Sonoma wine country: 21 things to do with the family

Planning a visit to California with the family? Then you’ll want to fit in one of my favourite places: Sonoma County.

But wait. Sonoma is wine country. Isn’t that just for adults? Won’t the kids be bored?

Absolutely not.

Just 45 minutes north of San Francisco, Sonoma County has lots to offer for both adults and children. There are Redwood forests to zipline, rushing rivers to paddle, back roads to cycle and 50 miles of coastline to explore. You can even spend the night authentic South African canvas tent at a wildlife preserve and fall asleep to cranes calling and lemurs chattering.

There are wineries too, more than 400! Really good award-winners like Buena Vista, Jordan and Simi. Couple all this with Northern California sunshine, and you have a recipe for a really good holiday.

Sonoma has earned a reputation as a top wine and food region. It’s not as glitzy as neighbouring Napa County, but full of the down-to-earth No Cal personality that I love.

Don’t get me wrong. Sonoma does high-end very well (think Sonoma Mission Inn and Kenwood Inn and Spa) but it does an even better job of catering to families. Seriously, the wineries here have swimming pools so the kids can swim while mum and dad try the wine. Genius.

Over the years I’ve become very familiar Sonoma County and below I’ve listed some of our favourite things to do as a family. I hope you make it there. You’ll love it!

 

21 things to do with the family in Sonoma County

 

1. Stay on a Ranch

Want to wake up to birds signing and longhorn cattle grazing outside your window? Twisted Horn Ranch in West Sonoma Count is a small family owned working cattle ranch just an hour north of San Francisco. Owners Kristine and Dave started it 11 years ago, escaping the high-tech world. They now have 60+ steer and sell their organic grass-fed beef, rent accommodation and host locally sourced dinners and cooking classes (I learned how to make Clam Chowder). The bunk house available on AirBnB is perfect for families and sleeps 5. It’s a roomy 2 bedroom 1 bath self-contained apartment on the ground floor of the main Ranch House. But the best bit is the deck area outside the large glass French door. Comfy lounge chairs sit next to a lush grass lawn and bocce court that overlooks a pasture with their longhorn “pets” – Rocky, Henrietta and Chi-Chi (Henrietta’s daughter, named because of her relative small size). And if you time it right, Kristine, an AirBnB “superhost” will take you to feed the animals.

 

My daughter’s perspective

At Twisted Horn Ranch there were 3 Longhorns and they were called Rocky, Henrietta and Chi-Chi. Kristine gave us food so we could feed them by hand, which was really cool. They were really gentle and Kristine told us they don’t bite because they have bottom teeth. But you need to watch out for their horns! There were 2 horses and we feed them carrots. They were very friendly and liked being stroked.

 

Twisted Horn Ranch 11399 Valley Ford Rd, Petaluma, CA 94952 +1 (707) 664-8650 http://www.twistedhornranch.com

 

 

 

2. Take a driving tour of Bodega Bay

It’s nice to have a local point out where to go and what to see, especially in a place like foggy Bodega Bay. Sonoma Driving Tours takes on that role, and will send you a map and CD or email you an Mp3 file to download to use as a guide for driving through the area. Highlights include the famous school used in Alfred’s Hitchock’s psycho thriller “The Birds” and Doran Beach, a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach that is perfect for families. Local shops, eateries and back roads are suggested too, including the best places to stop to take that perfect Instagram pic. Very useful.

Sonoma County Driving Tours Bodgea Bay https://www.sonomadrivingtours.com

 

 

 

3. Kayak the estuary at Jenner

If your family likes nature and kayaking you’ll love a guided tour of ghee estuary at Jenner with naturalist Suki Waters at Water-trek. She’s a native American who grew up in the area and is a great guide to the local ecosystem. If you are lucky you might spot otter playing  or a splashing harbour seal! You really do need to actually pick up a phone and call Suki to book – there is very poor reception in Jenner. Dial +1 707-865-2249. After your tour have an avocado on toast and espresso at Cafe Aquatica. It’s great place to watch the birds fly by. Then have a wander through the neighbouring Jenner Visitors Center for more tips on what to see in the area.

