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While Sonoma County can be easily recognized on a brochure or website about wine, there’s so much more to this Northern California region that can’t be missed. From its rugged cliffs on the Pacific to its opulent wineries, magnificent redwoods, hiking trails, rivers, and greenspaces, Sonoma is a picturesque, fairytale location just waiting to share its charm with the world.
Booking accommodations in Sonoma presents options like luxury resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals with amenities that cater to groups, families, couples, and solo travelers.
Not sure where to stay in Sonoma for your upcoming trip? We’ve got you covered. Regardless of who you’re traveling with or how long you’re staying, this list covers the best places to stay in Sonoma County to ensure your trip is everything you want it to be (and more!).
Sonoma is an incredibly relaxing, romantic location for a getaway with your special someone!
Popular cities include Healdsburg with its charming and serene atmosphere, luxury dining and eatery options, and plenty of vineyards and wine-tasting opportunities. Many couples opt to stay in Santa Rosa, a vibrant and bustling city within proximity to all the wine-related activities that Sonoma has to offer.
Elevate your romantic vacation beyond a standard hotel and choose a breathtaking vacation rental. Enjoy luxury amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, a private swimming pool, outdoor showers, and stunning views everywhere you turn. Turn up the heat or cuddle up in your King-sized bed and spend precious time together in a storybook setting.
If a luxury hotel is more your style, Sonoma has a bounty of options nestled in the heart of Wine Country.
The Ruse Healdsburg offers Victorian wine country charm and mid-century modern flair in the center of Healdsburg. Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa will provide couples with a behind-the-scenes look at what life on a vineyard looks like!
For a quaint, romantic stay in Santa Rosa, The Gables Wine Country Inn checks every box for couples looking for a serene getaway, while Sonoma Bungalows provides an intimate experience just steps away from downtown and Sonoma Plaza.
As the birthplace of California's wine industry, Sonoma Valley is the perfect backdrop for wine enthusiasts to explore on their trip to Wine Country. Nearby Healdsburg is another choice location in the wine-growing region with a touch of upscale flair that can be experienced throughout its eateries and tasting rooms.
Many wine aficionados choose to rest their heads in Russian River Valley, the renowned maker of world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel varieties, located about 50 minutes north of Sonoma.
Many vacation rentals in the area are located near (within walking distance!) local tasting rooms and famous vineyards, making them some of the best places to stay in Sonoma County.
Some properties offer spacious kitchens and indoor/ outdoor entertaining spaces where you can host your own tasting, while others are located on vineyard properties! Soak in stunning views of vineyards, sprawling hills, and lush mountainscapes everywhere you turn.
Soak in Wine Country’s simplicity and charm at Hotel Healdsburg, steps from some of the world’s finest vineyards, eateries, and shops.
Transport from Sonoma to Northern Italy with a stay at The Kenwood Inn & Spa, a new boutique hotel nestled amongst vineyards and orchards for a cozy hideaway in Kenwood. In Russian River Valley, Boon Hotel offers a modern, relaxing stay where you can hike, sip wine, and frolic in the river all in the same day.
Sonoma may be world-famous for its wineries and vineyards, but it’s also a very family-friendly place to vacation! Bodega Bay is a coastal town packed with outdoor activities for kids, including sand dunes, plenty of places for picnics, coastal hiking, and incredible seafood.
Santa Rosa is home to Safari West and the Charles Schulz Museum, two fantastic educational and fun activities for all ages. Sonoma City offers TrainTown Railroad, public parks, natural reserves, and even some kid-friendly wineries.
Whether you’re a family of 4 or 14, vacation rentals are often the better choice for comfort and convenience.
Many vacation rentals offer amenities that are designed to entertain families, including swimming pools, BBQ areas, fire pits, tennis courts, indoor/ outdoor shared spaces, and a large number of bedrooms to accommodate large groups.
Family-friendly hotels and resorts are sprinkled throughout Sonoma Valley. Soak up the quaint charm of a fishing village at Bodega Harbor Inn and enjoy nearby horseback riding, fishing, and golfing as a family.
Oxford Suites in Rohnert Park offers affordable and clean rooms with tons of local activities and entertainment. Embark on food and farm tours, soak up the sun on a bike ride through the area, or explore local shopping.
Immerse your family in local culture at the historic Hotel La Rose in Santa Rosa. Enjoy family time at al fresco events in La Rose Garden and explore Railroad Square, just steps from the hotel.
