With more than 55 miles of ocean coastline, more than 125,000 acres of protected land, and several healthy river ecosystems, Sonoma County has ample open space for serious adventure. A virtually limitless range of opportunities awaits locals and visitors to connect with nature in the area and to experience its changes from season to season. It also means plenty of lesser-known spots to explore on a weekend trip or an extended getaway—and on weekdays, popular spots are a little less crowded.
While most of Sonoma County’s best hikes, boating excursions, and bike rides can be enjoyed solo, many excursions and adventures are better in a group or with a skilled guide. Whether you’re going on biplane rides or safaris, auto racing, mushroom or truffle hunting, whale watching, or full-moon kayaking, the experience will exhilarate you.
See redwoods in West County and go stargazing
Treehouses in the redwoods at Sonoma Zipline Adventures.
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
In Sonoma County, natural wonders abound—the trees, the sky, the beautiful views at sunrise and sunset. In particular, West County (north of Petaluma and west of Sebastopol) is home to some of the oldest and tallest redwood trees in California. One way to appreciate these giants is to ogle them on a hike at places such as Austin Creek State Recreation Area and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, both outside of Guerneville.
Another popular option is to zip line from tree to tree on an excursion with Sonoma Zipline Adventures in Occidental. This outfitter offers several different guided zips through the redwoods; the Tree Tops Tour is the fastest, highest, and longest of them.
All told, the experience includes seven zip lines and two footbridges, followed by a rappel down a tree. Perhaps most impressively, guests can reach a maximum speed of 40 mph while zipping. You can even expand your awe moment by spending the night in a treehouse here.
For a different kind of homage to the heights, attend a stargazing class at the Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Kenwood. Several nights each summer, volunteer astronomers invite attendees to gaze at the heavens through high-powered telescopes in the observatory and outdoors. Depending on how clear it is, you might be lucky enough to see Saturn’s rings and other celestial wonders.
Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard on the Russian and Petaluma Rivers
Paddling the Russian River in summer
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
From rivers to the ocean, bodies of water throughout Sonoma County offer opportunities for fresh-air adventure. The Russian River, which winds its way through the north and west parts of the county, is without question the biggest attraction in this group.
In summer, river-goers descend on cities such as Healdsburg and Guerneville to dip their feet in the current. On warm days, there’s nothing like luxuriating up to your neck in the cool water. Locals often know the best spots: Mother’s Beach in Forestville is less crowded, and Cloverdale River Park on the northernmost edge of the county in Cloverdale is another honey hole.
Another celebrated way to experience the Russian River is by floating on it, often with a cooler of local beer or wine in tow. No boat or float? No problem. Companies such as Getaway Adventures in Healdsburg rent canoes and kayaks by the day. (Pro tip: Getaway Adventures also rents bikes and e-bikes.)
The Floathouse Petaluma has a similar rental setup with canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for anyone who wishes to explore the Petaluma River. In addition to daily rentals, the outfitter schedules regular events such as river races, free rowing lessons, and a guided tour, during which guides regale paddlers with a colorful history of the region.
Hike the Sonoma coast
The dramatic Sonoma County coastline
Courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism
Out on the Sonoma County coast, perhaps the best way to connect with nature is on foot. The flat Kortum Trail atop the bluffs runs parallel to the ocean for just over four miles between Goat Rock State Beach and Wright’s Beach (both part of Sonoma Coast State Park) and presents a perfect platform from which to look for whale spouts.
Just north of the town of Jenner, the Jenner Headlands Preserve is a 5,630-acre paradise of old-growth forests, free-range cows, and undeveloped wildland. While the hike up Pole Mountain may be challenging for some, the elevation rewards hikers with epic views, especially at sunset.
From this perch, the orange orb of the sun seems to dip quickly below the horizon, setting the dusk sky ablaze with pinks, purples, and reds. It’s just another gorgeous end to a day spent communing with nature in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
