Planning a perfect weekend getaway in Sonoma, California, offers travelers an opportunity to engage with a region deeply shaped by layers of history and a striking natural environment. Plus, there’s wine, great food, and a laid back vibe that screams out for you to kick back and enjoy.

Long before Spanish missionaries arrived, the Sonoma Valley was home to Coast Miwok, Pomo, and Wintun peoples, whose legacy is preserved in local museums and archaeological sites.The area’s modern history began with the founding of Mission San Francisco Solano in 1823, the last and northernmost of California’s missions, established to extend Spanish influence and counter Russian expansion from Fort Ross. 

After secularization in 1834, General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo transformed the mission complex into a pueblo, laying out streets and the expansive Sonoma Plaza — now the largest town square in California and a National Historic Landmark. The plaza and its surroundings became the stage for pivotal events, including the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, which marked the transition from Mexican to American governance. Today, Sonoma’s historic core is a living museum, with sites like the Mission, the Sonoma Barracks (once a military outpost and later the Bear Flag Revolt headquarters), the Blue Wing Inn, and Vallejo’s Gothic-style home, Lachryma Montis, all within walking distance of the plaza. 

Beyond its historical significance, Sonoma County is defined by its varied landscapes — mountain ranges, redwood forests, and over 50 miles of Pacific coastline. Visitors can hike through Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve or Jack London State Historic Park, kayak on the Russian River, or explore the tide pools and dramatic cliffs of Sonoma Coast State Park. For travelers interested in culture, the region offers art galleries, museums such as the Charles M. Schulz Museum, and experiences like hot air ballooning or guided wildlife safaris at Safari West. 

Whether your interests lean toward history, outdoor adventure, or cultural exploration, Sonoma delivers a multifaceted getaway that rewards curiosity and invites discovery well beyond the tasting room.

What are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your Sonoma Getaway weekend. 

Here are our recommendations for a great weekend in Sonoma (in no particular order):

Things to Do in Sonoma

The stunning Sonoma County area is located in the heart of Northern California’s wine country. Surrounded by mountains, coastal redwoods, magnificent Pacific ocean beach towns, thousands of acres of the country’s best vineyards, and great restaurants serving the freshest local foods, there are plenty of things to do in Sonoma County today and every day of the year.

Here are our suggestions.

Wine Tasting

If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for your next adventure, Sonoma County is probably on your to-visit list. With 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) spread across a diverse landscape, and tasting rooms galore, this California wine region will give you an opportunity to learn more about what pleases your palate.

We have lots of suggestions on how to enjoy wine tasting in Sonoma, including outdoor wine tasting, horseback riding, biking, or a guided tour.

Come for the wine. But stay for so much more.

Take a Stroll Around the Plaza

The plaza that forms the centerpiece of Sonoma is one of the largest in California, and at its center is Sonoma’s City Hall. The building was constructed in the early part of the twentieth century, and has four identical sides.

The plaza has picnic tables and lots of lawn space, making it a popular picnic spot. During the summer moinths, the plaza also plays host to a farmer’s markets. Stop by for fresh produce, food stalls, artisans, and to enjoy local entertainment.

Visit Mission San Francisco Solano and Sonoma Barracks

Along the north side of the plaza stands Mission San Francisco Solano, the farthest north of the 21 California missions that were built by Mexican priests in the early part of the nineteenth century. Today the Mission is part of the Sonoma State Historic Park and is open for tours. 

Next door stands the Sonoma Barracks, the original barracks built by General Vallejo to house Mexican troops.

Charles M. Schulz Museum

Fans of the iconic Peanuts cartoons should visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum, which houses original sketches, photos, and personal things from the great artist.

Located in Santa Rosa, the 27,000-square-foot museum was inspired by the popular comic strip and has clean, modern lines and a playful attitude. The square pattern of a daily comic strip repeats both indoors and outdoors, creating zigzag patterns and a mural made of 3,588 comic panels. You’ll find iconic images of the Peanuts gang, and well as life-size statues of favorite characters. The larger than life birdbath, with holographic pictures of Snoopy and Woodstock are a visitor favorite.

