What to do and see in Sonoma County, Sonoma County: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

May 3, 2022 Rebbecca Marino

Discover the best top things to do in Sonoma County, United States including Sonoma Valley, Armstrong Redwood State Reserve, Alexander Valley Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, VJB Cellars, Patrick Amiot Junk Art, Gracianna Winery, Sapphire Hill Winery, Jack London State Historic Park, Fort Ross State Historic Park.
Restaurants in Sonoma County

1. Sonoma Valley

Highway 12, Sonoma, CA +1 707-327-9770 http://www.valetofthemoon.com
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 761 reviews

Sonoma Valley

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. Armstrong Redwood State Reserve

17020 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446-9587 +1 707-869-2015 [email protected] http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=450
Excellent
84%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,397 reviews

Armstrong Redwood State Reserve

A nature reserve that boasts soaring redwood trees.

Reviewed By jsilverman83 - Oakland, United States

Muir Woods, just north of San Francisco, is beautiful, but Armstrong Redwoods blows it out of the water! The sheer density of huge redwoods and beautiful forest makes this spot a can't-miss if you're at all near the area. There are a bunch of moderate-to-difficult hikes with some decent elevation changes. There are some long, but mostly flat and fairly easy hikes. There are some accessible hikes that are short, flat, and still go by some of the biggest trees in the grove. And there is even a paved road that goes quite far into the reserve and has multiple turnouts and parking lots that are right among the trees.

3. Alexander Valley Vineyards

8644 Highway 128, Healdsburg, CA 95448-9021 +1 707-433-7209 [email protected] http://www.avvwine.com
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 355 reviews

Alexander Valley Vineyards

Experience our historic property and taste award winning wines at our family owned estate winery located in Northern Sonoma County. Our Tasting Room is open by advance reservation daily with Seated Outdoor Tastings: Estate Tasting $10 or a Reserve Tasting $20 (Tasting fee waived with bottle purchase per person) or reserve a Vineyard Hike with Box Lunch $60. Enjoy the beautiful views of our 720 acre property and working winery. Since 1975 the our family has produced handcrafted estate grown and bottled wines. We are a Sonoma Green Business and CA Sustainable Winegrower. Our family creates wines of distinction for everyone!

Reviewed By clinden2001

It's always a spectacular time at AVV! The combination of a great variety of solid Alexander Valley wines to try (love the Redemption and the Cyrus), idyllic, quiet country scenery, and really really nice people make it top shelf. The property is beautiful, picnic tables make it a great place for a snack mid-day, and the wine-cave tour is really cool if you get the chance. You will be coming back for more!

4. Dry Creek Vineyard

3770 Lambert Bridge Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448-9713 +1 707-433-1000 [email protected] http://www.drycreekvineyard.com/
Excellent
86%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 783 reviews

Dry Creek Vineyard

Award Winning Family Owned Winery: beautiful picnic grounds, tasting room, private tastings, free Wi-Fi, a wide selection of wines including rare single-vineyard wines. David Stare founded Dry Creek Vineyard in 1972. Winemaking emphasis is on grapes from select Sonoma County vineyards, chosen for quality and character. Fume Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Dry Chenin Blanc, Reserve Chardonnay and Meritage are produced. Dry Creek has received over 1,000 medals for wines in 40 years.

Reviewed By ozczar - Lake Ozark, United States

We met Darren at the nightly wine tasting at The Healdsburg Inn (another great stop) and were invited to the winery for a private party. He put forth the effort to make our experience an exceptional one. Oh, and the wine is pretty good as well.

5. VJB Cellars

60 Shaw Ave, Kenwood, CA 95452-8036 +1 707-833-2300 [email protected] http://www.vjbcellars.com
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 965 reviews

VJB Cellars

Reviewed By Departure553818

I visited several vineyards in Napa and Sonoma on this trip and thoroughly enjoyed this one. Maybe it was the beautiful architecture of the building and grounds, or the amazing brick oven pizza that we enjoyed for lunch...or maybe it was the gelato that proved to be the perfect sweet treat to round out our meal. It could have been the perfect Prosecco that kicked off our tasting (which I purchased) or the subsequent selection of 4 additional wines (2 of which I purchased). Whatever it was, it was perfect and was an awesome way to cap my trip. Oh...I also joined the VJB wine club...so there!

6. Patrick Amiot Junk Art

2371 Gravenstein Hwy S 382 Florence Ave., Sebastopol, CA 95472-8225 +1 707-824-9388 [email protected] http://www.patrickamiotart.com
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 169 reviews

Patrick Amiot Junk Art

Reviewed By SonomaTrekker - Sebastopol, United States

Visiting Sebastopol without walking up Florence Ave. is like visiting Paris without stopping by the Eiffel Tower -- don't skip it. Florence Avenue is 1/3 of a mile (.33) in length and only 3 blocks off Main Street. Most, if not all, homes on the street have a whimsical Amiot in the front yard, many of which reflect something about the resident(s). It takes less than 10 min to walk the length without stopping and the art is wonderfully clever!

