Things to Do in Sonoma County…That Don’t Involve Drinking!

This may sound crazy, but there are other things to do in Sonoma County that don’t involve drinking wine.

There are those of you out there who don’t drink or don’t enjoy wine, and that’s OK.

While in Sonoma wine country, you do have plenty of alternatives to wine tastings that will get your blood flowing, your brain working, and your belly growling. Doing things that don’t involve paying for wine is good for the budget, too!

What is there to do in Sonoma besides wine tasting? If you’re not in Sonoma for wine tasting, hit Sonoma’s best hiking trails, explore the historical side of the county, and eat like a gourmet.

Check out what to do in Sonoma that doesn’t involve drinking so that you can have a great time no matter what you’re after and no matter what you’re interested in.

If you’re there for the wine, though, even part of the time, make sure you’ve got the wine lingo down.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.

Things to Do in Sonoma County: Tips Before You Go

If you’re looking to visit Sonoma’s downtown and the Carneros region, I’d recommend flying into Sacramento. It’s just an easier airport to navigate. There’s usually less traffic coming from Sacramento than the airports in the Bay Area, too. It’s just a bit further mileage-wise to fly into Sacramento, but it’ll often take just as much time due to the traffic you’ll be avoiding.

If you’re looking to visit Sonoma wineries closer to the coast, the San Francisco and Oakland airports will be more efficient for you.

There is also a small regional airport in Santa Rosa serviced by the major airlines. I’ve never seen any good deals flying in or out of Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, though, from all the trips we took while living in San Diego. 

Should I rent a car to visit Sonoma County?

These excursions will assume that you have your own transportation to get around Sonoma County, California. Renting a car, especially if you’re pursuing outdoor activities that don’t involve drinking wine and require a designated driver, would be the most efficient and economical option to see the best of Sonoma County.

Note: There aren’t really tours out there that will cover the bases your own transportation would, and most of the tours that do exist are of the wine tour variety.

Be aware that there are bridge tolls you’ll need to pay whether you choose to drive across the Golden Gate Bridge or the Bay Bridge if flying into the Bay Area. Electronic tolls only are collected on the Golden Gate Bridge traveling south. Tolls are collected on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge traveling westbound.

Neither is as big a deal as the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, in case you have a thing about bridges.

At whichever rental car company you choose, ask about acquiring a toll pass when you pick up your car. You don’t want to be on the hook for any fines later on. Toll fees do vary somewhat depending on the time of day, with costs higher during traditional rush hours.

The major airports will have all of the major car rental agencies. You can check prices before you go with an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline. I’m not loyal to any one rental car company, because I like the deals.

Now, on to the fun!

Feel the Call of the Wild at Jack London State Historic Park.

My husband and I happened upon this one as a spur-of-the-moment stop, admittedly after two winery visits. Still, the Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen turned out to be a great excursion, and worth a few hours of your time if you’re at all into Jack London, historical literature, or pleasant walks through the woods.

We took said walk through the woods to see London’s grave and dream estate, which was nicknamed the “Wolf House,” toured the cottage he died in, and met some fantastic volunteers.

We had the cottage to ourselves while we were there, meaning we had the full attention of the guides. Ask them questions. They’re quite knowledgeable and can share information with you that you won’t read on the signage.

Once you’re in the park, there are nearly 30 miles of trails across its 1,400 acres. We only had time for a short forest walk of about a mile roundtrip to the Wolf House and London’s grave, which I’d highly recommend at the very least.

The House of Happy Walls Museum on site was also recommended to us by the guides, but we were running out of time by that point. We spent about two full hours at the park but could have easily spent at least one more to check out the museum and one of the shorter trails.

The entrance fee is $10/vehicle to explore the park and an additional $3/person to tour the cottage. Hours for different areas of the park vary, so check the website before you make any plans.

Hit the trails of Sonoma County.

Jack London State Historic Park isn’t your only option to get the heart pumping while in Sonoma County. If you’re visiting for some good hiking in Sonoma County, you won’t have to look too far for outdoor activities.

Just make sure you’re prepared with water, appropriate footwear, and snacks, no matter how easy you think a trail is going to be or how confident you are that hiking in flip-flops is a smart idea. It’s not.