Some of the permanent exhibits include a replica of Schulz’s studio, a chronicle of his life, a nursery wall painted by Schulz in his Colorado house in 1951, and a 100-seat theater that shows animated Peanuts specials and other programming.

Allow about an hour to hour and a half to see everything.

Jack London State Historic Park

Also known as the Jack London Home and Ranch, this California State Historic Park is located near Glen Ellen, on the eastern side of Sonoma Mountain. London was an author, journalist, and activist, and probably best known for his books White Fang and Call of the Wild. His wife, Charmian, was also a writer, although not as well known.

The park encopasses the remnants of a house that burnt a few months before Jack London and his family were to move in, a cottage where they had resided, another house erected later, and the graves of Jack London and his wife. There are also miles of hiking trails and nature paths. The property is designated as a California Historical Landmark and a National Historic Landmark.

Some highlights:

• House of Happy Walls – Charmian London built The House of Happy Walls in 1919 in remembrance of Jack. It is a smaller, more formal counterpart of the Wolf House, and most of its furnishings was originally designed for use in the Wolf House. There’s lots of art and memorabilia to see, so I’d suggest allowing about an hour to see everythign indepth, much less if you’re just passing through.
• Wolf House – This 25-room mansion was originally supposed to serve as the London’s primary home. Construction on the 15,000-square-foot home began in 1910, solely using locally sourced materials. Inside, whe home was outfitted with handcrafted furniture, while outside was a reflection pool stocked with mountain bass. The home burned down shortly before the author and his wife cold move in; it was never occupied. The stone ruins remain.
• Winery Cottage – During London’s time on the ranch, the Winery Cottage served as his primary living space. He purchased in it 1911 and expanded later that year.

Tip: We didn’t allow enough time here. If you want to experience a good portion of the ground, get in a short hike, and tour the buildings, make a day of it. Bring a picnic lunch for a break.

Sonoma Raceway

For an adrenaline thrill, head to Sonoma Raceway (originally known at Sears Point Raceway). The road course features a hilly course, 12 turns, and hosts one of the few NASCAR races run on a road course.

It has also been the site for Indy Car, NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), and motorcycle racing, the latter featured in the motorcycle road racing film, Little Fauss and Big Halsy.

Safari West

Take a trip to the Serengeti without leaving Sonoma County at Safari West, a 400-acre private wildlife preserve in Santa Rosa. The wildlife is primarily species native to Africa – cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, lemurs and rhinoceros – many of which were injured or rescued from abusive situations. 

Safari West offers tours, activities, and overnight stays, so you can pick what best fits your schedule.

Soak in the Mud

Before Sonoma was known for its world-class wineries, it was known for its hot springs. Well into the 20th century, the springs were the  main draw for tourism. 

Today you can visit several operating spas that feature water drawn from nearby hot springs, or pumped in from neighboring towns. Whether you’re looking for a long soak in a hot tub, a decadent spa treatment, or just relaxing on a long weekend, you’ll find that Sonoma is a perfect place to relax.

Stillwater Cove Park

Sonoma County’s coastline has great beach sites to choose from. One of the favorite places for locals is Stillwater Cove Park, located about 15 miles north of Jenner. The roughly 400-acre hideaway features a small beach, a historic schoolhouse, and a pleasant mix of forests and meadows along the sea.

Armstrong Redwoods Preserve

Armstrong Redwoods Preserve in Guerneville has over 800 acres of old coast redwoods, These majestic trees always impress, reminding me of just how small of a place I occupy in this universe.

Stop by for some quiet time in nature, a self-guided nature walk, or a picnic. A visitor center is available for assistance.

Sonoma Coast State Park

Right off of Highway 1 just north of San Francisco, Sonoma Coast State Park encompasses the area between Jenner and Bodega Bay. The park offers one of the region‘s most spectacular views of the California coastline. Besides the wonderful views, visitors come for the beaches and hiking.

