Trip Ideas Archives

5/3/2014:A1: PASSING THROUGH: A pair of gray whales move north past Bodega Head on Thursday as they migrate to their summer feeding grounds off Alaska. The giant mammals have put on quite a show this week for visitors to the popular whale-watching spot that juts out into the ocean at the northern edge of Bodega Bay. PC: A pair of gray whales make their way north during their migration past Bodega Head on Thursday, May 1, 2014. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

Where to Go Whale Watching on the Sonoma Coast

March 2024

The peak months for whale watching are January through May. Bring binoculars for a spectacular sighting.

A waterfall awaits those who hike the easy 3.3 mile falls loop trail in Russian Gulch State Park just north of the town of Mendocino.

15 Stunning Waterfalls in Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino

March 2024

Make the most of the rainy season by visiting one of these waterfalls.

At dawn, the wetlands of the Laguna reflect the surrounding oaks like a mirror. (Phil Van Soelen / Courtesy of Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation)

Discover Santa Rosa’s Peaceful Waterway On These Winter Walks

February 2024

Explore the hidden gem of Laguna de Santa Rosa, the largest freshwater wetlands complex on the northern California coast.

Terrapin Creek restaurant in Bodega Bay serves fresh wild salmon. (Chris Hardy/For Sonoma Magazine)

A Day Trip to Bodega Bay: Best Restaurants, Beaches and Chowder

February 2024

Here's how to spend a perfect day on the Sonoma coast.

Liberty Farm Duck Breast with rhubarb, turnip and pistachio from Hazel Hill at Montage Healdsburg. (John Burgess/The Press Democrat)

Local Hotels, Restaurants Win 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards

February 2024

The Forbes Travel Guide has honored two Healdsburg establishments with its top five-star luxury rating, plus awarded several four-star ratings throughout Sonoma County.

Ren Brown and his gallery and Japanese garden in Bodega Bay, Calif., Nov. 11, 2023. (Photo: Erik Castro/for Sonoma Magazine)

This Secret Sanctuary in Bodega Bay Has a Jewel Box of a Japanese Garden

February 2024

Gallerist Ren Brown’s lifelong passion for the art and culture of Japan has influenced his home and gardens, which include a tiny tea house.

Additional Sonoma County luxury establishments that were recommended by Forbes include Farmhouse Inn (pictured) and Farmhouse Inn Restaurant in Forestville and Hotel Les Mars in Healdsburg. (Farmhouse Inn)

Local Hotels Named Among ‘Best in the USA’ by U.S. News & World Report

February 2024

U.S. News & World Report has announced its 2024 list of “Best Hotels in the USA.” This year, more than 20 properties in Sonoma County made the cut.

The sun sets on a vineyard in St. Helena, Sunday, August 6, 2023. (Beth Schlanker / The Press Democrat)

Wine Country Spot Named Top ‘Trending Destination’ in the US by Tripadvisor

January 2024

The Tripadvisor award is the latest honor to highlight Wine Country’s continued appeal for travelers.

The North Sonoma Mountain Trail winds through North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park and Open Space Preserve, with a view of Bennett Valley, in Santa Rosa on Tuesday, April 25, 2017. (Christopher Chung/ The Press Democrat)

10 Best Hikes Near Sonoma, According to AllTrails

January 2024

With so many hiking options, how do you choose where to begin? Here are a few top picks from AllTrails reviewers.

The Stewarts Point Ranch bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Gualala River to the east. (Kent Porter/The Press Democrat)

One Sonoma County Hike for Each Month of 2024

January 2024

Lace up your boots — here are 12 hiking destinations to explore this year, each perfect for the month listed.