Things to do in Sonoma County in October

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Overview

October is a great time to visit Sonoma County.

Sonoma County has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Sonoma County. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

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Best events and things to do in Sonoma County in October

Top experiences in October
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Holidays in Sonoma County in October
October
  • Columbus Day (October 12)
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Best attractions for Sonoma County in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Sonoma County has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Sonoma County that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Sonoma County for October.
Safari West
1. Safari West
4.7
(1942)
Wildlife and safari park
Nature & Parks
Upscale tented accommodation on a 400-acre wildlife preserve with safari tours & free breakfast.
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Our family stayed over night. Had dinner that evening & took the safari tour the next day. Dinner was excellent, the property was immaculate, and we loved the tour. Our tour guide, Cindy, was knowledgeable & worked hard to make sure we were able to see all the animals. The animals appeared to be well cared for. Our 4- year-old granddaughter had a blast walking through the property & visiting all the animals. A special thanks to the staff for holding onto a piece of luggage that the airline lost & then delivered after we departed.
We did the overnight glamping experience for a birthday/retirement party. The beef Brisket buffet dinner was excellent. We'll seasoned melt in your mouth Brisket and chicken buffet had vegan options. Chocolate desserts and camp fire smores. The tents were surprisingly cozy. Electric blankets are provided alone with portable space heaters. Nice hot showers attached to the tent. The only drawback is the bathrooms aren't heated. But sre well designed with natural wood & stone. Breakfast in the morning before our afternoon tour with educated guides in 4WD trucks. With everything from ring tailed lemurs, zebras,Watusi cattle, Rhinos and water buffaloes. This was my 3rd visit, but first overnight. I recommend the overnight experience.
Absolutely loved the wildlife safari in the midst of wine country. Justin was our guide and he was super cool and super good. Loved the way he interacted with all the guests in his safari vehicle. He's a gem. The wild animals are kept in enclosures, some closed enclosures like the cheetahs, the rhino, the giraffes...and some in open spaces like the zebras, the antelopes...The avian enclosure is also very good. Of the animals the cheetahs I felt were the star attraction. The way Justin explains the behaviour, the nature, the habits of the different animals and birds is just awesome. And his one liner jokes and the quiz questions for the guests while on his truck is too good. The snacks store is also well stocked up, the hot chocolate is the one to go all out for. The souvenir store is cool. Sure to do an overnight stay over at the place next time.
Experience is amazing. Our tour guide Bianca was amazing.. she was knowledgeable with good sense of humor. Nice seat rotation policy. Great... But for the set of animals and overall it's pricey...
We didn't stay in the cabins (they look nice), but everything else was chef's kiss. The guides and staff were cool, the food and vibes were good and the animals looked healthy and well cared for. We would like to go back for a behind-the-scenes tour the next time we visit. Very nice and peaceful place.
I enjoyed the weekend Glamping and marveling at the amazing animals. The experience was fantastic. The tent cabin was super cozy, the staff was friendly and professional. The onsite cafe served super tasty meals. You cannot get bored at Safari West, or go hungry. The experience is way different from that of a zoo, with the animals wandering freely around the property and in select fenced areas. The three hour safari ride around the property was fun and interesting, offering close up views of a number of animal I've only seen in books, on TV, or on YouTube. Treat yourself, your family and friends. Book a trip to Safari West.
We went for my birthday. We did the 2 pm reservation and 7pm dinner. Gina was our Tour Guide and she was amazing. She was very friendly, knowledgeable, and took my parties jokes well. We stayed the night in Tent 22 which was AWESOME! I loved that you could hear the wild life during the night. If you’re used to having a TV to watch you will not get that here. Dinner and breakfast were both delicious and all you can eat. They do make S’more and show a movie in the evening which is a nice treat. You can also go on night time exploring if you wish.
I first heard about this safari from a coworker and knew I had to check it out. I booked my tickets online in advance and arrived about 15 minutes before my 1:00–4:00 pm tour. The experience began with a walking tour through the “zoo” area, where we saw a variety of African birds, a giant pigeon, cheetahs, and monkeys. After that, we boarded a large open-air truck/van for the safari ride. It was incredible being so close to the giraffes, ostriches, and many other animals. The safari spans 400 acres, and even in the moments when we weren’t spotting wildlife, the scenery was absolutely beautiful. I’m so glad we came—it was such a memorable experience, and I’d definitely love to bring friends and family here in the future.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
2. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
4.9
(4670)
Nature preserve
Nature & Parks
Wooded grove filled with redwood trees plus a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater & picnic area.
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A Wonderful Stroll Among Giants. We had such a fantastic time visiting this park! It's a lovely, small redwood park that offers a truly enjoyable experience for families, even with little ones. We really appreciated how nicely leveled and mostly flat the trail path was. This made for an incredibly easy and pleasant walk, and we were even able to navigate it with our lightweight stroller without any issues – a huge plus for parents! While mostly flat, there were some nicely varied, gentle elevation changes that added to the experience without being strenuous. Walking among the towering redwoods was absolutely breathtaking and incredibly peaceful. It truly is a serene escape. A big bonus for us was the small play area near the trees, which was perfect for entertaining our toddler and letting them burn off some energy. We highly recommend this park for anyone looking for an accessible, beautiful walk amongst majestic trees. It's perfect for a relaxing outing with family!
Beautiful state park! $10 parking unless you park on the street out front and walk in. The waterfall left a lot to be desired in late October. But the general atmosphere was lovely. Especially if you like the wet, rainy weather. East Ridge Trail connector was closed when we were there so we ended up making the steep trek up Pool Ridge Trail. No dogs permitted on the trails and honestly, the drive in was the prettiest part. Still worth a visit!
