A few of my favorite things...
I realize this list is a compilation of MY FAVORITE DAY. It starts in the morning and... it will take like 4 days to do them all. These are mostly local to Sonoma. I can tell you that going north on Hwy 12 will take you by so many great wineries. I have named a few below but if you have time, head to Healdsburg for a slightly different spin on this region. My favorite town to cruise is Petaluma. I love everything there and go to Della Frattoria for bread and food. The below list is incomplete because there is just too much great stuff and beautiful places.
Walk out this way for a beautiful cool morning walk. Make a big square down to Craig Ave for the best scenery. Come back up Orange Ave.
Carriger Road
Carriger RoadWalk out this way for a beautiful cool morning walk. Make a big square down to Craig Ave for the best scenery. Come back up Orange Ave.
Just a stones throw down the road for a local brewery scene. Hop Monk on Broadway is great too if you want the meal to match!
13 locals recommend
Sonoma Springs Brewing
19449 Riverside DrJust a stones throw down the road for a local brewery scene. Hop Monk on Broadway is great too if you want the meal to match!
Great food! You will need a reservation. They have a cool bar too if you just want to drop in.
175 locals recommend
the girl & the fig
110 W Spain StGreat food! You will need a reservation. They have a cool bar too if you just want to drop in.
Young new family winery for a super special pairing and elegant experience. Must have a reservation. If you are doing one special $$ winery, this is great.
23 locals recommend
Hamel Family Wines
15401 Sonoma HwyYoung new family winery for a super special pairing and elegant experience. Must have a reservation. If you are doing one special $$ winery, this is great.
The oldest winery in the world (just kidding, but in CA I think) for a great look at old stone buildings, landscape and great wine. I have played music here a bunch (violinist) and always have a great experience. All the wineries on your way there (Sebastiani, Gundlag Bundschu, Bartholomew Park) are great and historic too! There is a like 1 mile-ish hike to die for at Bart Park. Look at the signs for the short hike to the overlook.
69 locals recommend
Buena Vista Winery
18000 Old Winery RdThe oldest winery in the world (just kidding, but in CA I think) for a great look at old stone buildings, landscape and great wine. I have played music here a bunch (violinist) and always have a great experience. All the wineries on your way there (Sebastiani, Gundlag Bundschu, Bartholomew Park) are great and historic too! There is a like 1 mile-ish hike to die for at Bart Park. Look at the signs for the short hike to the overlook.
You want good coffee and am snacks with a unique feel, go here. We have Starbucks and Peets closeby too but this has sidewalk people watching galore. Right on the Plaza.
87 locals recommend
Sunflower Caffé
421 1st St WYou want good coffee and am snacks with a unique feel, go here. We have Starbucks and Peets closeby too but this has sidewalk people watching galore. Right on the Plaza.
12 min. up the road in Glen Ellen. Real french cafe! The owner is like a wind up toy that never stops and reluctantly speaks english if you don't speak french. Very fun + good but can have a vicious line at prime coffee times. Love this because I play French Gypsy Violin...
35 locals recommend
Les Pascals Patisserie et Boulangerie
13758 Arnold Dr12 min. up the road in Glen Ellen. Real french cafe! The owner is like a wind up toy that never stops and reluctantly speaks english if you don't speak french. Very fun + good but can have a vicious line at prime coffee times. Love this because I play French Gypsy Violin...
New Yoga & Ice Cream in Sonoma. Drop-in works. I go to the Health Club but I hear this is great. PLUS: there is a dynamo, homemade ice cream shop right next door that you have to (MUST) visit on your vaca. It is called Cielito but in this case it is Guilt Free Ice cream because of the yoga prequel.
Noble Yoga Studio
209 Nino Marco SqNew Yoga & Ice Cream in Sonoma. Drop-in works. I go to the Health Club but I hear this is great. PLUS: there is a dynamo, homemade ice cream shop right next door that you have to (MUST) visit on your vaca. It is called Cielito but in this case it is Guilt Free Ice cream because of the yoga prequel.
Ok, this picture is NOT Mr. Montini or anything but a random selfie at the base of the trail. You might think I'm a hiking nut (I'm not) but if you don't take any other hike this is the one, especially in the early evening. It is a little bit steep at the beginning then it is lovely.
11 locals recommend
Montini Open Space Preserve trailhead
4th Street WestOk, this picture is NOT Mr. Montini or anything but a random selfie at the base of the trail. You might think I'm a hiking nut (I'm not) but if you don't take any other hike this is the one, especially in the early evening. It is a little bit steep at the beginning then it is lovely.
Great Great Mexican. Casual with terrific food and kind of chichi atmosphere. If you want more traditional just across the street is the best bright color, big menu Mexican you can find called La Hacienda.
141 locals recommend
El Molino Central
11 Central AveGreat Great Mexican. Casual with terrific food and kind of chichi atmosphere. If you want more traditional just across the street is the best bright color, big menu Mexican you can find called La Hacienda.
Now known as the Starling. Being a musician I'm going to list some local places that often have live music. This is one. Also, Murphy's Irish Pub, The Reel and Brand (super close to the house and good for surf and turf too) and a TRUE dive bar with a world class Sunday Blues Jam, The El Verano Inn (walking distance)
14 locals recommend
Starling Bar Sonoma
19380 CA-12Now known as the Starling. Being a musician I'm going to list some local places that often have live music. This is one. Also, Murphy's Irish Pub, The Reel and Brand (super close to the house and good for surf and turf too) and a TRUE dive bar with a world class Sunday Blues Jam, The El Verano Inn (walking distance)
Reserve a few hours to circumambulate the plaza, taste wine and buy stuff.... get a picnic and settle in the park or eat at one of the many restaurants. I've had a few art shows at Bump Tasting Room and that is fun. Say hi to Geordie for me. Then get frozen yogurt at Top That next door. I'd go to the art museum too but that is me.
107 locals recommend
Sonoma Plaza
Reserve a few hours to circumambulate the plaza, taste wine and buy stuff.... get a picnic and settle in the park or eat at one of the many restaurants. I've had a few art shows at Bump Tasting Room and that is fun. Say hi to Geordie for me. Then get frozen yogurt at Top That next door. I'd go to the art museum too but that is me.
Food scene
Excellent food and bread. This also gets you into Petauma which is a lovely addition to any Sonoma visit.
65 locals recommend
Della Fattoria Downtown Café
143 Petaluma Blvd NExcellent food and bread. This also gets you into Petauma which is a lovely addition to any Sonoma visit.