There are several lookout points where visitors driving along Highway 1 can pull over to take in the scenery. The most famous views are toward the north near Jenner. Near Goat Rock Beach are majestic rock formations rising out of the ocean. Reminiscent of Los Arcos in Cabo, Arch Rock has a hole in the middle where the rock collapsed due to waves. Artists set up shop at the cliffs overlooking the beach for inspiration. Park at the South Goat Rock parking lot to access Goat Park Beach.

For relatively short and easy hikes, try the Bodega Head or Vista Point trails. The aptly named Vista Point trail goes to Vista Point which has unobstructed views of the coastline. The Kortum and Pomo Canyon trails, both accessible from Shell Beach, are rated as moderate.

Beaches

Continuing down Highway 1 are numerous other beaches. Shell Beach, Portuguese Beach, Schoolhouse Beach and Salmon Creek Beach line the coast one by one. Wide parking lots make it easy to pull over from the highway whenever you feel like exploring.

Note: Rough surf means that none of these beaches are for suitable for swimming. No lifeguards are on duty.

Bike Riding

Sonoma County is a fantastic destination for bike enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. With 1,400 miles of secondary roads offering a variety of routes and trails, there is something for every rider. I hadn’t been on a bike for years – and I do mean years – and I gave it a try. So much fun.

Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas.

Alexander Valley Loop

This gentle 25-mile loop ride begins in Healdsburg, Northern Sonoma County, and takes you through the Alexander Valley. It is a paved road route with gentle rolling hills and easy riding conditions. Expect acres of vineyards, boutique wineries, delicious lunch locations, and picturesque picnic spaces.

The Jimtown Store is located about four miles into your trip. This popular local eatery serves delicious food and even makes its own condiments. Jimtown also provides unique gift products, curiosities, and knick-knacks, making it an ideal place to make your first stop.

Brush Creek Trail

This easy trail is slightly over two miles long and follows a stretch of Brush Creek. The western side is paved, while the eastern side is dirt. Walkers, cyclists, and runners all use this route. If you haven’t cycled in a while, this may be a good start to get back on a bike.

Want to have a picnic after cycling the Brush Creek Trail? Visit Oliver’s Market, an old-town grocery store that is well-stocked with local and organic products. Oliver’s also offers an assortment of picnic foods, including deli selections, a salad bar, a sushi bar, and more.

You can also go directly from Spring Lake to Howarth Park. This 138-acre park provides a range of recreational opportunities for adults, including a softball field, tennis court, and picnic spots.

Where to Eat and Drink in Sonoma

It seems like everywhere you turn there’s winery, wine tasting room, or wine bar, but there is lots more to the food and drink scene than wine. Sonoma’s food and drink scene is a reflection of its agricultural abundance and deep-rooted wine culture, offering sophisticated, yet unpretentious, culinary choices. While wine is central to the the Sonoma experience, beverage offerings extend well beyond the tasting room. Craft cocktails, microbrews, and locally roasted coffees are also celebrated.

The region is known for its commitment to farm-to-table dining, with chefs and restaurateurs drawing inspiration from the surrounding vineyards, orchards, and farms. This emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients results in menus that shift with the harvest, celebrating everything from wild mushrooms and artisanal cheeses to heritage meats and heirloom produce. Whether dining at a refined hotel restaurant, a cafe on the plaza, or a rustic bakery, you’re sure to enjoy every bite and every sip

For the well-traveled palate, Sonoma offers culinary excellence accompanied by a genuine sense of hospitality and connection to the land.

We kept things casual on our visit to Sonoma, no fine dining on this trip, but don’t interpret that as skimping on food choices. We found some great casual options, enjoyed delicious meals, and made a list of places to try for a return. 

Here are some of our recommendations (in alphabetical order) based on our visit.

