Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sonoma?

Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sonoma?

Many travelers spend two to four days in Sonoma during their visit. After all, the serene county has plenty to explore such as the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, and the beaches.

Sonoma County, in Northern California, has become synonymous with wine country. It is a popular honeymoon destination and the county is filled with famous vineyards and wineries. In addition to the wine tours, there is also a beautiful coastline and impressive nature parks.

Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Sonoma? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.

Is 3 days enough time in Sonoma?

Many visitors choose to spend around three days in the area. This would give you just the right amount of time to take in the natural scenery and enjoy the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, and the beaches. Since many visitors prefer to spend around two to four days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do in the serene county.

How to spend 3 days in Sonoma

Don't miss Buena Vista Winery during your trip to Sonoma, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.

The culinary scene in Sonoma is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this county's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

The beautiful beaches await you in Sonoma, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Sonoma is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Known for it's hiking, Sonoma sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

Is 4 days enough time in Sonoma?

With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that this county has to offer, giving you the flexibility spend extra time checking out the restaurant scene, the gorgeous scenery, the beaches, and the hiking. You can move at your own pace and take time to relax, too. We have some suggestions of things to do below.

Sonoma, California

How to spend 4 days in Sonoma

With 4 days in Sonoma, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the county has to offer.

Shopping in Sonoma is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.

Is 5 days enough time in Sonoma?

Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to the serene county, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Sample the delicious cuisine, take in the beautiful scenery, relax at the beach, and get out into nature on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel and use it as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.

How to spend 5 days in Sonoma

If you have more than 5 days in Sonoma, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the county has to offer.

After you've explored most of Sonoma, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.

There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Sonoma.

More Info

If you're looking for more information about Sonoma, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.