day trips from healdsburg ca

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The Perfect Day Trip from San Francisco: Healdsburg, Sonoma County

By Stacy Adimando

WHY YOU’RE GOING: This beautiful and fun-loving town is shaping up to be Sonoma County’s darling. It's more than just wineries—though there's plenty of those. Healdsburg is filled with quiet, charming inns, excellent farm-fresh food, and a small but bustling city center. Plus, if you go this time of year, you'll get to enjoy the beauty of Sonoma County, sans summer crowds.

WHAT TO DO: Indulge in some you time at Honor Mansion , a romantic little inn just ten minutes from the city center on foot. Book one of their beautiful cottages or suites, many of which boast fireplaces, indoor whirlpool tubs, and private outdoor patios, where you can enjoy the complimentary wine and appetizers you're offered every afternoon. You can participate in croquet and bocce games, if that's your style, or you can simply relax in an outdoor spa tub, perfect for stargazing._ (891 Grove St, 707-433-4722)_

You can't visit Healdsburg without stopping by at the airy, avant-garde housewares shop, restaurant, and culinary center that is SHED . SHED somehow achieves an earthy-casual atmosphere in a 10,000 square foot contemporary prefab. Food offerings are a farm-to-table fairy tale: owners Cindy Daniel and Doug Lipton grow many of the ingredients on their nearby farm, and serve homemade hot chocolates, well-made cappuccinos, and even kombucha on tap. Check the events listings for food classes and talks on topics like soba making, beekeeping and butchery._ (25 North Street, 707-431-7433)_

Call ahead to score one of the cozy tables at Scopa . This unpretentious Italian spot gets the “keep it simple” thing just right with starters like grilled romaine doused in anchovy-garlic dressing—wonderfully salty and lightly warmed. Wood-fired pizzas have thin, blistered crusts that rival the real thing in Italy. And the house classic entree, the tomato-braised Nona’s Chicken, arrives in a mini cauldron with greens and still-bubbling, creamy polenta. (109A Plaza Street, 707-433-5282)

On a lazy afternoon, wander over to the refreshingly laid-back Banshee Wines . The three thirty-something owners have re-imagined the stuffy tasting room set-up you’re used to seeing from the big name bottlers. Their quirky crash pad feels more living room than tasting room, with worn-in leather couches, retro textiles and open DJ policy (you can choose what to play from their vinyl collection). But don’t let all the youthfulness fool you: These guys are turning out some of the best wine in the west at their price point. (325 Center Street; 707-395-0915)

More on San Francisco:

San Francisco's Best Brunch. It's Worth the Two Hour Wait.

Food Photos That'll Make You Want to Book a Ticket to San Francisco, Now

A San Francisco Art Gallery, Hidden in Plain Sight

Recommended

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco

San Francisco Travel Guide

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28 Awesome Things To Do In Healdsburg In California

There is a myriad of incredible things to do in Healdsburg, a wine and culinary epicentre in Sonoma County, nestled between the three gorgeous wine valleys; Dry Creek, Russian and Alexander.

Located 45 miles North of San Francisco, Healdsburg combines stunningly beautiful scenery, vibrant culture, and a thriving food and wine scene. 

From visiting world-class wineries and exploring natural trails to getting soaked amidst nature and soaring high above in the air, many Healdsburg activities feed your adrenaline!

Whether you want a romantic getaway with your special one or planning a fun weekend with kids, this guide covers all about the best Healdsburg attractions and Healdsburg things to do, including free items, the best time to visit, what to pack, where to stay, what to eat and valuable tips for a fantastic trip.

So come down to explore Healdsburg to see what this charming town has in store for you!

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HEALDSBURG

If you are wondering what the best time to visit Healdsburg is, you are in luck!

This amusing hamlet is a year-round vacation destination, no matter the season!

In the Spring, between March and May, you will be welcomed by pleasant weather topped with colourful hues of wildflowers around you.

Sample the fresh Spring produce in Farmer’s market.

In the Summer, between June to August, the weather will be mild with sunny skies and an ideal time to lounge around wineries or dip in the gorgeous rivers.

In the Fall, between September to November, Healdsburg is a paradise adorned with an array of fall foliage and changing leaf colours.

The crisp autumn air makes it an ideal setting for activities like apple and grape picking or exploring various festivals. 

In the Winter, after November, though the weather gets a bit chillier, you will still have many things to do in Healdsburg besides wine.

The city gets soaked up in Christmas celebrations, and you might even get accommodations amidst snow-capped mountains at discounted prices due to the festive season.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HEALDSBURG

Stroll healdsburg plaza.

If you are new to Healdsburg, start your trip with a visit to Healdsburg Plaza, located in downtown Healdsburg at the intersection of North and Center Streets.

Healdsburg Plaza was established in 1857 by Harmon Heald, and a visit to this place is considered one of the top things to do in Healdsburg.

The Plaza is an incredible destination for residents and tourists and a great place to spend the day exploring the many attractions in Healdsburg. 

Healdsburg Plaza is dotted with Canary Island Date Palms and has several shops for your shopping spree.

Stroll along the sidewalk while sipping your favourite drink from one of the cafes or browse the various art galleries showcasing local artists’ work.

Check out the famous attraction of this charming square, the fountain located at the centre, which local businessman Alexander McLean donated in 1891. 

Another main draw of Healdsburg Plaza is the bandstand, used mainly for live music concerts, especially during the Summer.

You might see other community-based events happening in this area at different times.

You might stumble upon beautiful antique shops with a wide range of collections.

Check out the boutique shops for souvenirs, or upgrade your wardrobe with Healdsburg’s collection of vintage clothing.

The Plaza is also home to many unique wine-tasting rooms and breweries.

Rest on the well-maintained benches, take in the lovely vistas of the colourful buildings, or unwind on the grassy green patch to enjoy a lovely evening with your loved one.

When you are done shopping and strolling along the Plaza, try various fine dining and artisanal food at one of the multi-cuisine restaurants by looking at their menus displayed on the large panoramic windows.

Healdsburg Plaza hosts seasonal events like the Healdsburg Jazz Festival and weekly events like the Farmer’sFarmer’s market.

So check out the events calendar of the town before your visit.

VISIT FARMER’S MARKET

One of the best things to do in Healdsburg is to visit the Farmer’s market.

It was started in 1978 on the West side of the Healdsburg Plaza, and to date, this is among the local’s favourite tasks in Healdsburg.

Rain or Shine, the Farmer’sFarmer’s market usually gets into its hustle and bustle mode every Saturday and Tuesday from 8:30 AM and goes on until 12:30 PM.

You will witness tons of fresh veggies, fruits and flowers stacked up.

It would be best if you were quick since most of the products get stocked out due to the premium quality of the products and high demand.

Each week the farmers get one of their new seasonal produce.

Besides veggies, check out their homemade products like cheese, olive oils, vinegar, jams, jellies, and other freshly baked goods. 

Savour mouth-watering delicacies like tacos, sandwiches, salads, burritos, pizza, and other delicious treats on the food trucks, while enjoying live music in the background.

Make acquaintance with friendly vendors to learn more about the local culture and the farm-to-table process.

If you visit the market from October to December, you will notice an entire aisle with various arts and crafts made by local artisans.

HEALDSBURG CENTER FOR THE ARTS

One of the free things to do in Healdsburg is to visit the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, formerly recognized as Plaza arts, located on the center street at a minute’s walking distance from the Plaza.

This non-profit arts center was established in 1993 with the intent to enhance awareness about arts and inspire people by showcasing the best in visual, performing, and literary arts of established and budding artists.

Browse the center to draw inspiration from various abstract paintings and photographs.

The artwork keeps changing rotationally, and you will likely see new work every week.

The center hosts educational programs, workshops, lectures, community events and other exhibitions.

It also collaborates with nearby schools to conduct summer camps to foster art among the kids from their early school days.

Check out other events on their website , like the Summer Youth Theatre program and the popular Friday Night Live music series.

Timings: Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, Open from 11 AM to 5 PM on other days

GO SHOPPING AROUND HEALDSBURG SQUARE

Healdsburg Square is an ideal place to explore, and if you want to go on a shopping spree, this place is a must-visit in Healdsburg. 

The square is lined up with upscale outlets like Gap and Apple to small quirky boutique shops with unique collections, making this one of the exciting things to do in Healdsburg.

You will be tempted to shell out some extra bucks!

Explore the art galleries and antique shops with a wide range of collectables if you want home decor ideas.

Check out the vintage clothing collections and customized handmade jewellery.

A few of my recommendations are:

Gallery Lulo : Located on the North Eastern side of the Plaza, this place is known for its exclusive handmade jewellery collections.

Check out their other home decor items like flower vases, bowls, candles, and wooden and ceramic artworks.

Mr Moon’s: Located on Center Street, this place is known for kids’ toys, trinkets and other cute gifts like gorgeous greeting cards and hysterical mugs.

Check out their adult section for bath and body products at comparatively lower prices.

Tamarind and Susan Graf Limited: Small curated shops on Healdsburg avenue and Matheson Street. Known for its beautiful and well-made timeless clothing collections for women. Check out the place Ereloom on Matheson Street for Men’s collection.

Recommended Tour: Check out this 90-minute History Walking Tour to learn about history, get recommendations for shopping, art galleries, wine tasting, and restaurants and spend the day outside in the fresh air.

ENJOY WINE TASTING AT HEALDSBURG PLAZA

To quench your thirst during your shopping spree, take breaks at the nearby wine-tasting rooms at the Healdsburg Plaza.

The square is home to a variety of wine-tasting rooms. Whether you are a novice or an experienced wine connoisseur, the tasting rooms will surely provide a unique experience.

Most of these tasting rooms are pretty next to each other. So get ready to hop on from one to another to get tipsy.

Here are my recommendations:

Thumbprint Cellars: Located on Matheson Street, they are known for exceptional red and white blends and single varietals. Check out their onsite art gallery while savouring one of the best wines in Healdsburg.

Portalupi Wine: Located on North Street, they are known for their Italian-inspired wines, educational tasting tours, and culinary pairings. Check out their infused oil and vinegar tasting for a unique tasting experience.

Williamson tasting room: The Williamson Ranch and winery is located at a 15-minute driving distance from the Plaza on Creek road.

But their tasting room is on Matheson street, which offers an Icon Wine & Food Pairing Experience with a small batch of curated wines and various culinary pairings. Join their wine club for more fun.

Hawley tasting room: The winery is next to the Williamson Ranch Winery on Creek Road. But their tasting room and the gallery are on North Street. 

Enjoy their signature wines like Viognier, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while admiring the vibrant artworks on the wall made by Dana Hawley. The tasting room is closed Tuesdays.

TAKE THE DOWNTOWN HEALDSBURG FOOD AND WINE TOUR

One of the best ways to explore Healdsburg, especially if you are a foodie and a wine lover, is to take Downtown food and wine tour .

This tour will let you experience the town’s incredible culinary and wine offerings. The tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide with stops at the town’s unique wineries and restaurants, making this one of the most exciting things to do in Healdsburg.

You can try seasonal wines and food at some of these places.

The tour typically begins at the Plaza, so you will have ample opportunities to stop by bakeries, cafes and other homegrown wine shops.

You might also get some cute souvenirs as a part of the tour.

Learn about the town’s history and wine culture, a perfect way to experience the charm and beauty of the area while sampling some of the best cuisine and wines in the region.

Recommended Tour: Sprinter Wine Tour for up to 14 people : Start your day with a glass of sparkling wine in this 6-hour guided tour in a sprinter van. Check more details here .

Visit various vineyards of your choice, or let your driver select a few for a well-rounded experience of Napa and Sonoma.

VISIT THE HEALDSBURG MUSEUM

One of the free things to do in Healdsburg is to visit the Healdsburg museum, located on Matheson street, especially if you want to know more about the history of Healdsburg.

Housed in Carnegie Library, a beautiful neo-classical revival structure, this museum was established between 1910-1911.

The primary intent of the museum is to protect, collect, preserve and interpret the history of the town, its people, and the surrounding area.

As you browse the museum, you will be awed by the collection of artefacts on display used by the Pomo and Wappo tribes, the Native Americans, who were well-versed in basket making.

You can see some of the hand-woven baskets in the museum.

Check out the various intricate designs, photos and paintings depicting the grand history of Healdsburg and its evolution.

If you incline toward architecture, there are many architectural remnants and household items to draw inspiration from.

The museum also has an online digital library with roughly 19,000+ exhibits as of date.

Healdsburg museum is listed on the National register of historic places. It hosts several theme-based exhibitions and offers various educational programs and activities, including lectures, workshops, and field trips.

Check out their official events calendar to update yourself on the latest events and see a list of current temporary and permanent exhibits on display.

Timings: 11 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday to Sunday, closed on other days

TOUR HEALDSBURG WINERIES

Healdsburg, located in Sonoma County at the intersection of the Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley, makes it an ideal destination for Wine lovers.

There are around 125 wineries in Healdsburg, from small family-run wineries to large ones with an international reputations.

Most wineries offer barrel tastings and educational tours, and some feature cosy accommodations overlooking the lush vineyards and fruit orchards.

Hop on a car and discover some of the best wineries around Healdsburg if you want to sample some of the local’s favourites and other rare finds from across the globe. 

Truett Hurst Winery: Located on the Dry Creek Valley at 15 minutes’ driving distance from the Plaza. Established in 2007, this winery is known for small batches of estate-grown wines.

Spanning 26 acres, you will see several varieties of vineyards, including Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. They also produce Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Gewurtz, Sauvignon Blanc, and more.