Sonoma Valley Regional Park

Sonoma Valley Regional Park near Glen Ellen features several paved and unpaved options for hikers over its 200 acres. The main Valley of the Moon Trail is an easy, paved jaunt of just more than a mile roundtrip that takes visitors along a stream to valley views. There is a parking fee of $7 per vehicle.

If conditions are dry, the Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park next to the parking area is a great place for any traveling pups to get some of their energy out before hitting the trails. The park does shut down frequently due to rain, though.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park near Kenwood includes 25 miles of trails for hikers with a chance to see some wildlife — deer, foxes, bobcats — while you’re there. Who doesn’t love coming across wildlife on a trail? I mean, as long as they won’t eat you, of course.

One of the more popular easy trails in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is the Canyon-Pony Gate Loop. This one is a two-mile roundtrip loop that ends in a waterfall. If you’re feeling ambitious and have the time, the five-mile roundtrip hike up to Bald Mountain will give you spectacular views. There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle.

Bartholomew Park

A popular trail in Bartholomew Park, 375 acres of vineyards, gardens, and forest, is the 2.4-mile roundtrip Grape Stomp and You-Walk Miwok Loop. There is an elevation gain of 450 feet that offers vistas all the way to the Golden State Bridge if you’re there on a clear day. The wildflowers there are a sight to behold if you’re there in the spring months.

There is a parking fee of $10 per vehicle at Bartholomew Park.

Sonoma Overlook Trail

The Sonoma Overlook Trail is a nearly 3-mile roundtrip hike with payoff views of the Sonoma Valley and the Bay Area from the meadow at the end. The trailhead starts at the entrance to the Mountain Cemetery near the Sonoma Plaza and is adjacent to the Montini Open Space Preserve.

Expect increased foot traffic on the weekend thanks to the proximity of this one to central Sonoma. That’s what makes it one of the most popular Sonoma Valley attractions outside of terrific wine times.

There is no fee to hike the Sonoma Overlook Trail. Contributions to support its upkeep, though, are welcome online. The trail is accessible during daylight hours.

Get inspired by the redwoods.

The Sonoma Valley wine region is a gateway to a number of opportunities to get up and close and personal with California’s redwoods. Get inspired by some tall trees with a visit to the region’s surrounding parks and reserves.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is an excellent place to see the region’s coastal redwoods at their loveliest, often awash in a fog that makes visits here all the more magical. The park is small but mighty. Start any hiking early, as this one’s popular with San Francisco day trippers.

If you want a short hike with a decent climb, hit the 2.2 East Ridge Trail. The loop takes you along a ridge to show off not only the redwoods in the park, but a variety of fir and oak trees, too.

For something even easier and family-friendly, hit the 1.3-mile Colonol Armstrong Loop. You’ll see the namesake redwood, the Colonel Armstrong Tree, along the popular Discovery Trail as part of this loop.

There is a fee of $10/vehicle to enter the park.

The nearby Austin Creek State Recreation Area is home to additional facilities, including campgrounds. Unfortunately, this is an area often affected by California’s annual fire season. Check the website before making any plans to head out, as you may be out of luck. Last I checked, that section of the park was still closed after the LNU Lightning Complex fires of 2020.

Trione-Annadel State Park

This Santa Rosa park is popular for its wildflowers, making it a no-brainer for spring travelers to Sonoma. It also boasts about 40 miles of trails through impressive forests that include second-growth redwoods.

Most of the trails here are easy-moderate but lengthy. Try the 2.9-mile Lawndale Trail if you’re short on time and want to get aquainted with the park. You’ll get some elevation gain on this one, but you’ll be rewarded with excellent views along the way. Head to the popular 2-mile Canyon Trail for a view of Lake Ilsanjo and less elevation gain.

Visit Cornerstone Sonoma.

Cornerstone Sonoma is one of the best places to visit in Sonoma. It’s a fun diversion that includes shops, eateries, and a lovely garden you can wander through. The gardens are essentially living art installations that are constantly changing, and showcase local trends in landscapes and food production.

The boutiques there are pricy, but they’re fun to walk through and imagine what your life could be like draped in $400 blankets and wooden shoes that are purely for decorative purposes.

There’s also a hilariously large orange chair at the entrance that should offer you at least a few minutes of entertainment and photo opportunities.

Cornerstone Sonoma has several tasting rooms, a beer garden, and a distillery on-site, if you change your mind about libations at any point. Hours vary for the shops and the garden spaces, so check the website before you go.

Hit the beaches of the Sonoma Coast.

The picturesque Sonoma Coast is worth its salt when it comes to the best California road trips, but it’s also a great region to spend some time in on a warm, sunny day. Here are a few Sonoma Coast activities that await as you find your perfect beach:

• Goat Rock Beach: This beach in Sonoma Coast State Park is a great place for whale-spotting, tide-pooling, and coastal walks with expansive views. If you have the time, hit the Kortrum Trail, 4.6 miles along the bluffs of this beach in seaside Jenner.
• Salmon Creek Beach: This beach was so good they divided it up into two sections: North and South. Head to the north side for excellent surf, and south for sunbathing. The beaches are also in Sonoma Coast State Park, just north of Bodega Bay.
• Doran Regional Park: Two miles of calm shores await in this park in Bodega Bay. Doran Regional Park is a popular spot for families, as you’ll have a hard time finding calmer waters. Birders, don’t miss the one-mile Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail.

Explore the Russian River.

If you’re a beer drinker, you’ve likely heard about Russian River Brewing, the award-winning brewery churning out bucket list brews like Pliny the Elder.

That’s not what I’m talking about here.

I’m talking about the actual river, people.

You don’t need to go coastal to enjoy the waterfront potential of Sonoma County. Head to Guerneville for a float trip or kayak tour along the Russian River. If you’re into fishing, you can do that along the river, too.

Seeking an outfitter? Getaway Adventures is a popular choice, although I can’t vouch for them myself.

Educate yourself at Sonoma State Historic Park.

If you’re already at or near the Sonoma Plaza, you may as well educate yourself some by visiting the six historical attractions that make up the Sonoma State Historic Park:

• Mission San Francisco Solano
• The Blue Wing Inn
• Sonoma Barracks
• Toscano Hotel & Kitchen
• Servants Quarters, or the remains of La Casa Grande
• General Vallejo’s Home

Fun fact: California’s state flag was raised for the first time in Sonoma. There’s a monument to that fact right on the plaza.

You can also see a replica of the first flag at the Sonoma Barracks, as the original was destroyed in the fires of 1906 following the great San Francisco earthquake.

There is an entrance fee of $3/adult and $2/child to enter the sites. If you’re interested in tours, mission tours run and tours of General Vallejo’s Home are only available on weekends at the moment. Check the website before you go for tour times.

Stop and smell the flowers.

The Sonoma Botanical Garden near Glen Ellen is the stuff of your Instagram dreams. For the more regular folks among you, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a little bit of peace and quiet among the flowers and water features.

Highlights are the garden’s impressive collection of plants from East Asia, including the Jiang Entian Chinese Heritage Rose Garden.

Fun fact: The garden is also an important place for the conservation of rare plant species. Several of the varieties preserved there are threatened with extinction in the wild.

There is a fee of $12 per adult, $10 for seniors, and $8 for children between ages 13-17, active military, or students. Children 12 and under can come in free.

Another beautiful flower site is the Van Hoosear Wildflower Preserve, home to more than 250 species of wildflowers. As this one’s on private property, you may only access the site on a guided tour.

The guided tours are free but should be reserved in advance, as spots are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is available online.

Explore Sonoma County events.

There are indeed a number of events in Sonoma County that involve wine, e.g. the drinking of it, crawling to it, etc.

There are also a number of Sonoma County events that don’t.

Check out event schedules at the Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg, the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, and the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa for live music, art shows, and theatrical performances.

Sonoma County Restaurant Week is a great time to see what Sonoma’s dining scene has to offer with special prix-fixe menus. Reservations are strongly recommended at participating restaurants.

If you don’t mind visiting a winery for your entertainment, a number of Sonoma County wineries hold special events like art shows and live music on a regular basis. Check out the Sonoma County website for more information and schedule information.

