Top 10 Things To Do In Sonoma County, California

Discovering hidden gems and experiencing authentic locales can help a visitor define a place and it’s people. Sonoma County Wine Country is chock full of things to do and new experiences await around each bend in the road.

Taste new foods, stumble upon a new tasting room and take the road less traveled when in Sonoma.

A famous and award winning wine region with world-class vineyards and a passionate people, Sonoma has MORE than just wine.

In addition to the truly beautiful vineyard scenery, this small area of Northern California boasts many other things to do and see. Tastings are a given when in Wine Country, but add in a little hiking, sightseeing, a trip to the coast, an art museum walk, a visit to the redwood forest and fabulous restaurants offerings; and it’s easy to see why people return time and time again to this famous location.

Here are some of our favorite things to see and do when traveling to Sonoma County, California…

1. Visit A Wine Tasting Room
   Although the most obvious choice when visiting wine country, a tasting room has more to offer than just wine. From food pairings to vineyard tours to barrel tastings – most wineries have many different experiences for visitors to choose from. Do your research before your visit and decide on which tasting rooms, vineyards and wine bottles to sip and see… and enjoy your stay that much more.
2. Take A Bike Tour
   Sonoma County is vast but is full of small hamlets, downtown squares and towns to explore. What better way to see the sights and sounds of a destination, than by bicycle. Get outside in the thick of things and learn more about the countryside at the same time. Join a bike tour or plan your itenerary yourself. Remember the rules of the road and safety when biking in wine country.
3. Enjoy a Day On The California Coast
   Sonoma County boasts more than 55 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. With picturesque coves, rugged cliffs as well as sandy beaches, the California coastline is unique and one of a kind. It is dramatic coast, windy, cold and rugged while still showing the most amazing sunset colors in the evenings. Wearing layer is recommended as the mornings are cold until the fog burns off.
4. Go On An Art Walk
   Along the scenic corridors and country roads, visitors of Sonoma can frequent many working art studios with artists in residence. There is an abundance of talent and artisan shops in Sonoma. From museums to sculpture gardens to art galleries, art lovers will find something to see in Wine Country. Stroll from one spot to another stopping for food and drink in between. Don’t forget to bring an art piece home to remember your journey.
5. Sample Wine Country Cuisine
   There is not a shortage of great food spots in Sonoma County. Nor is there a shortage of celebrity chefs. The acclaimed cuisine served here is often inspired by Wine Country, an impeccable meal, service and views of the region’s bounty. Many restaurants enjoy tasting flights as well for the wine loving traveler, heightening the dining experience itself.
6. Tour A Historic Site
   The County of Sonoma has 190 different historic landmarks to visit. You can discover best-kept-secrets and hidden treasures of the area. Tour companies abound and are great for helping you visit a variety of historical sites. In the town of Sonoma, tucked all around the plaza are reminders of the town’s significant past.
7. Hike Up A Mountain
   The pay off… of hiking mountains in Sonoma County, is the jaw dropping views that you see when you reach the top. With more than 140 miles of trails leading to beaches, mountains, forests, lakes, and meadows, it is easy to find a spot to hike here. From guided trails to blazing your own path, Sonoma offers a plethora of climate and rugged geographical options to enjoy the great outdoors.
8. Visit & Tour a Local Farm
   Agricultural tourism is alive and well in Sonoma County. Pick your own vegetables, interact with farm animals, make your own cheese or take a farm to table cooking class. Tours and educational seminars are available at many local farms in the region. Great activity for families too!
9. Picnic In A Vineyard
   Enjoying a picnic lunch and a glass of wine in a lovely vineyard setting is one of life’s great pleasures. To do this, you need nothing more than a lunch, a loved one and a nice place to lay a blanket down. The picnic experience is easily improved with wonderful views of vineyards in Sonoma County. A nice bottle of wine from the region probably wouldn’t hurt either… Cheers~
10. Craft Beer or Distillery Tour & Tasting
    While visiting Sonoma County, don’t forget that we have more than wine to drink! The craft beer and distillery scene in the region is growing leaps and bounds these days. There is an outpouring of new breweries that have opened their doors in Sonoma County in recent years. Although Sonoma has long been regarded as a top producer of wine, it is rapidly gaining a national reputation for its beer and spirits as well. Breaking out of the shadow of wine country, small batch brewers and distillers are making a name for themselves too. Raise a glass!