Travel + Leisure recently highlighted 10 of California’s most underrated destinations, steering readers away from the tourist magnets that dominate travel itineraries. Among the hidden corners of the Golden State, the Russian River Valley stood out for its rustic charm, redwood forests and quintessential summer pleasures.

Los Angeles writer Chelsee Lowe, who grew up in California’s Central Valley, recalled childhood visits to Healdsburg, where her grandmother lived near the town plaza.

“We would shop for the latest installment of ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ series at Toyon Books, which is now a Copperfield’s,” Lowe wrote.

As an adult, she found herself returning to the Russian River Valley, drawn by its towering redwoods, leisurely river floats and vineyard-lined landscapes.

Some destinations here have already earned national acclaim, from Healdsburg’s Michelin-starred SingleThread to Guerneville’s upscale Dawn Ranch. But beyond the headline attractions, the valley offers plenty of quieter pleasures.

Here’s how to spend a memorable getaway in the Russian River Valley.

Where to stay

At the northern end of the valley in Healdsburg, h2hotel (219 Healdsburg Ave.) is among the region’s most environmentally conscious accommodations, holding LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Guest rooms feature Egyptian cotton linens, natural bath products, ergonomic workspaces and glass carafes that can be filled at complimentary water stations on every floor. Visitors can also take advantage of free Sunday morning Ashtanga yoga classes and complimentary three-hour bicycle rentals for exploring town.

For travelers who prefer to stay directly on the river, Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville (16215 and 16217 First St.) offers cabins and glamping tents steps from the water. During the busy summer season, guests can retreat from the crowds to accommodations equipped with luxury linens, Malin + Goetz bath products, kitchenettes, fire pits and picnic tables. The property is open from April through November.

Where to play

No visit to the Russian River is complete without time on the water. Visitors can bring their own flotation devices, from inner tubes to inflatable mattresses, or rent kayaks, canoes and other watercraft from Johnson’s Beach, King’s Sport & Tackle in Guerneville, Burke’s Canoe Trips in Forestville and Rivers Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips in Healdsburg.

Summer also brings a full calendar of community events. In the “Vacation Wonderland” of Monte Rio, the annual Big Rocky Games (July 3-4) feature family-friendly competitions including a rubber duck race, water balloon toss, Hula-Hoop contest and potato sack race. Other seasonal highlights include the free RioFest music festival (June 20) and the 115th annual Monte Rio Variety Show (July 23), both held at the historic Monte Rio Amphitheater (9925 Main St.).

For a quieter afternoon, browse one of the area’s independent bookstores. Levin & Company Books in Healdsburg (306 Center St.) has served readers for more than three decades with thousands of titles, alongside a curated selection of CDs and vinyl records and an upstairs art gallery. Russian River Books & Letters in Guerneville (14045 Armstrong Woods Road) stocks an extensive collection of new and used books and sits next door to Coffee Bazaar, making it an ideal spot to settle in with a novel and a cup of coffee or tea.

Where to eat

The Russian River Valley’s dining scene ranges from nationally recognized restaurants to local favorites known mostly to residents.

One standout is Canneti Roadhouse Italiana in Forestville (6675 Front St.), where housemade pastas and rustic Italian cooking have earned a devoted following. Signature dishes include the Tonno del Chianti and a rotating Pasta Trio featuring the chef’s selection of freshly made pasta.

For rib-sticking soul food and barbecue, Saucy Mama’s Jook Joint in Guerneville (16632 Highway 116) serves Southern staples including fried catfish, shrimp po’boys, Cajun chicken and sweet potato pie.

And few meals feel more fitting after a day on the river than a burger. Healdsburger (48 Healdsburg Ave.), just a stone’s throw from the river, offers specialty burgers alongside sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, ice cream and milkshakes.

Where to sip

With dozens of wineries scattered throughout the Russian River Valley AVA, narrowing down the options can be difficult.

North of Sebastopol, Kobler Estate (4630 Gravenstein Highway N.) pours a Bacigalupi Vineyards Chardonnay marked by notes of citrus zest and green apple. It pairs naturally with a slice of pie from nearby Mom’s Apple Pie.

South of Healdsburg, Copain Wines (7800 Eastside Road) offers sweeping hilltop views of vineyards and valley landscapes alongside its cool-climate wines. Nearby Riverfront Regional Park provides an easy opportunity for a post-tasting stroll around the lake.

Need more recommendations for a perfect weekend escape to the Russian River Valley? We got you covered.

The post Russian River Valley Named Among Most Underrated Destinations in California appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial international men’s soccer championship, kicks off June 11 and runs through July 19. The 23rd edition will be the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32, and the first to be jointly hosted by three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada.

One of the tournament’s 16 venues is Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium, though FIFA will not call it that. Tournament rules bar corporate-sponsored stadium names, so the home of the San Francisco 49ers will be known as “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” throughout the World Cup.

