From gorgeous hiking trails to iconic wineries, highly rated restaurants, eclectic micro breweries and nightlife options, Sonoma County has something for everyone.
Sonoma is a stone’s throw from the beautiful Napa Valley, making it a popular choice for wine lovers and those who enjoy spending time outdoors with family and friends.
As you plan your trip to Sonoma, you might enjoy reviewing the top ten things to do in Sonoma County for adults, families, girls’ weekends, and everything in between. Your Beautiful Places concierge can book all of these experiences, and more, for you and your friends.
Sonoma is the gateway to Northern California wine country, and offers a diverse range of activities and experiences for visitors. While wine tasting and fine dining may be the initial draw for many travelers, most find the outdoor activities, cultural experiences and historical landmarks to be quite magical as well, and why they choose to return!
Overview: Wine tasting is certainly what Sonoma County is known for, but did you know at certain spots, visitors can blend their own wine? For a behind-the-scenes look at how the process happens, consider visiting Ram’s Gate Winery or Buena Vista Winery (both located in Sonoma County) for the unique opportunity to become a winemaker for a day.
Duration: At least 4-5 hours
Perfect For: Girls’ weekends looking for wine-related things to do in Sonoma, couples who want to share in a new experience, or wine aficionados looking for a chance to try their hand at creating their favorite blends.
What Makes it Unique: Spend time with a winery’s elite winemakers, providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime look at how winemaking happens (each winery has a unique process!), including the tedious steps along the way.
Insider Tip: If you go to Sonoma during harvest season (late August through October), you will likely get a chance to help pick and crush grapes, enjoy harvest tours, and much more.
Overview: Celebrity chefs and Michelin starred restaurants are sprinkled throughout Healdsburg, making it a hot spot for foodies. Located about an hour north of the city of Sonoma, Healdsburg draws crowds for its diverse food experiences and wine tasting, Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops around Healdsburg Square also offer an ideal people-watching perch. Bucket list dining experiences can be had at Dry Creek Kitchen, Barndavia, Single Thread, Matheson and Valette.
Duration: At least two hours
Perfect For: Foodies looking for sophisticated culinary options, couples and groups who enjoy exploring food markets, and anyone on the hunt for wine tasting.
What Makes it Unique: From the authentic mole at Agave to pork belly biscuits at Chalkboard, there’s truly a dish for every taste bud in Healdsburg. Looking for a cozy breakfast in the square? You can’t miss Quail and Condor, renowned for its baked goods and pastries.
Insider Tip: Purchase fresh, seasonal foods at Big John’s Market or explore the Tuesday and Saturday Farmers markets to interact with local farmers and vendors. Stop at Seghesio Family Vineyards for an exceptional Zinfandel and many other Italian varietals.
Overview: It wouldn’t be a Sonoma County vacation without including a spectacular winery tour! Enjoy the stunning landscape of vineyards, the historic wine aging caves, the barrel tasting rooms and more.
Duration: at least 5-6 hours to visit 3 wineries
Perfect For: Girls trips or bachelorette parties looking for a great time, and couples or groups who want to explore new wineries.
What Makes it Unique: Sonoma County certainly rivals Napa in regards to the quality and craftsmanship of its wineries and vineyards. Many wineries in the area are small and family-owned; you may meet the winemaker and owner as they pour you a glass of their highly rated red and white wines.
Insider Tip: Rather than worrying about transportation while you sip, we highly recommend booking a private driver or a wine country chauffeur who can safely take you to any winery in the area. Unwind in style and enjoy a day of luxury by booking transportation for your party.
Overview: Nestled amongst the redwoods in West Sonoma County, the Russian River Brewing Company is known for its creation of Pliny the Elder, a wildly popular Double IPA. Stop in for a Belgian-inspired award-winning brew or tuck into one of their many delicious menu items, including apps, pizza bites, sandwiches, salads, and more.
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Perfect For: Families, groups, and couples looking to enjoy sips and bites in a fun, buzzy atmosphere outside of Sonoma city limits.
