Avoid the late/post-summer funk by brightening up your free time. Here are 20 fun, relaxing, invigorating, romantic, inspiring things to do on a weekend in Sonoma County and beyond.
Pair wine and small eats with picture-perfect settings: Before temperatures drop, spend time on winery patios and wandering scenic vineyard grounds. Visiting wine country for the first time? These wineries offer a great introduction to Sonoma. Looking for the perfect winery shot for your social media feed? Here are some very Instagrammable options. (Photo courtesy of Lynmar Estate)
Spa the day away: Take a daytrip to newly-renovated Carneros Resort and Spa, just across the Sonoma County line in Napa. The $3.5 million renovation makes this place a splurge-worthy stay. For more information about the resort, and things to do nearby, click here. Find more Sonoma County spas to visit here. (Courtesy photo)
Pair your clam chowder with an ocean view: Head to Spud Point Crab Company and pick up some delicious clam chowder, then eat it on a picnic blanket overlooking the ocean at Bodega Head. For more favorite restaurants on the Sonoma Coast, click here. (Photo by John Burgess)
Or...pair your cocktail with an ocean view: A cocktail with a coastal view never gets old, here's where to enjoy one along Highway 1 in Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino. (Photo courtesy of Nick's Cove)
Breakfast like a king: It’s a given that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why not have it be the most delicious? These restaurants around Sonoma County are the best spots to start your morning with a kick of flavor. At the Naked Pig in Santa Rosa (pictured), owners Jason Sakach and Dalia Martinez serve up brunch dishes this one: The Americana breakfast with eggs, ham and jalapeños. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Clean house and happy kids, it's a win-win: Hire a housekeeper through angieslist.com and take the kids to the pool while your house is cleaned. The pool at Francis Ford Coppola Winery pictured, more local swimming holes here. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Pretend Valentine's Day arrived early: Turn up the romance-o-meter with a dinner date, or a romantic getaway while your kids are at home with the sitter. Here are a few more ways to keep things hot when temperatures drop. (Photo courtesy of John Ash restaurant)
Become a microbrew maniac: Sonoma County may be a wine lover’s playground but following the emergence of a band of brewery brothers and sisters pioneering the production of artfully crafted local beers, the region has evolved into a mecca for beer enthusiasts. Pair your brew with a view at one of these brewery patios, or plan a craft beer weekend with friends.
Get your adrenaline pumping: In the mood for a wine country adventure? Try jumping out of a plane with NorCal Skydiving. Seeing wine country from above, while strapped to an instructor, is definitely a different way to check out the scenery. Here are more Sonoma County adventures to enjoy. (Photo by Jeff Kan Lee)
Visit the newly re-opened sculpture garden at Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa: The iconic "Love" sculpture became a symbol of resilience after it survived the Tubbs fire that destroyed the winery. The garden is open from 11-4pm on weekends. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Float down the Russian River before the warm weather disappears: Wondering what else you can do by the river? Check out our ideas here. (Photo by Ron Koeberer)
Get a new look: Embrace the blowout trend at a Sonoma County salon (click here for some of our favorites) or get a completely new 'do from social media star barber Jose Tapia, known as @jaytee_thebarber on Instagram. Tapia cuts one of a kind hair styles at West Coast Cuts in Santa Rosa.
Take in aerial views of wine country and the Sonoma Coast: While taking a plane ride with NorthCoast air you can even catch a glimpse of a Buddhist monastery from above, if you're lucky. (Courtesy photo)
Wander through 25 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park: There is a self-guided nature trail along the Sonoma Creek that starts near the picnic area and ends with a view of the 25-foot-tall Sonoma Falls. More glorious Sonoma Valley hikes here. (Photo by Chris Hardy)
Start your morning right with a bottomless mimosas: The bubbles and orange juice will give you the right buzz to begin, or end, your weekend. For a more complete list of places with bottomless mimosas, check our article here.
Play a round of golf: At Links at Bodega Harbor you can swing your club while overlooking the ocean. After 18 holes, walk down to the sandy beach below. More outstanding Sonoma and Napa golf courses here. (Courtesy photo)
Explore The Barlow in Sebastopol: This community market place is home to a variety of restaurants, unique shops, tasting rooms and breweries. Warm your feet by one of the outdoor fires and catch up with old friends in this welcoming environment. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Another opportunity to see Sonoma from above: Take to the skies for either a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride. There are a number of ways to fly high in wine country: Up and Away Ballooning includes a post-flight breakfast from The SHED and a mimosa or a glass of sparkling wine with its $239/person fare. A Balloon Over Sonoma and Wine Country Balloons are other options. (Photo by John Burgess)
Try out glamping in a beautiful setting: Commune with nature and then stretch out in a cabin or by the pool without worrying about comfort. For a family-friendly option, stay at San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA campgrounds (more information here). For an adult-only getaway, check out these local glamping options. (Photo courtesy of Mendocino Grove)
Hike, run, or bike in Annadel State Park: The Santa Rosa park has over 5,500 acres of rolling hills, streams, meadows, and woodlands. There are numerous trails throughout the park, and wildlife can be spotted near Lake Ilsanjo. Find more favorite Sonoma County hikes here. (Photo by Alvin Jornada)
Fall is arriving and the warm, sunny days are slowly dwindling. Avoid the post-summer funk by brightening up your free time: enjoy time at the coast, taste wine in the countryside, try new foods, freshen up your look or simply embrace your weekend laziness. Click through the above gallery for 20 ways to upgrade your weekend in wine country.
