The Best Travel Guide to Sonoma County, California

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Sonoma County

Provided by: Sonoma County Tourism

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North America United States Sonoma County, California

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Overview

Sonoma County, California The guide was updated: 2024-09-30

With more than 425 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific coastline, towering redwood forests, and its close proximity to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is a traveler’s dream vacation spot in California. Discover more than 50 nature parks that offer travelers miles of hiking and cycling trails through the redwoods or oak-studded hills. Rivers entice visitors to kayak, canoe, or simply float along the cool waters. Breathtaking Highway 1 — Pacific Coast Highway — delights visitors with crashing waves, sea lions and amazing sunsets.

Facts

Population:	Sonoma County: 482,650
Currency:	US Dollar
Emergency numbers:	Fire, police & ambulance: 911
Newspapers:	The Community Voice: www.thecommunityvoice.com/news The Healdsburg Tribune: www.healdsburgtribune.com The Press Democrat: www.pressdemocrat.com The Sonoma Index-Tribune: www.sonomanews.com
Website:	www.sonomacounty.com
Tourist information:	Sonoma County Tourism +1 707 522 5800 toll free: 1 800 576 6662 www.sonomacounty.com

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Section in Sonoma County, California

Visiting Sonoma County, known around the world as a top wine, spa, and coastal destination, doesn’t mean you’re required only to taste wine, get massages, or explore more than 50 miles of Pacific Coastline. (Though, doesn’t that sound delicious?). With a zip line through the top of a redwood forest, an African-style safari, and a thrilling road course, Sonoma County boasts every type of activity, ensuring you have something to write home about. Hike through a regional park, or paddle down the Russian River in a canoe. Take a cooking class, visit a farm, learn to blend wine, play golf, dance the night away, or visit an art gallery. With 1,400 miles of lightly traveled secondary roads and a growing system of off-road bike trails, Sonoma County appeals to a dedicated cyclist attacking mountain passes or a weekend rider eager to sip wine and cycle through the vines. Sonoma County is home to more than 50 regional parks and 11 state parks; they run from Gualala to Bodega Bay, and from the Pacific Ocean to Sonoma Valley.

Sonoma State Historic Park

Sonoma State Historic Park

Sonoma State Historic Park is the site of the northernmost Franciscan Mission in California and birthplace of the California State Bear Flag. Unlike most parks with a single plot of land and a continuous boundary, Sonoma State Historic Park is a scattering of historical attractions consisting of six midtown locations near Sonoma's Plaza: Mission San Francisco Solano, the Blue Wing Inn, Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel, the Servants Quarters and Vallejo's Home.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods preserves stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood. These trees stand together as a testament to the wonders of the natural world. The serene majestic beauty of the grove offers solace from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering the onlooker great inspiration and a place for quiet reflection.

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Charles M. Schulz Museum

View the largest collection of original Peanuts artwork in the world at the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Visitors can laugh at Schulz’s original comic strips featuring Snoopy and friends, learn about the art of cartooning and Schulz’s role in its development, view a re-creation of Schulz’s art studio, watch animated Peanuts specials and documentaries in the Theatre.

Jack London State Historic Park

Jack London State Historic Park

Sonoma Valley’s Jack London State Historic Park boasts over 26 miles of trails, with stunning vistas and the historic buildings from the time when the famous writer/adventurer Jack London called this area his home. The park's 1,400 acres include the Beauty Ranch, Cottage, House of Happy Walls Museum, Wolf House ruins, and more than 20 miles of trails. Allow at least 3 hours for your visit. The park is located in Glen Ellen, about 1.5 hours north of San Francisco, in Sonoma County between the towns of Sonoma and Santa Rosa.

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

An exciting wine tasting tour through historic Sonoma Valley aboard a motorized, authentic replica of a late 1890s San Francisco Cable car. The vintage open-air design of the early California Street line offers a scenic view. As you meet fellow wine enthusiasts and wine curious guests, you will learn about the rich local history of early California, and what makes Sonoma Valley such a popular destination for wine lovers and foodies all over the world.

