Sonoma County State Parks

Sonoma County contains such extraordinary geographical diversity – including the Pacific Ocean, rivers, lakes, beaches, coastal cliffs, mountains, valleys and California redwood forests (even pygmy forests) – that it seems impossible to experience all it offers.

But there’s actually a fun and easy way to try: Just visit Sonoma County’s 11 state parks, each of which occupies unique terrain in this famous Northern California region, just north of San Francisco.

Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

Feel like a day at the beach, with tide-pooling, a hike along coastal cliffs, driftwood for the kids to be able to build a fort? The beaches at Sonoma Coast State Park are the perfect solution.

Want to stretch yourself with a challenging uphill mountain hike, culminating in a drop-dead-gorgeous view from the top? Head to Sugarloaf Ridge, Trione-Annadel or Austin Creek state parks.

Maybe you’re seeking a day that lets you enjoy the outdoors while soaking up some important California history? Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park is a great place to learn about the rancho system that existed before California became part of the U. S. Or learn about the Russian fur traders who once lived on the north coast at what is now Fort Ross State Historic Park. 

At Sonoma State Historic Park, located in buildings on or near Sonoma’s historic plaza, you can visit the last California mission (built in 1823), tour General Mariano Vallejo’s home, and more. And at Jack London State Historic Park you can tour the home and farm buildings of that adventurous early 20^th century writer (and also hike, picnic, and visit the small museum).

At these or other state parks you’ll find redwood trees, a pygmy forest, a spectacular springtime display of rhododendrons, an underwater park, and an observatory with powerful telescopes to observe the night sky. There’s also fishing, horseback riding, diving, bird-watching, accessible trails, ranger-led tours, visitor centers, back country camping, and auto-accessible campsites.

A list of California State Parks in Sonoma County:

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Small but absolutely worth a visit, the 520-acre Armstrong Redwoods is a haven for many stately Sequoia sempervirens-the famed redwood tree that can stand more than 250 feet tall and live more than 1000 years.

Austin Creek State Recreation Area

With nearly 6,000 acres and 20 miles of trails that run through meadows and woodlands and across rolling hills, Austin Creek SRA is a recreational dream. It’s also adjacent to Armstrong Redwoods with its majestic groves of redwood trees.

Fort Ross State Historic Park

Beautifully situated on the far northern coast of Sonoma County, Fort Ross State Historic Park-a thriving Russian-American settlement from 1812-1841-is rich with history.

Jack London State Historic Park

Once the home and ranch of writer/adventurer Jack London and his wife, Charmian, Jack London SHP contains the cottage where he wrote while running his progressive agricultural enterprises. You’ll find hiking trails, a small museum, well-preserved ranch buildings, the Londons’ graves, and much more.

Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve

This pristine reserve contains 317 forested acres and many rhododendrons. Each May these spectacular flowers burst into bloom and color the deep green of the forest with brilliant pink blossoms. For more details, read Gualala’s Kruse Rhododendron State Reserve.

Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park

Dating from the 1830s-1840s, Petaluma Adobe was then known as Rancho Petaluma. With the largest privately-owned building in the state, it was headquarters of a working ranch owned by one of the state’s most important early figures, General Mariano Vallejo. Today the building is decorated in authentic period style and welcomes visitors. 

Salt Point State Park

With 20 miles of hiking trails, over six miles of rugged coastline, and an underwater park, you can enjoy a variety of picnicking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, skin and scuba diving, and camping. You can even walk through a pygmy forest.

Sonoma Coast State Park

This series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to four miles north of Jenner. It features more than a dozen scenic points along coast Highway 1. 

Sonoma State Historic Park

Unlike most parks with a plot of land and geographical boundaries, Sonoma State Historic Park is a series of historic attractions in several locations within the town of Sonoma. It encompasses the site of the northernmost Franciscan Mission in California and birthplace of the California State Bear Flag. Other sites include the Blue Wing Inn, the Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel, the Servants Quarters (the remains of La Casa Grande) and Vallejo’s Home. Vallejo’s Home is also called Lachryma Montis, and is less than a mile west of the Plaza. It was the estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, military commander and director of colonization of the northern frontier.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek with 25 miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Sugarloaf also includes Robert Ferguson Observatory, which is frequently open to the public. 

Trione-Annadel State Park

Trione-Annadel is an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering almost 5,000 acres of rolling hills and 35 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Wildflowers bloom from January into September, but peak months are April and May. A fishing lake is perfect for anglers; sensational views attract photographers; and bird lovers can spend many happy hours here. 

Find a Guide to Sonoma County’s Regional Park System here.

Find out more about all state and regional parks in Sonoma County, things to do, and hotels and lodging. Get a free Visitor Guide and Map.

Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez