When people think of Sonoma County, their minds often go straight to wine—and for good reason. This world-class region is home to more than 400 wineries. But there’s so much more here than just great vintages. Located just 30 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County boasts a treasure trove of charming towns, foodie-approved restaurants, cultural gems, outdoor adventures, and jaw-dropping natural beauty, from redwood forests to the rugged Pacific Coast.
Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, here’s your ultimate guide to exploring the best of Sonoma County—wine optional.
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Fun things to do in Sonoma
Somona is a town in Sonoma County that has many interesting and historical places to visit. This is just one of the fun small, unique towns that you will find in Sonoma County.
Explore Sonoma Plaza
Wandering around the plaza is a wonderful way to begin your visit to the city. Fringed by shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, and historic sights, the square is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. A National Historic Landmark, the plaza was built in 1835 by General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. General Vallejo founded the Pueblo de Sonoma, and you can see a bronze statue of him at the plaza. The square is especially beautiful when the rose garden is in bloom, and in the fall, when trees in the plaza change color and form a bright contrast to the dark green of the evergreen topiary.
*Fun tip: From May until September, the Tuesday Night Sonoma Farmers’ Market occurs at Sonoma Plaza, between 5.00 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Shop at Sonoma Plaza
Along the sides of Sonoma Plaza, you will find lots of shops, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, restaurants, and cafes. The shops and galleries extend into little alleys off the square, and along streets that fan out from the square, so if you enjoy shopping or browsing, you will want to allow lots of time.
Sonoma State Historic Park Sites
Unlike most parks with a single plot of land and a continuous boundary, Sonoma State Historic Park is a scattering of historical sites consisting of six midtown locations near Sonoma’s Plaza. Open Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, & New Years Day. Fee Info: For $3, you can visit all the Sonoma State Historic Park sites. California State Parks 4th Grade Adventure Passes accepted here. Here’s a closer look at these historic sites:
Mission San Francisco de Solano – The last of the missions built in California by the Spanish, Mission San Francisco de Solano was built after Mexico gained independence from Spain. Father Jose Altimira established it in 1823, hoping for a better climate than San Francisco. Today the Sonoma Mission, located on the north side of Sonoma Plaza, is part of Sonoma State Historic Park. The chapel, built in 1841 under General Vallejo, is not active. In front of the building is a bell frame, where you can view the sole bell that survived. The Sonoma Mission Indian Memorial honors Native Americans who died while they lived and worked at the mission.
Blue Wing Inn – The long, low adobe building just across from the mission was the first hotel in Sonoma. Blue Wing Inn had guest rooms, a gambling room and saloon during the gold rush era. It is thought that portions of the building were originally constructed to house soldiers assigned to the Sonoma Mission and that those structures were joined together and a second story added later.
Sonoma Barracks –The Sonoma Barracks, facing Sonoma’s central plaza, was built to house Mexican army troops under the command of General Vallejo. Sonoma Barracks now houses additional historic exhibits, several museum rooms, and the park’s bookstore and gift shop.
Toscano Hotel -This site offers a glimpse of early Italian American business practices and lifestyles. The Toscano Hotel building dates from the mid-19th century, but it became a hotel in 1886. The family-owned operation ran all the way until 1955.
Servant’s Quarters – The two-story Servants’ Quarters adobe is part of La Casa Grande, General Vallejo’s first home in Sonoma. The family moved to a new estate in the early 1850s. The main home was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1867.
General Vallejo’s Home – General Vallejo’s home is also referred to as Lachryma Montis and is less than a mile west of the Plaza. The Vallejo Home has furnishings of the Vallejo family, historic and serene gardens, a reservoir, and a museum in the adjacent “Chalet”.
Vallejo’s Petaluma Adobe Rancho – The Petaluma Adobe, a National Historic Landmark, is the largest domestic adobe building remaining in the United States. It was constructed from 1836-1846 by General Mariano G. Vallejo, commandant of the Sonoma pueblo as well as the founder of the towns of Santa Rosa and Petaluma. The adobe, known historically as El Palacio, or “the palace,” was constructed using Native-American labor. The adobe closes at 4:30, so plan accordingly. The address for the Rancho is 3325 Adobe Road, Petaluma CA 94954.