We came all the way from San Diego - and this is what I would do before coming - First I would check the weather forecast and then come. We did not realize it was going to be raining 🌧️ but we came anyway. We did not have any rain atire but some cheap umbrellas ☔️ ( 👀😳) don’t make the mistake we made but come prepared. With the right shoes , clothes and good sturdy boots 🥾, and you will enjoy it ! We had the yearly pass so we got in quickly . We parked at the end and then walked. We got a little wet but we genuinely loved the entire experience. I went to the gift store and got a backpack pin and a coffee cup and a post card. The entire trip was nice! I would of loved it if the sun was out.
Loved it! The redwoods are out of this world! We visited Miur Woods over 20 years ago so decided to go here this time. It did not disappoint. We probably walked between 2-3 miles total with a little backtracking. It's all very flat except the little waterfall hike. It seems like it's always pretty damp in there so light breathable clothes are a good choice. We seen one woman in high heels but I would recommend good walking shoes. If you've never seen redwoods you have to put it on your list.
Very beautiful! Definitely go in a weekday. There is plenty of parking in the morning. $10 parking fee. Free parking on the outside of the parking lot. Bathrooms as well are pretty decent. Enjoy your hike to the smallest waterfall ever, hahaha. But the hike on the trails is WORTH IT! Definitely family friendly.
Amazing park! Friendly employees/rangers. Easy paths to walk (and harder ones if you're up for it!). We walked the main loop and saw the three highlighted trees, and then we hiked uphill about 15 minutes before we turned around. We went on a Thursday which seemed to be a good time. Not too crowded. We were there from about 10:30 to 1:30. They have many bathrooms and picnic tables which I really appreciated! Highly recommend!
Breathtaking scenery and serene silence is the best way I can characterize this place. $10 gets you a pass to drive through the park. No time limit on parking from my understanding, so you will not feel rushed to get in and get out. There are multiple trail heads to explore. While most of them are relatively short, there really is no need to power through them as you'll have no shortage of natural beauty to stop and admire. Be careful of hornets while picnicking at one of the areas. They will swarm your food and your entire picnic spread.
"What an incredible place to experience the majesty of the redwood forest! If you're looking for an easy and flat walk among giants, this is it. The paths are perfect for all ages, making it a fantastic outing for families. We absolutely loved our time here, and the $10 parking fee per car was well worth it for such an amazing natural wonder. I would suggest getting there somewhat earlier especially during the weekend/summer time. Highly recommend!"
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
3. Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
4.8
(1162)
Museum
Research institute
Whimsical museum with exhibits on famed cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, comics, a gift shop & more.
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A wonderful place to visit, explore and learn. The staff is friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable and professional. Kids of all ages are welcome and will thoroughly enjoy the exhibits and the beautiful surroundings. Especially rewarding for those who are fans of the work and humor of Charles Schulz and the characters he created.
If you are in Santa Rosa and would like to be nostalgic, please visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum. There was over 200 cartoons to read, sculptures to take selfies with, and lots to learn. They even had cartoon strips as tiles in the bathroom, which was quite creative. There were interactive areas, such as a photo “booth” where you can be Lucy the psychiatrist and spin the wheel. Once you have laughed, chuckled, and snickered as much as you want. Stop by the gift shop and grab a postcard, pen or pencil, a cup, books, and much more. Enjoy 💕 No food or drinks. There are stairs to the second floor. Children are more than welcome.
This is a gorgeous museum, very well thought out and laid out for the maximum display of the history and passion of Charles Schulz. His creation of the Peanuts comic strip is such a great story and the museum tells it perfectly. There are some interactive exhibits, a lot of memorabilia, colorful displays and several videos running to tell his story. When going through the museum, there's an area with glass display cases and drawers underneath them that are all labeled, make sure you look in those, there's a ton of information and history. Upstairs is a studio for you to create your own comic strip, they have guest artists regularly, a giant gift shop full of Peanuts souvenirs and even a cute cafe. The tour is self guided and you can take as much time as you like. We're from the older generation so the Peanuts comic strip is super relevant for us and we ended up there a couple hours reading nearly everything! Upstairs in the gift shop is where the original museum is located and there's some fun history up there too.
A lovely experience for any peanuts, snoopy, or small museum lover! Showing just a few photos- this place was so charming. Lots of history, OG peanuts art and of course, photo opportunities! The museum staff are so lovely, and gifted me a bracelet. Would definitely come back again next time I'm in Cali!
This was an unexpected highlight of our trip! I honestly didn’t know a ton about Peanuts and went because my college age daughter wanted to go. It is such a well put together and loving tribute to a man that Santa Rosa clearly loved. A big, modern building with bright, vibrant displays. Worth a visit on your way through, great way to spend a couple hours!
08/02/25 This was our second time visiting the Charles M. Schulz Museum, and we loved it just as much as the first! There’s something really amazing about being surrounded by all the Peanuts art (regardless of it’s a copy or the original) and seeing the backstory on all Schulz’s characters. Overall, the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center is fun, relaxing, and full of little details that make you smile. We’re glad we visited a second time and would definitely visit again! 🐶 🐾
It was so nostalgic being here. You get to learn a lot about Charles Schulz and his other interests besides comics. It was cool to see the books in other languages! I visited on a Monday when the museum opened at 11 AM and there were already a good amount of people there. It’s only $7 for ticket if you’re a student! So make sure to bring your student ID. The cafe and ice rink are right by the museum and are also a must-see.
I'm a big fan of Charles M. Schultz along with the Peanuts characters he created from the comic books including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Woodstock, and more. I just love this museum so much, even the mini museum inside the gift store across the way. It's an exciting place full of fun interesting facts about the cartoonist.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
4. Francis Ford Coppola Winery
4.5
(765)
Winery
Food & Drink
Coppola Family wines in a sprawling, stylish venue with a pool, bocce, seasonal fare & movie relics.
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The team took really great care of me and my mom. The private tour was a lot of fun and educational, we also did the wine tasting with incredible cheese pairing and we wrapped up with a delicious dinner in their patio while watching the sunset. Just pure bliss and a vibe that makes you want to stay forever!!🍷🍷
What a winery! First, we were late to our wine tasting but called in advance to let them know and they were able to accommodate us moving our slot. The wine tasting with the food pairing was amazing. One of our clients join the wine club! Great wine, great staff, and great environment! Would come again.
