Sonoma County has long been a destination that sneaks just beneath the radar, but after being included in Travel + Leisure's '50 Best Places to Travel in 2024' this diverse and bountiful corner of Northern California might finally be getting the recognition it deserves
Credit: Sonomna County Tourism
But what is it about the destination that's caught the attention of one the most trusted travel titles in the world? Well, plenty, actually. Here, we explore some of the hidden gems that are worth going off the beaten track for in Sonoma County.
A Coast Worth Exploring
Despite being best known for being part of California's famed Wine Country, Travel + Leisure is quick to point out that Sonoma County has much more to offer than the sum of its wines and vineyards. It boasts a 50-mile stretch of breathtaking coastline, it says, and along the way, destinations just perfect for those set on experiencing the trails and wildlife, beaches, and activities of this NorCal idyll.
Credit: Sonomna County Tourism
Sonoma County's coastline is connected from top to bottom by Highway 1 which, at 656 miles long, is the second-longest state route in the United States, and makes some of the prime natural locations easily accessible year-round.
Bodega Bay, famed filming location for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, is a fantastic starting point for those looking to experience a wide variety of Sonoma County’s wildlife. With parking available close to Highway 1, the Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail is a moderately wheelchair accessible route, and loops throughout the Doran Regional Park. The trail is home to a plethora of birdlife, including Waterfowl, Songbird, and Shorebird.
Credit: Christopher Chung
Bodega Head, on the northern end of the Bay, is a stunning location offering fantastic coastal views from its hiking trails, perfect for wildlife lovers and prime spot for grey and blue whale watching. Typically visible between January and May during migratory periods, this is one of many exhibitions of the natural and authentic beauty in Sonoma County.
For those looking for more beach-based activity and experiences, the North Salmon Creek and South Salmon Creek beaches are widely popular for their fishing, beachcombing, picnicking, and surfing.
Unique Stays
From rustic glamping to luxury resorts, Sonoma County boasts a wide variety of lodgings to suit the needs of all visitors, and Travel + Leisure shines a light on these dreamy and idyllic hotspots, located both on the coast and inland.
Credit: Sonoma County Tourism
Haven't had enough of coastal life just yet? Then the remarkable Sea Lodge Ranch (above) is located a two-hour drive north of San Francisco, and offers guests sweeping ocean views, a restaurant, general store, yoga and other outdoor activities on its doorstep. Its 17 guest rooms are an architectural and interior design dream and the property welcomed its first guests in the summer of 2023.
A little further south, en route to Bodega Bay, the Timber Cove Resort perches atop a wild and exposed bluff, and provides the ultimate nature getaway for its guests. Showcasing 46 guest rooms and 8 suites complete with an enviable vinyl collection, a sea-view restaurant, fire pits and more, the 'rustic luxury' resort proves to be an unforgettable escape from it all.
Credit: Sonoma County Tourism
Follow the Russian River inland to Guerneville, where Dawn Ranch Lodge (above) offers glamping in the form of safari tents and upscale log cabins amongst towering redwoods. Guests can also choose from a, variety of wellness experiences, including the opportunity to create their own scent for body lotions in partnership with FLWR Napa Valley.
Get to Know Guerneville
Travel + Leisure refers to Guerneville as a ‘haven-like' location spanning 22 acres of land, and we could not agree more. This rustic and distinctly outdoorsy town with community at its heart, boasts a plethora of exciting adventures and stunning scenery, ensuring visitors will never be short of things to do.
Credit: Sonoma County Tourism
Located just three miles north, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve (above) is connected by a series of hiking trails that provide a natural experience unlike any other. With spectacles such as the forest’s oldest tree, Colonel Armstrong, at a staggering 1,400 years old, and the tallest tree, Parson Jones, being 310 feet tall, it goes without saying that the sights in this forest are undeniably awe-inspiring. Visitors to the State Park can also expect to see a wide range of wildlife, from turkeys, deer, and raccoons.
The Piknik Town Market, located on Guerneville’s Main Street, offers a distinct variety of seasonal goods, baked items (including Oprah’s favourite biscuit, still served today!), takeaway items, gifts, and luxury grocery items.
Russian River Pride (credit: Sonoma County Tourism)
Guerneville is also home to several LGBTQ+ owned businesses, from Solar Punk Farms, a sustainable experimental farm to exhibit plant life living harmoniously with humans, to a western-themed saloon and bar, the Rainbow Cattle Company, playing a frequent mix of techno and country music, and even celebrated queer resorts such as the R3 Hotel.
Head to Healdsburg
Picking up on the famous culinary scene that's become a part of Sonoma County's DNA, Travel + Leisure shines a light on Healdsburg and the upscale vibe it brings to this part of Northern California. With its famous chefs and farm-to-table fine-dining experiences, we’re not surprised to see this quaint yet aspirational small town get a mention.
Credit: Chad Surmick/The Press Democrat
Just upstairs from the now well-established Little Saint (above), the aptly named Second Story restaurant was opened by chef Stu Stalker, (previously of Noma), and boasts a 100% plant-based set menu, paired with a selection of wines and cocktails. All produce used within the restaurant is thoughtfully sourced from the nearby Little Saint Farm.
A short walk away, visitors will find the three-Michelin-starred SingleThread (below), widely considered to be among one of the finest restaurants in the world. Husband and wife duo Kyle and Katina Connaughton serve the ultimate Japanese-inspired fine-dining experience, with a 10-course tasting menu showcasing the bounty of produce from the couple's farm.
Credit: Sonoma County Tourism
The Matheson restaurant is another ‘farm-to-table’ dining experience run by chef Dustin Valette. The restaurant has a beautifully decorated interior, and includes some of Healdsburg’s home-grown and native micro-seasonal ingredients in its menu. diners can expect a menu featuring dishes such as Wagyu Beef, New York Strip and Halibut as some of the restaurant’s sought-after mains.
Healdsburg is not just about restaurants, however, as renowned chef and restauranteur Charlie Palmer aims to bring his exciting new hotel brand, Appellation, to the town at the end of 2024. The property will be made up of 108 guest rooms, and will include ammenities such as a luxury spa, restaurant, lobby, bar, rooftop bar, two pools, and fitness centre.
For more information on things to do in Sonoma County, see their official tourism site here.
Read Travel + Leisure's full article here
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