Water-treks Eco Tours 10438 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450 +1 (707) 865-2249 http://watertreks.com/

Café Aquatica 10439 CA-1, Jenner, CA 95450 +1 (707) 865-2251 http://cafeaquatica.com/

Jenner Visitors Center 10439 Highway 1 Jenner, CA 95450 +1 707-865-9757 https://www.sonomacounty.com/chamberscvbs/jenner-visitors-center

 

 

4. Hang out at Goat Rock Beach

Pick up a kite at Second Wind in Bodega Bay (they have hundreds to choose from) then head over to Goat Rock Beach. Overlooking the Russian River where it meets the Pacific Ocean, Goat Rock beach is a great place to fly a kite, collect shells (and jade!) and spot the harbour seals that feed at the mouth of the river.

 

My daughter’s perspective

Goat Rock is a scenic beach on the Sonoma Coast. It was really fun because it had a mix of rocky shores that are great for rock climbing and sandy beaches that were fun and relaxing. The scenery was really pretty and my sisters enjoyed sketching it. We also saw a paraglider taking off from one of the cliff. It was so cool!

 

Goat Rock Beach Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road Jenner, CA 95450 Coordinates: 38°26′48″N 123°7′35″W https://www.sonomacounty.com/outdoor-activities/goat-rock-beach 

Second Wind 1805 N, CA-1, Bodega Bay, CA 94923, United States +1 707-875-9463 http://secondwindfun.com/

 

 

 

5. Visit a Fort

Want in a little Russian/California history? Visit Fort Ross, the former hub of Russian settlements between 1812 – 1842. It’s a great place to whale watch too. If it’s daylight hours, and the gates are closed, you can still walk through the gates and explore. You didn’t hear that from me.

Fort Ross 19005 Coast Hwy, Jenner, CA 95450 +1 (707) 847-3437 fortross.org

 

 

6. Have a Root beer float on Johnson’s Beach

Or a snow cone. Mum and dad can have artisan beer or a local Russian River Chardonnay. Johnson Beach is a Russian River tradition and is a favourite summer spot for locals. It’s a throw-back to the 70s. You can rent umbrellas, beach chairs, pedal boats and inner tubes or visit the snack shack for a root beer float, orange freeze or snow cone while listening to Bad, Bad Leroy Brown. Adults can get artisan beer or local Chardonnay.

 

My daughter’s perspective

Johnson’s Beach was a very scenic beach on the Russian River. It’s a pebble beach with clear water and there are big redwood trees in the background. I would recommend bringing a float and water shoes (the rocks can hurt your feet). We got a snow cone from the snack shack. My mum loved the 70s music!

 

Johnson’s Beach 16215 First St, Guerneville, CA 95446 +1 (707) 869-2022 http://johnsonsbeach.com/

 

 

 

7. Enjoy a picnic at a winery

Well you can’t really go to one of California’s top wine regions and NOT visit a winery, can you?! The trick is picking one that is family friendly. With more than 400 wineries, it’s a challenge to find your favourite. At Comstock Wines in Healdsburg you can order a picnic with Mt Tam (Cowgirl Creamery’s most popular cheese) and bacon jam! While mum and dad sit on the Terrace overlooking the heritage Merlot vineyard and try 5 of their classic wines (the 2014 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is the BEST), the kids can play corn hole or bocce ball. It’s all very civilised.

 

My daughter’s perspective

Comstock Wines was very kid friendly and we had lots of fun there. We played bocce ball and then I beat my sisters at corn hole! The picnic was very good too. I had never had bacon jam before but it was delicious!

 

Comstock Wines 1290 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448 +1 (707) 473-8027 http://www.comstockwines.com/

 

 

 

8. Canoe down the Russian River

Here’s us canoeing down the Russian River, which flows through the middle of Sonoma County and empties into the Pacific Ocean at picturesque Jenner. We rented these inflatable canoes from Russian River Adventures and self navigated through the most secluded section of “The River”. No buildings, no roads, nothing except water and wildlife! You can book a day trip or 1/2 day on these comfy inflatable canoes or kayaks (more stable than the traditional ones) and take your time going down stream. Then Russian River Adventures will pick you up and take you back to Healdsburg when you’re done. If you get a double, make sure you are in sync with your partner. The river is fairly mild, with a few challenging areas. We had a great time , despite tipping upside down into the water!

