike or backpack plus the trails and are also available for horseback riding. Beautiful nature plus a history lesson? It’s got it all! For more information visit their website!
7. Safari West
If you’re anything like me you love to travel, but hate the cost of it. $800 for a plane ticket? It’s out of my budget. Luckily here in Sonoma County, we have a taste of the exotic. Safari West is a safari experience located about 20 minutes outside of Santa Rosa. They house and breed giraffes, wildebeest, cape buffalo, zebras, other African hoofstock, varieties of birds, and more. Here you’ll have fun with the safari adventure while learning all about the African wildlife. No need for a plane ticket to experience a safari! If you want the full experience, rooms are also available for an overnight stay and they include other packages including dinner, a room, a tour, and more! Visit their website for more information!
8. Fine Eatery
While I love to recommend outdoor excursions and activities with a lot of walking, this isn’t for everyone. Whether you just like to relax, go to the pool and end the day with a nice dinner and be in bed by 10 pm, or just want to experience some delicious food, Sonoma County is an unsung foodies paradise. I have to include some delicious upscale eateries for those of us who love a good, fancy meal.
the girl and the fig: A French restaurant that is a Sonoma County favorite with a casual vibe.
John Ash & Co: An upscale California cuisine with a dress code requested and a streamlined farm-to-table menu.
Ca’Bianca: An Italian eatery with a relaxed feeling and beautiful outdoor seating.
Valette: Rustic-chic California food served with a vast wine collection.
Sake 107: Japanese cuisine in downtown Petaluma with a relaxed atmosphere and a personal favorite.
9. Green Music Center
Another great activity to do during a vacation is to go and see a show. You support the local arts, and get to experience types of shows and arts that are popular in the area! The Green Music Center offers a variety of shows during the year. In the summer season, we offer outdoor shows with large industry names, and during the rest of the season, we see performances from reclaimed artists from all over the world. While it does depend on what time of year and exact dates of our shows, you’re sure to find a great show regardless of when you visit! Check out our main page for more information!
10. Snoopy’s Home Ice
It gets pretty hot in California and one of the best ways to cool off is to ice skate! Where would you find ice in the middle of July? At Snoopy’s Ice Skating Rink of course! If you were ever a fan of the Peanuts comics then you might know that Charles Schultz lived a good portion of his life in Santa Rosa, CA. Snoopy’s Home Ice Rink was created in 1969 and is located right next to the Schulz Museum and Research Center. It is great for families and a great place to cool off during the summer, but remember to layer up; they have to keep the ice frozen somehow! For classes, hours, and general information, visit their website!
11. Skunk Train
As previously mentioned, trains are a big part of California history, and I am all about California history, so my next suggestion includes the Skunk Train. The Fort Bragg Railroad was created in 1885 and was the foundation for the California Western Railroad. The name the Skunk Train refers to what type of train: “These single unit, self-propelled motorcars had gasoline-powered engines for power and pot-bellied stoves burning crude oil to keep the passengers warm. The combination of the fumes created a very pungent odor, and the old timers living along the line said these motorcars were like skunks, ‘You could smell them before you could see them.” Although the smell is now much reduced, we still like to think of ourselves as that little Skunk running through the redwoods.’” They have several trains that arrive at different locations and they also have railbikes, where you pedal along the railroad tracks enjoying the scenery. For prices and more information, visit their website!
12. Go for a Drive
CA-1 State Route is a major north-to-south state highway that goes along most of the Pacific coastline of the U.S. state of California. It stretches a long 656 miles. A great place to start would be Fort Bragg and end in Point Reyes National Seashore. Now, I know that this post is for things to do in Sonoma County, and by doing this you would technically be starting in Mendocino County and ending in Marin County, the drive would be through Sonoma County and since I make the rules and am the judge and jury, I’m allowing this. Besides, a drive along the 1 is one of the most underrated things to do in California! While yes, gas is expensive, this drive is well worth it. Pack a picnic, create a great playlist, and go for a drive along the coast. You’ll see the ocean, go through some cute small towns, and experience a nice part of California that I don’t think enough people enjoy. As a Californian, I’ve done this several times and I have to say, it’s the best.
13. Rock Climbing
Sonoma has a very vibrant rock-climbing community. Both indoor and outdoor c; climbing in Sonoma County has a plethora of different spaces available. For indoor climbing, there are Sessions and Vertex. These climbing gyms both offer indoor walls and a normal gym space. They include classes, free climbing space, and more. If you want to do outdoor climbing it would require gear, but if you’re interested in doing it REI has rentals available. Some of my favorite places I have climbed include Goat Rock, Mt. St. Helena, and Sunset Boulders. Before climbing make sure you know the grade, and your ability as a climber, and remember to never climb alone!
14. Star Gazing at Lake Sonoma
Before I obtained my bachelor’s degree I got an associate’s degree at Santa Rosa Junior College. While there, I took a class where we learned all about the stars and went out and put the learned knowledge into practice by stargazing and being quizzed by what was actually in the sky. I am not recommending a whole class for stargazing, but what I will recommend is the location and going out at night to experience the night sky. It is great for a romantic date night or to just experience the night sky! Lake Sonoma is west of Cloverdale. It is a reservoir with some fish surrounded by rolling hills. What I recommend: pack some snacks or dinner, a blanket, and some layers and drive out during sunset, head to The Ranch at Lake Sonoma, and hang out and wait till dark. At this far point of Sonoma County, there is much less light pollution so you can see the stars very well. You might think, ‘Liza, the place you’re telling me to go to is a literal parking lot, that’s not cool or romantic at all,’ but trust me when I say this place is great for viewing the night sky. There is no overnight parking but it is a beautiful drive and stellar views.
15. Spas
I’ve given many activities; things to do, places to see history to learn, but what if you are on vacation to relax and rest your mind and body? Here are some recommended spas for those who are taking time off to rest, because vacation does not have to be activity-based.
Kenwood Inn and Spa: Offering massages, facials and pools.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay: Offering multiple treatments, classes, nature walks, and more.
Osmosis: Offering massages, facials, enzyme baths, and more.
I hope this gives you some good ideas for what to do for your next Sonoma County vacation. This isn’t a complete exhaustive list, but these are things I have to recommend for anyone not in the area, or some new ideas for those who live here.
Written by Liza Schoen
Liza Schoen is a 2024 graduate from Sonoma State University, with a B.A in Communications and Media studies with a minor in philosophy. She currently served as the Green Music Center Marketing Student Assistant (2024), as well as an usher (2022-2024) for Green Music Center shows and concerts.
