Things to Do
Escape to the Holiday Inn Express Windsor, a new Sonoma area lodging.
Windsor, California is a quaint town in the heart of Sonoma County. Located just one hour north of San Francisco, Windsor is a year-round haven that offers memorable travel experiences – charming countryside vineyards, fine wines, excellent dining, luxurious spas, a flourishing arts community, beautiful golf courses, historical museums, and the bounty of Northern California's idyllic outdoors.
Old Faithful Geyser of California - California's Old Faithful Geyser is a spectacular, nature-directed performance. The stage, walled by thick bamboo and plumed pampas grass, appears as an innocent pool of shallow water until the major attraction. Uprising steam and bubbling hot water announce the geyser. Then, while Mount Saint Helena stands silent as backdrops, Old Faithful Geyser throws a tower of thousands of gallons of water skyward.
Petrified Forest - Step back over 3 million years and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants in a fascinating grove in the California wine country. Take a ½ mile guided walking tour of the Petrified Forest's upper meadow with Naturalist David Storck, who explains the forest's volcanic activity and petrifaction.
Windsor Town Green - Windsor Town Green features unique boutiques, shops and a variety of excellent dining, in addition to the Windsor Farmer's Market . Experience live summer concerts, seasonal festivals, arts and crafts shows and family events. Visit www.ci.windsor.ca.us.
River Rock Casino - Sonoma County's entertainment destination, River Rock Casino offers spectacular views of the Alexander Valley, 1600 state-of-the-art slot machines, and 16 tables featuring Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker and Blackjack, and the outdoor Valley Deck with spectacular views of the countryside. Enjoy beautiful bungalow-style architecture, open-air seating, live entertainment, and Native American cultural arts. Visit www.riverrockscasino.com.
Russian River - Set along the beautiful Sonoma County coastline, the Russian River is a vacation destination with spectacular parks, restaurants, wineries, and outdoor activities. The Russian River is a paradise for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, sunbathing, hiking, and photography. From the coast to the wine region, you'll discover rousing river fun and hilly wooded terrain to explore.
Russian River Parks - Russian River Parks include Steelhead Beach, Sonoma Coast State Beach, Armstrong Redwood State Reserve, West County Trail, Austin Creek State Recreational Area and Forestville River access, which offer picturesque picnic and camping sites, hiking, seal and whale watching, and tidepooling.
Lake Sonoma - Nestled in the coastal foothills of Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by world-famous vineyards and land that is rich in history. Created by the Warm Springs Dam, the 2700-acre lake and 50 miles of shoreline are the idyllic setting for hiking, swimming, riding, boating, camping, fishing, and hunting. Enjoy some of the best bass and game fishing in the state. More than 40 miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails weave through redwood groves and oak woodlands that surround Lake Sonoma.
Bodega Bay - Exploring Bodega Bay is an adventure of beachcombing, golfing, surfing, fishing, boating, hiking, diving, whale watching, bird watching and sunsets. You'll enjoy diverse restaurants, cafes, shops, and festivals where fresh seafood and award-winning Sonoma wines tantalize your taste buds. Play a round at the Links at Bodega Harbour, or watch the migration of the Alaskan gray whales from Bodega Head.
Mt. St. Helena - At the head of Napa Valley stands Mount St. Helena, a premier hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, sightseeing, and hand gliding destination. Rising behind the hills of eastern Healdsburg, Mt. St. Helena is one of the remaining mountains in the Maycama Mountains and indicates past volcanic activity. Preserved within Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, Mt. St. Helena commands sweeping views of Northern California. The Mt. St. Helen Hiking Trail is a scenic 4-mile hike to the summit.
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park - This area was the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Silverado Squatters," the story of his stay in Calistoga in 1880. The trail to the top of Mount St. Helena provides unsurpassed views of Napa Valley. RLS State Park is located eight miles north off Highway 29 to Lake County. (707) 942-4575.
Sonoma Coast - Sonoma Coast Regions offer unsurpassed recreational activities, like hot air balloon rides, boating, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, surfing, scuba diving, ocean and freshwater fishing, clamming and crabbing, golfing, kite flying, horseback riding, biking and hiking and camping. www.visitsonomacoast.com.
Sonoma Raceway - Located 20 minutes away in Sonoma, Sonoma Raceway is one of North America's largest motorsport complexes. From NASCAR to motor bike to vintage car races, race fans will get their fill of speed and excitement. Make a dream come true and try the track yourself at the Jim Russell Racing Drivers School. Visit www.infineonraceway.com.
