Beyond the Vineyards: A Traveler's Guide to Sonoma County's Coast, Redwoods and Wine Page 1 of 2

You think you’re visiting Sonoma for the wine. And yes, the Pinot Noir is reason enough. But Sonoma County stretches from redwood forests to rugged Pacific bluffs, from vineyard-lined valleys to historic town squares, and somewhere between the trees and the tide, you realize that wine is only part of the story.

In a single day you might trace fog rising off empty beaches, breathe deep among towering redwoods, and find yourself within a vineyard beneath a late-afternoon sun. Sonoma County is a series of destinations, each more unique than the other.

At about 1,575 square miles, Sonoma County is one of California’s largest wine regions — and one of its most geographically diverse. It sits about 30 miles north of San Francisco, bordered by Marin County to the south, Napa to the east, Mendocino to the north, and more than 50 miles of Pacific coastline to the west. Within those borders are 19 distinct American Viticultural Areas, elevations that rise from sea level to over 4,000 feet, and microclimates that can shift dramatically within a short drive.

Wine definitely continues to be the draw here, but it’s far from the only reason to visit. Gourmands come for restaurants that treat local produce like a religion. Wellness seekers find spas, forest bathing, and coastal hikes that reset the nervous system. Design lovers gravitate toward thoughtfully restored inns and contemporary tasting rooms. Adventurers chase redwood trails, cycling routes, and windswept beaches. The reality is that Sonoma offers enough variety for everyone in your group. And while it’s difficult to capture its many personalities within one feature, here are a few of favorites things:

MacArthur Place Photo by Fran Miller

Farmhouse Inn offers a casually elegant, country-chic escape. Located in Forestville and set on six acres of gardens, with water features and espaliered fruit trees, the inn’s 25 rooms and cottages range from cozy Farmhouse Kings to expansive King Luxury Suites. Each is outfitted with fireplaces, heated floors, spa-like bathrooms, and touches like fresh flowers and personalized chalkboard welcomes. The Wellness Barn offers spa treatments using custom-blended products. You’ll love the poolside fire pits, s’mores, and complimentary wine and turn-down chocolate chip cookies. Dining is a highlight: the restaurant’s seasonal, locally sourced dishes are complemented by expert wine pairings. The more casual FARMSTAND serves breakfast, lunch, and wood-fired pizzas.

Historic MacArthur Place has evolved from a prestigious 19th-century estate into one of Sonoma’s most refined retreats. Located near charming Sonoma Plaza, the six-acre resort offers 69 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, each outfitted with plush robes, sumptuous linens, and the coziest of slippers. Private patios (some with soaking tubs) make indulgence unavoidable The pool and deck are the resort’s social heart, framed by chaises, cabanas, and a secluded hot tub, while the Spa at MacArthur provides tailored treatments using organic products that leave a lasting glow. Onsite Layla offers Mediterranean-inspired menus in a light-filled, barn-turned-restaurant setting, with patio seating for sunny days. A nightcap at The Bar, or toasting s’mores by one of the resort’s cozy firepits, rounds out a stay that blends luxury and approachable Sonoma charm.

The Lodge at Bodega Bay began as a modest motor lodge and has evolved into an elegant shoreline retreat, where the Pacific and the rugged coast remain the true stars. The Lodge offers 83 rooms and suites designed to highlight the bay views, with private balconies, wood-burning fireplaces, and spa-like bathrooms. Across its four acres of landscaped grounds, you’ll find a heated pool, infinity-edge hot tub, sauna, fire pits, bocce courts, hammocks, and complimentary bikes for easy rides to Doran Beach. The signature Drakes Sonoma Coast serves locally sourced fare, while the Fireside Lounge offers cocktails, Sonoma wines, and cozy fireside seating.