The six World Cup matches at Levi’s, ahem, San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, will be held June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and July 1.

For fans planning to watch closer to home, businesses across Sonoma and Napa counties will be ready with television screens, cold beer and game-day fare.

Where to watch the games in Sonoma County

Victory House, Santa Rosa

Victory House, the sports bar at Poppy Bank Epicenter, will show every World Cup match on its large-screen televisions. Additional games will be shown throughout the Epicenter complex, including at Chuck’s Bowling Bar & Lounge.

The venue will offer game-day food and drink specials and host a contest in which patrons can guess the tournament’s total number of goals. The grand prize, valued at $1,500, is a four-hour party at Chuck’s for up to 32 people, including a $500 food credit. Entry forms will be available at the bar. Participants must be at least 18 years old. 3215 Coffey Lane, Santa Rosa, 707-757-9041, visitvictoryhouse.com

The Goose & Fern, Santa Rosa

The British pub in Railroad Square will host a watch party for the World Cup final starting at 11:30 a.m. July 19, with indoor and outdoor screens, live music and a pig roast. All ages are welcome. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-843-4235, thegooseandfern.com

Ausiello’s 5th Street Bar & Grill, Santa Rosa

Ausiello’s will screen every World Cup match with watch party drink specials. The specials include $5 pints of Stella and Michelob Ultra and a $50 bucket of four custom canned Casamigos margaritas, plus more for select games. 609 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707-579-9408, ausiellos5thstreetgrill.com

Mitote Food Park, Santa Rosa

Mitote, a tented food court in Santa Rosa’s Roseland neighborhood, will show World Cup matches on a large outdoor screen. Patrons can order food and drinks from various trucks serving Mexican specialties. More information will be posted on Mitote’s social media channels. 100 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, mitotefoodpark.com

Sazon Peruvian Cuisine, Santa Rosa

The Roseland restaurant plans to air matches on two indoor televisions and post watch-party information on social media. 1129 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa, 707-523-4346, sazonsr.com

Passion Peru Restaurant, Santa Rosa

Passion Peru Restaurant will show all World Cup games on its indoor screen. 4219 Montgomery Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-235-9876, passionperurestaurant.com

Sivar Pupusas y Tacos, Santa Rosa

The Salvadoran and Mexican restaurant will screen all World Cup matches on multiple screens. 1709 Santa Rosa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-791-7255, instagram.com/sivarpupusasytacos

Los Tres Chiles, Santa Rosa

The Mexican restaurant will air matches on indoor and outdoor screens throughout the tournament. Specials will be available on game days. Owner Gustavo Gutierrez and Taqueria Sol Azteca owner Frankie Lemus also helped produce a bilingual World Cup magazine and tournament bracket placemats to be distributed at participating restaurants. Copies will be available at Los Tres Chiles. 2765 Yulupa Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-304-5724, lostreschiles.com

Taqueria Sol Azteca, Rohnert Park

The taqueria will screen matches on two indoor televisions. More information about watch parties will be posted on social media. 1435 E. Cotati Ave., Suite C, Rohnert Park, 707-792-1859, taqueriasolazteca.com

Playbook at Graton Casino, Rohnert Park

Playbook Sports Bar & Kitchen at Graton Resort & Casino will host a World Cup opening-match watch party starting at 11 a.m. June 11 and a viewing party for the final on July 19. Tickets range from $40 to $365 and are available through OpenTable. 288 Golf Course Drive W., Rohnert Park, 707-588-3734, graton.com

Galvan’s Eatery & Beer Garden, Cotati

The Cotati beer garden will show all matches on five screens in its outdoor dining and lounge area. 500 E. Cotati Ave., Cotati, 707-664-5987, instagram.com/galvanseatery, facebook.com/GalvansEatery

El Gallo Negro, Windsor

The Windsor Oaxacan restaurant will screen the World Cup games along with soccer-themed drinks and specials. Customers who arrive wearing jerseys for Mexico’s opening match against South Africa will receive discounted margaritas. A special “World Cup Legends” cocktail menu includes drinks inspired by stars of the game. 8465 Old Redwood Highway, Windsor, 707-838-9511, elgallonegro.net

Paradise Burger And Kitchen, Windsor

Paradise Burger and Kitchen will air selected World Cup matches on three screens, including the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa. Watch party schedules will be posted on social media. 8465 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 300, Windsor, 707-837-7443, instagram.com/paradiseburger_kitchen, facebook.com/Paradiseburgerandkitchen

Beyond the Glory, Petaluma

The Petaluma sports bar will screen the World Cup matches on multiple television and projection screens. 1371 N. McDowell Blvd., Suite 130, Petaluma, 707-971-8366, btgpetaluma.com