 

My daughter’s perspective

With sun cream, hats and swimsuits we walked to the river and were instructed about how to safely use the inflatable canoes. I was in a single-person kayak. Within 5 minutes with hit some rapids which i really enjoyed, despite turning around and seeing the my parents had capsized! The rest of the trip had gentle rapids and we were able to stop and swim in the Russian River.

 

Russian River Adventures 20 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448 +1 (707) 433-5599 http://russianriveradventures.com/

 

 

 

9. Eat at a Brewery

And when you finish kayaking check out the Bear Republic Brewery in Healdburg’s historic downtown square. After we finished finish canoeing we checked out the Bear Republic Brewery in Healdburg’s historic downtown square. It’s very down to earth and has a real family friendly atmosphere. The kids loved the menu (pulled pork sandwich with garlic fries). And for adults, with 14 freshly brewed beers on tap – it was tough to decide which we liked best!

 

Bear Republic Brewery Co. 345 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448 + (707) 433-2337 https://bearrepublic.com/

 

 

 

10. Walk in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Hike and take in the natural beauty of majestic redwoods.  These remarkable trees live to be 500-1,000 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand from 200-250 feet tall. Small parking fee.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446 +1 (707) 869-2015 parks.ca.gov

 

 

11. Zipline in the Redwoods with Sonoma Canopy Tours

A zipline lets the magic of gravity do all the work. Fitted with a specially designed harness, you’ll reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour on our fastest zips. On other elements of the course, you can savor breathtaking views of the majestic Redwood forest at a leisurely pace. Kids must be 10 and 70 lbs. 3 hour tour.

 

My daughter’s perspective

We went zip-lining at Sonoma Canopy Tours. It was very fun, exciting and adventurous. I enjoyed it very much, even though I was a bit nervous and scared at first because i really don’t like heights. The guides were really reassuring and nice and I forgot about being scared and had loads of fun instead! There were magnificent views zip-lining through the redwood trees and it was the closest I’ve come to flying.

 

Sonoma Canopy Tours 6250 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental, CA 95465 +1 (888) 494-7868 sonomacanopytours.com

 

 

12. Visit the Snoopy Museum and go ice skating

Peanuts fans will love the Charles M. Schultz Museum and Research Center where you can admire and giggle at original displays of Schultz’s art work (the museum has more than 7,000 original strips). It’s a small museum that covers Schultz’s life and inspirations. There’s a Snoopy Labyrinth, sculpture by Japanese artist Yoshiteru Otani, and an original nursery wall painted by Schultz in the 1950s. After visiting the museum, go ice skating at the Snoopy Ice Rink and have lunch at the Warm Puppy cafe.

Charles M. Schulz Museum 2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 +1 (707) 579-4452 schulzmuseum.org.

 

 

13. Hang out at a Spa

OK, if you are under 18 you can’t actually go to the Willow Spa at the Sonoma Mission Inn (but mum can, and she’ll be really happy). Under 18s can can go to the main pool (a natural hot spring), borrow bikes and go on the hikes.

 

My daughter’s perspective

The pool at the Sonoma Mission Inn was the favourite part of our stay! The water is from a natural hot spring and full of minerals and very good for you. It’s a big pool and the water was warm like bath water which was AMAZING!

 

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, CA 95476 +1  (707) 938-9000 https://www.fairmont.com/sonoma

 

 

14. Bike ride through wine country

We borrowed bikes from where we were staying at the Sonoma Mission Inn and made our own way around Sonoma.

 

 

15. Hike through Jack London State Park

If you stay at the Sonoma Mission Inn they have daily hikes to local beauty spots. We went to Jack London State Park for a 2-hour walk through the Redwoods but and learn about the this famous American author that wrote “Call of the Wild.”

Jack London State Historic Park 2400 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, USA +1 707-938-5216 http://www.jacklondonpark.com

 

 

16. Go on an African Safari in the “Sonoma Serengeti”

Want to wake up to giraffes outside your front door?

