“Heaven is a place said to resemble Sonoma County in the Spring”
The San Francisco Bay Area may have transformed from 1960s hippiedom to 21st century uber-tech hub, but Sonoma county’s rivers, forests and vineyards remain an idyllic playground. Whether you spend your days striving to cultivate inner peace or killer apps, just a few hours north of San Francisco you’ll find the perfect place to relax and recharge.
A calm day on the Russian River
Active, outdoorsy types should gravitate to the Russian River, where floating on tubes provides a thin pretext for a day-long party with new friends. Otherwise you’ll want to head to the numerous vineyards, which tend to have a relaxed, contemplative vibe. Take a walking tour through the grapes, watch the bottling process or join in the fun. Make sure to taste plenty of samples. Some vineyards charge a small fee, but others do it as a courtesy. Vineyards tend to specialize in Red, White or Sparkling wines. The only way to learn your favorite is to try them all!
If you’re not a drinker, you can clear your head among the Redwood forests. The 30-story tall canopy formed by the world’s largest trees is the perfect spot to find serenity. Trails are available for all levels of hikers, including those in wheelchairs or with limited disability.
Sunet over the redwoods
If you don’t like to swim, drink OR walk, take a drive up California Route 1. From San Francisco, you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, then pass through Point Reyes National Seashore until you reach the Pacific Coast. Route 1 hugs the coast all through Sonoma County, with only a few small settlements to break up the scenery. There are plenty of beaches and parks to stop, take a break and admire the view.
Don’t feel like you need to limit outdoor activities in Northern California to the warmer months. Sonoma County’s climate is considered “Cold-Summer Mediterranian.” Locals like to talk about the “June Gloom,” and the Pacific Ocean never rises to much more than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, Winters rarely drop below freezing. With the right attire, you’ll be happy to spend all day outside exploring forests, beaches and rivers.