What Makes it Unique: Owned by a husband and wife duo, the Russian River Brewing Company was built from the ground up and draws in beer lovers from all over the world to taste Pliny the Elder (and Pliny the Younger) in person. Enjoy a guided self-tour or get some sunshine in the beer garden as you enjoy sips and bites.
Insider Tip: If you can, plan to visit on any weekday for less of a wait. This iconic brewery fills up fast on Fridays and the weekends! The owners are usually around on the weekends, so you may get a chance to congratulate them on their award-winning craft beers in person.
Overview: Located just 20 minutes north of the city of Sonoma, Jack London State Historic Park is the ranch home of the famed literary author. Visitors can enjoy an on-site museum, Wolf House, visit Jack’s grave site, explore his cottage, and admire the picturesque views from the lake. This historically significant landmark in Sonoma County is worth an afternoon visit, no matter who you’re traveling with.
Duration: at least 3 hours
Perfect For: Families looking for fun outdoor educational activities with kids and California or American history buffs.
What Makes it Unique: Historical tours, picnic areas, scenic views, and hiking trails make Jack London State Historic Park the perfect amalgamation of history and nature for kids and adults alike. In a region primarily famed for its wine and food, this historical park adds culture and literature to any Sonoma itinerary.
Insider Tip: The park offers 29 miles of trails, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes if you plan on exploring the area. Picnic tables are first come, first serve, so try to arrive early if you want to spend time soaking in the sun and admiring the scenery.
Overview: Nestled on 400 acres of wildlife preserve, Safari West is a wildlife preserve offering close-up encounters with over 1,000 animals. Embark on a safari with incredible sights including rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and many other wild animals from across the globe. Surrounded by lush green hills, Safari West is a memorable stop while spending time in Sonoma County, and it’s just north of Santa Rosa in Sonoma County.
Duration: at least 4 hours
Perfect For: Young families for a day of education and exploration, couples and groups looking for something outside of the typical wine or food tour.
What Makes it Unique: Private safaris offer a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the park while sipping on some of the region’s most delectable wines. Take a safari walk and come face to face with cheetahs, wildebeests, monkeys, and cranes. Most don’t expect to go on an African safari while in northern California, but we’re here to tell you it's possible!
Insider Tip: Can’t get enough of the animals or the outdoors? Spend the night at Safari West in a luxurious tent with a private deck, bathroom, and all the magical sights and sounds of the Serengeti. Keep in mind that reservations are required for entrance, so be sure to book before you go!
Overview: It’s not a proper vacation without a day of shopping, visiting galleries, dining out and people watching. Do it all in historic Sonoma Plaza with the jaw-dropping Sonoma Mountains as the backdrop. Grab a bite in a casual cafe or highly rated restaurant, enjoy some of Sonoma’s finest wines at local tasting centers, and loosen your purse strings at the apparel, furniture, and gift shops.
Duration: at least 2-4 hours
Perfect For: Families to explore the culture and history of Sonoma County, American history buffs to witness Sonoma County relics firsthand. Foodies will also enjoy a visit to the Plaza.
What Makes it Unique: The 8-acre Sonoma Plaza was laid out in 1835 and is the largest of its kind in California. There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the history of the area while admiring the magnificent mountains in the background. Visit the iconic Mission San Francisco Solano, Depot Park Museum, and Bear Flag Monument for a charming walk down memory lane of Sonoma County.
Insider Tip: There are two free public parking lots downtown; the Casa Grande lot is behind the barracks and there’s another smaller lot behind Sebastiani Theater. The latter has EV charging stations, so plan to park here if you’re driving an electric vehicle.
Overview: When traveling to one of the most lovely and scenic locations in the country, why not preserve those memories with a special vineyard photoshoot? Whether you’re proposing, newly engaged, or just want some images with family to remember your time in Sonoma, a photoshoot is the quintessential way to celebrate the trip of a lifetime.
Duration: at least 1 hour
Perfect For: Proposals, engagement photos, and family photos of any kind with the most stunning and romantic backdrop.
What Makes it Unique: Why rely on smartphones to take the most important photographs of your vacation? Hiring a local photographer ensures you’ll have magical moments captured forever with the glorious rolling hills of Sonoma in the background.