The only complaint was we should have booked an entire day here! Mr. Coppola's vision of a destination for the entire family has been accomplished. We took the tour of the winery and memorabilia from his movies. Beautiful vistas, buildings, and grounds. Interesting facts and pieces of several outstanding movies. We finished with a wine tasting and bocce. Next time we will rent a cabana, which comes with a lockable changing room, with shower, to enjoy the great looking outdoor pool.
We enjoyed our tour and tasting at Coppola so much! We learned a lot of interesting facts about the vineyard and Coppola’s directing history. Definitely a great spot that I would recommend adding to your stay in Napa/Alexander valley!
Great experience. We booked a short guided tour and then a wine "sip and dip." Plan on several hours to take it all in, including movie memorabilia.
Have been here twice now, once for a birthday and today for my anniversary that also turned into my engagement date! We had the same server both times, and he was amazing both times! The views are gorgeous, the service is amazing, and the atmosphere is perfect! Portions are big in my opinion. Payed $100 for both including 3 dishes, 1 special drink, and a soda. I don’t think thats bad at all considering the flavor is consistent each time! The pizza and cesar salads are top tier!
This winery is absolutely beautiful and left us with some wonderful memories. Even though I don't drink, my wife did a tasting, and she thoroughly enjoyed every wine thanks to their incredibly knowledgeable specialist.
Great grounds and winery tour. Like the Disney of wine country. Love all the FFC memorabilia. Wish they had better wine flights the day we visited. There are better wines to be had in the area, but this is a memorable visit.
Sonoma Plaza
5. Sonoma Plaza
4.7
(4323)
Plaza
Nature & Parks
Town hub featuring a green space lined with 1800s buildings, restaurants, tasting rooms & shops.
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Sonoma Plaza is the heartbeat of wine country charm. This cute little park is surrounded by boutique shops, cozy tasting rooms, and irresistible eateries. It’s where history meets modern-day wine vibes, with everything from local art to world-class vino just steps apart. Perfect for lazy afternoons, impromptu picnics, or simply soaking up the small-town cozy magic. A must-visit gem that’s as welcoming as it is unforgettable and historically impactful.
Sonoma Plaza is one of those rare places that feels both lively and peaceful at the same time. Surrounded by historic architecture, boutique shops, and incredible restaurants, it’s the perfect place to stroll, relax, and soak in the charm of wine country. The park at the center is beautifully maintained — great for families, couples, or just sitting with a coffee and watching the world go by. Whether you’re into wine tasting, art galleries, or simply enjoying a scenic afternoon, Sonoma Plaza is a must stop. There’s a timeless quality to the place that makes you want to linger. Highly recommended for both first-time visitors and locals rediscovering its magic.
Beautiful landscaped square with many shops and restaurants around it. Tuesday was market day with food stalls, local sellers and live music. Many people brought their own outdoor set up and picnic. Nice atmosphere
We have always loved coming here and through the years it has never changed. Boutique hotels, great wine and amazing food. It is great for a couples getaway and lots to do with kids also. The square is something you need to see. It is also rated in the top 10 Fourth of July fireworks displays in the country. We went last year and it was unbelievable.
Lots of spots to tuck into, shops, eateries, ice cream, wine tastings, liquor tastings and more. Very walkable. Sweet little square/park in the center. Lots of parking (3 hrs).
Great downtown area, very walkable with a unique variety of shops, restaurants and tasting rooms. Spent much more time in this concentrated area than anticipated. Great people, great experiences, great time.
This is such a nice place. I'm returning in two weeks. Places to stay like the Eldorado, where I stay and lots of restaurants and shops to keep you busy and the beautiful Sonoma square to enjoy
We had s wonderful time last night at the Square in Sonoma for the tree lighting festival!
VJB Cellars
6. VJB Cellars
4.6
(285)
Winery
Food & Drink
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I had the most wonderful experience at VJB Winery while celebrating my and my mom’s birthdays with our group! From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with warmth and kindness, making us feel right at home. Our host, Kim, was fantastic – she not only took the time to educate us on the wines but was also incredibly patient and attentive to our needs. Maria, the owner, personally checked in to make sure everything was perfect, and her kindness truly stood out. Mike, the vice president, even came to our table to introduce himself and ensure we were enjoying our visit, which was such a thoughtful touch. The staff around our table were always making sure we were comfortable, especially since the sun kept shifting and making things a bit tricky. They were so considerate and made sure we had everything we needed to enjoy our time there. The wine was so good – each pour was amazing and complemented the food perfectly. The deli staff were equally friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious! I highly recommend the ribs and pizza – they were incredible. The winery itself is stunning, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in Italy. We were so impressed that we became members, and we can’t wait to return! I highly recommend VJB Winery to anyone looking for a memorable experience with excellent wine, food, and service.
Cute petite little stop for lunch, wine, and chocolate! We dont drink but needed something to eat so was nice to travel through wine country and find a quaint little pet friendly spot offering snacks. Service was super friendly, Jenna and Sophia were very sweet and helpful in answering my 5000 questions. Highly recommended swinging by for a pit stop if you're in this neck of the woods
My wife and I did a wine tasting here with Courtney. Courtney was fantastic; described the history of the winery and explained the various wines perfectly. The winery is gorgeous with a real Italian feel to it. Great experience, thanks again, Courtney (and VJB)!
Came in from outta state was recommended for the food…. The food was about worth 10 cents. Had a pizza and bit into a dime in the pizza crust wasn’t compt any of the food only offered more to say the least I will not be coming back or recommending to anyone if you need a good winery to visit move on down the road to St. Francis Also was given excuse after excuse on how pizza is made as an explanation on why the dime was in there In the first place.
The venue and service is nice. The staff was friendly. The tasting pours for our group went a bit slower than we'd like and they do not comp any tastings for buying wine. At least that's what someone in our group was told. I can tell the wine is well made but I do not enjoy Italian varietals.
