Things to Do in Sonoma County

Living in Northern California, I know we’re spoiled with how many great places are within driving distance – and we still have so much to see. While we love Sonoma for wine, we wanted to visit as a family and starting seeing more of the things to do in Sonoma County!

Located just west of Napa County, Sonoma County is everything wine country and so much more. Rolling hills, gorgeous vineyards, hiking trails, quaint towns, and beaches. It’s also full of great restaurants, beautiful drives, great hotels, and loads of things to do for all interests (with and without kids).

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Things to do in Sonoma County

On this last trip, we stayed in the city of Sonoma and spent time there and in nearby Glen Ellen. We’re planning another trip to explore Santa Rosa a bit more soon. Below is our weekend itinerary in that area and then a longer list of things to do in the whole of Sonoma County, food and coffee included!

Sonoma Botanical Garden

Our recent trip happened to be after one of the biggest rainstorms we’ve had in California in a long time (we were driving there at the end of that). Sonoma is beautiful year round. Fall is gorgeous. And we lucked out with how stunning everything was when we were there – so just know that it’s always a great time to visit!

Possibly the best way to experience that post-storm fall was a visit to the Sonoma Botanical Garden! The garden is on a hillside with paths all around, allowing for stops and turning around all along the way.

The creek and waterfalls were gushing and the plants were all showing their best colors. Get a map at the front desk and use the signs (numbered and with maps) around the paths so you can plan your trip. The path is dirt and rocks. It’s very well maintained and there’s just one big hill up on the back of the garden, so it’s easy to enjoy with strain.

And if you have a kiddo, ask for an activity if they don’t offer. Our little guy was given this fall scavenger hunt sheet (changes with the seasons!!) and we all had fun looking for the items.

You can bring a picnic to enjoy near the parking lot (next to vineyards) or at a few places along the path, including the amphitheater.

We enjoyed walking on our own, but they do offer guided tours on weekends throughout the year – just check their calendar.

Jack London State Park

Another wonderful spot to wander (or just visit) is Jack London State Park. I’ve grown up with the name Jack London in many places, but I really didn’t know much about him. Built on his property, this state park celebrates the author’s life – personal and professional – while providing a glorious property to see and walk around.

Besides the beautiful home where Jack London and his wife Charmian lived, you can see the ruins of their great house – burnt just before they moved in, visit their Pig Palace, take in the vineyards, and wander through paths under a canopy of redwood and oak trees.

The museum near the parking lot and their house (the white one) are both inside and filled with informative signs and points of interest. Otherwise, the park is outdoors. It’s great for any kind of outdoor activity!!

There are a slew of tour options available too, including gold cart tours for those not interested in or able to walk. Reservations should be made ahead of time here.

Wine Tasting in Sonoma County

While its neighbor, Napa, is more well known for wine, Sonoma County actually produces more wine (and my husband and I are big fans of it)!

One of our favorite wineries is in Sonoma (the only club we’re apart of) – Belden Barns. On our recent trip, we were encouraged to visit Benziger Family Winery. All their grapes are tended using certified Biodynamic, organic, and sustainable farming methods.

I love sustainability and I enjoy a nice glass of wine. It used to be hard to find the two as one, but now we have and Benziger is certainly on this list!

What is Biodynamic wine?

Don’t fret. I needed some clarification too. Biodynamic refers to the farming process as a whole. The grapes and land are tended holistically, seeking to use and fuel the natural ecosystem. Not only does this meet organic standards, it goes beyond.

There are no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Instead ecosystems with bugs, other animals, and a variety of crops are tended to work together to help grow the grapes and keep them healthy and happy.

You might be worried about the flavors of biodynamic wines. I’ll be the first person to share our first nightmarish (ok, maybe not that bad) experience with “natural wine.” Thankfully, this isn’t the whole story.

Benziger wines are delectable, delicious, and so, so yummy! Walk-ins are welcome and they also do fun tractor and tram tours with tastings – reservations required!!

Learn more about sustainable alcohol and organic wines!

Walk around Downtown Sonoma

While there are tons of things to do in Sonoma County, you should absolutely spend a bit of time walking around downtown Sonoma. There’s a main plaza surrounded by shops and restaurants – perfect for everyone. There are 2 great playgrounds in the main plaza for kids (a popular spot on weekend mornings).

A few blocks east of the main plaza, you can also peep the running creek and see older homes. It’s all just so beautiful!

Things to do in Sonoma County with Kids

Sonoma Botanical Garden
Jack London State Historic Park
Sonoma Plaza
TrainTown Railroad
Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary

Where to Eat Near Sonoma

There are lots of tasty places to eat at in Sonoma and in nearby Glen Ellen – mix these tasty spots in with all the other things to do in Sonoma County and you’ll see what you’ve been missing.

Sweet Pea Bake Shop (coffee, tea, pastries, and brunch/lunch)
The Porch at MacArthur Place (coffee, tea, pastries)
Les Pascals (French Bakery – breakfast & lunch)
Sonoma Eats (tacos & burritos – breakfast, lunch, & dinner)
The Red Grape (pizza, pasta, and salads – lunch/dinner)
The Girl & The Fig (dinner – DELICIOUS!) *reservations required*
Sonoma Grille (pasta, seafood, meat – dinner)
Sweet Scoops (ice cream)

Where to Stay in Sonoma

We stayed at the El Pueblo Inn in Sonoma – a family-owned, local hotel. It’s on the main street but a bit off the city square. It was nice and quiet and perfect for the three of us. There’s a pool and hot tub, which we sadly didn’t use. The central courtyard is also really pretty – a fun space for us to wander around with our wiggly 5 year old.

Some rooms also have porches/balconies with chairs – a lovely place to relax with your coffee or a glass of wine. And there’s a simple but yummy breakfast spread in the main building each morning!