Burke's Canoe Trips

Burke's Canoe Trips

Burke's Canoe Trips specializes in self-guided canoe and kayak trips. The company is located one mile north of Forestville on the banks of the beautiful Russian River. Start at Burke's, paddle leisurely downstream ten miles through the heart of the redwoods, winding up at our private beach in the resort town of Guerneville. Picnic, swim, and sunbathe at various beaches along this gorgeous trip. Reservations needed. Good swimmers only.

Sonoma Coast State Park

Sonoma Coast State Park

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions. The Beach, actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail located 4 miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along coast Highway 1.

Spring Lake Regional Park

Spring Lake Regional Park

This 320-acre park offers camping, fishing, picnic areas with barbecues, and five group picnic areas. Trails are available for walking, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. The park includes a 3-acre swimming lagoon and a 72-acre lake. Don't forget to visit the Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake for a wonderful all-age educational experience. Spring Lake Regional Park is adjacent to Trione-Annadel State Park, a vast wilderness area.

Trione-Annadel State Park

Trione-Annadel State Park

Trione-Annadel is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering almost 5,000 acres of rolling hills and 35 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Peak months for wildflowers are April and May, but wildflowers bloom from January into September. The hike around Lake Ilsanjo is especially breathtaking. The park is adjacent to Spring Lake Regional Park.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historic Park is located on California's Sonoma County Coast, eleven miles north of the town of Jenner on Highway One, and two hours' driving time north of San Francisco. The fort is situated atop a mesa which is surrounded by ravines which abut the sea. The park contains about 3,400 acres of spectacular wildlands.

The Sea Ranch Chapel

The Sea Ranch Chapel

This chapel is a work of art. The grounds surrounding the chapel as well as the structure itself were the gifts of Sea Ranch residents, Robert and Betty Buffum. Upon completion in December of 1985, the chapel was dedicated in memory of Kirk Ditzler, a naval aviator, zoologist, and artist. James Hubbell, artist and architectural designer is the creative genius who combined local natural materials with gifted local contractors, craftsmen and artisans.

Safari West Wildlife Preserve

Safari West Wildlife Preserve

Enjoy a “wild” time by riding in an open-air safari vehicle through this 400-acre wildlife preserve. You’ll catch sight of giraffes, lemurs, cheetahs, and wildebeests. And it gets even better — you can stay overnight in one of their luxurious safari tents.

Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Austin Creek State Recreation Area

Austin Creek State Recreation Area is adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and is accessed through the same entrance. With open woodlands, rolling hills, and meadows, its topography offers a strong contrast to the dense, primeval redwood forest below.

Johnson's Beach on the Russian River

Johnson's Beach on the Russian River

One of the most popular beaches on the Russian River, Johnson's Beach offers canoes, single and double kayaks and pedal boats for rent, as well as umbrellas, low beach chairs and inner tubes. There is a snack bar on the beach and beer is for sale at the boathouse. For children there is the roped off kiddies’ pool. There is no charge to enter or to park. A free boat launch is available during business hours.

Sonoma Canopy Tours

Sonoma Canopy Tours

Discover the world-famous Northern California Redwoods in a way you have never imagined with Sonoma Canopy Tours. It's a high-adrenaline that's green, family-friendly and educational. Unique course of 7 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, a magnificent spiral staircase, and a rappel back to the forest floor. One of the ziplines is over 1,500 feet long! Marvel at panoramic forest views and deep ravines.

Spud Point Marina

Spud Point Marina

Spud Point Marina is in Bodega Harbor, approximately 60 miles northwest of San Francisco and 20 miles west of Santa Rosa. The harbor is the hub of commercial and sport fishing in Sonoma County, and is a popular destination during crab and salmon seasons. Spud Point is one of the best Northern California ocean marinas with nearby restaurants serving fresh seafood and popular beaches to play and relax.

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