Earlier this summer, Travel + Leisure highlighted Sonoma County as a top travel destination in California — not just for its wine, but for its beauty and charm.
While the article noted that the county boasts “some of the country’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay,” it looked more to its rich history and landmarks, 55-plus miles of pristine coastline and ecologically diverse inland landscapes.
Many Sonoma County towns are known for their early settler history and old-school Americana vibes. From the 19th-century Spanish missions dotting the town of Sonoma, the birthplace of the state’s “bear flag,” to the quaint, historic businesses in downtown Petaluma that look like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting.
These charming old buildings explain why the county has long been a place for Hollywood to camp out and film for period pieces like “American Graffiti” and “Peggy Sue Got Married.” Not to mention the dazzling shots of local rivers, forests, vineyards and coastal areas seen in such films as “The Birds,” “The Goonies” and “Bottle Shock,” among many others.
The Travel + Leisure article also points to the “many small, friendly towns” that may be lesser known nationally, like artsy Sebastopol, “bucolic culinary destination Glen Ellen” and “architecturally significant ’60s-era Sea Ranch.”
The Sebastopol Center for the Arts runs the beloved annual Sonoma County Art Trails. Sebastopol is also home to whimsical “junk artist” Patrick Amiot and his avenue of saved-from-the-landfill, repurposed artwork.
Glen Ellen is home to Michelin-starred Glen Ellen Star, as well as other acclaimed eateries like Les Pascals, The Fig Cafe and The Mill at Glen Ellen. Of course, culinary delights can be found all over the county, which has nine restaurants with either a Michelin star or Bib Gourmand status. Healdsburg’s upscale SingleThread (which the travel article also notes) is the only county establishment with three Michelin stars.
The best time of year to visit the beautiful, culinary hotspot of Sonoma County — by way of the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, the Travel + Leisure article suggests — is during the colorful harvest season in fall. Though the mustard season of spring makes for great photos, and the local beaches offer cool respite during summer.
Among the places to stay, the travel article recommends Forestville’s Farmhouse Inn (which has an impressive restaurant), Montage Healdsburg, Harmon Guest House, The Lodge at Sonoma Resort and The Sea Ranch Lodge.
Out of over 400 wineries in the county, the travel article highlights Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma, Vérité Winery in Healdsburg, Bricoleur Vineyards in Windsor and Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, among others.
Looking for more places to sip, eat, play and stay in Sonoma County?
Our dining editor rounded up the best local foodie destinations, and the Sonoma Magazine staff pulled together the best winery tasting rooms. Hike amid towering redwoods and sweeping valleys at some of the county’s best hiking trails, or simply take in the spectacular views from local winery terraces. All out of ideas and need a last-minute plan for the weekend? We have that covered, too.