Petaluma Portuguese Hall, Petaluma

The Petaluma Holy Ghost Society, commonly known as Portuguese Hall, will host watch parties starting June 12 for the United States-Paraguay match and June 27 for a slate of group-stage games: Panama vs. England, Croatia vs. Ghana, and Portugal vs. Colombia. Nachos, linguica dogs and no-host cocktails will be available for purchase. 4649 Bodega Ave., Petaluma, 707-971-5517, petalumaholyghostsociety.org

Murphy’s Irish Pub, Sonoma

The pub and restaurant near Sonoma Plaza will screen all matches live on high-definition televisions. Drink specials will be available on game days. Guests are encouraged to wear their team’s colors. 464 First St, E., Sonoma, 707-935-0660, sonomapub.com

Sangiacomo Winery, Sonoma

Sonoma Valley United FC will host a World Cup viewing party and fundraiser at Sangiacomo Winery starting at 5:30 p.m. June 25. The event will feature a screening of the United States-Turkey match, along with food, wine and family activities. Tickets are $40 for adults, including a welcome glass of wine, and $20 for youth ages 17 and younger. Tickets are available on Zeffy. Sangiacomo Winery, 21545 Broadway, Sonoma. premier.upsl.com/teams/sonoma-valley-united-fc-344422

Where to watch the games in Napa County

Kerr Cellars, Napa

Kerr Cellars will screen all World Cup matches on an 85-inch television and offer wine specials during games: Sonoma Coast Chardonnay for $10 per glass and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for $12. No registration is required; walk-ins are welcome. 1463 First St., Napa, 707-963-5377, kerrcellars.com

Napa Palisades Saloon, Napa

Napa’s Spanish radio station MegaMix KVON will host a World Cup watch party starting at noon, June 11, at Napa Palisades Saloon. 1000 Main St., Suite 100, Napa, 707-492-3399, napapalisades.com

The full 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule is available at fifa.com.

Multiple locations

Mountain Mike’s Pizza

A sports watch party just feels incomplete without pizza, and Mountain Mike’s aims to deliver on both fronts with big-screen TVs to catch every game and all the ‘za one can eat. As the World Cup approaches, the pizza chain is spotlighting its Triple Play bundle ($29) that includes a large, one-topping pizza and any two sides, such as salad, fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks or churro bites. Available Monday through Thursday for dine-in or takeout. Locations in Petaluma, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cloverdale and Napa. mountainmikespizza.com

Raquel Issenberg of La Prensa Sonoma contributed reporting.

Did we miss a World Cup watch party? Let us know at maci.martell@pressdemocrat.com.

The post Where To Watch the World Cup in Sonoma, Napa Counties appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Forest succession after a major disruption like logging or wildfire — of which we’ve seen plenty lately — can be measured in stages. The early-seral stage, dominated by grasses, shrubs, and eventually saplings among both surviving large trees and standing dead and dying trees, typically lasts between one and three decades.

It’s been more than 100 years since the last big fire at one coastal Sonoma County state reserve, but the forest is largely suspended in an early-seral stage. That’s thanks to decades of active land management for the benefit of a single shrub, the rhododendron, which is also the namesake of the reserve. In May and June, visitors to the Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve will find the plant blooming in all its rosy-pink magnificence.

California State Parks senior environmental scientist Brendan O’Neill explains that crews thin the redwood, tan oak, and fir forest by removing smaller trees from beneath the main forest canopy, then piling the cuttings and covering them to cure, before burning the piles in winter when conditions allow. “The rhododendrons depend upon sunlight and openings in the forest to be at their greatest,” O’Neill says.

Three species of native rhododendrons exploded on the landscape after last century’s fateful conflagration. All are fire-adapted, possessing latent buds in their root crowns that initiate vigorous new growth after a fire, even if the rest of the plant is charred beyond repair. In 1933, about a decade after the fire, Edward P. Kruse donated to California part of the large ranch on which his family had been raising sheep and logging tan oak — expressly for the public’s continued enjoyment of the dense rhododendron stands whose fragrant, late-spring blossoms had already become a popular tourist attraction.

As the decades passed, the forest advanced into a mid-seral phase and the rhododendrons began to suffer. By the 1970s, State Parks ecologist Jim Barry recognized that without logging or fire, they would largely disappear. So he proposed an “out-of-the-box” and “a little bit revolutionary” idea, in O’Neill’s words, of maintaining the forest in an early-seral stage indefinitely.

Today, selective thinning and pile-burning are far more commonplace for fire safety and fuel-load management: a clear co-benefit of the rhododendron-driven work at Kruse. Another benefit? The unique beauty of a steep, deep-green forest lit with dappled sunlight and pastel-pink blossoms held 20 feet high on the elongated branches of these endemic yet ephemeral shrubs.

