Top Five Autumn Experiences in Sonoma Valley

Top Five Autumn Experiences in Sonoma Valley

1) Carneros Wine Flight

Bird watching and wine tasting pair beautifully when the Pacific Flyway is in close proximity to Sonoma Valley wineries. Sip wines and see the wildlife from the patios at Ram’s Gate and Viansa, both overlooking a large wetland that’s a popular stopover for birds of all feathers.

2) Ghost for It

In the early 1900s, famed author Jack London lived in the heart of Sonoma Valley. His dream home, the Wolf House, was nearly complete when it mysteriously burned to the ground. Walk out to the massive ruins and to London’s gravesite.

3) Go to a Star Party

Once a month, usually on a Saturday, Robert Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf State Park hosts a star party—a truly enlightening evening giving visitors access to the celestial viewing via some seriously powerful telescopes.

4) Pedal or Segway to the Wineries

You don’t need a car to explore Sonoma Valley’s wineries. Rent a bike in town or do a Segway tour to wineries like Ravenswood and Buena Vista—the birthplace of the California wine industry. Or stroll the plaza and check out over a dozen wine tasting lounges (you can bring your bottle to the picnic-perfect lawn at the plaza).

5) Eat Outdoors

Sonoma Valley’s charming northern neighborhood, The Springs, is home to some of the tastiest Mexican restaurants on the planet, and food trucks galore. Eat your enchiladas on a patio, then get some homemade ice cream at La Michoacana.

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  1. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  2. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  3. Go, Tell It on the Mountain

    {NOTE: Due to atmospheric rivers that can come this time of year, always be sure to check ahead for trail closures and hazards. And of course, wait for better weather and drier con

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  4. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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    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.

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