We had an amazing experience at VJB. Our group did the wine and pizza lunch tasting and it was wonderful. The wine was excellent and the pizza was top notch. They made our group feel so welcome and relaxed it was truly a treat. Don’t forget to try the gelato! I would highly recommend this winery to anyone touring the Sonoma area. It does not disappoint!!
VJB is one of my wife and I's new favorite wineries in all of Sonoma! From the moment we arrived, we were treated like family. Our server Bo gave us an incredible and warm hearted tasting experience, making us feel like fast friends. One thing that makes this winery unique is their incredible wood fire pizza, which is a family recipe made with fresh ingredients completely from scratch... some of the best pizza I've had in a long while! After our tasting and during our dining portion, several other servers stopped by our table to check on us and make us feel cared for. One of them even learned that it was our 17-year wedding anniversary and brought us a complimentary glass of prosecco. VJB offered us everything we would want in a tasting experience in wine country, taking us on a journey to Old Italy. It just may be our new go-to spot. Highly recommend!
This place from the moment we walked onto their property was amazing, a host immediately greeted us and gave us a walkthrough overview of what and where things are. We stopped in for a quick tasting and stayed for that and lunch. Beautiful patio area. I’m getting ahead of myself tho. We started in the tasting room and got a lot of great information and history from the gal ( whose name I’m sorry I forgot) and enjoyed everything we tasted. We decided to join their club and next ordered lunch, where we had the most amazing Arugala salad with a dressing that was really special, and a pizza. Jennifer was kind enough to include a jar of the dressing that we got today with our first shipment. We will definitely continue to order from them and visit of course whenever we go up there, we were visiting from Ventura Cheers to the staff for a wonderful experience Craig & Eugenia
Benziger Family Winery
7. Benziger Family Winery
4.6
(460)
Winery
Food & Drink
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Beautiful winery and experience! We did the tribute tour for my friend’s bachelorette and it was lovely. Our tour guide John was very knowledgeable about the vineyard and made the tour both educational and fun. All of the wines were amazing. We were greeted with champagne, then had rose, and more wines followed. We toured the grounds, cave, and did a private tasting. Huge fan and highly recommend! You can join their club at the end and get great perks.
Very nice family winery! Loved the vibes and atmosphere, great service. There is a bar where you can do a tasting and sit outside (like a gift shop area) along with a terrace area with a sit down table service option. The white wines were absolutely delicious. I usually am not one to buy a bottle of white wine but our group left with 3 bottles, including my favorite the Apple Hill Chardonnay. Would love to go back for a tour of the property!!
Tractor tour and wine were amazing. The 5 year old kids loved the tractor tour. They even spotted vultures and learned about the importance of insects on the winery. Wine was fabulous. Kids liked the juice boxes. So beautiful. The entrance is breathtaking.
The views and ambiance at Benziger are absolutely breathtaking, and the tour was easily one of the highlights of our entire trip. Mike was our guide, and he made the experience feel so personal and special. He wasn’t just knowledgeable about Benziger’s unique biodynamic practices (one of the few wineries in the U.S. doing this!), but also gave us a broader wine education that made all of our other tastings on the trip more meaningful. We visited eight wineries across Napa and Sonoma, and all agreed Benziger was our favorite — both for the experience and the wine itself. Mike was patient, personable, and deeply connected to the Benziger story and culture. He answered every question and truly tailored the tour to our group’s interests. If you’re planning a wine country visit, don’t miss this one. It’s a gem.
Beautiful winery with several tour and tasting options to enjoy! We took the tractor tour with Dave as our knowledgeable and funny guide. It was such a great way to get an introduction to the winery before the tasting. I specifically chose this winery because of the great reviews and biodynamic practices. My travel companion doesn't drink so I wanted to find something we'd both enjoy. The views and weather were outstanding. One day I'd like to go back during harvest season and take the tram tour.
We had a wonderful time at Benzinger’s Winery. Beautiful scenery, amazing wines, and a great tour! We were with Mike for our tour and it could not have been more perfect. Mike was a great tour guide who provided wonderful insight on the background of the winery and types of wine. By far some of the best wine my husband and I have ever had. 10/10 would recommend if you are visiting the Sonoma area.
Benziger Family Winery is an Unforgettable Sonoma Valley Experience. Our recent experience with Patrick at the tasting room was nothing short of extraordinary. His impeccable service, warm welcome and fascinating insights from the moment we arrived really added to our experience. Benziger wine tasting was outstanding, 5 pours for $25, showcased remarkable balance, complexity, and distinct qualities. We particularly enjoyed the 2021 Chardonnay, 2021 Pinot Noir and 2021 Tribute. Tastings can be done via online reservation outdoors for $35 or indoors at $25. Each wine and element presented its own character and charm, leaving a tasty lasting impression. The scenic beauty of the estate around the tasting room created a tranquil and inviting ambiance. Patrick was the only staff member to say hello, offered up the wine tasting and earned not only our business, but his great knowledge gained our trust and acceptance to the Wine Club. We are already looking forward to our next wine shipment and sharing bottles with our friends and family.
What a fun experience having brunch at Benziger. We forget who helped us with our tasting, but they were so nice and helpful with our tastings / pairings and made it fun for a pair of wine novice’s.
Sonoma Valley
8. Sonoma Valley
3.3
(27)
Ravine
Nature & Parks
Famous valley known for its many vineyards & wineries, as well as its festivals & art galleries.
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Sonoma Valley is beautiful! It has a very friendly and walkable downtown square with so many options for eating, sipping wine, and shopping. Cute shops surround the square including an awesome park with many picnic tables, two playgrounds, restrooms, and amphitheater. It is easy to spend the whole day in Sonoma!
Fantastic place with great wineries,restaurants and scenery. A must visit.
It’s Sonoma Valley- when we aren’t on fire it’s an amazing place.