Where to see rhododendrons in bloom this spring and early summer

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve

Kruse Ranch Road, Cazadero. parks.ca.gov

Salt Point State Park

25050 Highway 1, Jenner. saltpoint.org

Botanica Nursery and Gardens

3970 Azalea Lane, Sebastopol. botanicanurseryandgardens.com

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

18220 Highway 1, Fort Bragg. gardenbythesea.org

The post Where to See Rhododendrons in Bloom in Sonoma County appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

A Scandinavian wellness ritual has found its way to Wine Country, and its growing popularity suggests Northern Californians are willing to sweat for better sleep, lower stress and a brief escape from their phones.

From the Sonoma Coast to the redwoods, saunas are appearing across the region, tucked beside rivers, marinas and boutique resorts. Central to Nordic culture, the practice of sitting in a small heated room has been linked in studies to benefits ranging from stress reduction and muscle recovery to improved cardiovascular health and sleep quality.

“There’s a benefit to it, both physically and mentally,” said Alex Zelaya, founder of Sundrop Sauna in Petaluma. “I love just educating and informing people.”

More than a decade ago, Zelaya traveled alone to Finland, where he spent a late-summer day at a lakeside sauna. The experience introduced him to a culture of wellness built around heat, cold water and slowing down, something he felt was largely missing on the West Coast outside spas and health clubs.

With a background in architecture, construction and the glamping industry, Zelaya pivoted in 2023 to focus on building high-end prefabricated saunas with expansive windows that connect bathers to the outdoors, whether framed by forests, rivers or the Pacific coast. He built the first mobile sauna in his parents’ Sonoma backyard, launching what would become Sundrop Sauna.

Warming Wellness

That backyard experiment quickly expanded. About two-and-a-half years ago, Sundrop’s mobile sauna hit the road, first parking at Boon Hotel + Spa. Among its earliest clients was the team behind Shelter Co., the hospitality production company perhaps best known locally for creating Guerneville’s River Electric resort and swim club.

Word spread quickly. Soon, Sundrop pop-ups were appearing at Grand Central Petaluma, Valley Swim Club in Sonoma, Old Caz Beer in Rohnert Park and Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville.

In August 2024, Sundrop Sauna opened its first permanent location at Lakeville Landing Marina along the Petaluma River. Community sessions include shared access to a sauna, cold plunge, outdoor shower and lounge areas. Heated by propane, the sauna typically reaches 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, enough to produce a serious sweat within 10 to 15 minutes.

Ninety-minute sessions are capped at eight people and cost $45. Memberships offering multiple visits each month are also available.

“Our vision is to have multiple locations that we own and operate and create these immersive experiences where you can sauna and get in the cold water in nature, directly outdoors,” Zelaya said.

The team behind River Electric was impressed enough by the experience that they invited Sundrop to host a two-week residency during the resort’s inaugural season last summer.

“The response was incredible, and we’re already planning to bring it back this year,” said River Electric co-owner Kelsey Sheofsky. “There’s something magical about moving from the heat of the sauna to a cool outdoor shower, then slipping back into the warm pool, all surrounded by towering redwoods. It’s the ultimate water therapy ritual.”

Sauna FAQs

In countries such as Finland and Sweden, sauna culture often includes nudity, even among strangers — a practice generally viewed with little self-consciousness. At Sundrop Sauna, however, bathing suits are required.

Guests are encouraged to sit on towels, as wooden benches can become extremely hot and to hydrate before, during and after a session. Glass and metal water bottles are discouraged because they can quickly heat up in the sauna.

Mostly, though, sauna culture asks participants to surrender to something increasingly rare: stillness.

“You can’t bring a phone into a 200-degree space. Conversations happen, friends meet each other, people meet each other,” Zelaya said. “It’s this really cool way to just disconnect.”

Turn Up the Heat in These Saunas Across the Bay Area

Timber Cove Resort, Jenner

The Sonoma Coast hotel recently introduced a Reset & Restore Suite that pairs recovery technology with sweeping Pacific views. Alongside air-compression boots and zero-gravity recliners sits a rock sauna heated to 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, plus a 37-degree outdoor cold plunge overlooking the ocean.

The experience is available to both hotel guests and the public from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Hour-long sessions cost $95, with an additional $45 for a second guest. 21780 Highway 1, Jenner, 707-847-3231, timbercoveresort.com

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Collection, Napa

Perched above Napa Valley, the Halehouse spa at Stanly Ranch spreads across several buildings anchored by an adults-only infinity pool. The co-ed sauna, powered by four electric burners and heated to roughly 180 degrees, features massive windows framing vineyard views.

Non-hotel guests can access the sauna with the purchase of a 60-minute spa service, a $300 day pass or an $850 monthly Halehouse Unlimited membership. 200 Stanly Crossroad, Napa, 707-699-6260, auberge.com/stanly-ranch

Lodge at Marconi, Marshall

After hiking the nearly 5 miles of trails winding through Marconi State Historic Park, hotel guests can recover in the property’s gas-powered sauna overlooking Tomales Bay. Access is complimentary and available on a first-come, first-served basis. 18500 Highway 1, Marshall, 415-663-9020, lodgeatmarconi.com

Fjord, Sausalito

Built from upcycled shipping containers mounted atop a salvaged marine barge, Fjord’s floating Finnish saunas are docked in Sausalito with panoramic views of Tiburon, Angel Island and the San Francisco skyline. Electric heaters warm 300 pounds of stones, bringing the saunas to roughly 190 degrees Fahrenheit before guests plunge directly into the bay.