Visit their exclusive five acres of Dry Creek section and beautiful garden. Check out their tasting room, which is always jazzed up with music and events, especially on Saturdays.

VML Winery : Located right next to the Truett Hurst Winery, this 20-acre vineyard is renowned for wines which go well with a set of marshmallows.

Sit on the patio or take a bottle or two down to the nearby Dry Creek river, home to endangered fish species, to spend a lovely afternoon.

Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery: Located on Jacobson road on the eastern edge of Russian River Valley and at 17 minutes driving distance from the Plaza.

The estate vineyards are spread over 1,400 acres of land, planted with various grape varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

The winery also produces red and white blended, sparkling, and exceptional reserve wines.

Check out their native oak woodlands, culinary garden, and stables. The winery is open for tastings and tours throughout the year.

Dry Creek Vineyard: Located on Lambert Bridge Road, a 10-minute drive from the Plaza, this family-owned and run winery in the Dry Creek Valley was established in 1972.

Dry Creek Vineyards was one of the first wineries opened after the prohibition era. The owner David S. Stare wanted to begin producing Sauvignon Blanc wine. 

Now they grow different varieties of grapes, including the ones for Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chenin Blanc, and more.

Try the delicious salami, crackers and cheese, an ideal combination for their perfect wines. Join their wine clubs to have fun at their events.

Silver Oak Winery: Located on Alexander Valley road at 15 minutes’ driving distance from the Plaza. The drive along Highway 128 is spectacular.

You will drive through gorgeous mountains, expansive farmland, charming cottages, and old barns.

The first thing you notice when you reach this place is the architecture; buildings inspired by the old barns with a contemporary touch and the water feature at the entrance.

The tasting rooms have minimalistic designs and are a perfect place to spend a day overlooking the lovely valley vistas.

Try their Vertical Cabernet Sauvignon flight along with succotash. They even offer various tours and other tastings to be booked in advance.

Porter Creek Vineyards: Located on Westside Road along the Porter Creek river, which feeds into the Russian River and at a 17-minute drive from the Plaza, this family-owned and run winery was established in 1977.

The winery is into sustainability and organic farming processes.

They specialize in producing Syrah Carignane, Viognier, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Pinot, handcrafted in French oak barrels and made using the French Burgundian technique.

Christopher Creek Winery: You can travel to this winery via the old redwood highway on Limerick Lane. 

Established in 1974, Christopher Creek Winery is a small, family-owned, run winery known for its handcrafted award-winning wines.

Tour their beautiful 11-acre estate in the Russian River Valley and the 27-acre plot on Dry Creek’s Bradford Mountain, filled with various varieties such as Chocolate Bliss, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Port and Viognier. 

Have a picnic lunch on their patio or sample their signature wines, Reserve Petite Syrah and Reserve Syrah, relaxing on the cabana seats near the lovely onsite pool and watching the sun go down over the rolling, misted vineyards of California.

Seghesio Family Vineyards: Located only at a 3-minute driving distance from the Plaza , this family-run vineyard has been in operation since 1895. 

They produce some of the best Zinfandel and Italian Varietals, grapes sourced from the surrounding Dry Creek Valley.

Enjoy their beautiful tasting area under large, shady trees; also an ideal place to have brunch with your loved ones! Reserve their wine-tasting tour in advance.

Jordan Vineyard & Winery: Located on Alexander Valley Road at a 10-minute driving distance from the Plaza, this family-owned winery has been in operation since the 1970s.

Spanning a massive 1,000 acres with a chateau, Jordan Vineyard and Winery has known for its signature wine Chardonnay, one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the region, that they bring in from the Russian River Valley. 

Check out their 3-hour Estate Tour & Tasting, which includes a Champagne breakfast at the chateau, a drive through the vineyards and wineries with multiple stops, stunning views of flower orchards, and a stop at the hilltop tasting room.

You will be delighted with their classic wines and various food pairings.

They also offer an exclusive 90-minute outdoor wine tasting atop the hill. Enjoy their balanced wines in the style of Bordeaux and Burgundy with nuanced use of oak overlooking the gorgeous vineyard views and the surrounding countryside. 

If you have spare time, combine the visit to the Silver Oak Winery with this tour since Silver Oak is just a 10-minute drive further up Alexander Valley Road.

Ferrari-Carano Winery: Located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley on Dry Creek road, this family-owned winery was established in 1981 by Don and Rhonda Carona. It is located only at a 15-minute driving distance from the Plaza.

The drive to this place might remind you of Tuscany, with Cypress trees along the way.

You will be awestruck if you visit Ferrari-Carano Winery during Spring. Vibrant swathes of Tulips and Daffodils dot the vineyard regions.

Don’t miss this colourful sight when you are in Healdsburg during Spring. There is also an exclusive Tulip Hotline to check the bloom season.

Their vast lush vineyards are planted with some of the best-known varietals, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

The winery is in Villa Fiore, a gorgeous building wrapped by greens and fountains.

Notice that the five acres of gardens adorned with Portuguese cork trees are cut in Italian/ French inspiration style.

Take the self-guided tour to explore the vineyards at your own pace, including mature plantings, waterfalls and arching footbridges over passing streams and learn more about the local fauna with the help of the identification tags on them.

Check out their unique wine-tasting experiences, including the Il Terrazzo Outdoor Tasting Terrace, Villa Fiore Tasting Room and Wine Shop, and the Enoteca Reserve Wine Tasting Bar. 

Please book the tours before your visit since the place is popular in the Sonoma wine county region.

Recommended Tours: 

• Private Wine Tour in Napa Valley SUV for up to 6 Guests
• Sonoma & Healdsburg Wine Tours
• Napa Wine Tour SUV up to 6 Guests

DINE AT FAMOUS HEALDSBURG RESTAURANTS

Healdsburg has a widespread reputation for fine dining.

With tons of wine and dine options, like Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy bistros, this charming town has become a favourite destination for foodies and wine lovers and is also one of the fun things to do in Healdsburg.

If you are looking for where to eat in Healdsburg, I got you covered. Check out a few of my favourites here:

Dry Creek Kitchen : Located on Healdsburg Avenue, it is known for its refined Californian Fare and vine-covered Terrace.

They strive to create flavorful dishes with locally sourced ingredients like the Sonoma County, Charcuterie board and the mushroom risotto.

Try their Hamachi Crudo and Seared Spanish Octopus starters.

For deserts, I recommend you to try their delicious Warm Butter Cake.

Bravas Bar de Tapas : Located on the center street, this place is for you if you want a unique and a memorable dining experience in Healdsburg, something in Spanish style.

They are known for their unique small and large plate servings.

So you can grab a snack for shopping downtown or crash at this place for a full-course meal.

Their oysters, beets, lamb sliders, and scallops are a must-try. The other popular servings are croquettes, calamari, and ham and cheese sandwiches.

They also have an extensive wine list showcasing regional wines and other cocktails.

Barndiva : Another popular destination on Center street, especially if you are looking for brunch options.

They have an extensive brunch menu with salads, sandwiches, pizzas and a wine menu featuring varietal wines from across the region.

Most of these fine dining experiences require a reservation ahead of your visit. So ensure to book your table in advance. 

SAVOUR DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEA

Whether you are looking for romantic things to do in Healdsburg or a fun night out with friends, The Taste of Tea is the perfect spot on North Street in Healdsburg.

This charming Japanese restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere adorned with hanging paper lanterns, wooden flooring, and cute tables.

The TasteTaste of tea is known for its diverse varieties.

You can find various tea collections from across the globe, including green, black, oolong, herbal teas, bubble teas, and matcha lattes. The owner here is friendly and will explain the various health benefits of tea when used as a face mask.

Besides tea, this restaurant offers an array of Japanese dishes to tantalize your TasteTaste buds. There’s something for everyone, from ramen and sushi to tempura and donburi.

Ingredients are fresh and locally sourced, and you will be delighted to see that each dish is cooked to perfection at this place. 

If you like seafood, try their Grilled Salmon and Grille Halibut. Try Chocolate Mousse Cake and unique creations like the Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream for desserts.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN HEALDSBURG FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS

Healdsburg wine country bike tour.

The most spectacular way to explore and experience Healdsburg is to take the wine-country bike and wine-tasting tour , which gives you a close-up view of the region’s stunning scenery and award-winning wineries. This is also one of the best things to do in Healdsburg.

Hope on a hybrid cycle and ride through the meandering route, which passes through the Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley.

Explore some offbeat homegrown wineries to savour local wines’ fresh and unique flavours and understand the nuances of winemaking.

The tour lasts almost half a day and covers 10-16 miles. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you, and all the necessary safety gear will be provided.

Fuel yourself with a picnic lunch (included in the tour) amidst the rolling hills while enjoying the incredible valley views.

Recommended Tour: Healdsburg Cycling Wine Tour

TRY HIKING AND BOATING IN THE LAKE SONOMA RECREATION AREA

Lake Sonoma Recreation area, located on Dry Creek road, is for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adrenaline activities like hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and boating.

This is also one of the fun things to do in Healdsburg.

Although the 2,700-acre Lake is man-made, formed by building the Warm Springs Dam, it is an ideal destination for an afternoon picnic lunch with friends and family or to hike along the 50 miles of shoreline for a perfect weekend.

Many beautiful trails have stunning views of the Lake and the surrounding vineyards.

If you are an experienced mountain biker, try the South Lake Trail; with 4700+ feet of elevation gain and running amidst redwoods, oaks and open preserve, this is an ideal workout recipe for the weekend in Healdsburg.

Boat, Canoe and Kayak rentals are also available near the Lake.

Try fishing since the Lake is known for bass, catfish and sunfish. 

You can camp at the sites close to the Lake.

Get your pooch by paying a nominal fee for them. Restrooms can be found close to the visitor’s centre.

HIKE AT ARMSTRONG REDWOODS STATE NATURE RESERVE

If you are looking for things to do near Healdsburg, drive 30 minutes on the Westside road from Downtown Healdsburg Ca to witness ancient old-growth and coastal redwoods in the Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve.

This is also one of the best redwoods near San Francisco.  

Whether you want to go hiking, birdwatching or relax by the Fife creek, Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve is a perfect weekend getaway from Healdsburg.

Make sure to click Insta-worthy pictures with Colonel Armstrong, the largest and oldest tree in the park, aged 1,400. It was named after a lumberman who contributed to the park’s preservation in the 1870s.

Check out, The Parson Jones Tree, another tallest redwood tree, which stands 310 feet tall.

The park entrance is only 0.1 miles away from this tree.

Go hiking on incredible trails like the 2-mile Pioneer Nature Trail or the East Ridge and Pool Ridge trails if you want a vantage point to witness the beauty of redwoods from an elevation.

Most of the trails here are ADA-accessible and are suitable for all age groups.

Recommended Tour: Explore the Redwoods Tour

DRIVE ALONG THE BOHEMIAN HIGHWAY

One of the things to do around Healdsburg is to drive along the Bohemian Highway.

This 10-mile gorgeous route passes through redwood forests of the Russian river valley, undulating hills, lush vineyards and wineries, beautiful old barns and ranches.

The route gets even more beautiful during the various seasons of the year.

During Fall, you will be greeted with the California foilage; during Spring, you will see the route dotted with wildflower carpets.

Take a pitstop at Occidental, a small quirky town, home to one of the oldest bars in California and also features a gorgeous two-block downtown area.

Check out Monte Rio, along the way, known for its old-fashioned small-town charm.

For adventure junkies, there are many thrill spots for hiking, fishing and kayaking.

Visit the Sonoma Canopy Tours for a zipline tree-top tour through the forest.

Since Healdsburg is home to many wineries, you will find plenty of restaurants and tasting rooms to enjoy along the drive.

So hop on a car and drive through this wine county region’s beautiful landscapes and fascinating culture.

If you are looking for rental cars for this fantastic drive, book your vehicle at Discover Cars , one of my all-time favourite car rentals in the United States.

VISIT THUNDERBIRD RANCH

One of the unique things to do in Healdsburg is to visit Thunderbird Ranch, located on Alexander Valley road at a 15-minute driving distance from downtown Healdsburg.

Thunderbird Ranch is a family-owned 500 acres of land, surrounded by gorgeous views of the Alexander Valley, known for its unique combination of rustic charm and modern amenities.

The Ranch is a recognized wedding venue in Sonoma County. They offer guided horseback trail rides, a must-try for a different kind of experience.

The ride lasts about an hour and costs around $105 per person.

You will be provided with safety gear. Get your cameras as you will be taken to a vantage point for incredible valley views.

Thunderbird ranch even offers horseback riding lessons which can be taken as a private or a group lesson and cost $85 for private and $70 for a group of four.

The Ranch will be open from May to October.

Recommended Tour: Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour

HAVE A PICNIC AT BADGER PARK 

If you want places to picnic in Healdsburg, check out Badger Park, one of the local’s favourites, less than a mile from the Plaza via Matheson street.

The park is named after the wildlife Badger and other animals like rabbits, deer and foxes, often seen around this area.

Badger park features an exclusive kids’ play area with well-maintained slides and other structures.

This is one of the dog-friendly parks in Healdsburg with a separate off-leash area, making this one of the fun things to do in Healdsburg with your pup.

Stroll amidst the gardens to see the vibrant local flora and other veggies in the orchard.

Relax on the benches or the soft grassy patch, or have a picnic lunch near the Russian River.

You can even go fishing and swimming in the river for more fun.

If you are planning a group vacation with family, the park can arrange for you to reserve parking for up to 40 people.

VISIT DEL RIO WOODS REGIONAL PARK

One of the offbeat things to do in Healdsburg is to visit the Del Rio Woods Regional Park, located on S Fitch Mountain Road at a 10-minute driving distance from the Plaza.

Sitting on the Russian river valley bed with rugged charm, this is one of the hidden gems in Healdsburg if you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.

The local volunteers maintained Del Rio Woods Regional Parks for several decades.

Recently the place was taken over by the Sonoma County Regional Parks.

If you are an avid bird watcher or love spending time in nature with your loved ones and your pup, this is a must-visit place in Healdsburg.

Try fishing or unwind on the shoreline with various gravel stones and enjoy the stunning sunset views. 

Though large gatherings are restricted in this park, the place is ideal for couples and small families or if you want to spend some time alone tranquil amidst nature.

The park is ADA-accessible and has a well-maintained porta-potty. Buy a day-use pass for a nominal fee to park your car.

EXPLORE THE CASTELLO DO AMAROSA

If you want a unique and a memorable day trip experience from Healdsburg, head to Castello Do Amarosa, located approximately 30 miles and is one of the offbeat things to do in Healdsburg.

A replica of the 13-century Italian Tuscan castle, Castello Di Amorosa is known for its 171-acre medieval winery.

Enjoy their signature Cabernet Sauvignon wine and a five-flight premium wine tasting.

Take one of these tours; Napa Valley Wine Train & Tour, Cheese & Wine Pairing Tour and Royal Food & Wine Pairing Tour.

It took around 15 years to build the Castle, and you will see the Italian and French influence in the architecture and many French paintings inside the Castle.

There are 107 rooms inside the Castle, a lavish hall with two-storey replicas of Tuscan paintings, a 500-year-old fireplace, a drawbridge, a dungeon, an Armory, a Grand Barrel Room and even a torture chamber filled with representations of torture items like the guillotine and the Iron Maiden.

You can visit the outside premises of the Castle for free, but you need to buy tickets to explore the interiors.

Take one of these guided wine tours , which will be followed by wine tasting. You can take kids along, who will be served a glass of grape juice.

Recommended Tour: Small Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers

If you have spare time, take a slight detour and stop by Calistoga, another charming wine town in California.

Check out my exclusive guide for fantastic things to do in Calistoga .

VISIT FOOTHILL REGIONAL PARK

Foothill Regional Park, located on Arata Lane and 6 miles from the Plaza, is another local’s favourite spot in Healdsburg.

If you want to experience the town’s countryside, I recommend you visit this place for sweeping views of Northern Sonoma County. 

This is also one of the unique things to do in Healdsburg, especially if you are looking for adventures like fishing, hiking, picnicking and birdwatching.

Check out The Three Lakes Trail, one of the most accessible trails in the park, with a renovated trail system filled with compacted gravel making it easier for the ones with mobility issues.

If you want more adventure, hike the Alta Vista Trail, which gains elevation, but the hike is worth it since you will be greeted with stunning views of the vineyards and flower fields around you.

Foot Hill Regional Park also has trails which are wheelchair accessible.

Relax on the benches if you want to rest in between, or pack a lunch to have it on the picnic tables overlooking the beautiful views. Dogs on leashes are allowed.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN HEALDSBURG

Attend healdsburg jazz festival.

If you are inclined to music and looking for things to do in Healdsburg Ca not wine, you should check out the Healdsburg Jazz festival around mid-summer.

You will see an exciting lineup of talented jazz musicians from across the United States and different parts of the globe performing in Healdsburg Plaza around Fountain Square and various other venues.

With a perfect summer evening vibe, the Healdsburg Jazz festival has created a sensation among Jazz music lovers; this only gets better each year!

Grab your favourite wine or a beer from the nearby tasting room downtown and soak in the festive vibes.

Check out the different eateries for you to munch on something while you groove to the tunes of Jazz.

TAKE A HELICOPTER TOUR

If you are wondering what to do in Healdsburg this weekend, check out the much-renowned Helicopter tour, one of the best ways to take in the beauty of this gorgeous wine town.

The tour, guided by Butterfly Aviation , will scoop you over the region’s best wineries, rolling vineyards, and stunning mountain peaks. You will also witness the gorgeous redwoods from several thousand feet above.

As you soar over the region, you will spot the Russian river meandering through the landscape and get a bird’s eye view of the charming downtown area.

The tours are available all year round and can be customized per your specifications.

Whether you are looking for a romantic adventure with your loved one or an exciting trip for yourself, I recommend you should not miss this magical experience while in Healdsburg.

CHECK OUT HAND FAN MUSEUM

One of the unique things to do in Healdsburg is to visit the Hand Fan Museum.

This is the only hand fan museum in the United States, making this one of the niche Healdsburg activities.

Established in 2002, Healdsburg Hand Fan Museum is home to around 2,500 varieties of hand fans depicting various cultures, design styles and other intricate things from across the globe.

You might be wondering what is so great about Hand fans.

But when you deeply look into the designs, you will learn about the significant history of the place, religion, social culture, fashion and the evolution of art, which might give you a whole new perspective.

Victorian-era fans to intricate masterpieces created by several artists are well preserved through centuries in this museum.

You can take a guided tour to learn more about this unique art, and people of all age groups are welcome here.

TOUR THE MOVIE MUSEUM AT THE FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY

Located along the beautiful US101 highway and a 10-minute drive from the Plaza, The Francis Ford Coppola Winery is an amusing destination if you are a wine and movie buff. It is one of the fun things to do in Healdsburg.

The place is known for its exclusive well-built museum, which houses unique exhibits from different movies showcased in a two-storey gallery. 

Check out the quirky costume collections from the movie Dracula, Chair and Desk from The Godfather. Don’t miss to click pictures along the famous Red car from the movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

If you have never seen an Oscar in person, you can see it up close, which was won by Coppola.

The place also features two state-of-the-art pools, private cabanas, showers and a multicuisine restaurant featuring mouth-watering delicacies and world-class wines.

ENJOY OLIVE OIL TASTING

One of the offbeat things to do in Healdsburg is to try Olive oil tasting, an exciting experience like no other.

Interact with the local Olive oil producers, understand the nuances of oil production and sample various varieties of oil from across the region.

During the tasting tour, a knowledgeable guide will help you understand the true sense of the oils’ flavour, aroma and texture and explain its science.

You might even sample extra-virgin oils and infused varietals.

During the tour, you will understand how oils are used in cooking and how to select the correct type of oil for a particular dish.

My recommendation of places for Olive oil tasting includes The Olive Press At Jacuzzi Family Vineyard, TrattoreFarms ( try their deep green Spanish harvest olive oil ), Figone’s Olive Oil Company, Jordan Vineyard and Winery and DaVero Farms and Winery ( try their Meyer lemon oil, made by crushing olives with Meyer lemons in a stone mill ).

ADMIRE THE GARDENS AT THE RUSSIAN RIVER ROSE COMPANY

One of the unique things to do in Healdsburg is to visit the Russian River Rose Company, located on the Magnolia Dr road.

They are known for growing stunningly beautiful roses and producing rose water.

Tour this hidden gem in Healdsburg to witness the production process.

The lovely gardens with around 600 varieties of roses and the gorgeous Italian villa backdrop highlight the place.

You might find some rare varieties of roses from the Sonoma County region for sale.

The best time to visit would be during the Spring when Roses will be in full bloom.

Besides varieties of roses, take a lovely evening stroll amidst the butterfly garden and check out the vibrant irises in bloom.

The nursery operates all year round, and you can book your tour in advance. Infants under the age of three years are free to enter. Check out the nearby Russian River Kayak Tour if you have spare time.

Visit their cute gift shop for rose water bottles with beautiful fragrances.

RELAX AT MEMORIAL BEACH

One of the relaxing things to do in Healdsburg is to visit Memorial Beach, located on the Old Redwood Highway in the Russian River Valley.

The beach features a vast sandy shoreline, ideal for kayaking, swimming and other water activities. Get your inflatables and paddles and enjoy the clean waters of the beach. The water levels on this beach might vary. So check ahead of your visit.

The beach is an ideal location for a perfect picnic lunch, overlooking the old Healdsburg memorial bridge and is one of the local’s favourites, especially during a perfect sunny day.

Try swimming or sunbathing for a beautiful weekend in Healdsburg by the beach. Lifeguards will be available only during limited times of the year.

The Memorial beach is wheelchair accessible, and you can get your dogs on a leash. Parking is available, but you need to visit during the early hour as it gets filled fast.

KAYAK (OR CANOE) THE RUSSIAN RIVER

One of the fun things to do in Healdsburg is to go Kayaking or Canoeing in the Russian River.

The river flows through beautiful parts of Sonoma County and offers excellent swimming and paddling options. 

Kayak and Canoe rentals are available in the nearby kiosks and also on the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach.

You can even opt for a guided Kayaking tour if you are a novice. The best time for Kayaking, Canoeing and Paddling is between May and September.

Get your binoculars to spot colourful bird species like blue herons, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys as you navigate the clean water of the Russian River.

HIKE AT HEALDSBURG’S RIDGE OPEN SPACE PRESERVE

One of the offbeat things to do in Healdsburg is hiking along the ridge open space preserve, located on the Bridle Path and Arabian Way, at a 10-minute driving distance from the Plaza.

The 155-acre ridge was developed in 1996 with the intent to preserve the lands and local wildlife.

As you hike through this area, you will encounter diverse florae, including woodlands, chaparral and wetlands.

You might spot deer and rabbits playing around or feeding on the grasslands. If you are lucky, you might spot predators like bobcats and mountain lions.

Spring is one of the best times to visit this preserve.

You will be welcomed by wildflower carpets dotting the network of trails, a visual treat to hike amidst them.

Check out the vantage points like The Nancy’s Hill Overlook, The Russian River Overlook and The Fox Pond Overlook, which offer stunning views of the Mayacama Mountains to the East and the surrounding lush vineyards. These spots are also apt for Insta-worthy pictures.

GETTING TO HEALDSBURG CA

The quickest route to Healdsburg via flight is to fly down to Santa Rosa Airport, a short drive less than 10 miles away.

Several bigger airports are nearby, like Oakland, San Francisco or Sacramento.

It would be best if you drove to reach Healdsburg for a couple of hours from there. From LA, Healdsburg is about 7 hour’s drive.

Suppose you want self-drive cars from any of these airports to enjoy driving on the lovely US 101 highway or travel within Healdsburg.

In that case, you can check out Discover Cars , one of my favourites in the US because of its ease of use, availability of cars and, of course, pricing! Check out more details here to book.

I recommend you get travel insurance ALWAYS whenever you are on international or domestic travel!

Check out this insurance by Safety Wing, which offers a pretty good cover for you and your family! They even provide monthly insurance, much required for slow travellers like me! Find more here .

WHERE TO STAY IN HEALDSBURG CA

If you are looking for where to stay in Healdsburg Ca, my recommendations include vacation rentals, luxury accommodations, and stays with rustic experience.

Hotel Les Mars : With a perfect location at the city’s heart, the hotel features spacious rooms equipped with French antiques,4-poster king beds and a marble shower.

The luxurious rooms boast Italian linens, a flat-screen cable TV and bath amenities. Check out more details here .

The River Belle Inn : A BnB with well-equipped accommodations, free WiFi, air conditioning, a terrace and a bar. There’s a private bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes in some units.

Breakfast options include à la carte, continental or Full English/Irish options. Check out more here to book.

Hotel Trio Healdsburg : This hotel has free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a shared lounge.

With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. Some rooms feature a kitchen equipped with a fridge, a dishwasher and a microwave. Check out more here.

Duchamp Hotel – Downtown Healdsburg : This hotel is in Central Healdsburg and features six exclusive private suites with an outdoor pool and hot tub.

Each air-conditioned accommodation includes free WiFi, an HDTV, a mini-fridge, European-styled towels and guest robes.

These private suites offer a large bathroom with complimentary Aveda toiletries and a relaxing private terrace. Find details to book here .

Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza, A Four Sisters Inn :  A motel and BnB located directly on the historic Healdsburg Plaza, which offers a complimentary buffet breakfast.

Free WiFi, Coffee, Tea, Water and bathrobes are included. Find more details here.

MAP OF THINGS TO DO IN HEALDSBURG

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The 10 Best Day Trips from in Healdsburg, California (CA)

Location: Healdsburg

Top things to do in healdsburg, top restaurants in healdsburg.

• 1. Costeaux French Bakery
• 2. Flying Goat Coffee
• 3. Baci Cafe & Wine Bar
• 4. Downtown Bakery & Creamery
• 5. Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar
• 7. Moustache Baked Goods
• 8. Guiso Latin Fusion
• 9. Cafe Lucia
• 10. Parish Cafe
• United Kingdom

Beautiful Northern California has many fabulous destinations, and the town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County is at the top of the list. Small town charm, beautiful landscapes and outstanding weather are just a few of the trademark qualities that make Healdsburg so popular. Healdsburg combines five-star cuisine, rolling hills and world-acclaimed wine growing appellations for an experience you will never forget. If you love the vibrant outdoors and colorful festivals, you will love Healdsburg. In April, you can help harvest roses and distill them into fragrant rose oil and rosewater as part of the Classic Perfume Rose Harvest & Distillation Tours. An annual sea food dinner at the Healdsburg Fire Department is also in April. From February to June, enjoy the "Russian River Good Old Days" exhibit at the Healdsburg Museum. And on the first Friday of the month, Williamson Wines sponsors an Epicurean Dinner at the Dry Creek Kitchen at Hotel Healdsburg. Restaurants in Healdsburg

1. Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County

Overall ratings.

5.0 based on 9 reviews

**During our high season, (May 1-November 14), this tour operates on Friday, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. Off-season (November 15-April 30), it operates on Fridays and Saturdays.  Join us on a full-day, small-group wine tour of the Spectacular North Sonoma County wine country! You’ll visit threer charming, back roads wineries and be served a picnic lunch in an idyllic winery setting. Your tour guide will tell fascinating stories and share many interesting tidbits about local history, culture and wine making. Our specialty is intimate, light hearted and truly memorable experiences. Your guide will set up a tasty picnic lunch for you at a picturesque winery. Once the tour concludes, you will be dropped off from where you were picked up.

Inclusions: 3 winery visits, Driver Tour Guide, Transport by small shuttle, Picnic lunch, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch

Exclusions: Wine tasting fees ($15-$20 at each winery) per person, Gratuity for the guide (Suggested 15-20%) per person; Parties of 5 or more traveling together are considered a large party and will have a 15% gratuity charged for the tour guide at the end of the tour.

Reviewed By anthony p

excellent tour with an outstanding guide, Gary. Went to three small vineyards that we would have never found and enjoyed them all. Each one different and unique in their own way. After exploring some of the larger wineries on our own this was a good change.

2. Sprinter Wine Tour

5.0 based on 1 reviews

Privately Driven Wine Tour Experience! We will welcome you in one of our luxury vehicles with a bottle of bubbles ready to go on your Napa wine tour adventure! Yes, you can drink in our vehicles! Explore the best wineries in Napa Valley while finding out some of its secrets.  *Tour details: You are purchasing a 6-hour tour. Not included - driver gratuity & tasting fees. Your host. Jeremy is labeled “The King of All Wine Tours”. He and his team have their own intimate and unique knowledge of the Napa Valley and surrounding area. Every tour is an adventure to celebrate their community in the Napa Valley. With friendships made organically over the years with vineyard owners, winemakers, chefs and vineyard host educators we can provide the very best experience available. A group photo from your trip will also be provided so you can commemorate your amazing time spent in Napa!  

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Glass of Champagne, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities Not Included, Extra time beyond the 6 hours, Food and drinks, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Tasting Fees Not Included, All Fees and Taxes, Chef Prepared Boxed Lunch is available for an additional $25 per person if desired.

Reviewed By janelles602

Jeremy was so knowledgeable and attentive. Second year we have used his company. Very satisfied! Amazing trip and fantastic experience.

3. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco

5.0 based on 2 reviews

This Brewery and Winery tour will take you to the best wineries as well as the most iconic breweries in North Bay's Sonoma County. Our years of experience in quality wine and brew touring has allowed us to share the best kept secrets in value for those visiting the wine capital of California. Rest assured that you will experience a premium 8 hour private tour experience at an incredible value. Guests have the option of adding and customizing the list of wineries to visit as well. On this brewery and winery tour, you can expect: • Exceptional service from our chauffeurs • Luxury sedan & SUV transport • Inexpensive wine tasting(s) options available (Please contact tour provider to learn more!) • Visits to your choice of the best Breweries in Northern California • Complimentary Brew or Wine provided by your chauffeur • Golden Gate Bridge photos with your group

Inclusions: Available predetermined brewery and winery itineraries, Pre-travel consultation to plan and customize group's itinerary and wine tour experience, 1 gift bottles of red or white wine (2 bottles for SUV reservations), Visit to Inexpensive Tastings at Wineries available, Round trip Golden Gate Bridge itinerary, Optional group photograph service on North Point of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pickup and drop-off from hotels/residence within 15 mile radius of San Francisco, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch, Guide, Gratuities: standard 20% gratuity charged on total gross amount after trip completion., Extra time: after first 8 hours - , Airport pickup

Reviewed By BosDVII

Dean was an exceptional guide and facilitator of tastings. He was also a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the area, as well as current events. His recommendations for food were sublime.

4. Napa Wine Tour

Privately Driven Wine Tour Experience! We will welcome you in one of our luxury vehicles with a bottle of bubbles ready to go on your Napa wine tour adventure! Yes, you can drink in our vehicles! Explore the best wineries in Napa Valley while finding out some of its secrets.  **Tour details: You are purchasing a 6 hour tour. Driver gratuity is not included and will be collected at the end of the tour. All tasting fees are not included in the price of the tour. ** About your host. Jeremy is labeled “The King of All Wine Tours”. He and his team have their own intimate and unique knowledge of the Napa Valley and surrounding area. Every tour is an adventure to celebrate their community in the Napa Valley. With friendships made organically over the years with vineyard owners, wine makers, chefs and vineyard host educators we can provide the very best experience available. A group photo from your trip will also be provided so you can commemorate your amazing time spent in Napa!  

Exclusions: Gratuities Not Included, Extra time beyond the 4 hours, Food and drinks, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Tasting Fees Not Included, All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By stephaniecU8323BE

Our group of three couples spent two days with Jeremy and had a wonderful time exploring Napa and Sonoma His knowledge of the area was outstanding and his recommendations were spot on as he tailored the tours to meet the needs of our group!! If you are looking for a driver to make your experience perfect...just call now and set up your reservation...no more research needed!!

5. Napa Valley Wine Tour Planning and Transportation

4.8 based on 16 reviews

Inclusions: Bottled water, Glass of Champagne, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)

Exclusions: Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Food and drinks, Gratuities Not Included, Tasting Fees Not Included, All Fees and Taxes, Extra time beyond the 6 hours

6. Custom Private Russian River Wine Tour from San Francisco

This wine tour will take you to the best wineries in The Russian River, including areas such as Healdsburg and Geyserville. Our years of experience in quality private wine touring has allowed us to share the best kept secrets in value for those visiting the Northern California's wine country. It is in our best interest to make sure you experience a premium 8 hour wine tour at an incredible value and service for your group. Guests have the option of adding and customizing the list of wineries to visit as well. On this wine tour, you can expect: • Exceptional service from our chauffeurs • Luxury sedan & SUV transport • Complimentary bottle of wine from our company • Options for Free wine tasting(s) (Please contact tour provider via email or phone call after booking reservation to learn more!) • For group sizes larger than 7 persons, please contact supplier for specific details and changes per group size.

Inclusions: Available predetermined wine tour itineraries, Pre-travel consultation to plan and customize group's itinerary and wine tour experience, Flexibility in winery destination changes while on tour, 1 gift bottles of red or white wine (2 bottles for SUV reservations), Water, Contingent free wine tastings, free wine tastings at tour provider's winery list choices, Round trip Golden Gate Bridge itinerary, Optional group photograph service on North Point of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fuel surcharge, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch, Guide, Gratuities: standard 20% gratuity charged on total gross amount after trip completion., Extra time: after first 8 hours - $60.00 sedan / $75.00 SUV per hour

7. Corporate Charters and Events

8. bay area sight seeing tours, 9. napa hike with wine.

Privately Driven Wine Tour Experience! We will welcome you in one of our luxury vehicles with a bottle of bubbles or rosé ready to go on your hike and wine tour adventure! Yes, you can drink in our vehicles! A short hike and wine tasting! **Tour details: You are purchasing a 6 hour tour. Driver gratuity is not included and will be collected at the end of the tour. All tasting fees are not included in the price of the tour. ** About your host. Jeremy is labeled “The King of All Wine Tours”. He and his team have their own intimate and unique knowledge of the Napa Valley and surrounding area. Every tour is an adventure to celebrate their community in the Napa Valley. With friendships made organically over the years with vineyard owners, winemakers, chefs and vineyard host educators we can provide the very best experience available. A group photo from your trip will also be provided so you can commemorate your amazing time spent in Napa!  

Exclusions: Gratuities Not Included, Extra time beyond the 6 hours, Food and drinks, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Tasting Fees Not Included, All Fees and Taxes

10. Napa or Sonoma Dinner Transportation

Privately Driven Wine Tour Experience! We will welcome you in one of our luxury vehicles with a bottle of bubbles or rosé to enjoy on the way to dinner. Yes, you can drink in our vehicles! Need restaurant recommendations or information on setting up a private dinner for a special occasion? No problem, we are here to help you plan something special. **Tour details: You are purchasing a 5 hour dinner charters. Driver gratuity is not included and will be collected at the end of the tour. All tasting fees are not included in the price of the tour. ** About your host. Jeremy is labeled “The King of All Wine Tours”. He and his team have their own intimate and unique knowledge of the Napa Valley. World-class dining awaits you.

Exclusions: Gratuities Not Included, Extra time beyond the 5 hours, Food and drinks, Excess luggage charges (where applicable), Tasting Fees Not Included, All Fees and Taxes

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24 Fun Things To Do In Healdsburg

When we first came here on vacation, we instantly loved this town, but wondered, “What are some things to do in Healdsburg?”

Activities in Healdsburg include world class wineries and culinary cuisine, art galleries, museums, walking and hiking trails, Tuesday Concerts in the Plaza, Russian River sunning and swimming, antique shops, lovely country drives, jazz festivals, blackberry picking, outdoor movies. Free tennis courts, dog friendly everything, a renowned wine library, Coppola Movie Museum, organic farm tours, community band shows, art festivals, native plant and rose gardens, and a treasure trove of hidden gems, community events and outdoor activities to do.

If you’re wondering what to do around Healdsburg, there are literally hundreds of fun things available for families, couples, and singles. And, like many things in life, some of the most enjoyable are free. In this article, we’ll briefly cover many of the fun activities, events and attractions with links to pages containing more details on each. And if you’re wondering what’s open in Healdsburg, well pretty much everything is now open! When you want to see beautiful photos of things around town simply view our new Life in Healdsburg gallery.

Wineries Near Healdsburg

Okay, you probably already know wine tours are one of the things to do in Healdsburg. However, are you aware there are 92 wineries within 20 to 30 minutes of our town? In addition, we have another 42 tasting rooms here in the village. So, whether you like white wine or red, sweet, semi-sweet or dry wine, rosés or sparkling wines, Healdsburg’s wine country is flowing with remarkable and memorable experiences. Indulge in exquisite Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, or any of Healdsburg wine country’s delicious varietals. You’ll see why more people now prefer Russian River Valley wines over Napa Valley wines, and making our little town one of their favorite destinations for day trips.

Some of the best wineries in Healdsburg have alluring wine tasting rooms, where you’ll discover some of the finest wines California Wine Country has to offer. Places like Dry Creek Vineyard, Rodney Strong Vineyards, and Truett Hurst Winery have exceptional wines. Our wealth of winery ambiences runs from country casual to millennial mayhem, and from classic contemporary to extraordinary European-style Estates and Château’s. Each day promises its own sensational array of adventures awaiting you. Click here for our list of Best Healdsburg Wineries in 2023, and click here to see the best pet friendly wineries..

Wine tasting around Healdsburg runs anywhere from free of charge to $75 per flight and are open seven days a week. We have dog friendly, family-friendly, picnic friendly, and tour friendly vineyards. We have wineries with astounding views. Wineries with rivers and ponds. Wineries and vineyards with elegant art and extraordinary architecture. You may not have enough time to enjoy all Healdsburg has to offer.

For more information you can click to see a complete listing of wineries in the Healdsburg area or a list and map of our town’s tasting rooms .

Indulge in Healdsburg’s exquisite culinary culture

Restaurants in Healdsburg

The other ‘top of mind’ attraction Healdsburg is known for is our extraordinary culinary culture. Healdsburg has everything from family fair, all the way to Michelin Star 3 Star dining affairs. In addition, a steady stream of creative culinary talent from the SRJC Culinary School and nearby Culinary Institute of America (CIA) infuse their clever imaginations into amazing dining experiences throughout all our town’s dining establishments. Culinary escapades are only one of Healdsburg’s celebrated attractions to enjoy.

Whether you’re looking for an exceptionally elegant evening out, wishing to impress that special someone near and dear to your heart, or are looking for a simple family-style sit down dinner, you’ll have 38 outstanding options to select from. Chef Dustin Valette’s venerable venue and Dry Creek Kitchen’s remarkable restaurant are among two of our town’s favorites; both right off Healdsburg Plaza. The best breakfasts in Healdsburg include the Costeaux French Bakery and The Parish Cafe (a favorite among locals).

Dining in Healdsburg makes for a special event in and of itself, with each restaurant adding its own special ‘flavor’ to your evening. And there are a few little restaurants, tucked away here and there, that only locals know about, which you can discover by checking out Healdsburg’s Hidden Gems . This place is a foodie’s heaven!

This page has a complete list of all your Healdsburg dining options along with hours and locations. Bon appétit!

Healdsburg has open jazz festivals and concerts in Fountain Plaza

Healdsburg Jazz Festivals

If you’re visiting Healdsburg during mid-summer, and are looking for things to do that are not wine oriented, put these performances on your must-do agenda. One of the more enchanting events which occurs throughout Healdsburg is an ensemble of performances during our annual Jazz Festival . The Festival is presented in concert with multiple restaurants around the square, and runs for 10 days each summer, typically from the end of May through the first week of June.

Some of the finest jazz talent, locally, from nearby San Francisco and imported from jazz centric centers throughout our nation, come to weave their extraordinary talents which drift along on our summer evening’s air. You can lounge around in Fountain Square most of these evenings and enjoy a beautiful serenade of soft yet playfully soothing sounds, as they resonate around Italianate architecture and bathe our lovely Square. Or, you may prefer to enjoy a dinner wrapped in the melody of these amazing artists, which grace several of our restaurants as these annual events blossom.

Whichever you prefer, it makes for a romantic and memorable evening when these jazz events in occur. Be sure to check our “ Happenings ” events calendar for times, locations and list of marquee talents.

Healdsburg Organic Farm Tours

Healdsburg and its surrounding area are becoming quite renowned for its cutting-edge organic farm-to-table approach to dining experiences. At the heart of this nouveau trend are our myriad of local organic farms. Many of these farms make tours available, and always welcome guests who simply want to roam the fields, learn of their produce process, or see some animals and livestock in their natural habitat.

Organic farms are a way of life here in northern Sonoma County. And with this rich, lush, fertile land which rolls from Healdsburg to the sea, there are few places in the country that compare when it comes to growing the finest fruits, vegetables, nuts and produce that flourish here.

Click here to learn more about Healdsburg’s organic farms . It’s a wonderful day away in enjoying getting back to nature

Healdsburg Community Band

Healdsburg has a wonderful Community Band which performs throughout the year, especially during the holidays. Its members are comprised of talented local residents, who love the art of music and enjoy sharing skills they’ve honed over decades with audiences of all ages.

The Community Band began in 1981 and has had performers including Milt Brandt, with his storied history of nature conservatism, among many other renowned talents from our area. The band typically performs monthly, as it fits into their otherwise busy lives (many of which involve contributing to our towns growth and prosperity).

Simply search our “ Happenings ” event calendar for performance dates, locations and tickets. And if you have an instrument, they may even consider allowing you to join in and play.

Discover Healdsburg’s ‘hidden gems’ (only locals know about)

A Treasure Trove of Healdsburg ‘Hidden Gems’

There is an absolute treasure trove of hidden gems sprinkled throughout Healdsburg; places, talents, delicacies, shopping and surprises to delight in – some of which you can even take home with you. These are the experiences, scenes and secrets which typically only our locals are aware of – and now you too can savor some of our community’s ‘off the radar’ specialities. Here’s a list of Healdsburg’s Hidden Gems .

“And Here Are Some Fun Free Things To Do In Healdsburg”

Blackberry Picking in Healdsburg

Running wild throughout, Healdsburg is replete with blackberry bushes. These berry-rich bushes sprawl along our lovely country roads, surround some of our parks like a picket fence, and flow along many trails and nooks running along the river and other water laden locations. You’ll find beautiful plump blackberries ripe for the picking at many a turn. If you’re just strolling along, nibbling on a few as you go, then you won’t need much direction from us. However, if you want to dive in and get a small haul of these luscious little delicacies, you might want to be a little more prepared for the task at hand.

You can learn more about how to tackle blackberry picking in Healdsburg more wholeheartedly by reading this short post . But in any case, throughout July and August blackberries are simply one of those special, natural pleasures that are so common here in Healdsburg

Outdoor Movies at the Plaza

From May to August every summer, our beautiful Fountain Square Plaza becomes a giant outdoor movie theater , showing family-oriented feature films right after our Tuesday Concerts in the Plaza performances. There’s free popcorn and plenty a lawn space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars together with your family and children. There’s just something about watching a movie outdoors that’s so pleasantly relaxing.

You can bring any snacks or sodas you might enjoy, and of course, might want to grab a lawn chair or two. These are fun and festive family nights with ample opportunity to meet some new friends and neighbors. Check out our “ Happenings ” calendar for a schedule of this summer’s movies.

Rowing Russian River with badminton rackets

Memorial River Beach for Sunning and Swimming

With the historic Russian River slowly winding its way along the eastern and southern borders of Healdsburg, it’s only natural that someone would build a lovely park and provide a brilliant beach to enjoy beautiful days of sunbathing and swimming where barbecues, blankets and beach balls abound.

Healdsburg does a magnificent job providing a beautiful sandy beach along the Russian River, with designated swimming areas cordoned-off in three sections; one for children under three (with a parent), one for children under 15 years of age, and a larger section in the deeper water for swimming laps or just floating along and relaxing that’s just for adults. Snorkeling is pretty cool in this section too.

Memorial Park , which is situated next to Memorial Bridge, is where you’ll find this free to enjoy treasure of Healdsburg. The Park has volleyball pits, outdoor showers, clean restrooms, and lifeguards on duty seven days a week. It’s a summertime favorite with local residents. And when the water’s up, there’s always Russian River Adventures for kayaking.

So, grab your swimming suit, towel, suntan lotion, hat and a picnic basket filled with goodies and come on down and enjoy a historic, not-so-hidden-away in Healdsburg pleasure, which is been cherished by travelers from across America since the 1800s. And our local Healdsburg Museum has the photographs to prove it

Free Tennis Courts in Healdsburg

Giorgi Park in Healdsburg is a beautiful, well-manicured children’s park just a little east of the center of town. It has a lovely little barbecue area, semi-shaded seating in a modern-style gazebo, and a beautiful little wrap around children’s park filled with fun, intriguing and safe amusements for little ones to enjoy while you play a match on one of its two beautifully kept tennis courts .

The tennis courts are extremely well-kept public outdoor open courts. They’re clean swept, and have see-through shaded fencing surrounding them, so you’re not distracted while trying out your new serve; however, you can easily see your children in the play areas which wrap around the courts. These courts are also lighted, with the switch on the pole next to the courts. You’ll have to turn them on if you play towards dusk or evening, and you always want to make sure that you turn them off once you’ve finished playing.

These tennis courts are a wonderful, free fitness activity you can enjoy nearly year-round because of Healdsburg’s most clement weather. So, enjoy a good match together today.

Dog Friendly Parks and More

Almost all the parks in Healdsburg are dog friendly, however if you need fenced sections where your pup can roam free, we’ve got you covered. And there’s always the Riverwalk Trail , which begins at Badger Park’s southeast corner and runs along the Russian River . This is a fun little stretch where your river Rover can roam free and even take a dip in the river if they’re ruff-n-ready. Healdsburg is one of the most dog friendly cities in America, and our parks are simply part of that equation. You can find more frisky-friendly events, activities and places to go on this page . And be sure and remember, we have plenty of dog friendly hotels .

Healdsburg’s ‘World Class’ Wine Library

In the mid-1970s a young lady named Millie Howie began what was to become one of the first winery associations in the country. Her love of wine, wine making, and the beautifully vibrant wine country of Sonoma County were her life’s passion.

In 1989, in coordination with the Russian River Wine Road association she began, Millie started working on compiling what was to become one of the world’s most renowned and comprehensive wine libraries. The compilation of materials she procured became so voluminous that it required the building of a new library in order to store the archive she amassed. Today the Healdsburg Wine Library contains over 5,500 books, as well as various other winemaking and wine related literature, some of which dates back to the early sixteenth century.

There’s also an exceptional array of original wine industry posters, which you can enjoy simply by asking a librarian to grant you access. You may also find some of our most renowned winemakers perusing these texts to find lost secrets in the art of making wine. This compilation of literature is considered to be one of the world’s most comprehensive archives on wine and wine making.

Francis Ford Coppola Movie Museum in Healdsburg California

Coppola Movie Museum

One of the most magnificent attractions in all of Sonoma County is the Francis Ford Coppola Winery Movie Museum . This free venue, housed within the entry foyer of the Coppola Winery, is a tribute and testament to the legendary man for whom the winery is named.

Its founder and American icon, Mr. Francis Ford Coppola, has incredible, authentic memorabilia and props from many of his movies in his museum. Including the actual desk from the movie The Godfather, from which Marlon Brando and Al Pacino uttered lines now carved in American cinematic lore

In addition, there’s the original Tucker automobile which was used in the movie of the same name, and many props from the epic movie Apocalypse now. It’s an amazing display of artifacts and memorabilia from one of the finest legends in the history of American movie making. This magnificent and famous display is free to view seven days a week, merely by making your way to the famous Coppola Winery.

Healdsburg Art Galleries

Incredibly, the town of Healdsburg has 15 art galleries that you’re free to enjoy most any day the week. These art galleries include paintings, sculptures, glass and luminescent art forms from both native artists, and artisans who now call Healdsburg home after having traveled the world learning their craft.

These art galleries capture a magnificent array of the vibrance of life; its depth, its soul searching, its majesty, and its simplicity. Some of the exhibits reflect a humor and lightheartedness toward life; while others capture the essence of a moment, the serenity of a view, or the solace of an occurrence. Encountering these stunning works expands your perception and perspective, all within the quiet context of a simple stroll through their gallery halls.

Healdsburg Museums

In addition to the Coppola Movie Museum, there is also the Healdsburg Museum , the Hand Fan Museum, and the Healdsburg Center for the Arts. Each of these museums is free to view; though the Healdsburg Museum occasionally has paid exhibits in half of its display area.

The Healdsburg Museum contains excellent displays reflecting both the history of Healdsburg, as well as artifacts and memorabilia from our wine growing region as a whole. The Hand Fan Museum has a beautiful array of antique hand fans, whose designs and decorations tell stories of world history in and of themselves. And the Healdsburg Center for the arts is a unique and eclectic display of varying forms of art and collectible pieces to enjoy.

Nature Walking Paths

There are trails for enjoying a soft walk on a light summer’s day, or in the crisp liveliness of an autumn afternoon. The Riverwalk Trail is a beautiful option for wine country walking, as is Healdsburg’s Ridge Open Space Preserve . Healdsburg’s Ridge Open Space Preserve has a gentle path down to its Froggy Pond, though the rest of the trail is a bit more inclined and mildly challenging.

Riverfront Regional Park · Healdsburg Hiking and Walking Trails

Healdsburg Hiking Trails

Hiking trails abound in and around Healdsburg. There are three regional parks – Shiloh Park, Foothills Park and Riverfront Park – all of which provide a wide range of trails and options to facilitate whatever length of hike or height of elevation you wish to sojourn. Of course, there’s always the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve when you want to keep your hiking near town.

For those looking for a little more of a rugged trail, we have nearby Lake Sonoma Trails and – of course – the one and only Armstrong Woods Redwood Forest. These parks provide anything from the most subtle and relaxed paths to stroll, all the way up to the more daring and adventurous climbs available in our area.

For complete details, pictures, hours available and directions, simply go to our hiking page . Be sure and download the Healdsburg Hiking Guide which also covers proper attire, equipment and protection.

Concerts In Fountain Square

Every Tuesday during the summer it seems the entire Healdsburg community pours into our beautiful little Fountain Square Plaza for a series of exceptional concerts. Extremely talented bands playing a wide variety of music are featured during these summer concerts; from upbeat country, to classic rock, to a variety of contemporary and cultural music.

Last summer Sunny and the Black Pack played amazing soul, rhythm and blues, and rock. Afrolicious played disco funk and soulful sounds you simply couldn’t sit still to. The Duvets rocked our square with music that had the whole crowd grabbin’ a partner and dancin’ away. These are just a few of the incredible bands that came in and lit up our lives. Healdsburg brings some serious talent into town. It’s hard to imagine this much fun can be packed into a simple Tuesday summer’s eve.

And by the way, enjoying a glass of wine while these festivities roll-on is not only allowed, it’s pretty much required. So, to learn more and see some photos of these wonderful little afternoon events just go to our Concerts At The Plaza page. And to see this upcoming summer schedule search our “ Happenings ” community calendar.

Healdsburg Antique Shops

The antique shops in Healdsburg are an excellent place to discover historical pieces, unique collectibles and conversation inspiring decor for your home or work space. Just perusing through these antique shops is always so enjoyable, as glimpses of the past refresh memories of your childhood, remind you of things your grandma used to have, or stun you with memorabilia you’d forgotten used to be so popular.

That’s one of the nice things about Northern California. Families have been around here for many generations. So, the treasures you’ll discover in these stores are genuine vintage antiques from a time gone by. Like many of us, you’ll probably find something you need to take home with you; even if it’s a small bobble or trinket to adorn your desk.

Our antique shops are just a few blocks’ stroll from Fountain Square Plaza. These stores capture the past and are an exceptionally fun and inspiring way to pass some leisure time here in Healdsburg.

Cruising along Westside Road in Healdsburg, California

Lovely Country Drives

If there’s one thing that can be said about the Healdsburg countryside, it’s that it’s both calming and stunning at the same time. Driving through vineyards on winding country roads, with glimpses of forests and mountains in the background, just seems to write a song on our soul. It’s one of the pastimes my wife and I enjoy so very much about living here in Healdsburg; our romantic hand-holding cruises past sentinel redwoods and through vineyard valley views along Dry Creek Road and Alexander Valley Road.

For a list of some of the most beautiful country routes Dry Creek Valley and a few photographs of the vistas awaiting you, click here to go to our Cruisin’ Country Roads section.

A Native Plant Garden

There’s a little block next to Foss Creek where a family has taken a small plot of land and planted a wide variety of native California plants, so visitors can see them growing in their natural habitat. The Wetzel Native Plant Garden can get a bit dry in the summer sun, however in fall, through the winter and into the early spring it reflects the unique nature of our desert area.

Astounding Rose Garden

The Russian River Rose Company is the life and love of Michael and Jan Tolmasoff, which began when they moved to Healdsburg in 1976. Since then, they have built a beautiful garden retreat with over 650 different kinds of roses; some of which are used in perfumes, which they’ve brought back into existence using long lost techniques from places such as Bulgaria.

Strolling through this garden is heavenly. The vibrant floral colors, scents and beauty this garden place unveils is truly a special joy to experience. You can go to this link to learn more and get directions to The Russian Rose Company’s heavenly garden.