Hop on a Train at Traintown
If you love train rides, then Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is for you! It is conveniently located just about one mile from Sonoma Plaza. The 10-acre amusement park features a quarter scale railroad and four miles of track. The founder, Stanley Frank, reportedly built much of the railroad himself. TrainTown is considered one of the best miniature railroads in the USA. Take the 20-minute train ride which winds through tunnels, past waterfalls and homes, and over bridges, and makes a stop at Lakeview, a miniature town where you will also find a petting zoo, home to many rescued animals. The park also features a lovely carousel, a Ferris wheel, and three other rides, mainly suitable for kids. Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is generally open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. everyday in the summer and from Friday through Sunday at other times of the year. The park is closed when it’s raining. General admission to the park is free, and you pay for the train ride and other rides individually. At the time of writing, the train ride costs $9.75 per person, per ride. Amusement Rides cost $4.25 per ticket or 5 tickets for $18.75
Tour the Depot Park Museum
Managed by the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, the Depot Park Museum is a fascinating glimpse into Sonoma’s past. The museum is located less than 0.5 mile from Sonoma Plaza, and you can even stroll to it if it’s a nice weather day. The site of the museum is the former location of the Northwestern Pacific rail depot. The depot sadly burned down in a fire in 1975, after which it was rebuilt to house a museum. Depot Park Museum is open on Saturdays and Sundays, between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. It is free to visit, but donations are welcome.
Step Inside the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
Located just off Sonoma Plaza, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art offers exhibitions by local, national, and international artists, an extensive art library, and art workshops. Sonoma Valley Museum of Art is typically open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. General adult admission, at the time of writing, is $10.00 per person.
Explore Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a complex that contains several beautifully designed gardens, plus a few boutique stores (mainly home and garden), wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. Located just 6.5 miles from Sonoma Plaza, Cornerstone makes for an easy and fun visit, whether you want to spend an hour or half a day. The gardens at Cornerstone are open daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and are free to tour.
Enjoy Wine at Local Wineries
Sonoma County is the largest wine producing region in the renowned wine country of Northern California. While you will find beautiful wineries and vineyards all over Sonoma Valley and along the Sonoma Coast, there are some gems that are very close to the town of Sonoma, super easy to visit if you plan to limit your visit to the town. Plus, you will find tasting rooms along Sonoma Plaza and in other parts of town as well, such as at the Cornerstone Gardens complex.
Take a Sonoma Wine Country Tour
Sonoma County is one of the country’s premier wine destinations, and an extremely scenic place to go on a wine-tasting tour. You can put together a self-guided tour of wineries you want to visit, which gives you the greatest flexibility or if you’d rather just sit back and enjoy the experience, you can opt for a guided tour. Here are some options:
Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley Tour -This tour takes you on a narrated trip through scenic Sonoma Valley, with stops at three wineries along the way. Lunch is included. The wine trolley is modeled after San Francisco’s famous cable cars. The tour departs from downtown Sonoma and takes about 5 hours.
Sonoma Valley Electric Trike Tour– On this guided tour not only will you enjoy the scenery but you will visit local landmarks and a couple of wineries. The three-hour tour departs from downtown Sonoma.
Private Sonoma Tour with Concierge Service– This is a great way to design a wine tasting experience. It is perfect for one or two couples and allows you to have input into your itinerary.
Investigate Santa Rosa
Surrounded by various state parks and wineries, Santa Rosa attracts both nature lovers and wine lovers. The diverse culture and local cuisine attract art/history lovers as well as foodies.
Tour Downtown Santa Rosa Here you’ll find lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and breweries. This area is also a haven for antique, thrift, and vintage shoppers. While you’re here, pay attention to the Historic Railroad Square, located in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa. The buildings in and surrounding the square were restored and preserved to serve as a reminder of the impact that the railroad had on Santa Rosa.
Visit the Charles Schulz Museum
Charles M. Schulz Museum is a unique place dedicated to celebrating the life and work of an incredibly talented artist named Charles Schulz. You know, the creator of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang! As soon as you walk into this bright and colorful museum, and you’re immediately greeted by larger-than-life sculptures of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the gang! Yes, they are really life-sized! There is lots to explore here, so give yourself some time. Open weekdays 11 AM to 5 PM and weekends 10 Am to 5 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays.
Explore Snoopy’s Home Ice
Built in 1969 by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, Snoopy’s Home Ice has been called the world’s most beautiful ice arena. Don’t want to skate? Settle in by the crackling fire and enjoy a Hot Cocoa or meal at the Warm Puppy Cafe, conveniently located inside the arena. Access to the Ice Arena and cafe is free. An admission fee applies for skating.
Go On Safari in the Sonoma Serengeti
No, we’re not kidding there is a Safari in Santa Rosa! At Safari West, your adventure begins as you journey out in search of herds of wildebeest, romping rhinos, and towering giraffes. There are nearly 900 animals from over 90 unique species roaming through the 400-acre preserve. Don’t forget your camera!
