Sonoma Valley Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

California Wine Country
Sonoma Valley featuring a sunset and general coastal views
California Wine Country
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley featuring general coastal views and a sunset

This region of bounty has fine wines, redwood forests, long beaches, secluded coves, parks that preserve nature and history, and a thriving cultural scene.

Discover the attractions of the three geographic areas that share the name Sonoma. Sonoma, the town, is the southern anchor of Sonoma Valley. Sonoma Valley is where California’s world-renowned wine industry began. Tour some of the more than 40 premium wineries, all just a short distance apart in a scenic 17-mile (27-kilometer) span. Sonoma County, encompassing a million acres (404,685 hectares), has more than 400 wineries within 17 distinct wine-growing regions, 100-plus organic farms and 55 miles (88 kilometers) of stunning Pacific coast. There are also breweries, cider houses and distilleries. Hop on brew tours or grab a Beer, Cider & Spirits map to explore the area on your own.

Get a glimpse into the lives and events that shaped this destination as you tour preserved structures and monuments. In the town of Sonoma there’s Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma State Historic Park and the location of the Bear Flag Revolt, which transferred ownership of California from Mexico to the United States. General Vallejo’s Home and his ranch, now Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, are two of the area's premier heritage places.

Visit the southernmost Russian outpost in North America at Fort Ross Historic State Park. At the Petaluma Historical Museum, learn about the agricultural history of the area, including the fact the town was known as the Egg Basket of the World. Join locals as they celebrate the area’s agricultural roots at the annual Butter and Eggs Days festival.

Sonoma County has more than 50 regional and state parks. Explore Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, marvel at the Pacific Coast astride a horse, take the Planet Walk at the Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park or discover the famed writer’s last home at Jack London State Park. Paddle along one of three rivers and fly through the treetops on a zip line. Dozens more parks have miles of hiking trails and hundreds of miles of secondary roads great for cycling.

Buckle up for a high-speed adrenalin rush at Sonoma Raceway. The track is home to Simraceway Performance Driving Center, which puts you in the driver’s seat. Tour the track and facilities and catch the raw power of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA drag races, or other events.

A mild, Mediterranean climate means there’s no bad time to visit Sonoma County, which is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of San Francisco. As long as you see the “Sonoma” name, you’ll be in for an authentic California wine country experience.

Where to stay in Sonoma Valley

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Boyes Hot Springs

Boyes Hot Springs is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, luxurious spas and fine wine. You might also want to check out attractions like Sonoma Golf Club or Maxwell Farms Regional Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Boyes Hot Springs
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Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente

Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente is well liked for its restaurants and wineries. If you're hoping to see more of the larger area, Sonoma Golf Club and Valley of the Moon Winery & Vineyards are some interesting sights nearby to check out.

Fetters Hot Springs-Agua Caliente
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El Verano

Visitors to El Verano enjoy its wineries, and if you want to do some exploring, Maxwell Farms Regional Park is worth a stop.

El Verano
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Skyhawk Commmunity

While Skyhawk Commmunity may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Spring Lake Park and Oakmont Golf Club.

Skyhawk Commmunity
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Big Bend

If you're spending some time in Big Bend, Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards and Cornerstone Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Big Bend
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Verano

While Verano may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sonoma City Hall and Vallejo Home.

Verano
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

4 out of 5
100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma, CA
The price is AU$431 per night from 11 Nov to 12 Nov
AU$431
11 Nov - 12 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Sonoma. Enjoy 3 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Comfortable bed. Pleasant surroundings."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3 out of 5
550 2Nd Street W, Sonoma, CA
The price is AU$334 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$334
19 Oct - 20 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Sonoma. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Convenient location. Staff"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection

The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
1325 Broadway, at Leveroni & Napa Roads, Sonoma, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$538 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$538
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sonoma. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (686 reviews)
"Reasonably so"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

The Lodge at Sonoma Resort, Autograph Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wine Country Getaway With Pool, Hot Tub, Garden, Views, Location!

Wine Country Getaway With Pool, Hot Tub, Garden, Views, Location!

Glen Ellen
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Glen Ellen. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Sonoma Plaza and Valley of ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (120 reviews)
"Just wonderful. We loved our stay in wine country. Close to so much!"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Wine Country Getaway With Pool, Hot Tub, Garden, Views, Location!
Beautiful Deluxe Sonoma Retreat With Private Pool Spa Bocce & More! Sleeps 8+2

Beautiful Deluxe Sonoma Retreat With Private Pool Spa Bocce & More! Sleeps 8+2

Sonoma
Stay at this vacation home in Sonoma. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sonoma Plaza and Sonoma Golf Club are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (169 reviews)
Best week ever
"We had a wonderful stay.Hosts were lovely and extremely responsive to our needs."

Reviewed on 27 June 2025

Beautiful Deluxe Sonoma Retreat With Private Pool Spa Bocce & More! Sleeps 8+2
Exquisite Wine Country Villa, Winery And Wine Cave, Villa Montebella

Exquisite Wine Country Villa, Winery And Wine Cave, Villa Montebella

Glen Ellen
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Glen Ellen. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
10/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"The house was absolutely beautiful, we had a wonderful stay and would absolutely come back!"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Exquisite Wine Country Villa, Winery And Wine Cave, Villa Montebella
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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