Travel and lifestyle guide USA Today 10Best recently released a roundup of the “10 best small towns in the West.” From the mountain ranges of Utah to the Oregon coast, one Sonoma County locale shined as a must-visit for small-town luxe: Healdsburg.
The list, curated by a panel of editors and voted on by readers, highlights charming, scenic western towns with diverse offerings for locals and visitors. Clinching the No. 3 spot, Healdsburg ranked on the 10Best list for its “award-winning wineries, farm-to-table dining and a walkable town square.”
It’s not the first time (nor will it be the last) that the north county town of just over 11,000 people was lauded by national publications. Condé Nast Traveler ranked Healdsburg among the best cities in the United States (for the second time) in October 2024. A year prior, Travel + Leisure magazine called it “the jewel of California Wine Country.”
From foodies and wine lovers to outdoor enthusiasts, people can find plenty to do in the delightful town of Healdsburg. Here’s where to start:
Dining
Healdsburg’s dining scene might be one of the biggest draws of this Sonoma County town. The three-Michelin-starred SingleThread restaurant consistently ranks among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. And SingleThread alums Melissa Yanc and Sean McGaughey started their own wildly successful bakery, Quail & Condor, which The New York Times named among the best in the country.
Aside from the highly publicized eateries, other Healdsburg restaurants are worth their share of praise. For breakfast, it’s hard to go wrong with the new Acorn Cafe, which boasts an inspired tiramisu French toast, a Seussian green eggs and ham, and the fattest pancakes ever. Lunchtime is a breeze — head to Iggy’s Organic Burger for a solid burger (and side of Angela’s Organic ice cream), or The Parish Cafe for Louisiana-inspired po’boys on Costeaux French bread.
For dinner, bring a partner to the hidden gem Guiso Latin Fusion for Salvadoran pupusas and Caribbean paella. In search of great cocktails to enjoy with dinner and friends? Chef Dustin Valette’s epic three-story restaurant and cocktail bar, The Matheson and Roof 106, has you covered with an ever-changing menu and a rooftop cocktail lounge.
Wine
Healdsburg is awash with tasting rooms pouring Wine Country’s finest, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg to get a taste of the good life. The unassuming Arnot-Roberts tasting room, hidden in an industrial setting off Healdsburg Avenue, pours uncommon wine varieties (like Trousseau and Falanghina) at a shaded, rustic tasting bar. Tastings are $45 per person.
For last-minute weekends plans, J Vineyards & Winery offers its Signature Tasting flight ($35 per person) daily, no reservations necessary (except for groups of six or more). This summer, the winery will host its Bubbles & Beignets event (July 6), serving up fresh beignets paired with estate wines — a great primer for Bastille Day (July 14).
Recreation
With premium access to the Russian River, Healdsburg’s Veterans Memorial Beach gets tons of action as the weather heats up. Beachgoers can partake in sunbathing, swimming and paddling — made even more accessible via the nearby Rivers Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips, offering watercraft rentals as well as guided paddle trips.
People can enjoy the area’s classic redwoods at Riverfront Regional Park, which features hiking, biking and horseback riding trails around a scenic lake. It’s also a great place for a large group picnic — grab all the provisions you need at Big John’s Market.
With the town’s vast assortment of eateries, wineries, art galleries and more, there are endless possibilities for a perfect day in Healdsburg.