Sonoma County Fairgrounds - Sonoma County Fairgrounds home of the annual Sonoma County Fair (July), the Harvest Fair (October), and many cultural events, trade shows, concerts, rodeos and car racing. Call (707) 545-4200 or visit www.sonomacountyfair.org.
Charles M. Schulz Museum - The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa preserves, displays, and interprets the art of Charles M. Schulz. Exhibitions include classic Peanut's strips and permanent exhibits, such as Peanuts - Found in Translation. Visit www.charlesmschulzmuseum.org.
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens - Santa Rosa's historic Luther Burbank Home and Gardens features original furnishings and memorabilia. Walk through the Greek Revival house where Luther Burbank lived from 1884 to 1906, look inside the greenhouse, and learn about Burbank's life and best-known plant developments. The carriage house museum houses exhibits relating to Burbank's life and work. Call (707) 524-5445.
Guerneville - The largest of the lower Russian River resort communities, Guerneville is a town known for its social and cultural diversity and offers great vacation opportunities.
Sonoma Museum of Visual Art - Paintings, sculpture and photographs from contemporary California artists comprise the museum's featured works. Exhibits rotate every 3 months. Admission is $2.00., except Thursday evenings. Call (707) 527-0297.
Sonoma County Museum - Housed in the magnificently restored 1910 federal post office, the Sonoma County Museum presents art, history and cultural concepts related to Sonoma County. SCM's signature exhibit is the largest collection of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's work in the US. Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $2.00. Visit www.sonomacountymuseum.org
Sonoma County Wineries and Wine Tours - One hour north of San Francisco, home to vineyards, redwood groves, and the wild Sonoma coast, Sonoma County features beautiful regions, award-winning wineries and wine-tasting tours, and gourmet food. Excellent wineries are located in Sonoma County North, Russian River/West Country, Sonoma County Central, the Sonoma Coast, and Sonoma Valley. Visit l www.sonoma.com.
Sonoma Valley - Sonoma Valley is hailed for its award-winning wines and wineries, numerous small farms, fabulous restaurants, unique historical sites and attractions, parks, beautiful scenery, wonderful shops and boutiques, world-class spas, and a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. The birthplace of the California wine industry, Sonoma Valley is home to some of the earliest vineyards and wineries in the state. Today, this small valley ranks as one of the finest wine producing regions of the world - designated by the federal government as the Sonoma Valley Appellation. The valley begins in the south in the Carneros area and extends 17 miles north to the edge of Santa Rosa., Sightseeing tours are available. Visit www.sonomavalley.com.
Napa Valley Wineries - The connoisseur of fine wine will find a piece of heaven in the Napa Valley. Vineyards and wineries in Napa offer excellent vine varieties, wine-tasting tours, tasting rooms, spas and festivals. With many of California's top wine estates, such as Domaine Chandon and Robert Mondavi, the beauty of the land is matched by the flavors of Napa's excellent wines. Visit www.napavalley/wineries.com.
Russian River Valley - The Russian River Valley Appellation is the largest in Sonoma County and the Northern California Wine Country. With 12,000 acres devoted to wine grapes, the majority being pinot noir and chardonnay, the rich appellation includes over 200 winegrowers and 50 wineries. The Russian River Wine Road is a winery association of 102 wineries and 50 lodgings throughout the Sonoma wine country. Treat yourself to the wines and scenery of Northwestern Sonoma's beautiful, bountiful wineries and vineyards.
Alexander Valley - Alexander Valley is situated along the Russian River between Healdsburg and Cloverdale in Sonoma County. Over 160 grape growers and 28 wineries share their unique traditions and innovations with visitors who come to sample world-class wines. The viticultural area, which encompasses 75,000 acres, is a respected source of premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. Call (707) 431-2894 or visit www.alexandervalleywinegrowres.org.
J Vineyards & Winery - J Vineyards & Winery produces extraordinary wines and farms over 250 acres in California's Russian River Valley where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals thrive. J's seven hillside and valley floor vineyards offer a spectrum of flavors that are discernible in every vintage. Experience wine and food tastings at the Visitors Center, winery tours, wine tasting events, and the new Bubble Room, a charming tasting salon serving older vintages and limited production wines. Visit www.jwine.com.
Kendall-Jackson Vineyard Estates - All the flavor and charm of the Wine Country come together on 120 acres at the Kendall- Jackson Wine Center in Fulton. Head to the tasting room and sample many award-winning wines. At the magnificent chateau,you can tour the culinary and sensory gardens or picnic in the shade of the 100-year-old walnut grove. Our Classic Tasting is $5, Reserve Tasting is $15 and our Wine & Food Pairing at the KJWC only is $25. Also visit Kendall-Jackson Healdsburg Tasting Room on the town square in Healdsburg. Call (707) 571-8100 or (866) 287-9819.
