A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Woodstock vs. Sonoma for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Woodstock or Sonoma?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Woodstock or Sonoma? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Woodstock or Sonoma?

Woodstock

While this town does lend its name to the 1969 Woodstock Festival, the legendary event was actually held on a dairy farm almost 60 miles away in Bethel, NY. So if you are looking to see the field where it all happened and a museum dedicated to its history, you will need to take a day trip outside of town.

Woodstock, New York, however, does stay true to the spirit of the arts. Since 1903, the place lay home to Byrdcliffe Art Colony, the oldest of its kind in the nation, and even attracted artists of the Hudson River School during the late 1800s. Today, artists from all disciplines-visual, ceramic, music, fiction, nonfiction, screenwriting, playwriting, and poetry-take up residence at the colony and have works displayed in galleries open in the main part of town.

Tinker Street and Mill Hill Road are lined with a mix of restaurants and shops all teeming with the essence of hippie living, arts, and spirituality. From shops selling Woodstock paraphernalia, incense, and Himalayan products, to yoga studios, vegan restaurants, and local art galleries-the town of Woodstock is one dedicated to keeping the spirit of the Woodstock Festival and the arts alive.

Sonoma

When people say Sonoma, they are often referring to the region's wine country, but in fact, Sonoma is a county, a valley, and a town. The county covers 1,768 square miles and is more spread out than nearby Napa. There are more than 30 cities and towns in the county and 425 wineries with tasting rooms. The county also borders the Pacific Ocean, and the beautiful 55 mile stretch of coastline is rugged and dramatic.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Woodstock and Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma is more expensive. And not only is Woodstock much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Woodstock would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Woodstock and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma than you might in Woodstock.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Woodstock Expensive? and Is Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Woodstock or Sonoma?

Sonoma has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Woodstock. When comparing the sizes of Woodstock and Sonoma, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Woodstock or Sonoma?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Woodstock or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Woodstock as well as Sonoma. Additionally, most visitors come to Sonoma for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Woodstock is generally around the same temperature as Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 74°F (24°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Woodstock usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Woodstock gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Woodstock or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Woodstock are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Woodstock is cooler than Sonoma in the autumn. The daily temperature in Woodstock averages around 53°F (12°C) in October, and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, Woodstock usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Woodstock gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Woodstock or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Woodstock during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

The weather in Woodstock can be very cold. In the winter, Woodstock is much colder than Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Woodstock in January average around 25°F (-4°C), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Woodstock usually gets less rain in January than Sonoma. Woodstock gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Woodstock or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Woodstock and Sonoma. Also, many travelers come to Sonoma for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Woodstock is generally cooler than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Woodstock average around 49°F (10°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Woodstock usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Woodstock gets 3.7 inches (95 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Woodstock