Sonoma may be revered for its quintessential laid-back vibe, but there’s no shortage of luxury in the cities and surrounding areas.
Whether you’re looking for well-designed retreats with all the amenities to make you feel pampered, Sonoma City has everything you could ever want. Soothing environments and luxurious spa therapies are in rich supply in Kenwood and Sebastopol is home to many private luxury treats with breathtaking views.
Luxury vacation home rentals in Sonoma will turn your trip into a memorable getaway filled with opulence. Enjoy high-end amenities including wine rooms, resort-style pools, lush landscaping, golf club exclusivity, guest houses, and much more. Guests are transported to an idyllic setting as they savor the finer things in life in Sonoma County.
Sonoma County hotels know how to offer luxury to their guests, and there are a few that stand out from the crowd.
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa in Sonoma offers guests an award-winning spa and culinary options unlike anything in the area. Featuring premium suites and special indoor/ outdoor features, a wellness spa, fitness center, and yoga classes, MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa is an unforgettable resort.
Kenwood Inn & Spa offers couples massages, pool cabanas, wine hour, and gourmet breakfast for guests to enjoy. Rejuvenate your senses and indulge during your stay in any way that pleases you. Fairfield Inn in Santa Rosa offers more affordable luxury with on-site amenities like a bar and lounge, restaurant, outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center.
Wine Country may be bustling with tourists and locals, but Sonoma is filled with smaller towns and cities offering a tranquility unlike anywhere else. Healdsburg is a quiet, peaceful community with immaculately maintained public areas and friendly locals.
For a stay off the beaten path, consider Bodega Bay. A hidden gem on the coast, this quaint fishing village is packed with scenic views, things to do, and places to soak in nature’s beauty.
Glen Ellen is home to less than 800 people, making it a tiny town in the heart of Sonoma County. This secret hideaway is a haven for those seeking privacy and seclusion while still having access to restaurants, wineries, and outdoor landscapes to explore.
For seclusion and sweeping views of Sonoma County, consider a vacation home rental in Glen Ellen. Tranquility meets convenience when you can fully immerse yourself in nature at home, and then make a short drive to a restaurant or nearby winery.
Secluded vacation rentals near Glen Ellen, Bodega Bay, and Healdsburg offer large properties with few homes in the area, privacy gates, and vast outdoor areas that make you feel like the only person around for miles.
You certainly don’t have to rent a vacation home to find privacy in Sonoma County. Gaige House offers zen-inspired luxuries for guests; with just 23 rooms on the property, you’ll enjoy fewer interactions and more time to soak in the creekside views and hidden spots.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay is designed for privacy and relaxation; nestled on a bluff on the coast, guests enjoy mind and body relaxation in the pool, on their private patio, or unwinding at the spa.
The Raford Inn in Healdsburg offers five private rooms and plenty of gardens, terraces, and acreage to explore, soul search, and have space to breathe freely.
As far as outdoor playgrounds go, Sonoma County has an abundance of parks, preserves, rivers, and scenery to take in on your trip. Santa Rosa is home to Safari West, a wildlife park with over 1,000 creatures to see up close. Russian River Valley offers biking, canoeing, hiking the redwood forest, fishing, and kayaking with a stunning backdrop of the valley. Take in the gorgeous scenery as you explore nature and embark on outdoor adventures in Sonoma.
When you search for where to stay in Sonoma Wine Country, vacation rentals can offer an immersive experience with nature. Book homes that are a stone’s throw from local vineyards so you can take in the sights and sounds of the wineries.
Enjoy outdoor seating and patios to bird watch and witness the sunrise and sunsets from the comfort of your own space. Many vacation rentals are located within walking distance of hiking trails, wineries, and downtown areas, so you can walk or ride bikes to your desired activities.
Sonoma County hotels offer their own slice of paradise and ways to take in the natural beauty of the area.
Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa has a 1-mile loop walking trail for guests to explore the vineyard; you’ll see lots of wildlife as you wander through gardens and greenspaces. The Farmhouse Inn in Forestville offers on-site hikes, bike rides, picnics, and outdoor spa treatments at their Wellness Barn.
As you search for the perfect place to stay in Sonoma, consider the following areas where resorts and vacation rentals are easy to find.
Critically acclaimed eateries, wineries, and vineyards that will take your breath away, and jaw-dropping landscapes are just a few of the reasons Sonoma Valley is a popular destination for travelers from all over the world.
