Location: Sonoma
Top Things to do in Sonoma
Top 10 Free Things to do in Sonoma, California (CA)
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. Lisa Kristine Gallery Sonoma
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
Fine Art Gallery focusing on global humanity and inspiring unity. Lisa Kristine is an internationally recognized fine-art photographer. For more than 30 years she has documented indigenous cultures and social causes in more than 150 countries across six continents, meeting people at the level of the heart. Lisa’s work has been shown in exhibitions and purchased for permanent collections in museums throughout the United States and abroad. The current that runs through her work is the belief in the inherent dignity of every living being. Lisa masterfully navigates the emotional landscapes of her subjects and their environments, driving awareness around causes such as human trafficking, indigenous wisdom, and global unity.
Reviewed By TennesseeGypsy166
Popped in here with my budding 16 year old photographer daughter. We were both so impressed. The photos are absolutely breathtaking. Definitely worth a stop.
3. 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.
4. Sonoma Overlook Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By mgoss444
This hike is a must do for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. 3.1 mile hike, just a few blocks from the town square. The trail is well maintained and is gradually traverses up the hill. Plenty of shade and open areas along the trail. Views of the Sonoma Valley from the top are gorgeous. You will pass people going up and down but it is not crowded. No dogs or bikes allowed. Keep an eye out for the occassional hawk at the top of the trail.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Bartholomew Estate Vineyards and Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Bartholomew Estate Winery invites you to experience exceptional estate-grown wines from their certified organic vineyards. Enjoy glorious views of the birthplace of Sonoma viticulture from the winery’s Oak Knoll. Open every day, 11am – 4:30pm. 1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma,
Reviewed By nicknackpaterak - Baltimore, United States
This place is a real hidden gem! We had a fantastic experience in the outdoor tasting area. The scenery was idyllic and peaceful. I wish we had time to explore the rest of the park. Wine was pretty good too! Highly recommend visiting if you are in the Sonoma area.
9. 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.
10. The Olive Press
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 145 reviews
Reviewed By TheresaK228
The staff were friendly helpful. We enjoyed the free tasting of their olive oil and balsamic vinegar flavors. They had a great variety of flavors to choose from.
