Should You Visit Sonoma?

Is Sonoma worth visiting?

Yes, it's worth visiting this county for two to four days because of the many great activities. During our first trip to Sonoma in 2009, we fell in love with its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. We've come back several times since then to experience it even more. 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.

Sonoma, California

Reasons to Visit Sonoma

Food
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.

Nightlife
Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

Resorts
Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Beaches
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.

Hiking
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.

Shopping
You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

Is Sonoma worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Sonoma, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This is an extremely popular destination, and in the high season it's busier than usual as this is when most people are able to travel. Expect large crowds of tourists, longer lines, and higher prices for hotels. On the other hand, you'll find that everything is open and you'll have a wide array of activities, things to do, and places to eat.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 23°C (73°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 31°C (87°F).

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. The gorgeous scenery this time of year is the main attraction. This is the perfect time to hike around the area and take in the amazing scenery. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, take a hike, and relax at a luxurious resort. Also, you can experience the nightlife.

Is Sonoma worth visiting in the Autumn?

The high season for travel in Sonoma is the autumn, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 17°C (62°F).

During this season it's fun to experience the gorgeous scenery and the hiking.

Is Sonoma worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Sonoma can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.

The low season for travel in Sonoma is during the winter. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

This is a great time of year to taste delicious cuisine and enjoy an evening out.

Is Sonoma worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Sonoma. As a very touristy destination, even in the shoulder season you'll see plenty of tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found at this time of year.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Get out into the wilderness to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, take in the beautiful scenery, and grab some drinks at a bar.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Sonoma

Museums: Sonoma isn't a place that's filled with a huge number of sights and attractions. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

Lots of Tourists
Sonoma sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Sonoma might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Sonoma here or see if Sonoma is expensive here.

Related

What is Sonoma most famous for?

Sonoma is most famous for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. People visit this impressive county for its great food. Also, it's known for nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping. It is often described as serene, relaxing, and scenic.

What is the most famous sight in Sonoma?

The most popular sight in Sonoma is Buena Vista Winery. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Sonoma on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Buena Vista Winery and other attractions here.

How touristy is Sonoma? Is it a popular county to visit?

Sonoma is a very touristy county that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch: $126
• Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch: $125
• Sonoma Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour & Game: $49
• Create your own wine blend experience: $140
• From Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries: $300

How long should I spend in Sonoma?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Sonoma is two to four days. Since Sonoma has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Sonoma?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Sonoma?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Sonoma?.