Prairies, forests, rivers, and beaches all located within one central area make Sonoma one of the most diverse landscapes in the United States - you have to see it to believe it! Sonoma City is packed with culture and California history, drawing visitors to its iconic Sonoma Plaza, historic parks, and the Sonoma Mission.
With over 425 wineries to visit, it’s no wonder why Sonoma Valley has maintained its status in the wine industry. Fruity Pinot Noir and rustic Chardonnay go down smoothly while visitors get the small-town feel at any winery they visit. Many are family-owned and operated, creating an air of intimacy and community, unlike other nearby wine regions.
Charming towns within Sonoma Valley include Glen Ellen and Kenwood, where visitors can experience close-knit communities, outdoor adventures, delectable restaurants, and a quaint downtown scene.
The vibrant town of Healdsburg has officially arrived as the hot new place to be in Sonoma. With top-drawer wineries and tasting rooms, fantastic shopping, and small-town charm, it’s no wonder Healdsburg is starting to attract the masses!
Surrounded by sprawling hills and vineyards, Healdsburg offers world-class wine, five-star restaurants, and plenty of community and outdoor events to keep visitors and locals entertained throughout the seasons. Enjoy outdoor movies or Tuesday Concerts in the Plaza, jazz festivals, and antique shopping. Join an organic farm tour and learn about the local farmer’s produce processes, witness the lush, fertile land for yourself, and meet some of their livestock.
From Farmer's Markets to hidden gems sprinkled throughout the city, there’s so much to stumble upon every time you visit. Don’t miss a chance to explore the historic plaza downtown, visit the Healdsburg Museum, or embark on a sip-and-cycle adventure through the town’s most popular wineries by bike.
As the largest city in Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is brimming with culture and fun, just waiting to be explored! Santa Rosa brings urban charm and a newfound love for unique eateries, where farm-to-table fresh is the standard, not the exception. From eclectic restaurants to funky coffee shops, it’s a foodie paradise!
Santa Rosa is home to the Charles M. Schulz Museum and pays homage to the Peanuts creator with the largest collection of comic strips, artifacts, and books about the classic cartoon. Kids of all ages will delight in exploring the museum, creating their own comic strips, and learning all about the legend himself.
For endless outdoor adventures, Santa Rosa paints the perfect setting for exploration, exercise, and good times for everyone. It’s located about 30 minutes from the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve, where visitors can take in the majestic beauty of the magnificent ancient Sequoia Coast redwoods. Hike and explore the 1,000-year-old trees, rolling hills, open grasslands, and the rest of Sonoma County.
Santa Rosa is also home to many nature reserves and city parks, like Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, a unique urban garden and historic landmark in Sonoma County. It’s located just across from City Hall and is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise busy city.
The Russian River winds its way through Wine Country and offers visitors incredible views of Sonoma’s landscape, lush scenery, bluffs, cliffs, and riverside greenery. There are a few small towns sprinkled throughout the Russian River Valley, all offering unique charm to visitors along with magical weather, picturesque vineyards, and scenic strolls through the community.
The coastal climate of the Russian River Valley means mild temperatures throughout the year, a rainy season, and a dry season. No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll have no issue acclimating and enjoying yourself.
Russian River Valley is known for its world-renowned Pinot Noir, where local winemakers and farmers are dedicated to producing delicious wines that reflect the region’s diversity and excellence.
Pair your wine with a dish from one of the many eclectic restaurants in the area — abundant local farming has created palate-pleasing eateries to please any taste bud or craving. From handmade ice cream to life-changing biscuits and IPAs to knock your socks off, you’ll find every type of food you can imagine in the Russian River Valley.
Much of Sonoma County is walkable, making local winery visits a breeze! Sonoma Plaza is close to many wineries and vineyards, so choose a vacation rental near the downtown area. Many vacation homes in the county are conveniently located within walking distance to wineries and tasting rooms, so you’ll never run out of options.
Depending on the vibe you’re looking for and your trip itinerary, Sonoma City and Healdsburg are both wonderful choices for wineries, restaurants, shops, galleries, and outdoor activities. Sonoma City is considered more casual, while Healdsburg has an upscale feel.
Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Bodega Bay each offer visitors and locals unique charm. With unique eateries, family-owned wineries, and plenty of outdoor events and activities to enjoy, these three towns are considered the cutest in Sonoma County.
Many wineries in Sonoma County offer lodging! Properties in Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, and Petaluma offer unique experiences for guests to sleep on-site, visit tasting rooms, try other delicacies like home-grown olive oil, and even become winemakers for the day.
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.