Healdsburg Art Festivals

Healdsburg has a variety of community events throughout the year, many of which are centered around art, sculpture, photography and craftsmanship of all kinds. These include the Plaza Art Festival , Art After Dark , and semi-annual Cultural Fairs.

Simply see our “ Happenings ” calendar for community events which may be running during your visit or vacation here.

An Abundance Of Community Events

In addition to these events there are a myriad of other community events throughout the year. Healdsburg – which is just a just a hop, skip and a jump from Sonoma County Airport – is a community known for its deep roots, neighborly involvement and strong support for community events. There’s too much to list in one simple article, so keep an eye on our “ Happenings ” community calendar for a full listing of activities and events. They’re just part of what makes Healdsburg one of the premier vacation destinations in the United States.

The Shed is among other attractions now closed in Healdsburg

Closed Attractions No Longer In Healdsburg

On a side note, there are some Healdsburg attractions you may read about in outdated articles which are now no longer here. Some of these former tourism attractions include The Shed , Bear Republic Brewing Company , The Jimtown Store , and The Bean Affair . Though some maintain an online presence, all of these once renowned and even famous landmarks are now closed and gone. While it’s sad to see these incredible pieces of Healdsburg history go away, we’re grateful for how much joy they brought us while here, and wish those who were the heart and soul of these once wonderful attractions our very best. Fortunately, there is still a magnificent abundance of things to do in Healdsburg.

Learn More Things To Do Around Healdsburg

You can click on the following links to learn more about attractions and fun free things to do around town, hidden gems only locals know about, where to go hiking around Healdsburg and community events to enjoy while you’re staying at one of our local Healdsburg hotels or B&Bs. And do feel free to drop us a line and let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see added to our site.

If you have any annual or year ‘round events or activities to add to our calendar, simply use our Contact Us form to let us know.

“Clear, crisp candor on Healdsburg’s hidden novelties and nuances.” – Richard Slater

Please Note : All information in this article is provided on a ‘man on the street’ basis and is not a guarantee of services, availability, statistics or policies. Neither is anything on this site to be construed as professional or legal advice. Information for this article was obtained by personal experience, or by calling entities or establishments which may be referenced in this article and/or by visiting their websites. If you have any updated information or sources, please use our contact form to let us know so we can update our article for future readers. Thank you .

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to Healdsburg, California

Welcome to Healdsburg, California, one of the most charming towns in Sonoma County. It’s always a pleasure to return to this exciting culinary and wine mecca with its special connection to Northern California.

Healdsburg has a quiet reputation for a laid-back experience. But its recent boom of renovations, reopenings, and new businesses has revamped just what a visit means today. Everything that is new and exciting in wine country has been opening in or nearby to Healdsburg. I knew I was desperately overdue for a visit — so much so, I visited twice in a few weeks’ time.

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The most invoking part of all of this excitement is the places to visit for the design-minded traveler. A chic luxury resort, an art-forward boutique hotel, a completely plant-based restaurant, and wineries as pretty as a postcard. You couldn’t ask for more on a weekend jaunt up the Sonoma Valley.

And you can’t overlook the tried and true restaurants and wineries of Healdsburg, the very longstanding foundation for this intimate and growing community. Many of which have ties to these new digs. It’s a beautiful blend of both, providing a one-of-a-kind Northern California getaway.

So it’s with great pleasure to share where to say in Healdsburg, where to eat, and the best things to do while visiting. You may find yourself taking a few trips just like I did myself.

*This post contains affiliate links which means if you choose to click, I may make a commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me run this site.

Getting to Healdsburg , California

North of San Francisco, getting to Healdsburg is quite easy. It’s the perfect destination for a road trip. The closest international airport is San Francisco (SFO) where I recommend renting a car as it will be most helpful for getting to the wineries and other activities in Sonoma. Head north over the scenic Golden Gate Bridge, and you’ll be there in no time.

Alternatively, one hack to visit sans the car is to fly into SFO and take the Airport Express bus from SFO to Sonoma County Airport. From there, hop into an Uber or Lyft into town (booking somewhere on the plaza is ideal). You can use Uber/Lyft to get around Healdsburg if you plan to visit wineries outside of town.

Amount of Days in Healdsburg

As a personal recommendation, I would recommend no less than two nights in Healdsburg. It will give you ample time to visit a few wineries, and the plaza, and dine at a couple of restaurants.

While Healdsburg makes for a wonderful day trip for Bay Area locals , I’d stay longer if flying in or those wanting a weekend getaway. Pro tip: book in for the long weekend to take advantage of pool tim e.

Frequently Asked Questions About Healdsburg

Is it better to stay in sonoma or healdsburg.

For those wanting a robust option of things to do in close proximity, staying in or within earshot of Healdsburg is recommended. Sonoma County encompasses a larger area spanning over a few hours of time in the car. Healdsburg has it all in one place.

Is Healdsburg in Napa or Sonoma?

It is located in Sonoma County and is a premier Northern California wine region. You’re not far from Napa, so you could consider visiting both areas over the span of a few days.

Is Healdsburg worth a visit?

Absolutely! Whether it’s for a day or a weekend, Healdsburg has so much to love. From farm-to-table dining to award-winning wineries, there’s a lot to enjoy in this small city.

How do I spend a day in Healdsburg?

A day trip to Healdsburg is a great option (especially for those nearby!), and you can easily make the most of your time there. With one day, I’d recommend picking a restaurant for lunch and dinner from below, and 2-3 activities.

The Best Hotels and Resorts In Healdsburg, California

While there are several stunning hotels in downtown Healdsburg and nearby, these are my handpicked selection for a weekend in Healdsburg after visiting both hotels to experience their offerings. Both hotels offer different opportunities to experience Healdsburg, each memorable in its own way.

Montage Healdsburg

The premier luxury resort group Montage opened up its well-awaited doors in Healdsburg in the winter of 2021. Since then, it has risen to one of the best luxury resorts in Northern California, and for good reason. The 130 bungalow-style rooms and suites are spread out across vineyards and oak trees with incredible views.

Each suite and room have a contemporary yet intimate design, opening up to nature and feeling like it’s one with its surroundings. Inside, luxury amenities like soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and expansive patios with a firepit. The suites at Montage Healdsburg are also some of the grandest — most at 940+ square feet.

But beyond the suites and rooms is a robust hotel program that sets apart Montage from the rest. One of the most family-friendly resorts around, there’s an activity center with complimentary electric bikes (and more activities), a children’s play center, and even a resident canine ambassador who comes around to say hi. If you’re wondering where to take your family in wine country, this is it.

The Montage Healdsburg has two pools to enjoy, one specifically for families and an adult option as well. Both offer beautiful views of St. Helena Mountain and a chance to rest while visiting. You’ll find a spa and full gym to enjoy at your leisure as well.

While visiting, don’t miss a chance to dine at Hazel Hill, the main restaurant at Montage Healdsburg. While the breakfast is incredible, like their delicious waffles, the dinner service is not to be missed. Start the evening out with drinks on the patio and stroll into the restaurant for a taste of Sonoma-inspired French cuisine.

Good for : families, couples, friends’ getaways, and solo travel. Find the best rates here.

The Madrona

A boutique hotel set out in the countryside of Healdsburg, The Madrona is a design lover’s dream. Led by designer Jay Jeffers, the beautifully appointed manor received a stunning renovation before opening in spring 2022.

The tree-lined driveway takes you to the historical manor, where guest suites and rooms are found in the half-dozen buildings. Each room is unique in design, featuring elevated amenities like Flamingo Estate bath products, fireplaces, and an in-room minibar. Daily breakfast is included with the nightly rate, set inside the light-filled bar downstairs.

While on the property, dip into the saltwater pool and sunbathe next to the iconic orange orchard. And don’t miss a meal at the Restaurant, one of the best bites in town right now. If you’re there on a Wednesday, you’re in luck for their very much talked-about fried chicken experience.

Good for : couples, friends’ getaways, and solo travel. Find the best rates here.

Read More : The Best Hotels in Healdsburg

Vista Luna Sonoma Luxury Container Home (Airbnb)

One of the most amazing Airbnbs I’ve stayed at and only 15 minutes from downtown Healdsburg is Vista Luna Sonoma. Set in the hills with 360-degree views over the valley, this modern meets charming home is a wonderful choice for a vacation rental. I had the pleasure of spending three nights in this 3 br/2 ba home.

The home is set with every amenity you could possibly need. The inside is equipped with a luxury kitchen, a Nespresso machine, and more. Outdoors, find a pool, jacuzzi, gas firepit, lawn games, and even a movie projector. It’s a wonderful place to call home to explore the Sonoma area and beyond.

Where To Eat In Healdsburg, California

Where to dine in Healdsburg? The list as you can tell is *endless.* I’ve narrowed it down to the best newcomers to open these last few years, and the tried and true you can’t miss.

The Restaurant & Bar at The Madrona

Set inside the Madrona Hotel in the countryside, the “Restaurant” at the Madrona is reason enough to visit. Lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with either. Fresh takes on local fish, and fried chicken, and do not miss that trout dip topped with a healthy serving of roe.

Hazel Hill at The Montage

Elevated, seasonal cuisine finds itself presented absolutely beautifully at Hazel Hill. Set inside The Montage Healdsburg, the restaurant is perched up in the oak trees with incredible vineyard views. It’s an airy, light-filled setting. While you can dine in for any meal, I’d recommend snagging a reservation for dinner around sunset time.

The Matheson

The latest from local Chef Dustin Valette opened this last fall, and there’s a bit of everything at this one spot. Set across three levels, you’ll find a rooftop bar, a prix fixe menu in the main restaurant, and two bars.

Molti Amici

One of the newest restaurants to open in Healdsburg, Molti Amici is a hotspot for Italian food. Wood-fired pizzas, housemade pasta, and an amazing cocktail + wine list are highlights here.

Need a meal on the go? Don’t go further than Troubador for one of the best deli sandwiches in the area. It’s elevated and from the minds of past SingleThread chefs who also do Quail & Condor.

SingleThread

There is nothing more tried and true than SingleThread for fine dining in Sonoma County. While it’s a tough reservation to get, those who do take part in several course experiences, centered around Japanese technique and Sonoma ingredients. It’s a meal to talk about for ages, with 3 Michelin stars.

Little Saint

Locals will remember what was originally the Shed, is now Little Saint. 100% plant-based, featuring a bar, coffee shop, restaurant, and a small provisional market. The folks at SingleThread had some hand in opening this joint, so you know it’s all very well dialed in. Do order the “grilled cheese” and grab a coffee to-go from their bar (they’re serving SF-based Saint Frank coffee.)

Willi’s Seafood & Raw Bar

A great classic to Healdsburg Plaza, pop into Willi’s for all of your seafood needs. Think East Coast meets South America for the flavor profile, and do reserve a table in advance.

Quail & Condor

I like to save this spot for right when we leave town as it’s conveniently not far from the freeway onramp. Previously at SingleThread, the owners here make a serious selection of fresh artisanal pastries, bread, and other delicious bites. Nothing like a road pastry to tie you over.

Flying Goat Coffee

Slightly partial, but I think this is the best coffee on the square.

A few other notable favorites:

• Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar for unique flavors
• Barndiva is a total Healdsburg classic place for a bite-to-eat
• Oakville Grocery is the spot to grab all of your picnic needs
• Valette for the high-end restaurant by Chef Dustin Valette
• Chalkboard for great, seasonal-menu restaurant

What To Do In Healdsburg, California

Join SingleThread For an Experience at Their Farm

If you’re not able to snag a reservation at their restaurant, SingleThread Farms has opened up its location in Dry Creek Valley for visitors. There are a few ways to experience their farm, the first is to pop into their highly curated Farm Shop. Inside, Japanese goods, farm florals, and other housemade kitchen goods are available for purchase.

The second opportunity to experience the incredible SingleThread Farm is to join one of their weekend experiences. From floral classes to agricultural tours, they’ve opened up their farm to guests to experience everything that goes into their practice. It’s a small group tour, and each month there is something new to enjoy. Book experiences here.

Embark On An Epicurean Meets Wine Tour at Jordan Winery

Healdsburg has several wineries to choose from for wine tasting, but a few have some standout experiences. Jordan Winery is a longstanding favorite for an estate experience that combines both food and wine. It starts with a continental breakfast on the patio, followed by a tour in a Mercedes Sprinter through the estate.

From there, you’ll have alfresco wine tastings in plein air as you learn about their winemaking process. It’s followed by a lunch and wine pairing hosted at the Vista Point. The estate Chef prepares dishes that match perfectly with their Russian River and Alexander Valley-grown wines. Book the tour here.

Stroll and Shop the Healdsburg Plaza

I’d block out a good few hours to stroll and shop through Healdsburg Plaza. The square has welcomed many new faces over the last few years. Start your time in a stunning tasting room at Marine Layer Wines for their free-spirited wines.

Head over to Ciao Bruto which sells all of the wine and provisions you could need from Italy (an absolute feast for the eyes). Stop by Bon Ton Studio, a lovely curated store of home goods, and fashion finds for both mom and baby. I’d pair the whole afternoon with a meal like lunch at Little Saint, or an early dinner at The Matheson.

Get A Taste of Sonoma Coast at Flowers Winery

Synonymous with the California coast, Flowers Winery is set inside one of the most incredibly designed wineries around (so chic!). But much more than a stunning place to sip on wine, Flowers Winery has been producing iconic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals for 30 years.