Bookings open at 9 a.m. on Sundays. Shared 90-minute sessions cost $45 and accommodate up to eight people. 2310 Marinship Way, Sausalito, thisisfjord.com

The post Wind Down at Wine Country’s Newest Hot Spots: Saunas appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

The California State Parks Foundation recently announced the winners in its second annual “Best of California’s State Parks” poll, where thousands voted on their favorite state park across 12 categories. Among the dozen winners, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood won “Best California State Park for a Hidden Gem Experience.”

The foundation stated voters’ reasons for choosing Sugarloaf Ridge included its “diverse trails, wildflowers, waterfalls, and sweeping ridgelines, along with unique offerings like an onsite observatory and community-led programs.”

“Quiet, scenic, and full of discovery, it’s a place that feels both remote and welcoming, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the well-known parks,” the foundation stated.

Honorable mentions in the “hidden gem” category include Bodie State Historic Park in Bridgeport and China Camp State Park in San Rafael. Sugarloaf Ridge also received an honorable mention in the “Best California State Park for Wildflowers” category.

Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen — the only other Sonoma County park on the list — earned honorable mentions in three categories: Best for hiking, best for day trips and best for learning about history.

Sugarloaf Ridge: Best State Park Hidden Gem

Nestled off Highway 12, just south of Santa Rosa’s Hood Mountain Regional Park and a few miles east of downtown Kenwood, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park offers 4,900 acres of pristine natural wonder.

Over 25 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails wind through majestic redwoods and wildflower-studded meadows. Trails suit all ages and abilities, including the half-mile Nature Trail, which is ADA accessible with ADA parking at each end. Check the park’s calendar for themed guided hikes and educational outdoor events, such as wilderness first-aid courses and forest bathing walks.

The park’s 25-foot Sonoma Creek Falls draws weekend crowds who enjoy the refreshing results of a wet winter and spring. The waterfall is surrounded by moss-coated boulders and towering redwoods, creating a serene nook to contemplate the natural beauty.

There is also plenty to do at the park after sunset. Its campground has 47 family-sized campsites, including two wheelchair-accessible sites and a group site for up to 50 people. It includes a bathhouse with showers and toilets. Regular campsites cost $35 per night; premium sites are $45. Glamping sites with furnished luxury canvas tents are $125 per night Sunday through Thursday and $150 per night Friday and Saturday.

The onsite Robert Ferguson Observatory offers public stargazing on select weekends throughout the year (the next Star Party will be at 8:30 p.m., May 16). Star Party guests can attend docent-led astronomy lectures and will have guided access to the observatory’s several telescopes. Tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students, $6 for youth ages 6-10, and free for youth ages 5 and under.

2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, 707-833-5712, sugarloafpark.org

The post Sugarloaf Ridge Named Best State Park Hidden Gem appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

With a legendary coastline stretching 840 miles, California has long been the sunny home for beachcombers and surfer dudes. But beaches don’t always lie on the coast, as Travel + Leisure reminds in a recent article listing nine of the best beach towns in California, where Guerneville ranked No. 3.

“The forested hamlet of Guerneville — a longtime haunt for hippies, artists, and the LGBTQ+ community — is located on the Russian River, a slow-moving waterway intermittently lined with beaches,” the Travel + Leisure article stated.

Guerneville’s varied storefronts reflect the layers of the region’s recent history, from timber town to hippie haven to gay-friendly retreat and upscale weekend getaway. Close to the beach and with a downtown full of great places to eat and drink, it is a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun on hot days.

Where to play

Johnson’s Beach: The popular Russian River spot offers paddleboarding, picnicking, tubing, and swimming. The beach has a snack bar with refreshments and offers camping or vintage cabins. King’s Sport & Tackle (16258 Main St.) can help you get set up with water sports gear and offer advice. 16215 and 16217 First St., johnsonsbeach.com

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve: Quiet trails lead through 800 acres of old-growth redwoods just a short distance from downtown. 17000 Armstrong Woods Road, 707-869-2015, parks.ca.gov

Where to eat

Piknik Town Market: Though Big Bottom Market was sold and reopened in 2023 as Piknik Town Market, new owner Margaret van der Veen assured fans that the Market’s world-famous biscuits are still baked daily. The spot also offers salads, sandwiches, gourmet groceries and picnic provisions, including to-go picnic boxes. 16228 Main St., 707-604-7295, pikniktownmarket.com

