What To Do In Sonoma County This Summer

Sonoma County is officially open for visitors! We’ve missed you. We’ve loved all the toasting videos, virtual tastings, Zooms, virtual high fives, and online celebrations. However, we couldn’t be more excited for your return. Sonoma County is more beautiful than ever this time of the year. The days are long and warm, the redwood trees are stretching high towards the sky, flowers are blooming, and the vines are beautiful and lush. Welcome back.

While the world, and summer travel, looks different this year, the Sonoma County that you know, love, and have daydreamed about is still the same. Though we’re biased, we think that Sonoma County is more beautiful and welcoming than ever. You’ve trusted us with some of your most memorable moments, and we don’t take that lightly. We know that trust is more important now that ever.

We understand that you have many questions and concerns about traveling this year. Some of those questions, particularly about public safety and health, you’ll find answered below, where we’ve outlined health and safety protocols across industries that include lodging, dining, wine, and retail. We’re all in this together, and as such, we’ve also created the SAFE Travels Promise that we’re asking all travelers to follow. We ask visitors to Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Kind. And Stay Healthy.

View Sonoma County’s Health & Safety Protocols

Go On A Vineyard Hike

Many Sonoma County wineries have their own hiking trails and exclusive outdoor experiences for guests. Jordan Vineyard and Winery has a four-mile hike on a private trail through their property’s hills and valleys. The experience culminates with a charcuterie picnic and wine pairing. Other wineries with vineyard hike experiences includes Alexander Valley Vineyards, La Crema, and Zo Wines.

Dine Al Fresco

Few things say summer in Sonoma County more than dining outdoors. Many Sonoma County restaurants have great patio dining, and that’s truer now more than ever. Some Sonoma County restaurants, too, have recently added sidewalk dining, giving guests more room to safely spread out.

See A Movie Outdoors

Now this is a trend and change we’re excited to see, with many places offering outdoor movies. The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts recently announced the launch of Carpool Cinemas, curated by Santa Rosa Cinemas. Their first movie, on June 24, is Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. During the summer months, the Alexander Valley Film Society hosts a pop-up summer drive-in movie series, and that tradition continues this summer at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair. Find out more and buy tickets on AVFS’ website.

Explore Outdoor Art Trails

Throughout Sonoma County are outdoor art trails and sculpture gardens. Donum Estate, a winery in the town of Sonoma, has an open-air sculpture walk, featuring a guided walking tour of more than 40 sculptures from renowned artists. In Northern Sonoma County, explore the Geyserville Sculpture Trail and Cloverdale Sculpture Trail.

Enjoy A Private Outdoor Wine Tasting

Warm, summer afternoons call for sipping and savoring wine outdoors, with many Sonoma County wineries offering private wine tasting experiences. Lambert Bridge, for example, is an appointment-only Dry Creek Valley winery that is offering a socially distanced outdoor tasting experience featuring a flight of wine accompanied by a local cheese plate. Tasting appointments for up to 6 guests are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. In Geyserville, deLorimer Winery is offering a private guided wine tasting on their back patio. Upgrade your tasting with a cheese and charcuterie board or box lunch. And in the Petaluma Gap, Keller Estate is offering private walking tours and tastings for their al fresco estate experience.

When you’re ready for a break from wine tasting, visit Hanson Distillery in Sonoma, which is offering private outdoor vodka and whiskey tastings in their garden.

Explore Miles Of Hiking Trails

With 55 miles of coastline, 150 miles of regional park trails, and many state parks, Sonoma County has open space galore. Enjoy a hike, and picnic, beneath redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, hike the ridgelines at Jenner Headlands Preserve overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or hike the miles of trails at places like Lake Sonoma, Riverfront Regional Park, and Spring Lake.

Go Camping (Or Glamping)

Camping is quintessentially summer. And in Sonoma County, there are so many camping options, such as Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA, and Cloverdale/Healdsburg KOA. However, if camping isn’t your style, Sonoma County is home to unique glamping (elevated camping) options. Enjoy an African-style camping experience at Safari West in extra-large safari tents, stay in a modern Airstream trailer or glamping tents at AutoCamp Russian River, or relax in Alexander Valley Wine Country in Wildhaven’s safari-style tents on the Russian River.

Explore Sonoma County Road Trips