Dry Creek Vineyard
9. Dry Creek Vineyard
4.8
(282)
Winery
Food & Drink
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First visit to California ever, and I think I did it just right by starting it out at wine country! The grounds are absolutely breathtaking and makes you feel like you are in a secret garden from a storybook. Paige was our hostess, and our group has a great time with her. She was very knowledgeable, personable, and just really gave us the time to relax and enjoy our wine tasting without feeling rushed. I liked that it was a little bit more secluded, had a relaxed vibe and it wasn’t too fussy. A huge perk was that you were also able to bring your own picnic lunch. I would recommend this place in a heartbeat.
We had a great time with Sara our server this Saturday, She was friendly, knowledgeable and we learned some new things. The wines are always delicious, especially the Rose! Thanks you for another fun experience
I took my boyfriend here for a Californian wine tasting experience and it was so perfect. The vineyards are beautiful and expansive and free to roam through but the service is also just as special. We were hosted by Darren who was extremely knowledgeable about the tasting notes of every wine and the individual process it takes to make each bottle. Darren offered us samples of lots of wines too and we even got a special wine cellar tour that we weren’t expecting. He then introduced us to the family owner of the Dry Creek Vineyard itself (like meeting royalty!). He really made our visit so memorable. If you’re planning a wine tour whilst in the area, this historic site is an essential first stop!
First time visit via scheduled tasting that will be the first of many visits. Josh provided the tasting of many varietals and allowed those in our group to let the wines speak for themselves. In a no-pressure environment, we learned some history about the vineyard and the various factors affecting each the wines they offer. The facility is modern and comfortable and has many gifts for sale. The grounds are perfect for a simple day out (you can bring in your own food, in addition to the standard fare available on site) where you can enjoy a bottle or tastings. If you're looking for a vineyard that's easy to enjoy, with a fine selection of wines, all set in a clean, simple, yet enjoyable environment, Dry Creek should be on the list....
We had a lovely tasting at Dry Creek. The gardens are beautiful and the staff were super friendly, they shared so many interesting stories about the property and wines. I definitely recommend stopping here, especially on weekdays... It was very quiet and peaceful.
We visited this winery many years ago and enjoyed it so much we stopped in again. We loved the outdoor tasting area, so beautiful. The wines are very good and are reasonably priced. They are dog friendly and nicely accommodated us and our pup. We will be back!!
Dry Creek Vineyard is absolutely beautiful. Paige gave an excellent presentation of the founders, history, vineyard, and wines. She is a wonderful asset to the winery as if she was family. Very knowledgeable about all the wines. Impeccable grounds and a lovely day. Couldn't have been better. I am so happy I made the trip. It was beyond expectations. The weather was a 10. No doubts about becoming a member and look forward to enjoying the best wine from my all time favorite winery. Thank you for one of my best memories ever!
Superb winery with lovely atmosphere, garden and patio. Also a cozy and good indoor seating with high ceiling. Fantastic Zins & Sauv blanc Verdict - most visit and great stop on bike ride/tour
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
10. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
4.5
(596)
Winery
Food & Drink
Wine tastings on a veranda overlooking the vineyards, plus a colonnaded, Tuscan-inspired courtyard.
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A wonderful family-owned winery that also features an olive oil shop offering tastings alongside wine flights. The quality and pricing are truly outstanding. The tasting room is beautifully designed, with plenty of space and snack options to enjoy alongside your wine. We sampled the full selection of whites and reds and shared a charcuterie board with three types of cheeses, spiced almonds, and olives. They also serve bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar—absolutely delicious and a perfect pairing. The olive oil shop is impressive, with a wide variety of oils and vinegars. It was hard to choose because everything we tasted was excellent, but we eventually went with a few classic favorites. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which made the experience even more enjoyable. If you love wine, olive oil, and Mediterranean flavors, this spot delivers it all—at very reasonable prices. A must-visit!
Absolutely beautiful building and proiperty with mediocre wine and service. We came earlier in the day and thoroughly enjoyed an olive oil tasting at their “Pressed” location so we expected similar service here, but it fell short. The wines were decent, we bought a case, but there were only 2 we liked enough to buy. The guy who did our tasting seemed disconnected from us, though he tried to be pleasant. Overall, we weren’t impressed.
We visited this winery on a Wednesday and were able to walk in for a wine tasting without a reservation. Our server was very knowledgeable and gave us information on each wine, where the grapes grew, and other interesting facts about the family. We ordered a charcuterie board and also sampled the olive oils in their olive oil shop. We stayed in Sausalito and were able to get here in about 45 minutes.
Beautiful place to spend an afternoon tasting wines. We found the place while driving and were not disappointed. They have gorgeous outdoor seating where we enjoyed their wine looking out the vast field of the vineyard. Their food menu is not extensive yet the choices will fill you up. We ended up ordering pizza with bruschetta. We were a group of 4 so we tried their white & red wine. The prices were reasonable for a bottle and the wines were really good. You can bring kids but i would recommend making an adult trip to this place.
We had a great experience at the bar with the bartenders Sam and Tim, after taking a look in the shop there and trying some pretty spectacular olive oils and balsamics. I bought a 6 pack that I put together with my favorites and just know I will be bummed when I run out, being from Chicago will make it hard to just go and stock up again but wow their carmalized onion balsamic is beyond words. I ended up joining the wine club because of how amazing the service and wine was. The chocolate wine shot was fun. The wine is poured directly into a piece of chocolate. Beautiful property and A++ would recommend.
Beautiful building and property! Service was excellent! Thank you Lauren for a fantastic wine tasting and Genevieve for an exquisite olive oil and vinegar tasting. This was definitely our favorite stop!
I'm from Utah. This is my favorite winery, hands down. Everyone is so accommodating, the wine is fantastic, the grounds are phenomenal, and the experience is always the best. I bring cases of wine home because I can't get it in Utah. I could rattle off a handful of different times where everyone; like literally the whole winery went above and beyond to appease me. I visit every year. Multiple times in some years, and Jacuzzi is just always a high mark above...everywhere else. *FAVORITE*
We came without a reservation and they were so kind to fit us in, very beautiful property, loved the bread oil tasting, the chocolate shot was fun and Derek was great! Would definitely come back!
Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
11. Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
4.8
(125)
Winery
Food & Drink
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Starting with Allen, everyone we met was really great. You can't beat the view. And the sophistication of this tasting is very appreciated. Most organized tasting we had all week. Highly recommend this. And it's even better with a driver so you don't have to remember how you got there!
A friend recommended Gary Farrell winery, and I’m so glad he did! From the moment my friend and I walked into the winery, we were made to feel that this was going to be a special experience. In fact, we visited three other wineries and this was our best tasting experience! We had a reservation for the tour & tasting and Ellen was our very personable host. She did a fantastic job of explaining the winery’s history, why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grow so well there, and their wine making process. It was clear that Ellen loves her job and was proud to be working at Gary Farrell! Also, the tasting set-up was beautifully done and the food pairings were perfect. Lastly, the property is gorgeous without being ostentatious. I live locally and will definitely be returning!
We did the tour and tasting. Tim was incredible; friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. He made the already incredible experience just that much more enjoyable. Thank you Tim!!
Beautiful winery. The views are amazing. The wine I pretty darn good. They specialize in The service was excellent by Laura.
Wine is high quality and the servers in the tasting area were very helpful and accomodating to our walk in request and desire to purchase some wine. The receptionist was the opposite-- unhelpful, unaccomodating, claimed there was no way to buy the wine there when we asked if they had a shop or somewhere to buy the wine (which proved to be untrue). Maybe she was having a bad day and I don't want to pan the whole experience because of one negative person but she needs to know her attitude is important for first impressions. If one in our party hasn't been so intent on getting wine, we were ready to leave without spending anything. Reception 0 stars, otherwise 4 to 5 stars. Worth the visit just to see the view.
So unfortunately we couldn’t go, they were booked. However, they were the NICEST people, gave us some great recommendations. We got a tiny pour of something very good while they made some reservations for us. They have a beautiful view and we’d love to try them next time we’re up that way. I just wanted to take a moment to express our group’s appreciation for their excellent care of not-quite-customers.
We came to Gary Farrell mainly because they had Tesla chargers on-site but also wanted to enjoy some wine. I’m so glad we visited because this was an unforgettable experience. The view, the wine tasting, food pairings, just all of it was perfect. If I lived nearby, I would definitely put this place in my rotation. And definitely can’t forget the most handsome, charming, and chonky black cat, Bennie. Will be back next time I’m in the area!
Ellen was the best!!! This winery is seriously the best service my group has ever received! Ellen took the time to explain each wine to us and made sure we understood what we were tasting. Such an unforgettable experience :)!
Sonoma Zipline Adventures
12. Sonoma Zipline Adventures
4.8
(859)
Outdoor activity organiser
Tours
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Awesome views and our guides Julio and Josh were not only safety conscious and made everyone in the group know you were safe, they were professional yet friendly and everyone even a couple of grandmothers in our group had a great time. I highly recommend this if you're within a 2-hour drive. Our guides t gave us quite a bit of information and education on the Redwoods that none of us knew about before. The adventure was not hard physically at all, and it's definitely worth the memories. We want to go back!
Sleeping 40 feet up in yurt of the coastal redwoods was a great way to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The zipline tour was amazing gliding through and over those giant coastal redwoods. The treehouse hosts and guides were energetic and accommodating. We really enjoyed our stay and to check it out.
Amazing adventures with fun guides! They ensure every moment is filled with adventure & comedy. From ziplining to hiking to sleeping in the trees. Treehouse accommodations exceeded my expectations and the staff was so sweet and considerate. I have Celiac and they made sure the food they made for me was Gluten Free. While they did advise its in a kitchen thats not dedicated they would do their best to be careful.
Our guy Senna and Saydi (idk how to spell it) at 1045 today were really funny and it was a nice sunny day. But they want people to know that if you’re going on a rainy day you better bring rain gear. Also it’s a couple hours for the tree tops one with no bathrooms. And the longest zip line is about 40 seconds. Faster if you tuck your legs. And the photos they take at the end were like $12 I believe per first photo and $7 for each add on photo. We also got pics on our phones but kept them secure on the zip line itself. Get there early because they leave the parking lot on time. The tree tops tour was about two hours so plan on no bathrooms for two hours for that one and they do have some small water stations at a couple parts of the course. They also require closed toe shoes. Felt safe the whole time with our trusted guides, would recommend
A lot of fun zip lining, really awesome staff, great food, the tree house camping is one of the most fun experiences and highly recommend!! Hiking trails too are great, not too far but enough space to get in a good climb. Would come again!!
We had a fantastic time doing the two Zipline courses and staying at the tree house. Everything was excellent: the guides, the the courses, the lodgings and the food. They were also able to accommodate a food allergy, which we greatly appreciate.
What an amazing experience! Flying through the Redwoods was unbelievable! The sights from each platform alone were stunning. We did the highest course and I had some concerns about the hike that might be involved but the team drove us most of the way and then it was just 117 steps to the top. I'll recommend this to anyone traveling near the area!
Worth the hype!! Our guides were awesome and hilarious, shoutout to Sebastian, Abby, and Anastasia! The Zipline course is well thought out and we felt incredibly safe the entire time, even with no experience. Highly recommend!
Cline Family Cellars
13. Cline Family Cellars
4.6
(652)
Winery
Food & Drink
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A very lovely place to taste some great wines and enjoy a day. They got their start in Contra Costa County in the 80s squeezing some fantastic wines out of 100-year-old vines. Beautiful grounds - can be breezy, bring a jacket - and very inviting outdoor seating. Ask for Quinnie if you can - wonderful, knowledgeable, very personable, she'll make your afternoon. Keep your eyes open around the grounds and you might even catch a bit of California history. We immediately signed up for their wine club and will certainly be back.