I’d suggest booking in for the “Estate Vineyard Immersion” where you’ll journey through their estate wines that share the story of their winemaking process. The entire experience is led by a wine expert who gives an in-depth look at the wines while you sit back in either their Provencial gardens or inside the swoon-worthy space. The tasting is accompanied by seasonal bites prepared by the culinary team designed to elevate the wines. Book your experience here.

Take a Hike in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Not everything is wine-focused in Sonoma County. Stretch your legs out in Armstrong Redwoods’ 805-acre park that features soaring California coastal redwoods. There are several trails to explore, so while you can easily wing it, I’d give you some time to decide where you want to hike prior to arriving.

For first-time visitors, the best trail is the Armstrong Nature Trail which is self-guided and gives you lots of information on the redwoods through posted displays. Another favorite trail is the Discovery Trail, a smaller trail that winds through the trees.

Soak In The Views and Taste Wine at Gary Farrell Winery

Handcrafted wines meet unparalleled Sonoma views. Book in at Gary Farrell Winery for both reasons. When you do reserve, aim for a sunny day and request to sit on the terrace as you work through their library of Russian River Valley wine.

By appointment only, the “Elevation Tasting” pairs their vineyard designate wines with artisan cheeses. It’s the perfect mid-morning or late-afternoon tasting, in my opinion. As you taste their wines, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the redwoods. Book the tasting here .

Book a Bohemian Highway Tour

While you can arrange a driver to bring you through the best of Sonoma’s outdoor destinations and wineries, there’s nothing quite like a Bohemian Highway Tour. They offer handcrafted, small group experiences ranging from “Wine & Design” to “The Explorer.”

The Wine & Design tour for instance takes place in a luxury SUV like their Land Rover Defender 110 (based on availability), and their concierge team puts together a bespoke itinerary. It includes 2-3 stops at design-focused wineries, followed by a chef-prepared seasonal lunch. Book the tour here.

Forage for Wild Mushrooms on The Sonoma Coast

Home to an abundance of wild mushrooms, the Sonoma Coast is the premier Northern California destination to forage. I think this is one of the most unique experiences to be had in the Sonoma area, so much so, it almost always has a waitlist.

Forage SF runs boutique 3-4 hour group foraging tours on the coast to hunt down local mushrooms. It’s set out near Jenner (~50-minute drive from Healdsburg), and Chef Patrick Hamilton leads the way. Book the tour here.

Unwind at Spa Montage

There’s no better way to retreat while in wine country than with some spa time. The premier spa in Healdsburg is certainly Spa Montage. Whether or not you’re staying on the property, you can book one of their treatments inspired by nature.

I’d suggest their Signature Facial, designed to clean and revitalize your skin no matter what season. Your aesthetician goes through a series of cleansing and nourishing treatments, along with an arm and hand massage. Afterward, unwind in their steam rooms and relaxation area. Book a treatment here.

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Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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Top Healdsburg Day Trips

Day trips from healdsburg.

• Healdsburg to Napa Valley
• Healdsburg to Petaluma
• Healdsburg to Napa
• Healdsburg to Sonoma
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County

2. Napa Valley's Best Wine Tour w/ Local Expert

3. Sprinter Van Wine Tour: Up To 14 Guests

4. Explore the Redwoods

5. 7 Hour Private Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma Valley

6. Custom Private Russian River Wine Tour from San Francisco

7. Napa Wine Tour: SUV Up To 6 Guests

8. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco

9. Corporate Charters and Events

10. 6 Hours Healdsburg Wine Tour with Luxury SUV

11. Napa Hike with Wine

12. Bay Area Sightseeing Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley

Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch

Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

“Private Wine Tours of Napa Valley and Sonoma for 2 to 5 people”

Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley

Half-Day Wine Country Tour from San Francisco

Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

Small Group: SF, Muir Woods and Sausalito + Optional Alcatraz

What travellers are saying.

THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Healdsburg

Day trips from healdsburg.

• Healdsburg to Napa Valley
• Healdsburg to Petaluma
• Healdsburg to Napa
• Healdsburg to Sonoma
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County

2. Napa Valley's Best Wine Tour w/ Local Expert

3. Sprinter Van Wine Tour: Up To 14 Guests

4. Explore the Redwoods

5. 7 Hour Private Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma Valley

6. Custom Private Russian River Wine Tour from San Francisco

7. Napa Wine Tour: SUV Up To 6 Guests

8. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco

9. Corporate Charters and Events

10. 6 Hours Healdsburg Wine Tour with Luxury SUV

11. Napa Hike with Wine

12. Bay Area Sightseeing Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley

Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch

Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

“Private Wine Tours of Napa Valley and Sonoma for 2 to 5 people”

Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley

Half-Day Wine Country Tour from San Francisco

Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

Small Group: SF, Muir Woods and Sausalito + Optional Alcatraz

What travellers are saying.

• Travel Itineraries

Healdsburg, California: One-Day Itinerary

Tasting the best of Healdsburg

Because of its proximity to San Francisco, Napa Valley receives the most attention from visitors. Drive just an hour north through the picturesque Napa Valley and Sonoma County, and you will find yourself in the quaint town of Healdsburg – a small town with a big scene for food and wine.

9:00AM Breakfast at SHED

Start in the day in downtown Healdsburg. At SHED you can find a market selection from local farmers as well as international gourmet products. Kitchenware and houseware are also featured.

Within the massive food hall is SHED Café, Coffee Bar, and Fermentation Bar. Here, you can have a pastry to go or order a plate of breakfast to enjoy inside the premises. As you will be tasting wine all day (as you do in the wine country) order lunch for takeout as many wineries allow you to enjoy an outdoor picnic.

SHED 25 North Street, Healdsburg +1-707-431-7433 8am to 9pm Closed Tuesdays

11:00AM Wine Tasting at Arista Winery

If you are partial to a wine label and have the means for travel, visit the winery. The wine will taste even better. That was the case for my visit to Arista Winery. The love at first sip all the way in Man Wah at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong transported me on a flight across the Pacific Ocean to Arista Winery in Healdsburg. Read my wine tasting experience here .

The vineyard, its people, and the wines are all pure class which elevates the tasting experience and my future enjoyment of the wines. If you appreciate quality and class, a visit to Arista Winery is a must.

Arista Winery 7015 Westside Road, Healdsburg +1-707-473-0606 11am to 5pm

1:00PM Wine Tasting & Lunch at DaVero Farms & Winery

When in the wine country, you cannot visit one winery alone. You have to taste at least 2, 3, or more. (Designated drivers, remember to use that spit bowl when tasting the wines.)

On the same road as Arista Winery is DaVero Farms & Winery, a local producer of Italian wines and olive oils. The tasting experience and relaxed, rustic landscaping transport you to the beautiful vineyards of Italy. Read more about my tasting experience here .

The winery provides tables and benches for guests to enjoy a picnic lunch while wine and olive oil tasting. This is where you can enjoy the takeout lunch from your morning at SHED.

DaVero Farms & Winery 766 Westside Road, Healdsburg +1-707-431-8000 11am to 5pm

3:00PM Stroll around Downtown Healdsburg

After a leisurely morning and afternoon of wine tasting at the vineyards, walk off your wine buzz at Downtown Healdsburg. Along the clean, quiet streets you will find boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms.

Let your eyes, palate, and stomachs lead you to your desired shops. Here is a list of recommendations of what to eat and taste

Banshee 325 Center Street, Healdsburg +1-707-395-0915 11am to 7pm

Café Lucia 235 Healdsburg Avenue +1-707-431-1113 Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 10pm Happy Hour, 5pm to 6pm

7:00PM Dinner at Valette

End your evening in Healdsburg with one of the town’s best restaurants. Valette brings together the passion of two brothers wanting to produce the best food and wine dining experience and highlighting the products of local producers. Read more about my dining experience here .

Valette 344 Center Street, Healdsburg +1-707-473-0946 Monday to Thursday, 5:30pm to 9:30pm Friday to Sunday, 11:30am to 2:30pm, 5:30pm to 9:30pm

Spend the night or 2 at Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites

While Healdsburg can be visited in just one day, make an outing of the wine country and spend the night or two in complete comfort. For a group of friends or as a family, Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites provides 3-bedroom apartment-like suites with the luxuries of a hotel. Read about my stay here .

Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites 235 Healdsburg Avenue Read the TripAdvisor reviews of Two Thirty-Five Luxury Suites here

Sign up for my newsletter on the sidebar for blog updates and my travel insider tips! And, check out my vlogs on YouTube!

• One-Day Itinerary

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The Rio Trip

Healdsburg, California

Quick Details

Hour Glass Duration: 3-6 hours

Bus Shuttle Times: 9:30 am, 10:30 am, and 11:30 am.

Users Ages: 4+

A Peaceful Paddle on the Russian River!

This morning trip takes you down a quaint section of a five-mile stretch of the Russian River that starts north of Healdsburg. This is a three to six-hour paddle with a 3:30 p.m. checkout time. Paddle a canoe or kayak on this self-guided trip, rated as Class I flow with enough current to keep you navigating and negotiating through over-hanging trees and a few sandbars. Our trip spans a beautiful section for swimming, picnicking, fishing and enjoying an abundance of wildlife.

How it Works

Park at Healdsburg Veteran’s Memorial Beach. Check-in at River’s Edge headquarters where our friendly staff will assist you with the check-in process and help to get you outfitted. Shortly after, we shuttle you five miles upriver, (15-minute drive), where our accomplished beach staff prepare you with a safety talk, help you pack your boat, and provide paddling instruction as needed. We provide PFD’s for adults, children, and dogs. Then you’re on your own to make your way down the river at your leisure back to headquarters, where you checked in.

We do not have food for sale, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch or order food from Memorial Beach Market & Deli located across the bridge.

What to Expect on the River

The Russian River is a low flow sandbar river during the summer period. The average depth is knee to waist deep with shallow sandbars and swimming holes deeper than 10 feet. The upper river, where we operate, is recognized for clarity and consistent flow as well as wildlife such as herons, egrets, turtles, osprey, various waterfowl, deer, and an occasional eagle or otter.

The Russian River is lake fed and very comfortable for swimming. There are deep pools, shallow riffles, and occasional sandbars that may cause you to briefly get out of your boat to pass through.

Join us for an enjoyable Russian River canoe trip or kayak excursion. Book now!

• Chevron down What We Provide

Included in your paddling package is your boat rental, paddles, PFD, and tie downs for your gear.

You will receive at no extra charge: Use of a dry bag, cooler (limited supply), sunglass straps, hair ties, zip lock bags, and a net garbage bag. We also provide dog vest.

• Chevron down What to Wear

Dress in layers – swimsuit, light clothing, a warm shirt, and dry clothes for after your trip. Wear water shoes, tennis shoes, or sandals with straps. Flip flops are not recommended!

• Chevron down What to Bring

Think in terms of packing with everything attached to you or your boat.

We provide tie downs for your ice chest and gear – you are welcomed to bring your own bungee, rope, or straps.

Bring hat, sunglasses with strap, and sunscreen. Plenty of water and snacks or lunches.

• Chevron down What Not to Bring

No Fireworks! No hard alcohol! No money, jewelry, electronics, or valuables. No negative or rude behavior.

• Chevron down Cancellation Policy

There are NO REFUNDS. If you must cancel your trip, you may receive credit towards a future River’s Edge Trip.

Self-Guided Trips: If your party or any individual in your party cancels at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled trip date you will be issued full credit towards a future River’s Edge Trip. However, taxes and fees are non-refundable.

Cancellations occurring on the day of your trip are not eligible for any trip credit. Most reservations may be transferred to a qualified person substituted by you for your space. No credit will be given to no-shows. Most reservations may be transferred to a qualified person substituted by you for your space.

How to Spend a Weekend in Healdsburg—California Wine Country’s Hidden Gem

Taylor gorski.

• February 3, 2022

Farm-to-Table Cuisine, Beautiful Wineries and a Lavish New Hotel Are Just an Hour Flight Away

The charming destination of Healdsburg offers a serene escape filled with premier wine and farm-to-table cuisine. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, about 45 miles north of San Francisco, this small town is ideal for a weekend filled with relaxation. There’s fewer crowds compared to destinations like Napa and Sonoma Valley, and while there may be an “off season” in cooler months, there’s really never a bad time to visit Northern California (especially if it involves drinking wine). Healdsburg Itinerary

Hop on a direct, one-hour flight from SNA or LAX to STS for a seamless travel experience. Even if you have only two days, a trip to Healdsburg is well worth it. This is your 48-hour itinerary for a weekend in wine country’s hidden gem, Healdsburg. 

Where to Stay

Montage healdsburg.

Stay at the recently opened Montage Healdsburg , situated on rolling vineyards and filled with luxurious amenities (like the zero-edge resort pool and 11,500-square-foot spa). If there’s ever been a hotel to splurge on, this is the one. From the moment you arrive, the service is impeccable. After you’ve been escorted to your room via golf cart, sit out on the private patio with a glass of wine in hand, taking in the peaceful sounds of nature. Between the bathtub, outdoor shower and firepit, you’ll be in total relaxation mode before heading down to Hazel Hill for a decadent dinner. French-inspired, California cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients awaits—go for the chef’s special of the day!

Healdsburg Itinerary

For a more affordable hotel option, Hotel Trio is located closer to downtown Healdsburg. There’s a complimentary shuttle that can take you directly into town, and bikes are also available for cruising around town. Plus, check out Rosé Robot—yes, a literal robot—that will bring rosé to your hotel room door. 

Wineries to Visit 

Jordan vineyard and winery.

