There’s no denying it. Sonoma County is a spectacular place to live and visit. From its sprawling natural beauty to the local vibrancy of its communities, there’s so much to see and do.

This is especially true come summer, when the beaches beckon and the mountains call. It’s just about the perfect time to explore the beauty of Sonoma County and its surrounding areas.

But whether you’re a local wanting to play tourist in your own town or you’re visiting Sonoma County on holiday, we’ve compiled a list of all the fun, uniquely-Sonoma County things for you to do and enjoy this summer.

18 Uniquely-Sonoma County Destinations to Visit and Things to Do

When you live in a place as beautiful as Sonoma County, it can be hard to justify heading elsewhere for a summer holiday. So, why not vacation in your own backyard?

Below is our list of the top things to do in Sonoma to help you explore all that our county has to offer.

1. Safari West

If you’re looking for something to do in Sonoma County that’s completely different, Safari West is a great option. Also referred to as The Sonoma Serengeti, Safari West is a unique glamping experience unlike any other that offers both daytime safari trips and overnight stays. During your adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to observe all kinds of African wildlife, including antelope, cheetahs, giraffes, and more.

2. Russian River Valley

A popular destination for adventures of all kinds, the Russian River Valley offers lots for you to do. Along the north, you can test out the waters with a little kayaking, tubing or swimming. As the Valley continues towards the ocean, you can take a walk through the California redwood forests, located near Guerneville. Or you can even explore where the Russia River meets the Pacific Ocean for some breathtaking coastal views.

3. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a beautiful hiking destination with towering redwoods. Located just three miles north of Guerneville, the Armstrong Redwoods preserves magnificent Sequoia sempervirens trees, more commonly referred to as the coast redwood.

4. Bodega Bay

A coastal town known as the “gateway to the Sonoma coast”, Bodega Bay offers spectacular ocean views and plenty of outdoor activities. Spend the day at the beaches or hiking nearby trails, and then dine on fresh seafood at one of the local eateries.

5. Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Plaza is a quaint, historic town square that offers everything from shopping to casual and fine dining experiences. With boutique shops, art galleries and wine tasting rooms, this is an excellent destination for those who are looking for a more cultural experience.

6. Jack London State Historic Park

The Jack London State Historic Park is the site of Jack London’s former home and ranch, located in Glen Ellen. Visitors can explore the park by bike, foot, or horse—or choose to bird watch, paint, or picnic!

7. Francis Ford Coppola Winery 

Looking for a unique winery experience? Look no further than the Francis Ford Coppola Winery, which boasts more than just great wine. Located in Geyserville, the winery has a swimming pool, a bocce ball court, and movie memorabilia.

8. Healdsburg Plaza 

Head to Healdsburg Plaza in Healdsburg for another opportunity to partake in some local shopping and small town charm. This delightful town square offers a variety of boutique stores and wine tasting rooms, which would make for a perfect weekend getaway.

9. Sonoma Coast State Park 

Spanning about 17 miles of coastline between Bodega Head and Vistal Trail, the Sonoma Coast State Park is a spectacular sight to see. The park is located just a few miles north of Jenner and is made up of several beaches, headlands and breathtaking rocky bluffs. Head here for fishing, sunbathing or a picnic on the beach!

10. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens

Open to the public every day from 8:00 am to dusk, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is a botanical oasis located in Santa Rosa. Once the former home and gardens of horticulturist Luther Burbank, visitors can tour the museum, as well as a variety of different gardens.

11. Fort Ross State Historic Park

Fort Ross State Historic Park is one of the most popular attractions in the area. As the name suggests, it’s a National Historic Landmark that houses a reconstructed Russian fort compound. In addition to the fort, visitors can explore the surrounding beaches and coves that look out onto the Pacific Ocean, as well as the nearby redwood forests.

12. Charles M. Schulz Museum

If you’re in search of a more educational and fun outing for the entire family, try heading to the Charles M. Schulz Museum. Located in Santa Rosa, this museum is dedicated to the creator of the beloved cartoon Peanuts, and offers tours, camps, classes and theater showings.

13. Petaluma River 

Welcoming boaters of all kinds, the Petaluma River is a scenic body of water located in the city of Petaluma. You can hit the river in a recreational boat, kayak, row boat, or paddleboard and relax as you enjoy the surrounding scenery. If you’re into bird watching, you can also explore the nearby Petaluma Wetlands, home to over 200 species of birds.

14. Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

Looking to take advantage of wine country but not sure where to start? The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley offers a fun way to tour the local winery scene, offering daily tours and private charters via replicas of California streetcars! Itineraries are designed by their team of in-house experts, so you can simply sit back and enjoy.

15. Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

Open year-round, but certainly more enjoyable during the sunny summer months, the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad has been around since the 1950s. Visit the park and take a quarter scale railroad through tunnels, over bridges and into the miniature town of Lakeview. The park also offers a petting zoo, a horse carousel, a ferris wheel, and other amusement rides.

16. Point Reyes National Seashore

A scenic coastal destination with beaches and hiking trails, Point Reyes stretches over approximately 80 miles of shoreline. Visitors to the Seashore can explore the sandy shores, grasslands and forested ridges, while keeping an eye out for the more than 1,500 types of plants and animals that call Point Reyes home.

17. SOMO Village

Our live-work community is home to some of the most incredible public art in the county. Come explore SOMO Village and take in what’s on display. You can also join us for our live concerts, farmers’ markets and any other public events. After your visit, head to the nearby Sonoma Mountains to end your day with some breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

18. Sonoma County Bike Trails

There is absolutely no shortage of routes for you to explore in Sonoma on your bike this summer. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cyclist, Sonoma County offers a variety of options that range from rolling farmland to steep mountain trails. If you’re not sure where to start, check out our previous article where we covered Sonoma County’s Top 16 Cycling Routes (For All Experience Levels).

Learn More About SOMO Village

If you’re interested in living in a sustainable community that fuses the best of city living with the country lifestyle and all the amazing things that Sonoma County has to offer, we invited you to visit SOMO Village. To learn more, download our residential project brief or get in touch with us today.