Six Picks for Sonoma

Six Outdoor Spring Adventures in Sonoma Valley

05.09.2019

1) Explore New (dog-friendly) Hiking Trails

Bow-WOW! Only a mile from Sonoma’s Plaza, beautiful Bartholomew Park has reopened with a new backcountry trail system behind its (news!) namesake vineyard estate. Visit the wine tasting room and adjacent museum featuring plein air artwork. Then take your bottle of wine out to the oak-shaded picnic area overlooking the vineyard and valley.

2) Visit the Secret Garden

Tucked between wineries on the eastern slope of Sonoma Valley, Quarryhill Botanical Garden is one of wine country’s secret treasures. Wander the pathways and cross little bridges amid ponds and waterfalls, then enjoy a picnic at one of several hidden spots, including under the Dawn Redwood. Walk up to Himalayan prayer flags on the eastern edge of the park for one of the best views of Sonoma Valley.

3) Take to the Glory Trail!

A locals’ favorite hiking trail has reopened! The 3-mile (round-trip) hike on the wildflower-festooned Overlook Trail is an easy and amazing way to spend an hour or two in Sonoma. The Overlook is within walking distance of Sonoma’s historic plaza, with views over the valley and all the way to Mount Tam and San Francisco.

4) Farmers' Market Is Back

Sonoma Valley’s Tuesday Night Farmers’ Market is a community gathering unlike any other in wine country. The valley’s fabulous farmers are on hand to share their local produce, and food trucks add extra flavor (plus you can bring your own wine!). Check out 7 Golden Rules for the Farmers’ Market!

5) Go Wild at Sugarloaf

If you really want to go wild in Sonoma Valley, get to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. Hike to the summit of Bald Mountain for a 360-degree panorama of both Sonoma and Napa Valleys. And for an outta this world view, stop in at the park’s Robert Ferguson Observatory, where stargazing events are held throughout the year. Sugarloaf also leads full-moon hikes, and the solar system–inspired Planet Walk is a great option for a trail less traveled, with spectacular valley views all to yourself!

6) What Goes with Ribs?

“Drink what you like” may seem like a great rule for wine and food pairing, but any seasoned Sonoma wine pro will tell you that the right pairing does make a difference in maximizing enjoyment of food and drink. Check out these backyard barbecue wine-pairing basics and cocktail recipes!

Be the first to know about Sonoma Valley’s special offers! Sign up for their newsletter.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

  2. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  3. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View
  4. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View
  2. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View

  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View
  4. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

    View