Boon Eat + Drink: Chef Crista Luedtke of Food Network fame lives in Guerneville and her restaurant anchors the downtown strip. Boon is a classic California farm-to-table bistro, with locally sourced dishes such as beet salad with goat cheese, mac and cheese with Mycopia mushrooms, Niman Ranch burger on brioche and the fan-favorite polenta lasagna on a bed of rainbow chard. 16248 Main St., 707-869-0780, eatatboon.com

Guerneville Taco Truck: It may seem odd to claim that a Safeway parking lot is home to the best Mexican food in Guerneville, but most locals would agree. A mainstay for over three decades, the Guerneville Taco Truck offers the best tacos, tortas and burritos this side of the Russian River. 16405 Highway 116, 707-869-1821, guernevilletacotruck.com

Where to sip

Stumptown Brewery: The main draw here is an expansive deck overlooking the river, with kayakers and tubers floating by. Spend the afternoon there with a beer sampler or the seasonal Donkey Punch, a refreshing hoppy lager. 15045 River Road, 707-869-0705, stumptown.com

Rainbow Cattle Co.: “The Rainbow,” as locals call it, has been a Guerneville fixture since the late 1970s. The LGBTQ+ community gathering spot is one of only a few Sonoma County bars that remain open until early morning hours, closing at 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 16220 Main St., 707-869-0206, queersteer.com

Korbel Champagne Cellars: As the only Champagne producer in the Bay Area since the late 1800s, Korbel has earned a reputation in the county for its old-world charm and first-class bubbles. The winery’s Champagne even made it to the table at former president Barack Obama’s inaugural luncheon, a Korbel tradition for presidential inaugurations dating back to the 1980s. Korbel offers free walking tours of its historic museum and cellars, which include a complimentary Champagne tasting. 13250 River Road, 707-824-7000, korbel.com

Where to stay

AutoCamp Sonoma: Guests stay in custom Airstream trailers or luxury tent cabins at this mid-century modern glamping destination. 14120 Old Cazadero Road, 855-942-0792, autocamp.com/location/sonoma

Dawn Ranch: This classic river resort reopened after a luxury revamp in 2023 and includes 86 lodging accommodations, a world-class restaurant and rejuvenating spa facilities. 16467 Highway 116, 707-869-0656, dawnranch.com

Maci Martell contributed to this article.

The post 10 Best Things to Do in Guerneville appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

With warmer weather on the horizon, spring is an ideal time to start planning camping trips. In Sonoma County, campers have no shortage of scenic options — including one that has earned national recognition in the 2026 Campspot Awards.

Casini Ranch Family Campground has been named one of the top unique campgrounds in the country, according to the camping reservation website Campspot.

The winning campgrounds “stand out for their distinctive charm, offering experiences that can’t be found anywhere else,” the site said.

Just a short drive from the Sonoma Coast, the campground in Duncans Mills has been welcoming visitors since 1965. The family-owned RV park and campground sits on a 110-acre ranch tucked among rolling hills beside a winding stretch of the Russian River.

Casini Ranch features a mile of riverfront property where campers can paddle along the Russian River, fish from the shore or spend time with horses grazing on nearby hillsides. Families can also bounce on a giant jumping pillow, a feature highlighted by Campspot as part of the campground’s appeal.

The Willow Creek Environmental Campground recreation area, part of Sonoma Coast State Park, sits adjacent to the property, making it easy for campers to explore miles of coastal trails. Touring bikes are available to rent at the campground, along with golf carts and watercraft from the Boat Shack, which operates from May through October.

Visitors can fill their days with a range of activities, including arts and crafts, basketball, volleyball, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. During peak season and holidays, Casini Ranch hosts family-friendly events such as bonfires, hayrides, movie nights, dance parties, ice cream socials and themed weekends, including Halloween celebrations.

Other winners in the unique campground category include Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park’s Camp-Resort in Wisconsin Dells; Palmetto Shores RV Resort in Summerton, South Carolina; Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort in Waymart, Pennsylvania; and Brialee Family Campground in Ashford, Connecticut.

Wherever you choose to pitch a tent or park an RV, if you want to be a happy camper, it pays to plan ahead and check availability early — especially as spring and summer trips begin to fill up.

Casini Ranch Family Campground, 22855 Moscow Road, Duncans Mills, 1-800-451-8400, casiniranch.com

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Following winter rains, mustard flowers blanket vineyards and valleys across Sonoma County in vibrant yellow, adding a seasonal splash of color to the landscape and to countless Instagram feeds.

If you’d like to take in the scenery or capture it with a camera or smartphone, here are several public spots known for mustard flower views. In true Sonoma style, we’ve also noted nearby places to stop for a bite or a glass of wine.

As always, be mindful of plants and wildlife and respectful of private property. No trespassing.

Alexander Valley

Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley abounds with mustard flowers in late winter and early spring. Just after turning from Alexander Valley Road onto Highway 128, both sides of the road are lined with fields of bright yellow flowers.

Sonoma Valley

The iconic “mustard flower hill” at B.R. Cohn Winery turns yellow and white each spring, creating a striking view along Highway 12 in Sonoma Valley. Just be sure to keep your eyes on the road while passing. Stop in afterward for a glass of Chardonnay. 15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, 707-938-4064, brcohn.com

Mustard flowers also surround Kenwood’s Kunde Family Winery in February and March. Afterward, head to Palooza Gastropub for craft beer and pub fare on its spacious patio. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-5501, kunde.com

Santa Rosa and Russian River Valley

The Joe Rodota Regional Trail, which runs between downtown Santa Rosa and Sebastopol, borders mustard fields in late winter and early spring. It’s a popular route for cyclists and walkers. Note that the properties bordering the trail are private. Ride the trail to Sebastopol and stop at The Barlow for a snack or drink.

At Paradise Ridge Winery, outdoor sculptures are often framed by mustard blooms. Visitors can enjoy wine and small bites on the veranda overlooking the vineyards. 4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive, Santa Rosa, 707-528-9463, prwinery.com

Imwalle Gardens, a small family-run market on Third Street in Santa Rosa, is surrounded by homes and, during spring, fields of mustard flowers. Pick up picnic supplies or flower starters for your garden, but remember that the surrounding fields are private property. 685 W. Third St., Santa Rosa, 707-546-0279, facebook.com/p/Imwalle-Gardens-100057055376943

Another viewing spot is the Laguna Environmental Center, off Occidental Road near Sebastopol. During heavy rains, the area tends to flood, but across the street from the Laguna de Santa Rosa, the mustard flowers shine brightly. The mustard fields surrounding the center are private property and fenced with barbed wire. Viewing the flowers is permissible, but public entry is not. 900 Sanford Road, Santa Rosa, 707-527-9277, lagunadesantarosa.org

After admiring the blooms, head to Balletto Vineyards for a glass of sparkling Brut rosé on the patio.

Carneros Valley

Carneros Valley has a cooler climate than much of Sonoma County, ideal for both Pinot Noir and mustard flowers. One of the best vantage points is the terrace at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards, where visitors can sip sparkling wines and enjoy Spanish-style tapas while overlooking mustard-covered vineyards. 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-933-1986, gloriaferrer.com

Petaluma Gap and Sonoma Coast

For a scenic drive, head toward Dillon Beach on the Sonoma Coast. Along Tomales Road near Petaluma, rolling countryside is dotted with dairy farms and mustard flowers.

Before heading to the ocean, stop in downtown Petaluma at Petaluma Creamery (711 Western Ave.) to pick up some Spring Hill cheese curds.

Dry Creek Valley

West Dry Creek Valley Road offers a quieter, more intimate drive than its parallel, Dry Creek Valley Road. In late winter and early spring, mustard flowers brighten the roadside, and lighter traffic makes it a pleasant route for cyclists.

Stop by Quivira Vineyards & Winery to taste wine and learn about pollination in the winery’s organic gardens. Continue to Martorana Family Winery & Vineyards for a glass of Zinfandel, or head to Mounts Family Winery for sweeping valley views paired with a pour of Grenache.

Looking for more spring flowers in Sonoma County? Check out where the season’s lupines are painting the county a vibrant purple.

The post 10 Sonoma County Spots for Seeing Mustard in Bloom appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

For decades, whale watching has been a seasonal ritual along the Sonoma Coast, drawing locals to wind-swept bluffs, binoculars in hand. Now the pastime has earned national notice: Travel + Leisure has declared Sonoma County the best place in the country to see whales.

In an article published Feb. 3, the magazine said there is “no better place” in the United States for whale watching than the stretch of coastline from Bodega Bay to Gualala — and no better time than now.

Each year, gray whales cover a roughly 12,000-mile round trip between winter breeding lagoons in Baja California and summer feeding grounds in the Arctic’s Bering Sea. The migration carries them past California twice, offering coastal viewers two opportunities to spot the spouts and flukes of the giants as they pass.

“Whale watching in Sonoma County is a rewarding experience across multiple seasons,” captain Mike Harbarth of Sonoma Coast Adventures, a Bodega Bay-based tour company, told the magazine.

Late summer and early fall reliably bring southbound whales close to shore, but that period coincides with peak tourism. Instead, the magazine pointed to the January-to-May migration as a kind of “secret season,” when northbound mothers and newborn calves often travel near land, sometimes visible from the bluffs.

Among the most popular vantage points is Bodega Head, a steep, rocky peninsula offering panoramic views of the Pacific. According to Sonoma County Tourism, it is the county’s premier land-based whale-watching site.

The headland is also home to the Whale Watch public education program, run by California State Parks in partnership with the nonprofit Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods. On weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., January through May, volunteers scan the horizon, point out migrating whales and answer questions from visitors.

