Sonoma County

California, United States

Discover Sonoma County’s three regions — the stunning Pacific coastline and sea villages to the west, the lush redwoods and rivers at its heart, and its fertile valleys and vineyards stretching from north to south with oak-studded hills rising above them.

3095 CA-1
Bodega Bay, CA

More than 55 miles of dramatic Pacific coast create Sonoma County’s western border. While it’s a stunning drive, take a break with the 17 miles of beaches and coastal bluffs in Sonoma Coast State Park. Savor the day at one of the many regional parks that dot the coastline. The Sonoma coastline is rugged, dramatic, and scenic – yet approachable. Relax at the beach for the day, take a hike, go camping, or enjoy a romantic picnic. No matter what your speed for the day is, trails, beaches, and scenic overlooks will beckon you to get out and explore. But if you’re in the mood for an aquatic adventure, be sure to check out Sonoma County's safety tips for water activities.

3095 CA-1
Bodega Bay, CA

Embark on an iconic California road trip along the famous Highway 1. Exploring the more than 50 miles of dramatic Pacific coastline that forms Sonoma County's western border will take your breath away. Sandy beaches beckon to be strolled upon; craggy cliffs beg to be photographed; hidden-treasure cafés entice by using local ingredients. Slow down and take a few days to discover nature, enjoy outdoor activities and just breathe in the fresh salty air. Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

Surrounded by ancient redwoods in the heart of Sonoma County and just a few miles inland from the spectacular Sonoma Coast, the Russian River area invites you to explore, play or just relax. This region has embraced travelers since the railroads linked it to San Francisco in 1877. Today, charming towns like Forestville, Rio Nido, and Guerneville welcome visitors to their local shops and galleries. Or maybe you're looking for a cup of coffee, a homemade pastry, or a farm-to-table lunch in Monte Rio, Cazadero, and Duncans Mills – the whole county is known for great wines and locally made foods.

For more than 130 years, travelers have come to the Russian River area in Sonoma County to swim, paddle, hike, wine, dine, or simply relax and enjoy all the delights of this lovely waterway. As the Russian River winds its way through the lush Wine Country in Northern California, it creates a special corridor of gently moving water, riverside greenery, and the unique towns large and small that line its banks. No matter what the time of year or the level of water in the river, there's always plenty to do and see along the Russian River. This guide follows the lazily meandering river from Cloverdale in northeast Sonoma County, heading southwest through the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys, to where the Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean on the coast. The best way to get to the Russian River area is by car (approx. one hour north of San Francisco) or by flying into the STS - Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, located in Santa Rosa.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg, California, United States

See how Sonoma County’s valleys and vineyards offer beauty and bounty, as neat rows of vineyards, lush pasturelands, charming small towns, and bustling cities nestle against a backdrop of rolling hills. In northern Sonoma County, the towns of Cloverdale, Geyserville, and Healdsburg sit in the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys – just two of Sonoma County’s 18 distinctive American Viticultural Areas, or wine regions. To the east, the lush and fertile Sonoma Valley cradles Kenwood, Glen Ellen, and Sonoma, as well as historic sites and five distinct wine regions.

Sonoma County, CA

The lush Sonoma Valley unfurls between two mountain ranges along Sonoma County's eastern edge. Abundance is the norm here, offering visitors a delightful mix of beautiful vistas, wine tasting, farm-fresh cuisine, California history, art, shopping, and outdoor adventures. Known as the birthplace of wine in California, the 17-mile long Sonoma Valley includes an amazing variety of landscapes and microclimates, from flat meadows and valleys to rolling hills, and from cool wind and fog to hot sunshine. Because of this rich environmental diversity, there are actually five distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs or wine regions) here: Bennett Valley, Carneros, Moon Mountain, Sonoma Mountain, and Sonoma Valley.