Check Out the Rugged Sonoma Coast
Head to Bodega Bay and stroll along the rugged Sonoma Coast and watch the waves crash in. Sonoma Coast highlights include Bodega Bay, Jenner, and Sonoma Coast State Park, all of which offer rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, hidden coves, and stunning views of the Pacific coast! Bodega Bay is jam-packed with hiking and biking trails that offer those stunning Pacific Coast views. It’s also one of the West Coast’s premier whale-watching spots. The whales can be spotted almost all year long, but the best chances will be during primary migrations (October through April).
Explore Guerneville
Tour Korbel Winery
Korbel Winery, near Guerneville, CA, has been a staple of Sonoma County since 1882 when the winery was founded by the Korbel brothers. All the sparkling wines are made in the traditional method and range from dry to sweet. And even if you don’t want to taste wine, stop by to enjoy the lush grounds as they are really beautiful! Winery tours last around fifty minutes and include a peek at the history museum and historic champagne cellars, followed by a tasting.
Visit Austin Creek State Recreation Area
Austin Creek State Recreation Area shares a common passageway with Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. These 6,000 acres of land feature open woodlands, meadows, and rolling hills. Austin Creek Recreational Area has twenty miles of hiking trails you can explore. Austin Creek recreational area also houses the Bullfrog Pond Campground with twenty-three campsites.
Explore Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve is located just a short drive from Guerneville but will immediately transport you to your forest dreams. There are various hiking trails that wind through majestic sequoia trees that are over 500 years old and over 200 feet tall! While visitors can drive through Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve, walking through the park is the best way to experience the massive, towering redwoods. If you’re limited on time, take the Armstrong Redwoods Grove Loop Trail to experience a 1.6- mile self-guided walk in old-growth redwoods.
Wine and Dine in Geyserville
Situated on the Russian River and surrounded by distant mountains, the small town of Geyserville will surprise you with a robust offering of tasting rooms, dining and shopping. In Geyserville’s surrounding countryside, you’ll also find many award-winning wineries, plus excellent B&Bs and inns, opportunities for outdoor adventure, and a modern casino.
Step Back in Time at the Geyserville Historic District
Here you’ll find a charming collection of buildings that have retained their historical charm. Take a stroll down Geyserville Avenue, lined with Victorian-era structures, and admire the architectural beauty. Make a stop at the Geyserville Museum, where you can learn about the town’s rich heritage and its early settlers. The historic district provides a glimpse into the past and showcases Geyserville’s commitment to preserving its unique history.
Discover the World of Wine at Award-Winning Vineyards
Start your wine adventure by visiting Francis Ford Coppola Winery, where you can indulge in wine tasting, enjoy exquisite cuisine, and even take a dip in their inviting pool. For a more intimate and traditional experience, head to the family-owned and operated Trione Vineyards & Winery, known for its exceptional Bordeaux-style wines. If you’re a fan of sparkling wines, you won’t be disappointed with Mazzocco Sonoma. These are just a few of the wineries that Geyserville has to offer, so take your time and immerse yourself in the rich wine culture of this charming town.
Lake Sonoma Recreational Area
Lake Sonoma is one of the most revered bodies of water in Sonoma County. With secluded coves, fishing piers, watersport rentals, an archery field, camping (both drive-in and boat-in), a public boat ramp, and more than 40 miles of trails (for hikers, cyclists and equestrians) you’re sure to find your adventure.
Try your luck at River Rock Casino
Open all day, every day, this casino offers spectacular views of the Alexander Valley, live entertainment, and four restaurants, from a full-scale buffet to quick snacks. River Rock Casino is also home to more than 1,100 slot machines and 20 gaming tables, as well as a high-limit room and a penny-slot lounge. You can’t go wrong with all the fun that awaits you here.
Final Thoughts: Sonoma County is More Than Just Wine
Sonoma County may have built its reputation on wine, but its soul runs much deeper. It’s a place where history comes alive in charming plazas and mission buildings, where redwoods tower over peaceful trails, and where the Pacific Ocean puts on a show every evening. You can taste your way through world-class cuisine, visit quirky museums, go on a safari, or simply relax in a picturesque town with a glass of bubbly and a view.
This guide just scratches the surface—there’s always something new to discover in Sonoma. Whether you’re sipping wine in Healdsburg, hiking beneath ancient trees in Armstrong Redwoods, or trying your luck at River Rock Casino, one thing’s for sure: a trip to Sonoma County will leave you refreshed, inspired, and already planning your next visit. We try to give you as much information we can to help you plan your next vacation or weekend getaway. If you want some new ideas for a road trip or help planning a trip, check out roadtrippers.com and use code BTR5QTP for $5 off. We hope to inspire you to find your adventure, have fun and make some awesome memories!