Spring Outdoor Activities in Sonoma County
Sonoma County is gorgeous year-round, but spring is particularly pretty, inviting locals and visitors to have fun in the golden-green outdoors. There are so many things to do and places to explore — here are some favorite outdoor activities in Sonoma Wine Country.
Experience Sonoma County’s Famous Mustard Fields
Spring is a magical time to explore Sonoma County when the brilliant yellow mustard is in bloom. These iconic flowers not only paint the scenic landscape in a dazzling new color, but these plants are also part of an eco-friendly cover-crop system that keep the grapevine soil nutritious for grapes, farms, and local wildlife. Check out Sonoma County parks for perfect springtime trails along the mountains, coast, and more.
Go On Safari
Go wild, and enjoy a great time in an open-air safari vehicle at Safari West in Santa Rosa, a 400-acre wildlife preserve. You’ll catch sight of an astonishing 1,000 animals in this environmentally respectful tour. Watch for giraffes, lemurs, cheetahs, and wildebeests.
You can even enjoy a South African meal at the onsite Savannah Café and stay overnight in one of the luxurious glamping tents, complete with hardwood floors and private viewing decks.
Float Above Sonoma County
Many of us have dreamed about soaring in a hot air balloon, and really, what better way to get a beautiful bird’s eye view of Sonoma Wine Country’s rolling hills, forested mountains, farms, and vineyards in so many shades of green? You may spot sheep, cows, goats, horses, and even the occasional bison or llama looking like tiny toys. The sun dapples across lakes while creeks wind like ribbons, and barns dot the fields. Memorable experiences are available from Santa Rosa Ballooning, Sonoma Ballooning, and Wine Country Balloons.
Explore by Horseback
The Sonoma Coast hillsides and redwood forests offer gorgeous Pacific Ocean views, made even finer on horseback. When you see the big, gentle eyes of the noble steeds at Chanslor Stables in Bodega Bay, you know the creatures are well-loved on this scenic ocean-view ranch. Combine happy animals with stunning open ranges, vistas, and beaches, and you’re in for a one-of-a-kind encounter. There are options for ocean-view trails and dazzling sunset rides for every experience level.
Go Ziplining
You’ll be smitten by the views offered at Sonoma Zipline Adventures in Occidental as you fly through the trees — and you can capture your experience with the Go Camera you’ll wear on this high-flying tour. The park offers two zipline courses that take guests up to 25 miles per hour through a redwood forest, over a ravine 300 feet below, and along a creek. Part of the fun (and the challenge!) is getting to each jump platform as you scale a spiral staircase or wobble across a sky bridge.
Go Birding
The Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail in Bodega Bay is a popular paved trail that runs along a salt marsh, home to wildlife and thousands of birds. All explorers, including kids and leashed dogs, are welcome. The path is easy, looping one mile through Doran Beach Regional Park and tidal channels, and over a bridge that spans Cheney Creek to connect to the Bird Walk Park on the levees. To access this exhilarating trail, park at the small lot off Highway 1 at the south end of Bodega Bay between Smith Brothers Road and Doran Park Road. Or enter through Doran Regional Park.
Get Rolling
If you’re feeling adventurous, Ace It Bike Tours offers a four-hour guided Bodega Bay Bike & Hike Tour that lets you explore Bodega Head on foot and on two wheels, learning about local wildlife and history as you go. Bike along the famous Bodega Harbor with beautiful views of sailboats and beaches. From there, hike on mostly easy, flat trails. Bodega Head is a popular spot to watch waves crashing, whales migrating, and seals on offshore rocks. There’s also a multi-day tour, which includes luxury accommodations and gourmet meals.
Hit the Water
WaterTreks EcoTours and Kayak Rentals in Jenner is owned and operated by Suki Waters, a local Native American descendant, guide, and kayak instructor who has created entertaining water tours complemented by her knowledge of Sonoma history, wildlife, and ecology. From beginner boaters to skilled sports enthusiasts, there’s an adventure for everyone along the amazing Sonoma Coast. Explore the quiet estuary or tackle the dancing sea, and keep your eyes peeled for area residents like harbor seals, otters, birds, and maybe even a whale.
Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet
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