Sonoma Valley, California, is a destination where rich history intersects with modern pleasures. Known as the birthplace of California winemaking, it is home to exceptional restaurants, state-of-the-art spas, and a variety of adventurous activities. While it may not be as famous or touristy as its neighbor, Napa Valley, Sonoma offers a relaxed atmosphere that is equally appealing, with many attractions beyond wine tasting.
Located just over an hour’s drive from San Francisco and under two hours from Sacramento, Sonoma Valley is an accessible getaway. Here are some popular attractions to add to your day trip itinerary.
Historic Town of Sonoma, California
Anchoring the 17-mile-long valley to the south, Sonoma makes a good starting point and has important California historical sights and the state’s largest town square. Once a Mexican military outpost, a fleeting frontier republic, and a Spanish Mission village. Today, the town square is a historic landmark strewn with old adobe storefronts, meandering alleyways, and cobblestone courtyards that buzz with a diverse mix of restaurants, hotels, tasting rooms, cafes, artisan boutiques, and galleries.
Mission San Francisco de Solano
Mission San Francisco de Solano and Lachryma Montis are centered around an expansive green lawn and massive tree canopy, creating a perfect setting for picnics, cultural activities, and weekly farmers’ markets—address: 114 E Spain St, Sonoma, California.
Cornerstone Gardens Sonoma
Travelers should not miss Cornerstone Gardens, where visitors can explore 20 cutting-edge gardens designed by several noted landscape architects. You can shop here, get a bite to eat, go wine tasting, explore the gardens, and take many photos. Address: 23570 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, California.
The Olive Press, Sonoma, California
Also located in Sonoma is The Olive Press, which sells olive oils and olive-related items from dozens of California growers. The Olive Press was the first olive mill in Sonoma and offered free tastings of many of its products. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards has a wine-tasting room in the same building. Address: 24724 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, California. Website.
Discover the Charming Village of Glen Ellen
A little further to the north is quaint little Glen Ellen, a town right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Named after the 1,000-acre Glen Ellen Vineyard, the area was once home to famed writer Jack London in the early 1900s. Today, visitors can glimpse the gifted, hard-living writer’s life by visiting Jack London State Historical Park and touring his cottage and memorabilia preserved after his death.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
A few miles north of Glen Ellen in Sonoma Valley’s most famous natural treasures — Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. This 2,700-acre park, with its 25 miles of trails, preserves the headwaters of Sonoma Creek. Open spring through fall, visitors can explore via horseback or hiking the park’s gorges, canyons, meadows, rock outcroppings, redwoods, and ferns. Address: 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood, California. Website.
Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa
At the valley’s northernmost end is the urban center of Santa Rosa. Here visitors will find a vibrant city that overflows with natural wonders and artificial attractions, including the 5,000-acre Annadel State Park, majestic California oaks, and brilliant displays of spring wildflowers. Address: 6201 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, California. Website.
Safari West Wildlife Tours
The 400-acre preserve is filled with African savanna animals, including giraffe, antelope, and oryx, which can be seen on guided tours. And visitors who want to enjoy an African safari without leaving the continental US can bunk down in one of 30 surprisingly elegant tent cabins.
Family Friendly Sonoma Train Town
Parents and grandparents will appreciate the budget-friendly prices while the kids revel in the carnival-like atmosphere. There is a small fee for park rides and train tickets, but no general admission fee for visitors who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and skip the rides. Sonoma Train Town 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA (707) 938-3912.
Charles M. Schulz Museum
Finally, visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is a must-stop for anyone who grew up reading Peanuts. The museum is a centerpiece for the City of Santa Rosa. It is big enough to house Snoopy, Linus, Charlie Brown, and the other characters indelibly inked by Schulz, who called Sonoma County home for decades. Address: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, California. Website.
We have just touched on a few of Sonoma Valley’s many attractions. One day is not nearly enough time to explore this region of Northern California. Consider making this trip a weekend getaway or a longer trip. You will not be disappointed when you visit the Sonoma Valley.