Eat the best food in Sonoma County.

You don’t have to go to Napa to eat delicious food in California’s wine country. Sonoma has plenty of yummy options for you that don’t have to mean visiting wineries, either.

Head downtown first for a diverse range of options.

Note: The eateries downtown are all within blocks of each other, setting the stage for a food crawl if you’re so inclined.

At The Girl & the Fig, build a base for the day, whether that’s impending wine or hikes, with their superb brunch, or treat yourself to a decadent lunch or dinner as a reward for all the Sonoma wine alternatives you’ve pursued. Reservations are recommended and available online.

Tasca Tasca offers up some yummy crab empadas (nope, I don’t mean empanadas) among other delicious Portuguese tapas options. Their menu is set up to choose between three, five, or seven items. I’d recommend seven because they are tapas-sized, and I’m no fool. Save room for dessert. Reservations are available online.

The Red Grape is the place for brick oven-style pizza with your choice of red or white sauce. The “Tuscan Sun” was my jam if you’re a veggie lover. They don’t take reservations but call orders ahead if you’re coming in a very large group of 15 or more.

Feeling fancy? Head out of downtown Sonoma for destination-worthy eateries.

Barndiva is on many people’s lists for what to do in Healdsburg. The restaurant is run by chef Ryan Fancher, who used to work at somewhere you may have heard of in Napa: The French Laundry. Reservations are recommended and available online.

Hana Japanese Restaurant offers destination-worthy sushi and an extensive sake menu if you want to mix things up. Reservations are recommended and available online.

Go wine tasting.

Fine. Some of you will be in Sonoma for wine tasting. Sonoma County tourism is built on the wine scene here, and for good reason. It’s excellent.

If you’re interested in Sonoma on a budget, check out my guide to wineries in Sonoma that won’t break the bank!

Otherwise, here are a few of the must-visit Sonoma wineries that we’ve loved on our visits to Sonoma:

• Buena Vista Winery
• Cline Family Cellars
• Landmark Vineyards
• Marimar Estate Vineyards & Winery
• Viansa

Note that I didn’t include the Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. It’s just OK.

If you don’t have a designated driver, book a wine tour. Everybody does it, and you won’t have to worry about anyone not having a good time because they’re not driving.

Here are a few options for the best wine tours in Sonoma County:

Stay at the best hotels in Sonoma County.

There is a lot of choice in Sonoma and the surrounding towns as far as where you stay overnight.

The closer you are to the downtown areas, the more expensive your accommodations will likely be. I’d caution you to consider the potential cost of taxis or rideshares to get from your accommodations to dinner spots, as you’ll likely have to head out to civilization to get some grub after all of that wine tasting.

That’s why I like staying in Sonoma or in towns where I know I can walk from Point A to Point B at the end of the night, or take a short ride back to my accommodations.

If you’re looking for accommodations in Sonoma proper, check out the map below:

Seeking even more wallet-friendly accommodations? Try Hostelworld. Their picks are heavily vetted and reviewed to offer you a safe experience on a budget.

Did I miss anything? Yes, I’m already well aware of the Cedar Enzyme Bath at the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary. It hasn’t been in the budget yet, people.

Let me know about your favorite Sonoma County things to do that don’t necessarily involve wineries in the comments!

Photo credits: undefined undefined (4), David Akers (6), zrfphoto (7)

Ready to Go to Sonoma?

Your Flight: I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, you should use Skyscanner. It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc. Another strategy is following the major airlines to catch good deals that may come up for your city.

To get to Sonoma, I tend to book flights to Sacramento. They’re typically much cheaper than flights to San Francisco or Oakland, and it’s just an easier drive there that doesn’t include a bridge crossing. If you’re targeting the Sonoma coastal wine region, though, you may choose to fly into the Bay Area to save some time.

Your Accommodations: I’m usually using sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com for my accommodation needs; both offer loyalty programs, and now offer listings that are more of the home or condo rental variety, which is great. Scroll on up for an idea of where to stay in around Sonoma!

Etc.: For general travel goodies, visit my Favorite Things page. For more information on planning your travel, visit my Travel Tools page.

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