We came to Cline Family Cellars on a Monday during vacation with our kids — and came back again on Tuesday because it was that good. The wines are beautifully crafted, and we especially loved tasting Cline’s “Shifting Tides” — elegant, smooth, and full of character. But this place is so much more than just wine. The grounds are open and peaceful, with so much to explore. There’s an original vintage train car, several ponds filled with fish you can feed, donkeys and plenty of open space. It’s crazy how relaxing and beautiful it can be — even with kids in tow. They were entertained and welcomed, and we had real time to enjoy ourselves. When we shared a personal story with a staff member, the owner came out to meet us. Their warmth, curiosity, and incredible generosity were beyond anything we’ve experienced at any winery, ever. We left with great wine and even better memories. Cline is a place we’ll return to again — and tell others about. Special thanks to Emma and Quinnie.
We dropped in unannounced but still treated to an amazing tasting. Wine was fabulous! The grounds were amazing from the mission, to the pond to the donkeys! Loved it all!!
What a beautiful garden and pond! Loved walking the grounds. Every staff member I encountered was friendly and our host Emma had a great sense of humor and immense wine knowledge. Enjoyed the classic Sonoma flight, although the Chardonnay was the winner in our group! Very kid friendly and pet friendly!
Came down for a small trip for our 10yr anniversary, Jerry was amazing we loved him and loved how family friendly and beautiful the winery is! My daughter really enjoyed feeding the fish, we left with two bottles, can’t wait to come back!
4 stars for our awesome server & the beautiful outdoor area. Wines were ok nothing that we wanted to buy a bottle of. Kids are allowed outside (not sure about inside) so if you don't mind rugrats running & screaming all around your table, sit outside and enjoy the scenery.
We really enjoyed our time spent at Cline and hope to be back in the future. The grounds were beautiful and relaxed (heads-up, it was EXTREMELY kid friendly and felt more like a brew garden than a winery). This was easily the only wine we had on our most recent trip to napa that had a taste and experience in line with their pricing.
First the negatives. 35pp for 5 wines. There were 4 of us and we had to have all the same wines. We were told it's the law and yet no other winery in the entire state does that so who's law? Our tastings were literally 1 or 2 swallows each. The total bill was 152.95 and we barely got a glass between the 4 of us! Absolutely appalling! The staff was disorganized, uptight, and completely clueless!! The wine were subpar at best. The positive...and there's only one...it is a beautiful property
Bodega Head
14. Bodega Head
4.9
(127)
Mountain peak
Outdoor Activities
A hiking trail runs along the cliff of this peninsula for sweeping ocean views & whale watching.
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Great hike, please be aware it's a very large area with many cliffs that are very steep. Please watch your step but enjoy the cooling mist. Best enjoyed on an overcast day.
You must keep your children close as the trail follows the edge of the top of Bodega Head. Their are no guardrails and its a long way down to fall onto the rocks below. There are plenty of warning signs at the beginning of the trail. It is also steep & gravelly in areas. So you are prone to slide. Its about 4-5 mile hike plus trails go off to the left with no trail directions. Eventually you will come out at the upper parking lot and walk dkwn the road to the lower lot. Views are gorgeous. Plenty of birdsongs. Very nice view of Doran Regional park from Bodega Head.
Bodega Bay’s got that wild NorCal charm—crinkled coastlines hugging the ocean and golden grass hills that glow in the afternoon sun.
Beautiful views of the coast. Easy hiking trails to many different scenic overlooks. Able to get fantastic photos here.
After years of visiting Bodega Bay this is my first time going to Bodega head. I can’t believe a I’ve missed this place. It’s such a great area for a picnic, hiking and access to watching whales. I’m floored that I’ve missed coming here earlier. Huge parking lot, bathrooms, garbage cans and places to sit and watch the waves. It can get a little windy but is a great place to relax.
This area has the coooolest coastal hike, and you can totally make it your own with all the little trails and offshoots throughout! Sweeping views of the coast, ocean, beaches, and town of Bodega Bay. We had the best time - hiked for about two hours (a slow hike with lots of photo breaks and lots of digging in the sand on the beach 😊). Would absolutely recommend making this a stop on your trip!
My wife and I have been coming here for years, and the view never gets old. The experience is refreshing and delightful every visit. The parking lot can be extremely crowded, but the trails and the beach are always a pleasurable and seemingly secluded adventure to relax and enjoy the endless views of the Pacific. The beach can be sketchy to get to, but is never crowded and as long as the tides are out it's a wonderful time.
World famous whale watching site. Northward migration is starting now, so head out there if you can. In addition to the whales, you can see harbor seals, sea lions and sometimes otters swimming by. Also a great birding location. Easy access, parking, and restrooms, but you might want to avoid weekend days when it is super hot inland because it gets way too crowded.
Kunde Family Winery
15. Kunde Family Winery
4.7
(577)
Winery
Food & Drink
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Kunde Family Winery was a wonderful experience! The staff was very friendly and totally welcoming. We learned so much about the wines (all we tasted were fabulous) and the history from Jordan Kunde (5th generation winemaker). We very much enjoyed our visit to the winery and look forward to returning! I highly recommend a visit!
We stopped in too late for a tasting but they still poured us a glass to enjoy outside. They recommended we come back in the morning for a tour and tasting. We did and were so happy! Their caves are amazing and Ryan was so friendly and knowledgeable. The wine was fabulous. Definitely recommend stopping by!
The dog walk was fantastic and we couldn’t have asked for better hosts. Jordan Kunde had great stories to tell since he literally experienced them himself. They took very good care of us and our pets even offering 4 different kinds of dog water at lunch. I would definitely recommend and plan to do it again next year. Cheers!
