Mom's the Word

Quarryhill Botanical Garden and Beers at Palooza

Tucked on the western slope of Sonoma Valley's Mayacamas Mountains, Quarryhill Botanical Garden flies under the radar as people zip right past it on their way to wineries. They're missing out on one of the world's finest Asian botanical gardens. Exotic shade trees, tranquil ponds, and even two waterfalls are just a few features that make Quarryhill's 25 acres memorable. This is also a prime place to enjoy a picnic.

Grab a map from the Quarryhill visitor center and explore 2 miles of winding gravel paths, getting up close to rare and endangered species from Asia: the entire garden has been grown from seeds collected from the wilds of China, Tibet, and the Himalayas. Don't miss the Katsura Tree (#19 on the park map), which gives off a cotton candy scent on warm days. You'll also find the beautiful Dawn Redwood giving shade to picnic tables by the upper pond. Thought to be extinct, these redwoods were found in a remote part of China. For the best view, walk up to the Himalayan prayer flags on the eastern edge of the park, where you'll look out across Sonoma Valley and its acres of vineyards as the flags rustle in the wind.

BEER BONUS: Keep the fun going at Kenwood's Palooza Brewery & Gastropub—a friendly family-owned spot right off of Highway 12, with a sleek modern indoor-outdoor design and a relaxing patio. Pair artisan drinks with tasty food options including sweet corn risotto, pork belly mac & cheese, strawberry spinach salad, and fancy cheese plates.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  2. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  3. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View