Top Things to do in Sonoma County
Top Hotels in Sonoma County
- 1. Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
- 2. The Lodge at Bodega Bay
- 3. Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
- 4. MacArthur Place
- 5. The Sandman Hotel
- 6. Hotel Trio Healdsburg
- 7. Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza
- 8. Flamingo Resort
- 9. The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection
- 10. Hotel Petaluma, Ascend Hotel Collection
What to do and see in Sonoma County, Sonoma County: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Discover the best top things to do in Sonoma County, United States including Armstrong Redwood State Reserve, Patrick Amiot Junk Art, Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, Helen Putnam Park, Jack London State Historic Park, Safari West, Fort Ross State Historic Park, Sonoma Coast State Beach, Bodega Head, Doran Beach.
Restaurants in Sonoma County
1. Armstrong Redwood State Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,397 reviews
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.
2. Patrick Amiot Junk Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 169 reviews
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!
3. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, United States
We wennt to General Vallejo Petaluma State Historic Park. This was the site of his ranch. There is a small fee to visit the site. There are exhibits inside and on the grounds to see. In addition, there is an amazing cactus plant that one walks by. There is also a creek.
4. Helen Putnam Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By pfefmeister - San Francisco, United States
The park is in excellent shape right now, with new trails cut in, existing trails hardened, and wildflowers just starting to bloom. The poison oak is out in force bordering the trails, and this time of year, it blends in with the green vegetation, so be careful. I don’t see how you keep your dog out of it. Enough trail variations to get in a decent 2-3 aerobic hike with wonderful vistas. Popular on weekends and deservedly so.
5. Jack London State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 468 reviews
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.
6. Safari West
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,795 reviews
Escape to Africa by way of Sonoma County…Come discover the Sonoma Serengeti. The classic African safari is a trip of a lifetime for intrepid travelers from around the globe - and, it is closer than you think! The entire Safari West experience is a kid-friendly adventure for families to enjoy together. Our tours are designed to educate guests of all ages and we have found that families are truly inspired as they learn from and share with one another. At Safari West we strive to actively promote conservation and environmental education concepts to our guests, whether they are with us for an hour or a week. The whole experience at Safari West is one of building connections and making discoveries; getting back to basics and enjoying the profound simple pleasures of family and nature that are all too often overlooked. If anything is “not to be missed,” it is that sense of serenity one finds while gazing at graceful giraffe nuzzling her newborn or the surge of raw adventure while witnessing an energetic herd of wildebeest galloping across the horizon. Overnight lodging is also available - the true 'glamping' experience!
Reviewed By SSandFamily - San Carlos, United States
We arrived mid-afternoon and were greeted by a friendly, courteous and professional front office staff. After checking into our unique and comfotable luxury safari tent, one of about 30 on property (each of which is set apart from the others, but all of which are within eyeshot and earshot of the animals), we joined our 2:00 pm tour of the property. Our tour guide, Richard, was accommodating, experienced and entertaining. The tour (both the 45-minute walking portion and the over 2-hour riding portion in an old but customized war surplus jeep), was fantastic! We even saw some fascinating real world activity when one of the scores of guinea fowl roaming on the property flew into the cheetah den. While the ensuing cheetah/guinea fowl action (won by the cheetah) was not for all, we thought it was a rare and unique glimpse into a wildlife window not often expereinced by suburban dwellers. The cheetah/hyena interactions after the cheetah's conquest (they are in adjoining pens separated by a see-through fence) also was fascinating to watch. Aided by the good fortune of an incredibly clear and sunny afternoon, the driving tour was memorable. The time we spent sitting in the seat located above the cab was amazing - what views! After the driving tour, we enjoyed a delicious dinner and drinks served by another courteous staff team. The rubbed chicken served in the buffet was unlike any we had ever had - it was delicious! After dinner and dessert (S'mores and brownies with ice cream), armed with flashlights provided by the staff, we roamed around the walking areas of the property and viewed numerous animals and birds during the night. We saw a lot of green eyes peering back at us from a distance when the animals were flashed briefly with the light. Depending on your perspective, the non-stop mixture of sounds from the frogs, birds and animals on site during the night was either a symphony or a cacophony. If the former, you will be in for a treat. If the latter, bring earplugs! Our morning walk around the propery before breakfast, with tasty and piping hot coffee in hand, was enjoyable, especially our time chatting with one of the keepers who was feeding the porcupines. The continental breakfast, which included homemade peanut butter, honey, lavendar-pear jam, and blackberry jam, was tasty and hit the spot. Our chekout at 11:00 am was efficient. (We were driven to and from our tent before and after our stay in the staff's jeep - very convenient.) Thank you, Safari West Team, for a fabulous experience - well done!
7. Fort Ross State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 373 reviews
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.
8. 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.
9. Bodega Head
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 606 reviews
A rugged and recommended whale-watching promontory along the California coast.
Reviewed By robertinSJ - San Jose, United States
It’s an easy hike along the top of cliffs with beautiful views of Bodega Bay, the coastline and the tip of Point Reyes Seashore. You need to stop and enjoy the views, there are seals(?) on rocks offshore and swimming, deer grazing and lots of birds. We visited on a windy day and the wind watery strong. Not a hike to rush through, you need to linger.
10. Doran Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
Challenging windsurfing beach located in Bodega Bay.
Reviewed By FCT3 - Davis, United States
This is a great beach. It is easily accessible and gives a great view of Bodega Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the surrounding landscape. The beach is long and the waves are pretty gentle. You can bring your dog, you can surf, or you can just stroll along the flat sand.