Overall impression: good budget experience for those visiting Sonoma on a quick trip. Tip: make reservations in advance, if you can. Wineries across Sonoma tend to fill up quickly depending on time of year. Like so much in life, we all have our own preferences. This is especially true for wine. For me, the wine at Kunde is mediocre. Probably why they give each table a spittoon. I’ve been here a few times to make sure my opinion isn’t based on a single experience. The food and snack options are fairly run of the mill - nothing that makes Kunde stand out from the crowd. Cheese plates, chips, crackers, and the like. Sadly, not many options for vegans by way of food to enjoy with the wine. The estate is quite beautiful and is kept very nice. Every time I’ve been at Kunde the facilities have been clean and the staff very kind. There’s options for sitting outside on a patio, in a wine cave, and atop a mountain (so plenty of options for one to pick in terms of scenery). This is a commercial winery and it definitely feels like one. This isn’t the winery I’d take someone for a special date, event, or celebration. Kunde provides an atmosphere more appropriate for a casual crowd and agenda. If that’s the type of vibe you’re going for then this might be a good place for you! If you’re looking for wineries that offer more of an upscale feel and experience at a reasonable price then check out some of my other reviews.
We loved our trip and tour of Kunde Winery this past week! Reiner was a wonderful host and made our visit both fun and informative. The grounds and facilities there are beautiful. Oh, and the wines were outstanding. If you’ve been before, you already know. If not, I’d highly recommend you add Kunde to your visit list.
My experience of participating in a Kunde Mountaintop Wine Tasting was a dream come true. I loved every minute of it, including Ryan (our professional wine host) sharing so many details about the 5th generation property and wines. It was so very impressive and DELICIOUS.
We’ve been case members for a year now and recently we went to pick up our shipment and what started as a bad experience turned into a great day. That’s because of Sally. We checked in at the desk and let the staff know we had a pick up and directed us outside to the covered patio. We walked up to one of the multiple tasting bars, which had only 3 people standing at one chatting with wine in their glasses. The staff member was straightening up some items and when done, went to talking to the three people. Never acknowledged us. We stood there for 10 mins to give him an opportunity but then went back inside. That’s when we ran into Sally. She helped us with our pick up and convinced us to not cancel our membership. We enjoyed a glass of wine by the pond before leaving. And when we left, there was still only three people in the patio.
Kunde “Wine Dog Walk” is a must for wine enthusiasts with dogs! The morning started with a meet and greet type settings at the estate with the group going. The hike then went through vineyard blocks on the estate where the fall colors and the incredible weather were breathtaking! Kunde left no detail out at each well planned point to stop, take in the view, hear stories and history with 5th generation Jordan while enjoying wine tasting on our journey. They even had water for your pets at each stop! The hike ended with a delicious catered lunch, a final tasting and well deserved rest. The dogs were also able to “water taste” select estate water blends paired with dog treats!! Manny my golden 100% enjoyed all the treats and the 2025 bacon blend water. Thanks Kunde❤️ PS : Who knew chickens were involved in wine at all, “CS” shirts someday?! You have to go to get the inside joke it’s worth it!!!
Korbel Winery
16. Korbel Winery
4.6
(477)
Winery
Food & Drink
Guided walks & tasting events in a 19th-century winery with a history museum & champagne cellars.
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This was our last stop of the day & sadly we missed the last tour. However we were able to get a table for a last minute tasting. Julie was so great in sharing the history of the champagne, wine was great & the Christmas decor was still up which made it feel festive. There’s 5 tastings & she also gave us a complimentary off the menu pour. We also just missed the deli before closing but the outside area is so pleasant & peaceful. Will definitely be back to try the deli & grab a complimentary glass for the tour. Cheers!
We had such a great time visiting Korbel. We didn’t make a reservation and they were kind enough to try and accommodate us. While we waited we had some food and really enjoyed both the salad and sandwich. The salad tasted fresh and I really enjoyed the dressing. The sandwich was a good portion size and had a nice balance of all the ingredients. They have a beautiful area to sit outside and we got to enjoy the nice weather. Our tasting was a lot of fun too. We sat inside their tasting room and our server was amazing. She was very knowledgeable about the sparkling wines we were trying and it was clear that she loved what she did. She helped us pick the best flight that would meet our needs and interests. There is some parking here although I’m not sure if it’s the same during busy times. Insta: @TheShahLALand
Came here for a Chamber mixer as it's one of my favorite wineries in the world. So many great childhood memories of Korbel. The tours are fantastic. The winery is down to earth. The redwoods are magical. The view of the vineyards spectacular. Delicious deli food. I don't even drink wine and just love coming here for all the other wonderful things this historic winery has to offer! 💕
🥂 Everyone has heard of Korbel, and we weren’t expecting much, but we were pleasantly surprised! We 100% recommend stopping in if you’re in the area. Along with the tasting, we got a fascinating history lesson. 📖 We won’t spoil it, but be sure to ask what they sold first and why they’re allowed to use 'champagne' on their labels. 🍾 This experience is also very affordable and even waived with the purchase of a few bottles. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a bottle of bubbly in their fridge? 🥂✨
Very beautiful and picturesque winery. Staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. We skipped the tasting and purchased a bottle of champagne that Jack recommended. Perfect choice was the Le Premiere Methode Champenoise! We also had the Chicken Caesar Salad big enough for three guys, lol. Best Salad ever!! Samantha was awesome and very attentive, thank you!! Definitely recommend a visit 👌
Cristina, Margie and all of the staff from tasting room to the deli were magnificent! High energy and enthusiastic about the rich history and and culture of wine country and Korbel! Thank you for your attentiveness and wonderful experience.
Cristina & Margie were beyond welcoming as well as courteous. Korbel is a wonderful winery! Visit as soon as possible for a memorable experience.
I'm giving 4 stars due to the length of time the tasting took. Our server got busy, but we were there for over an hour and a half. We experienced a tasting which at times our glasses were empty for a while before our server got to us. However, it was still fun, and I did become a member. The main reason is they offer champagne that isn't sold in the stores. We visited on a Sunday, and no reservations were needed. Afterward, we were going to visit their deli, but the line was at least 10 deep. Recommend visiting when you have time on your hands.
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