• Basque Boulangerie Cafe – We stopped off for a morning pastry to-go. They also have more substantial offerings like soups, sandwiches, and salads. (460 First Street East)
• B&V Whisky Bar & Grille – Rustic-chic in the location of a former creamery. We stopped off for burgers. (400 1st Street East)
• Della Santina – Family owned Italian restaurant specializing in Tuscan soul food and family recipes. Share a panini and glass of wine for lunch – they’re big enough for two. (133 East Napa Street)
• Prohibition Spirits – Family owned distillery producing small batch, artisinal products. Stop off for an afternoon tasting flight, and buy a bottle of your favorite to take home. (452 1st Street East, Suite E)
• Red Grape – New Haven-style pizza (thin, crispy, charrred crust) made with fresh local ingredients. After an exhausting day of exploring, we picked up a pizza to take back to our hotel. (529 First Street West)
• Sonoma Eats – Authentic Mexican food, previously a food truck and now in a permanent location. Chilaquiles for breakfast? Yes, please. (18133 Sonoma Hwy)
• Sweet Pea Bakery – Pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Pick up some macarons for a late night snack. (720 West Napa Street)
• the girl & the fig – A rustic French retaurants with seasonal menus, notable cocktail and a solid wine list. Try a charcuterie plate and a bottle of wine in the outdoor garden patio. (110 West Spain Street)
• Tortilleria Jalisco – This food truck, located across the street from El Pueblo Inn, has a permanent location with outdoor seating. Great soft tacos at very reasonable prices. (897 West Napa Street)

There are so many more to try on future visits. We’ll update this recommendation list as we discover spots worth our recommendation.

Where to Stay in Sonoma

Sonoma offers a diverse and inviting range of accommodations that incorporate a blend of rustic charm and understated luxury. Whether you prefer the walkable, historic heart of downtown Sonoma city or the tranquil hillsides of Glen Ellen and Kenwood, the area caters to a variety of tastes and travel styles. Whether you’re looking for a high end resort, a comfortable spot to stay with friends, or are traveling solo, you’ll find a full range of accommodations with an emphasis on comfort, character, and a strong sense of place. 

We liked staying in downtown Sonoma, as it put the downtown core within an easy walk. Your perfect spot may different than ours, though, so here’s a range for your consideration.

Bungalows 313 – Located just a few minutes from Sonoma Plaza, this property has six luxury apartment units, each with a kitchenette, bedroom(s), living space, and outdoor area. Book a 2-bedroom (as we did) to enjoy a family stay or share friends. Or one of the smaller 1-bedroomor studios if traveling alone. Better yet, get a group of your favorite people together and book the entire property. You’ll never want to leave this great central location! (313 1st Street East)

El Pueblo Inn –  A little over a mile from Sonoma Plaza, this retro-styled properety has a 24-hour swimming pool. Given the hot Sonoma summers, you’ll soon appreciate that. Rooms are adobe style, surrounded by gardens, and breakfast is included. This is a great family option at reasonable rates. Tortilleria Jalisco is right across the street. (896 West Napa Street)

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn – A great location in Sonoma County, and adjacent to Napa Valley, this luxury inn has a full-service spa and multiple restaurants on site. Popular for weddings and special events. This is a popular choice for golfers as guests as the Fairmont get privileges at the nearby members-only Sonoma Golf Club.

MAP

Check out the map below to find all sorts of hotel options. Note: You’ll need to enter specific dates and length of stay to get exact rates.

Getting to Sonoma

Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS), named for the creator of the Peanuts cartoon, is the closest airport to Sonoma. It’s about a 45 minute drive from the airport in Santa Rosa to the Sonoma city center. Other nearby airport options: San Francisco (SFO), 1:30 travel time. Oakland (OAK), 1:10 travel time. San Jose (SJC), 1:40 travel time. Sacramento (SMF), 1:25 travel.

If you’re not able to fly into STS, my recommendation would be to fly into Sacramento. The airport and car rental pick up is much easier there than at the other airports.

If you fly on Alaska Airlines, wine flies free! Pack up your favorite bottle (or bottles) of wine in a case boxes (available at the wineries for a small fee), and take it to the check in desk. They’ll send it home with you at no charge, and you’ll pick it up at baggage claim upon arrival.

Or, try one of these VinGarde wine suitcases, available in a variety of sizes. It must travel as checked luggage, and may be subject to a fee. There are lots of free checked bag options, though, so it may also be free.

Disclosure: Our hotels and some of our activities in Sonoma were comped as media writing about the area. This post contains affiliate links which may result in earnings to support this site.

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