7. Gracianna Winery

6914 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448-8354 +1 707-486-3771 [email protected] http://www.gracianna.com
Excellent
95%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 641 reviews

Gracianna Winery

Gracianna Winery is a family-owned business that symbolizes everyday gratitudes and graciousness in entertaining because our belief is that hosting a special meal with friends and family is an everlasting circle that fills all our lives. Visit our vineyard tasting room to sample our award-winning wines, and see the only vineyard in the world where the vines wear jewels -- medallions featuring the names of Gracianna Medallion Wine Club™ members.

Reviewed By KateD381 - Sonoma, United States

Following a spectacular drive through the Russian River valley, we were treated to a fabulous experience at Gracianna. In their beautiful outdoor tasting room, overlooking hills & vineyards, we tasted a carefully crafted, well-rounded portfolio served by the very charming & knowledgeable Cyndee, who enhanced the wonderful flavors with anecdotes & history. We then met the affable owner, who gave us a grand tour of the stunning property. Altogether, Gracianna, for us, fulfilled it’s mission by giving us the gift of gratitude-however, far from everyday!

8. Sapphire Hill Winery

55 Front St, Healdsburg, CA 95448-4437 +1 707-431-1888 [email protected] http://www.sapphirehill.com
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 203 reviews

Sapphire Hill Winery

SAPPHIRE HILL WINERY AND TASTING ROOM, IN THE HEART OF SONOMA WINE COUNTRY, HEALDSBURG CALIFORNIA. Small lot producers of Dry Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Merlot and specialty Blends like our signature wine Cinque Gemma and Cabochon. Wines from Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley and Rockpile. Please visit our tasting room to sample our wines and call ahead to reserve for private tastings in our barrel room, the ultimate food and wine experience on weekends.

Reviewed By wineofile4ever

We've been club members for a couple years now and would recommend this club to everyone who loves good wine. They have an amazing selection of wines and the giant bonus of super fun pick up parties with scrumptious food. It's great being part of the Sapphire Hill family!!

9. Jack London State Historic Park

2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442-9749 +1 707-938-5216 [email protected] http://www.jacklondonpark.com
Excellent
70%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 468 reviews

Jack London State Historic Park

Jack London State Historic Park, comprised of 1400 acres, is the legacy of Jack London, one of America's most famous authors. The park offers historic buildings dating to the late 1870's, great scenic beauty and more than 20 miles of trails open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders. The park is open year-round, 7 days, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. There is no camping. Day Use fee is $10/car. Historic buildings include the House of Happy Walls, the Wolf House Ruin, barns, the Cottage where Jack London lived and died and the famous "Pig Palace".

Reviewed By 2AmigosWWPP

What a GEM! Jack London is California’s first native born novelist and this State Park is a chance to walk in his footsteps and appreciate his creativity and uniqueness. From the self-guided walking tours of Wolf House, the Beauty Ranch, and his cottage to the more extensive hikes up to London and Fern Lakes, is truly a walk back into the early 1900s. Unfortunately due to Covid the museum house was closed, and a return trip when it’s open is a must. I never tire of this State Park and the history it contains. Always include a picnic lunch to enjoy on property.

10. Fort Ross State Historic Park

19005 Coast Highway One, Jenner, CA 95450 +1 707-847-3437 [email protected] http://www.fortross.org
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 373 reviews

Fort Ross State Historic Park

As of November 3rd, we are open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays (closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) through March 15th. In addition we are open on state holidays: January 1 & 19, February 16, March 31, May 25, July 4th, September 7, November 11, Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas Day. Open December 22nd, 23rd, 24th and from December 26th to January 2nd. Because of Sacramento budget cuts, our days of operations vary with the season. Originally built by Russians in 1812, Fort Ross became a state park in 1909. Today the 3,400 acre park offers pristine natural landscapes as well as historic structures and exhibits that bring to life the former Imperial Russian settlement, early California Ranch era, and the Kashia territory. Our visitor center showcases a museum, bookshop, and an 18-minute video introducing the park's history. Some points of interest: Russian Orthodox chapel, replica Russian-style windmill, historic buildings and exhibits, cannons, historic cemetery and orchard, and a San Andreas Fault marker. You can also enjoy Sandy Cove Beach and numerous trails. Activities include hiking, swimming, marine mammal watching, and more.

Reviewed By 890dawnd - Reno, United States

Interesting history of the Fort Ross area. There is a small museum, a gift shop, a movie showing, and the Fort itself. There's also some beautiful views of the ocean.

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