Location: Sonoma
Top Things to do in Sonoma
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Sonoma That You Shouldn't Miss
In Sonoma, you can go wine-tasting… or cheese-tasting… or olive oil-tasting… or just let the chefs of the area’s renowned restaurants put everything together for you. Then burn off some of that good food and wine by hiking or biking through redwood forests.
Restaurants in Sonoma
1. Sonoma Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 761 reviews
One of the prime wine producing regions in California. A visit to Sonoma Valley yields an outstanding array of food, lodging and scenery.
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We went to Sonoma Valley. This is a wonderful area to explore. There are lots of cute communities such as Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Windsor, Sonoma, Healdsburg. There are lots of great parks including Armstrong Redwoods State Park, We went again in July and enjoyed a Fourth of July lunch, wine tasting, exploring the country side, and then later visited with friends.
2. Valet of the Moon Wine Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 295 reviews
Valet of the Moon Wine Tours (Private Tours) is a unique "Designated Driver/WineTour Guide" service providing safe and affordable transportation in the Napa/Sonoma/Healdsburg Wine Country in your vehicle or rental. We are a Small Family Business with Local guides, professional and knowledgeable in boutique wineries where your visit may include meeting owners and winemakers. We have been conducting wine tours for 14years and have built a network of winery industry relationships. Personalized to your wine preference, experience and interests. Casual and fun tours your way!! Let a well established local help you plan the most unique and memorable wine country experience you will ever have! We are licensed and insured to drive your rental vehicle.
3. Sonoma Food Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 343 reviews
The Sonoma Food Tour experience takes guests on a guided journey of local eateries and wine tasting rooms, all within the quaint walking environment of the Sonoma Plaza. You'll get to taste Sonoma's regional cuisine, wine, cheeses, olive oil, chocolates and more, all while learning about Sonoma's history, architecture and food scene, Each yummy tasting is served from locally-owned and operated restaurants, wineries and shops. Check our website for current tour availability.
4. Private Wine Drivers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Whether you consider yourself a connoisseur or it’s your first time to wine country, the experience of a professional, knowledgeable and fully licensed chauffeur makes all the difference. Private Wine Drivers has multiple options to guide you around the Napa or Sonoma wine regions. If you want to go in style, we can drive your party in a luxury six passenger Mercedes SUV, or we can drive your personal or rental vehicle as a designated driver while you explore the area. We promptly meet at your hotel or other start location at the desired time. We then embark on your adventure while we do all the driving for you. We can help you create a custom itinerary for the day. We bring over 20 combined years of winery experience and knowledge to your tour to help you have the best experience possible.
5. Bartholomew Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 14hannon - Sonoma, United States
Unfortunately, the lovely hiking trails in the surrounding Mayacamas Mountains are closed due to the wild fires last fall. Still the vineyards and park provide a stunning spot to appreciate nature. The Bartholomew Park Winery is located on the park grounds, but is a separate and distinct entity. Scenic picnic spots adjoint the replica Haraszthy Villa, adjacent to the winery (housed in the former Sonoma Valley Hospital building), and around the Pavilion, located at the site of the burned down Johson Victorian mansion ("The Castle"). This part of the park is quiet and intimate, and a bit hard to find. If you are walking up, follow the old road to the right behind the locked gate (you will have to walk around it; it is chained off). Or park at the Villa or winery. From the winery walk down toward the Villa; the path to the Pavilion area of the park heads off to the left just as you arrive at the Villa and just above the gated road (the path leads to this same road). From the Villa walk up towards the winery, the path is on the left just after the aforementioned gated road. Walk down the road and over the bridge. The park area opens to your right and down hill after the bridge. This part of the park is magical. Native Americans resided here from 2000 BC, with a Wappo Indian tribe habituating this spot from 250 AD to the 1700s. Amazing! Park opens at 10 AM and closes at 5 PM. The Villa is open to tour 12 to 3 Saturday and Sunday.
6. Sonoma Coast State Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 186 reviews
A state park and beach recommended for fishing, walking and picnicking.
Reviewed By pfefmeister - San Francisco, United States
The stretch from Bodega Bay to Jenner is spectacular, as the road hugs the coastline, highlighted by sea stacks, coves, and endless vistas. Plenty of pull outs for beach stops, with many outfitted with picnic tables to relax and watch the ocean. Take your pick of the beaches, and spend the day in one of the most beautiful places on earth. And, if you are lucky, you could catch a whale or two in season. Just a great place.
7. General M.G. Vallejo Home
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Historic home built by General Vallejo in 1850.
Reviewed By Bookistan5 - Brooklyn, United States
I found this place fascinating - a Gothic style house , prefabricated in the northeast, and shipped to be the home of Mexico's Commandante General when this region was still Mexico. The grounds are lovely and the house is well preserved, with photographs, furnishings, and the Vallejo family's personal objects. General Vallejo once owned thousands of acres in the Sonoma Valley - these few acres are all that is preserved of an important part of California history.
8. Sonoma Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 910 reviews
Bordered by several gourmet shops, this pretty town square is a perfect place for a picnic.
Reviewed By G5471VNsueh - Gilbert, United States
This was the birth of California, full of history and social activities. Whether you want to have a picnic in the park, tour the historic mission, do some wine tasting, have a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the unique restaurants or do some interesting shopping, it's all in The Square.
9. Vella Cheese Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 269 reviews
Reviewed By jeffreysv
What fun. The girls behind the counter obviously take great pride in the product. They knew it well and were very happy to share it with me. Anything I wanted to try was available for tasting. I also appreciate when professionals have their own opinions and express them. Yes, they like the garlic jack better than the pesto. I loved the variety of different cheese styles and I would love to go back and take a tour when I have more time.
10. Cline Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 604 reviews
Reviewed By kalamakid - Kailua, United States
Lovely grounds and wine are the hallmark of Cline. With a vast vineyard and site of the last Mission to be founded along the Mission trail, this winery, with ponds, palms, picnic areas and the Mission Museum with scale models of all the missions in one place curated by the late Mrs Cline, is worth a stop. We enjoy every visit here,their wines are wonderful, and we are really enjoying the older varietals like Barbera and Viognier that are making a come back but make no mistake, their old vines turn out some serious Zin.
