10 Things to Do in Sonoma County, Besides Drinking Wine
Had your fill of tasting rooms? Here's a list of some of our favorite things to do in Sonoma County, besides drinking wine.
People from all over the world come to Sonoma County to enjoy fine wines. While there’s nothing wrong in that (this is Wine Country, after all), what about those of us who’ve had their fill of tasting rooms and would like to put down the Pinot (at least momentarily)? Well, as all locals know, there’s plenty more to Sonoma County than wine. Click through the gallery for some of our favorite (non-alcoholic) things to do (Photo by John Burgess):
Go olive oil tasting: Wine tasting seems like yesterday’s news when you walk into The Olive Press in Sonoma. Visitors can taste dozens of olive oils, cold-pressed at the onsite mill, and watch the process of turning olives into liquid gold. There’s also award-winning vinegars to enjoy, paired with tasty bites. The 45 acre estate is owned and operated by the Cline family, who cultivates Italian and Spanish olive orchards and presses olives for wineries and home growers. Stop by for a tasting or schedule a tour for a group f friends. 24724 Hwy 121 (Arnold Drive) Sonoma 95476, 707-939-1203. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Visit the theater: For a fool-proof fun-filled evening, pair dinner with a local show. The Cinnabar Theater in Petaluma puts on numerous concerts, musicals and plays throughout the year and is close to a variety of popular restaurants, including Speakeasy (an international tapas bistro), Central Market (farm-to-fork Californian and Mediterranean fare), Wild Goat Bistro (Neapolitan style pizzas and honest fresh food) Della Fattoria (popular bakery that puts on periodic pop-up dinners). View the full Cinnabar schedule and buy tickets online. 3333 Petaluma Blvd North, Petaluma 94952, 707-763-8920. (Photo by Scott Hess)
Search for new-old finds at the flea market: For a lazy Sunday or just a free weekend to yourself, Midgley’s County Flea Market in Sebastopol has plenty of hidden gems to sort through. Walk around aimlessly as you enjoy a warm churro and the Sonoma County sunshine. 2200 Gravenstein Hwy, Sebastopol 95472, 707-823-7874. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Take an art walk: The South of A Street (SOFA) district in Santa Rosa is host to a variety of art galleries and independent shops. Every first Friday, you can view over 30 different artists’ work in their studios during the SOFA Art Walk. Stroll around, chat with artists, and enjoy an exhibit of different art media, including beading, printmaking, photography, and glass. 312 South A Street, Santa Rosa 95401. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Hit the trails: Experience Sonoma County nature at its finest at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood. With 21 miles of trails, there’s something for all calibers of hikers here, from 1-mile family hikes to a nearly 9-mile hike with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet. Pack a picnic and enjoy North Bay views, see the headwaters of Sonoma Creek flow into the 25-foot Canyon trail waterfall, spot wildlife, or come at night to stargaze at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. 2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood 95452, 707-833-5712. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Browse vinyls and CDs: Music lovers and old school collectors alike will enjoy the collection of rare and vintage vinyls and CDs at The Last Record Store in downtown Santa Rosa. From the latest homegrown talent and niche oddities, to epic limited edition live recordings and only the best new releases, this music mecca is as diverse as it is thorough and deep-cut. With its knowledgeable, sociable staff and large, organized stock, you can spend hours shuffling through this store. 1899 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa 95401, 707-525-1963. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Take a sustainable farming class: SHED in Healdsburg successfully combines responsible farming, delicious food and informative workshops. Not only is there a café with organic bites to snack on, but there are also in-depth classes on sustainable gardening and biodynamics to take in; teaching you all you need to know about the best ways to plant, grow and sustain your own garden. For class information and café hours, visit their website. 25 North St, Healdsburg 95448. (Photo by Beth Schlanker)
Get cedar enzyme zen: If you need a break from your fast-paced urban lifestyle, book a spa appointment at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary in Freestone. Let your mind wander at this Asian-influenced spa as you immerse your body in a bed of ground cedar, followed by a massage or facial near a serene garden. Packages are available for day-long visits. 209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, CA 95472, (707) 823-8231. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Spend a day at the beach: This list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Sonoma coast. Doran Beach at Bodega Bay is a popular spot for families or someone looking to escape the stress of everyday life. Monthly “tide pool talks” at Doran Regional Park takes you closer to the marine life on the Pacific Coast. Horse N' Around offers horseback rides through Doran Beach dunes. 201 Doran Beach Rd, Bodega 94923, 707-875-3540. (Photo by John Burgess)
Gather fresh produce at a local farmer's market: Grab your favorite recipe and head over to your local farmer's market (here is a list of the one's around Sonoma County!) to pick out locally sourced food products. Walk around with a group of friends and grab a bite to eat at a local food truck or stock up on your favorite fruits and veggies. (Photo by Robbi Pengelly)