“This program continues to thrive in its 40th year because of the dedication of the volunteers who share their extensive knowledge and love of gray whales with people visiting the coast,” Lisa Baiter, program director for Stewards, said in an email.

Volunteers are part of the state’s Volunteers in Parks Program, with Stewards providing operational and training support, Baiter explained. Those interested in joining or supporting the program can find information through the nonprofit’s website: stewardscr.org/volunteer-opportunities.

Travel + Leisure also recommended Gualala Point Regional Park, the bluffs at Stillwater Cove and the public access trails at The Sea Ranch as prime lookout spots.

For a closer view, several charter operators depart from Bodega Bay, including Bodega Bay Sport Fishing Center, Fish On Charters and North Bay Charters, offering tours that bring passengers eye-level with the migration offshore.

For many along the coast, though, the most enduring image remains a simple one: a line of watchers on a bluff, waiting for the telltale burst of mist on the horizon.

Click here to find out where to go whale watching on the Sonoma Coast.

The post Sonoma Coast Named Best Place in the US for Whale Watching appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

Global travel booking website Skyscanner has named its top five destinations for solo travel this winter, and a Northern California favorite — the Sonoma Coast — made the list.

“The Sonoma Coast invites a different kind of stillness,” the guide notes, praising the rugged shoreline as an antidote to crowded itineraries and overplanned escapes. 

The roundup also includes Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, Tangier Island in Virginia, Olympic National Park in Washington and Red River Gorge in Kentucky.

These destinations are, the guide says, “the kinds of places that offer something solo travelers rarely get: space to think, rest and reset on your own terms.”

The Sonoma Coast is Calling

Locals in Sonoma County hardly need convincing — the Sonoma Coast is a gift at the edge of the continent. Still, a reminder to take advantage never hurts. Here are a few favorite stops to make a well-deserved coastal escape feel effortless. For visitors, consider this your insider’s guide to the coast.

Bodega Head

Just when you think the sweeping views at Bodega Head (Westshore Road) can’t get any better, a gray whale or two surfaces ashore. From January through May, volunteer docents with Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods are on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends to help visitors spot the annual migration. For those inclined to wander, the Bodega Head Trail offers an easy way to log a few contemplative miles along the bluffs. 

If the sea air stirs an appetite, join the line at Spud Point Crab Company. (1910 Westshore Road). The chowder is worth the wait and the queue moves briskly. For dessert, there’s Patrick’s of Bodega Bay (915 Highway 1), its pink-and-white facade as cheerful as the saltwater taffy inside.

Jenner

Approaching the coast along Highway 116, travelers arrive in Jenner, where the Russian River meets the Pacific. At Café Aquatica (10439 Highway 1), harbor seals and river otters often provide the morning’s entertainment, best observed over a cup of coffee and a housemade scone or biscotti.

The coastline here is threaded with gorgeous hiking trails. At Jenner Headlands Preserve (12001 Highway 1), the views begin in the parking lot and extend across a network of routes ranging from half-mile strolls to 18-mile out-and-backs. Dogs on leash are welcome.

A short drive inland leads to Fort Ross Vineyard (5725 Meyers Grade Road), where ocean-facing panoramas accompany a seasonal tasting menu paired with four wines, offered Friday through Tuesday. (The winery is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.) 

The Sea Ranch

Farther north, the Sea Ranch rewards spontaneity — sometimes the best hike happens on a spur of the moment when you decide to pull over. Sonoma County Regional Parks manages six public access trails here, including The Bluff Top Trail, a 6-mile round-trip trail that traces the headlands from Walk On Beach to Gualala Point Regional Park. Shorter options, like the Walk On Beach and Stengel Beach trails, offer briefer but still rewarding encounters with wind and surf. (Trails start at several free parking areas along Highway 1.)

Before setting out, pick up provisions at Twofish Baking inside Stewarts Point Store (32000 Highway 1). Along with sticky buns and breakfast burritos, there’s an impressive lineup of sandwiches and calzones. (You’ll need extra napkins for the latter.) Open Wednesday through Sunday. 

Stay the Night

If a day trip feels fleeting, linger on the coast.

Overlooking the Russian River, Madeira House (10625 Highway 1) is a new 11-room boutique property, which began as a fisherman’s cabin over a century ago. Nearly every room frames the coast in wide, cinematic views. 

Set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, Timber Cove Resort (21780 Highway 1) offers 46 guest rooms and midcentury-style design, plus a striking 93-foot-tall obelisk created by sculptor Beniamino Bufano in the 1960s.

At The Sea Ranch Lodge (60 Sea Walk Drive), no two rooms are the same, though all 17 look out onto wind-swept meadows and the restless Pacific. Book a room with a cozy window seat, and you may find the coast persuading you to stay a while longer.

The post Sonoma Coast Named One of the Best Solo Travel Destinations in the US appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.