Bodega Bay - Exploring Bodega Bay is an adventure of beachcombing, golfing, surfing, fishing, boating, hiking, diving, whale watching, bird watching and sunsets. You'll enjoy diverse restaurants, cafes, shops, and festivals where fresh seafood and award-winning Sonoma wines tantalize your taste buds. Play a round at the Links at Bodega Harbour, or watch the migration of the Alaskan gray whales from Bodega Head.
Simi Winery - Founded by Giuseppe and Pietro Simi in 1876, Simi Winery in Healdsburg produces wines of style that reflect the best growing regions in Sonoma County. Simi's unique vineyards produce red Bordeaux varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Historic winery tours are offered daily at 11am and 2pm. Call 707-473-3231 or 800-746-4880.
Alexander Valley Vineyards - For 27 years, Alexander Valley Vineyards has been producing the perennial favorite Sin Zin and Redemption Zin. AVV also produces Chardonay, Voignier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Visit this historic property, taste award-winning wines, bring a picnic and enjoy beautiful vistas of the rural winery in Northern Sonoma. The winery tasting room is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Call (800) 888-7209.
St. Francis Winery & Vineyards - Located in Sonoma Valley, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards in Santa Rosa features world-class wines and spectacular views. The Visitor's Center offers wine tastings, wine and food pairings, classes, and is available for private functions and weddings. For information, visit (707) 833-4666.
Sonoma County Wine and Visitors Center - Offering winery maps and wine-tasting, this is the place to start a tour of Sonoma County wineries. You will find travel information, lodging, reviews, news, articles and recommendations.
Napa Valley Wine Train - Enjoy a 3-hour culinary adventure on the Napa Valley Wine Train - a 33-mile journey through Napa Valley's picturesque vineyards and world-renowned wineries. Enjoy elegant rail travel with distinguished service, and savor exquisite gourmet meals in restored vintage 1915-1947 dining railcars. Special trips include winery tours or murder mysteries. Call (707) 253-2111 or visit www.napavalley.com.
The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts (COPIA) - Located on the banks of the Napa River, COPIA is an 80,000-square-foot cultural center and museum that celebrates Napa Valley's wine, food and arts. Open daily: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit www.copia.org.
Windsor Golf Club - The host of PGA Nike Tour events, Windsor Golf Club is a dynamic golf course with a challenging layout that offers the signature Silos, a spattering of lakes and a year-round creek. Soak in the celebrated Sonoma County countryside at Charlie's, featuring an outdoor lakeside bar and restaurant. Located in Windsor, the Club is 63 miles north of San Francisco and 5 minutes from Sonoma County Airport. Visit www.windsorgolf.com.
Windsor Tomato & Pepper Festival - The Windsor Farmers Market celebrates the annual Tomato and Peppers Festival at Windsor Town Green. Day's festivities include special events, food booths, an arts and crafts show, cookbook authors, Windsor Boys and Girls Club, Mexican Cuisine, and wonderful bakeries. You will be treated to a tasting of over 100 hybrid, heirloom, and cherry tomatoes and peppers
Russian River Food & Winefest - The Russian River Food & Winefest will take place on the Russian River Resort's Main Meadow, adjacent to the river. The Russian River Fest is an all-day tasting, sampling and marketplace celebration with cheese makers, chefs, wine makers, farmers, shopkeepers, bread bakers, baristas and more. Discover Sonoma at the peak of its harvest season. Visit www.russianriverfoodandwinefest.com.
Bodega Bay Fisherman's Festival - Bodega Bay's 33rd Annual Fisherman's Festival, held in mid-April at Westside Park, is a celebration of the salmon fishing season in Bodega Bay. The festival is packed with live music and entertainment, Sonoma County wines, food booths, kid's events, and artisans and vendors from all over California. Competitions include a golf tournament and the bathtub races.
Napa Valley Mustard Festival - With vibrant fields, vineyards, and hillsides ablaze with wild mustard in bloom as a backdrop, the Napa Valley Mustard Festival celebrates the rich, unique agricultural and cultural bounty of Napa Valley. The festival is held from January 31 through the end of March. Call (707) 938-1133.
Vineman Triathlons - 2009 will mark the 20th Anniversary of the Full Vineman Triathlon, the oldest ironman distance triathlon in the country. Vineman athletes swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles through the beautiful Sonoma County wine country. Visit www.vineman.com.
Internet
Free! WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Pool
Health Activities and Sports Outdoor Pool.
Restaurant
Limited Service Housekeeping Restaurant.
Parking
Free! public parking is possible on site.