Six Picks for Sonoma

Six Outdoor Spring Adventures in Sonoma Valley

05.09.2019

1) Explore New (dog-friendly) Hiking Trails

Bow-WOW! Only a mile from Sonoma’s Plaza, beautiful Bartholomew Park has reopened with a new backcountry trail system behind its (news!) namesake vineyard estate. Visit the wine tasting room and adjacent museum featuring plein air artwork. Then take your bottle of wine out to the oak-shaded picnic area overlooking the vineyard and valley.

2) Visit the Secret Garden

Tucked between wineries on the eastern slope of Sonoma Valley, Quarryhill Botanical Garden is one of wine country’s secret treasures. Wander the pathways and cross little bridges amid ponds and waterfalls, then enjoy a picnic at one of several hidden spots, including under the Dawn Redwood. Walk up to Himalayan prayer flags on the eastern edge of the park for one of the best views of Sonoma Valley.

3) Take to the Glory Trail!

A locals’ favorite hiking trail has reopened! The 3-mile (round-trip) hike on the wildflower-festooned Overlook Trail is an easy and amazing way to spend an hour or two in Sonoma. The Overlook is within walking distance of Sonoma’s historic plaza, with views over the valley and all the way to Mount Tam and San Francisco.

4) Farmers' Market Is Back

Sonoma Valley’s Tuesday Night Farmers’ Market is a community gathering unlike any other in wine country. The valley’s fabulous farmers are on hand to share their local produce, and food trucks add extra flavor (plus you can bring your own wine!). Check out 7 Golden Rules for the Farmers’ Market!

5) Go Wild at Sugarloaf

If you really want to go wild in Sonoma Valley, get to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Hike to the summit of Bald Mountain for a 360-degree panorama of both Sonoma and Napa Valleys. And for an outta this world view, stop in at the park’s Robert Ferguson Observatory, where stargazing events are held throughout the year. Sugarloaf also leads full-moon hikes, and the solar system–inspired Planet Walk is a great option for a trail less traveled, with spectacular valley views all to yourself!

6) What Goes with Ribs?

“Drink what you like” may seem like a great rule for wine and food pairing, but any seasoned Sonoma wine pro will tell you that the right pairing does make a difference in maximizing enjoyment of food and drink. Check out these backyard barbecue wine-pairing basics and cocktail recipes!

Be the first to know about Sonoma Valley’s special offers! Sign up for their newsletter.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  3. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  4. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View

  3. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View
  4. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View