Wow the kids by taking them on an African safari in the heart of wine country! Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve and has earned the nickname of the “Sonoma Serengeti”. You can meet giraffes, zebras and cheetahs while touring in a Vietnam-era jeep, enjoy a South “African “Braai” meal, stay overnight in authentic safari-style tent and fall asleep to cranes calling and lemurs chattering. What makes this tour so special is getting up close to the animals. You certainly can’t do that in a zoo!

My daughter’s perspective

The tents at Safari West combined camping with the luxury and comfort of a home. They were nicely decorated and has very comfortable beds, a shower and a bathroom. Going to sleep with the sounds of the animals outside was an amazing experience. I will remember that night forever!

 

Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp Mailing Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road
Guest Entrance: On Franz Valley Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
 +1(707) 579-2551  https://www.safariwest.com

 

 

17. Swim at Francis Ford Coppola (while mum and dad try the wine)

I just love this place. Adults can taste Francis’ award-winning wine while the kids swim and taste smoothies. You can rent European style “cabines” to shower and change, and then pick a lounge chair and let the cabana boys take care of you all day. You can also check out the museum, shop, play bocce balls. My girls found the book teepee and found a few favourites to read in between swims. Did I tell you how much I love this place?

 

My daughter’s perspective

The Francis Ford Coppola swimming pool was really fun because it was really big and had fountains.  I had a margarita pizza and a mango smoothie. They were both really good. Then I tried another smoothie and this time it was strawberry. This kept me busy while my parents tried all the wine!

 

Francis Ford Coppola Winery 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441 +1 707 857 1471 franciscoppolawinery.com

 

 

18. Learn to make cheese

Sonoma has become a huge foodie area – with the ability to visit hundreds of local providers via the  Sonoma County Farm Trails. OK, so my example isn’t really in Sonoma but in neighbouring Marin County (and on the way back to San Francisco if you take the scenic route). Cowgirl Creamery at Point Reyes Station is the original creamery and cheese shop of this ultra trendy organic cheese producer. On Fridays you can sign up for a Cheese 101 class and Pt Reyes Tasting for the final cost of $5.

Cowgirl Creamery 80 4th St, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 +1 (415) 663-9335 https://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/

 

 

19. Try water buffalo soft serve ice cream

And if you are already in Point Reyes Station, make sure to stop by the Palace Market to try Double 8 Diary Water Buffalo soft serve gelato. Seriously the best thing that will pass through your lips! Around the corner from the Cowgirl Creamery. 

Palace Market 11300 California 1, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956 +1 (415) 663-1016 https://palacemarket.com/

 

 

20. Sonoma Plaza Tuesday Night Farmer’s Market

If you are anywhere near Sonoma the city on a Tuesday night May through September stop by this certified farmer’s market for fresh produce, local crafts and lots of artisan foods! There’s always a band and many bring picnic blankets and make an evening of it. On the night we were there we spotted chocolate tasting. Kids will love all the food choices! 

Sonoma Tuesday Night Market in the Plaza http://www.sonomaplazamarket.org

 

 

21. And for mum and dad … date night at The Girl and the Fig

When you have kids, one of the best things ever is the invention of the “date night”. It’s precious time away with your significant other to just chat and enjoy life, without someone asking you what time is it or if they can order something from Amazon. When we booked our stay at the Sonoma Mission Inn I was amazed at the amount of foodie restaurants in the local area and quickly decided that the girl and the fig would be the perfect place to enjoy quiet a meal with my husband.The atmosphere is very comfortable and low-key, the result being the perfect place to have a quality meal and fabulous glass of wine or signature house cocktail, like this Peach Smash (pictured above).We sat outside in the patio, bathed in California sunshine and thoroughly enjoyed the moment. I can’t wait to go back!

 

The girl and the fig 110 W Spain St, Sonoma, CA 95476 + (707) 938-3634 https://www.thegirlandthefig.com

 

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IF YOU GO:

Sonoma County Tourism. Planning a trip to Sonoma? The go-to guide for all things Sonoma. Request the free visitor guide and maps.

 

 

 

Disclosure: We were given a media rate at some of these venues for the purpose of this review.