Sonoma County offers a plethora of things to do – aside from wine tasting, making it the perfect getaway for both wine-lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Just a short drive from San Francisco, escape to the beauty of the Sonoma Valley Wine Region and take in all this unique area has to offer. Some of the best things to do in Sonoma County include nature walks, distillery tours, live music and more! Read on for the top things to do and start planning your next trip!
Take a horseback trail ride amongst the vineyards
One of the most unique experiences in Sonoma, Sonoma Valley Trail Rides offers guided tours on calm, gentle, well-cared for horses – suitable for a rider of any experience. Choose between a tour of Bartholomew Park, a scenic park situated on 375 acres of vineyards, garden & forest, or opt for a simpler ride through the vineyard. This locally and women-owned business in Sonoma was created specifically to give both locals and visitors a unique way to experience wine country.
Not quite up for a ride but still want to get up close to these magnificent creatures? They also offer the unique experience to have a horse join you for a photo session – perfect for an engagement or family photoshoot!
Hours: Varies daily
Tour Sonoma’s best local distillery and enjoy live music
The spirits-lovers in your group will thank you for this stop! Hanson of Sonoma Distillery is Sonoma County’s premier spirits producer, owned and operated by 2 generations of the Hanson family. Specializing in organic vodka made from wine grapes and infused with all-natural ingredients (look for specialty infusions like Habanero, Ginger & Espresso), you also won’t want to skip their single-malt whiskey.
Schedule a distillery tour for your group, where you’ll learn all about their unique distilling process – and stay for a tasting where you’ll sample through the infusions and finish off with a cocktail customized to your liking with your choice of spirit. Be sure to check out their events page to see when Hanson of Sonoma has live music events on their pondside lawn & patio – featuring a variety of local musicians.
Hours: 11am-5:30pm daily
Take in the beauty at Sonoma Botanical Garden
Home to one of the largest collections of rare and endangered Asian and Californian native plants, this is truly one of the best spots to see views of the valley. Enjoy a self-guided tour, and learn about their commitment to nature conservation and biodiversity, and don’t forget to stop for a picnic amongst the beautiful fauna and flora before you go!
Any time of year offers a unique experience – though the spring wildflowers are one of the most-loved by tourists and locals alike. After heavy winter rains, the array of blooms offer the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photo!
Hours: 9am-4pm daily (closed Tuesdays)
Pamper yourself with a spa day at Carneros Resort
Widely lauded as one of the best spa & resorts in Sonoma, Carneros Resort offers wellness-enthusiasts a truly luxury spa experience. Surrounded by farmland and vineyards, escape the everyday and immerse yourself in the serenity of the slow wine-country lifestyle. Their relaxation remedies are inspired by the earth’s natural resources, with every treatment carefully designed by their experts. Enjoy unique spa offerings like a CBD massage, sea salt scrub or rose quartz facial.
Carneros Resort also offers free fitness classes for hotel guests, as well as vineyard walks and full-access to their hilltop pool, and family-friendly hotel pool. The resort is conveniently located near other main attractions, making it easily accessible to all of the best things to do in Sonoma.
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Enjoy inventive French Country fare at girl & the fig
This rustic French bistro offers some of the best dining in Sonoma. Feast on popular dishes like steak tartare, fig & arugula salad and crispy duck confit on their outdoor patio. Known for not just their high quality of and seasonality of food & drink, their impeccable service makes them one of the best dining experiences in Sonoma.
Whether you’re hosting a group, or looking for a unique date night restaurant in Sonoma – the girl & the fig is sure to not disappoint. We highly suggest making a reservation to snag a coveted table, although it’s just as fun to enjoy an appetizer at the bar while waiting to be seated.
Hours: 11:30am-9pm Monday-Friday, 10am-9pm Saturday-Sunday
Top Things To Do in Sonoma County That Aren’t Wine Tasting