Insider Tip: Make the most of your photoshoot by booking a photographer at sunset! The vibrant colors and mood of dusk at a winery make for the most romantic setting. Local photographers may have recommendations on the best wineries in the area to get the vibe you’re looking for, so be sure to consult with seasoned professionals to get their advice.
Overview: Sonoma County is bursting with Farmers’ Markets each day, so you’ll never run out of options! From Healdsburg Markets on Saturday mornings, Tuesday nights at Sonoma Plaza, Thursday evenings in Petaluma, and Fridays in Rohnert Park, there are endless opportunities to taste fresh produce, enjoy live music, and soak in the beauty of the region with locals and visitors alike.
Duration: at least 1-2 hours
Perfect For: Families looking for a simple outdoor activity with kids, couples, and solo travelers looking to interact with local vendors and purchase artisan goods.
What Makes It Unique: In a community with a strong local food system, exploring the many Sonoma County Farmers Markets is a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, meet the hardworking farmers who grow much of the area’s food, and even sample delicious regional wines!
Insider Tip: If possible, come prepared with cash and bags or baskets to carry your goods. Some vendors may provide a bag, but most will expect you to carry your items. Try to arrive right as the market opens so you can have the first pick of all the delicious food, produce, and handmade goods!
Overview: For a few hours of fun and education, head to Santa Rosa for a tour of the Charles M. Schulz Museum, creator of the famous comic strip Peanuts! Celebrate the many characters and storylines of the Peanuts realm, including Snoopy, Charlie Brown, PigPen, Peppermint Patty, and the whole gang. Explore curated exhibits, interactive workshops, and a Snoopy-themed gift shop.
Duration: at least 2 hours
Perfect For: Families with kids of all ages looking to learn about the world-renowned Peanuts creator, along with cartoon or history lovers who want to see the original comic strips on display.
What Makes It Unique: This museum has the largest display of original Peanuts artwork than anywhere else in the world. Whether you’re a fan of the comic or simply enjoy witnessing history, the Charles M. Schulz Museum offers something unique for any party and people of any age.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the educational center where your kids can create their own comic strips, color, and get all their energy out through imaginative play.
Looking for a romantic winery to charm your special someone? There’s no shortage of options in Sonoma.
If you thought Wine Country was beautiful before, wait til you see it from the sky! The rush of adrenaline in sharing something so thrilling with your significant other will have you feeling more in love than ever before.
Few things are more relaxing than enjoying a luxurious day spa. Grab your love, a fluffy robe, and a glass of wine or champagne, and unwind at a luxury spa in Sonoma County.
Few things are more relaxing than enjoying a luxurious day spa. Grab your love, a fluffy robe, and a glass of wine or champagne, and unwind at a luxury spa in Sonoma County.
Wine Country was designed to be enjoyed with friends, and the more the merrier! From private wine tours to barrel tasting, vineyard hikes, and food pairings, there’s something for every group of friends to enjoy.
Curious about what to do in Sonoma County with a group outdoors? Get an adrenaline rush as you pedal through the diverse trails around Sonoma County via mountain bike.
Feeling adventurous? Grab your friends and a trusty paddle and embark on a kayak tour down the Russian River.
Reserve on a thrilling zipline tour! This is one of the most popular Sonoma activities, and for good reason.
Curious about what to do in Sonoma County for families with kids? Take the group on an authentic safari trek through Africa and get up close and personal with over 90 species of exotic animals.
Take the whole family on an adventure back in time by visiting Tiddle E. Winks vintage 5 and dime store! Shop old-school candy, toys, and delights for an authentic stroll down memory lane.
If you’re bringing toddler-aged kids on your Sonoma trip, the TrainTown Railroad and theme park is a must-see stop when you have a free morning or afternoon.
Spend the day at the jewel of Santa Rosa, a 138-acre park brimming with activities for the whole family in a beautiful, safe open space.
Sonoma County is an amazing place to visit, but creating your vacation itinerary can be overwhelming. BeautifulPlaces concierge team is dedicated to helping our clients enjoy Wine Country without having to coordinate plans, make reservations, and all the minute details that come with creating a memorable vacation.
Contact us today and we’ll plan the perfect Sonoma County getaway for you and your party.