Closest to Montage Healdsburg (they actually share some property), Jordan Vineyard and Winery offers French-inspired wine at their enchanting estate. Choose between a vineyard or seated tasting as you learn about the wine-making process and the history of Jordan Vineyard and Winery.

Local Insight: This year, the winery is celebrating 50 years with a variety of special events and happenings!

Marine Layer Wines

Marine Layer Wines , located in downtown Healdsburg, is one of the most aesthetically pleasing tasting rooms, thanks to local design team Hommeboys. This small-production winery focuses on cool-climate wines. Pop in before dinner for a glass and a light snack by the fireplace—they’ve partnered with nearby restaurant Little Saint to offer a stellar selection of small plates (the plant-based mezze plate is a must). 

The Harris Gallery Art & Wine Collection

Different from your everyday wine tasting, The Harris Gallery offers a chance to walk around a beautiful fine-art gallery located in a historic Healdsburg building built in 1908. Since then, there’s been some renovations, but bits and pieces are reminiscent of the original. All of the art found inside is by the talented father-son duo M.C. Harris and A3L3XZAND3R. Sip a tasting flight in the outdoor cabins or browse the gallery with a glass in hand. No, you don’t need a reservation!

If time permits, Dry Creek Vineyard and Seghesio Family Vineyards are well worth checking out. Map out your plan beforehand to maximize time at each stop. Visiting three wineries a day in Healdsburg will be plenty!

Where to Eat 

Matheson’s Roof 106

The culinary scene in Healdsburg has an overall emphasis on farm-fresh, locally sourced cuisine. Expect exquisite flavors and unique dishes from each restaurant. Dine in a barn at Barndiva , which earned a Michelin star in 2021; go for the goat cheese croquettes, beet and coffee risotto and the duck breast. Lounge at Matheson’s Roof 106 while snacking on the spiced delicata squash and Rancho Gordon white bean hummus plate. Spend an hour or two walking around the Healdsburg Plaza throughout the day, stopping in different boutiques and grabbing an ice cream from Noble Folk .

Healdsburg is full of passion—passion for food, wine and community. Even in competing industries, the local residents support one another to create such an idyllic community, even for visitors. Whether it’s for a romantic weekend, a girls’ trip or even a solo few days away, head to Healdsburg for your next California escape.

Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!

• Taylor Gorski https://localemagazine.com/author/taylor-gorski/ A Foodie's Paradise: Your Guide to Wining and Dining at Hilton Los Cabos
• Taylor Gorski https://localemagazine.com/author/taylor-gorski/ Your Guide to a Girls’ Day at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach
• Taylor Gorski https://localemagazine.com/author/taylor-gorski/ The Ultimate Newport Beach Summer Bucket List
• Taylor Gorski https://localemagazine.com/author/taylor-gorski/ There Is No Planet B! 13 Ways to Go Green and Celebrate Earth Day in Orange County
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Things to Do in Healdsburg: Healdsburg Travel Guide

Categories Domestic Travel , Travel

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So excited to be writing up a Healdsburg travel guide today and covering all the best things to do in Healdsburg! And by best things to do in Healdsburg, I mean where to eat and drink.

Healdsburg has an incredible food scene, and its climate is, of course, great for growing wine—particularly cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but you’ll also find some amazing old vine Zinfandel and world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, which are more my cup of tea—err, a glass of wine.

If you’re not from California, you may not have heard of Healdsburg before—whenever I visit I get a lot of DMs asking about where it is and why I love it so much.

Healdsburg is part of Sonoma County and it’s located 1.5 hours north of San Francisco, making it one of my absolute favorite weekend getaway spots.

If you’re visiting San Francisco and want to tack on a trip to wine country, you should absolutely consider Healdsburg.

While Napa may be calling your name because that’s what you’ve heard of and are familiar with (and it does have its beauty and charm—we love Napa too!), Healdsburg, in my opinion, offers several pros over Napa Valley:

• More laid back and friendly
• You can find much more reasonable prices for tastings, restaurants, and hotels
• It’s much easier to get appointments for wine tasting and many places welcome walk-ins (versus Napa can be booked out for 2 – 4 weeks)
• The downtown Healdsburg plaza is so cute and walkable so you can just hop around to the different tasting rooms without having to worry about driving

Have I sold you on Healdsburg yet? 😉 If you haven’t been, you absolutely must plan a trip! And this Healdsburg guide is going to help you out.

I’ve put together this three-day itinerary for you that covers all the things to do in Healdsburg—which like I said, is basically a guide of where to eat and drink.

In this itinerary, I try to give you a mix of some of the tasting rooms in the cute downtown area, as well as the Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley AVAs.

Three wineries are about all I personally can fit into one day of wine tasting while still feeling good about myself, but if you’re able to go a little harder than me in the wine tasting department (many people are—I’m a lightweight), then feel free to pile it on.

If you’re looking for even more Healdsburg recs, be sure to check out my other guides:

The Best Restaurants in Healdsburg The Best Wineries in Healdsburg Airbnb Healdsburg: Best of the Best Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg, CA Hotel Les Mars: A French-Inspired Getaway in Healdsburg Harmon Guest House Review Gary Farrell + Valette Lunch Pairing in Healdsburg

Where to stay in Healdsburg:

Wondering where to stay? If you’re looking to splurge for a fancy weekend, Hotel Les Mars is an absolute favorite of mine.

It’s gorgeous and fancy, the rooms are beautiful and have a fireplace in them, the bathroom features a huge jet jacuzzi, and they include a beautiful little French breakfast in the mornings as well as happy hour with wine and cheese in the evenings.

What’s not to love?? Enjoy my full post about Hotel Les Mars !

Looking for something more economically priced? Harmon Guest House , h2hotel , and Hotel Healdsburg (all under the same ownership) will be your best bets in Downtown Healdsburg.

And as always with my travel guides , I’m including a link to my custom Google Maps for Healdsburg , which has wineries, restaurants, and hotels starred on the map so you can easily get a lay of the land.

Ok, let’s get into this post, all about the best things to do in Healdsburg during a three-day itinerary!

Things to do in Healdsburg

Things to Do in Healdsburg: Day 1

Breakfast at costeaux french bakery.

First things first, grab some coffee and delicious pastries at the cutest bakery—Costeaux.

If you’re looking for something heartier than their (delicious) croissants, I love their quiche.

Wine Tasting at Hartford Family Wines

Day one is going to be all about tasting rooms around Healdsburg’s plaza, starting with Hartford Family Wines.

I love big reds so I was excited to see they had some old vine zin on the tasting menu, and it was pretty awesome. We def bought a bottle to bring home with us!

Lunch at Barndiva

Head to one of my favorite Healdsburg restaurants for lunch—Barndiva!

If it’s nice out, sit outside on their lovely back patio. Afterward, head next door to the art gallery and wine bar and take a stroll through.

Shopping Around Downtown

There are tons of cute little shops to pop into around the plaza.

When I was there a couple of months ago, my friend Amy introduced me to Susan’s Basement, which is a luxury consignment store selling pieces from last season at discounted prices.

Wine Tasting at Cartograph

Into Pinot Noir? You’ll love Cartograph.

Alan and Serena are the sweetest husband and wife team running the show here, and making elegant Pinot from Russian River Valley.

Wine Tasting at Williamson

I love this Williamson Wines tasting room in downtown Healdsburg.

The people are friendly, the wine is great, and they do small bites + wine tasting pairing for free. Yep, free.

They make really delicious condiments like beet mustard and truffle salt, which we pretty much always end up buying to take home with us, along with a bottle of wine.

Dinner at Valette

Valette is a Healdsburg restaurant favorite. Brothers Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini opened this spot a few years ago, featuring a chic space with exposed concrete and of course, awesome food.

I’m a big fan of their five-course tasting menu, which I highly recommend! It’s $75 per person (with an option of a $50 wine pairing), and you’ll be treated to seasonal dishes with ingredients that are fresh and sourced locally.

Usually, their famous scallop puff pastry dish is part of the tasting menu, which is to die for. I love everything Chef Dustin Valette makes.

Things to Do in Healdsburg: Day 2

Wine tasting at coursey graves.

On to day two! Start off with a tasting in downtown Healdsburg, and then we’ll start to explore some wineries outside of the downtown area.

Coursey Graves has a beautiful new tasting room that’s absolutely worth a visit.

I love that their reds feature Cabs, Syrah, and a couple of blends, and they also offer a wine + chocolate pairing.

Lunch at Mateo’s

Loooove Mateo’s! This is not your average Mexican restaurant.

Chef Mateo Granados (formerly a chef at Dry Creek Kitchen) launched his own restaurant featuring Latin fusion back in 2011, and it is a killer.

The flavor combinations are delightfully bold and unexpected, with just the right amount of kick. I recommend asking your server for some recommendations and getting outside of ordering what’s familiar to you here—if we had only ordered what we knew, we would have missed out on some of our favorite dishes!

Chef Mateo shared some truly mouth-watering dishes with us and we loved every single one of them.

If the Sikil P’ak is on the menu when you go, definitely order that as an appetizer—it’s a pumpkin seed dip with grilled housemade tostadas, and I legit could have just eaten a whole bowl of it by myself with a spoon.

Wine Tasting in North Healdsburg

Time for some choose your own adventure wine tastings.

There are SO many great wineries in Healdsburg, so I’m going to recommend a handful for the rest of your afternoon and you can pick and choose which ones sound up your alley!

About a 20-minute drive north of downtown Healdsburg, you’ll find Bella Vineyards & Wine Caves , Rodney Strong Vineyards , and Ferrari-Carano Vineyards .

Both are beautiful spots to spend an afternoon. I love Bella Vineyards’ setting and drinking wine in a wine cave is always fun.

And Ferrari-Carano has an incredible estate, with award-winning gardens that you can stroll through while sipping your wine. Francis Ford Coppola Winery is also a really fun option—especially during the summer as they have a pool and it’s hard to imagine anything more fun than sitting in a cabana poolside Rosé.

Wine Tasting at Ridge Vineyards or Robert Young Estate

Heading back towards downtown, you’ve got a bunch of great options on your way. I’d recommend Ridge Vineyards at Lytton Springs or Robert Young Estate.

Ridge is surrounded by its beautiful 115-year old vines. I like that they produce many different varietals (sometimes a girl needs a break from Pinot, ya know?), and we had a really lovely wine + charcuterie pairing and tasting here.

Plus their barrel room is super cool to check out! They have a couple of different locations and the one at Lytton Springs in the Dry Creek vineyard.

Robert Young Estate is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon. Their views are stunning, with ample outdoor seating on the patio overlooking the vineyards.

They have several different tasting options, and we enjoyed their Scion Experience, which includes a flight of single-block reserve wines, paired with light bites.

Dinner at Dry Creek Kitchen

Enjoy dinner and a fancy night out at another Healdsburg fan favorite, Dry Creek Kitchen.

Chef Charlie Palmer opened up this restaurant back in 2001, serving refined California fare.

The restaurant is elegant and beautiful, and sitting outside on a nice evening is just so enjoyable. Their menu changes seasonally, but you can expect delicious and a really fabulous wine list featuring Sonoma County wines, as well as fantastic service.

Things to Do in Healdsburg: Day 3

Hike at healdsburg ridge open space preserve.

By this point in the trip, you might be looking for some outdoor activities to help break up some of the wine tasting (or work off some of the wine tastings).

Healdsburg’s Open Space Preserve is the perfect place to do just that, and enjoy some time in nature along with beautiful views.

Amy’s Wicked Slush

For a little late afternoon sweet treat, head to Amy’s Wicked Slush. It’s basically soft serve with Italian ice on top, covered in one of their many syrup flavor combos.

A local fan favorite, you can expect there to be a line here.

Then after you’ve had this deliciousness, I recommend grabbing something to-go from Journeyman so you can have it for lunch later in between wine tastings.

Wine Tasting at Jordan or Chalk Hill

We went north of downtown Healdsburg for Day 2, so let’s head south today.

You’ve got many beautiful options in this area, including Jordan Vineyards and Chalk Hill Estates. Both feature sprawling acres, stunning views, amazing service, and fantastic wines, so you really can’t go wrong.

Be sure to make reservations in advance here as both places are by appointment only and can book out weeks in advance.

Aren’t you glad you stopped by Journeyman on your way out of town for wine tasting?

This upscale salumeria and meat shop makes some awesome pizzas and sandwiches, perfect to enjoy during a day of wine tasting.

Just be sure to check if the winery you’re going to allows you to bring food for a picnic, as some do not.

We’ve also just pulled over on beautiful Dry Creek Road and sat on our car’s hood enjoying the beautiful scenery while munching on our sandwiches.

Sometimes we’ll also grab something to eat on the way home on our way out of town.

Wine Tasting at MacRostie

You guys, MacRostie is gorgeous and you need to go. Stunning views abound, and we just had such a wonderful afternoon here soaking up the scenery and their bright and balanced wines.

We ended up bringing a bottle of their Rosé home with us because it was just fab.

One More Wine Tasting

Ok, ready for one last wine tasting to round out your Healdsburg trip? Of course, you are!

I’ve got a few more recs for you to choose from Gary Farrell , J Vineyards , and DaVero Vineyards .

Gary Farrell is an OG winemaker in Healdsburg wine country, and their tasting room is another spectacular one, with awesome views of Russian River Valley (as you can see in the photo) and a large outdoor patio.

J Vineyards offers a number of different tastings, including their sparkling varietals, which are always fun to mix in. And DaVero Vineyards features a very organic and old-world approach to winemaking and farming, which you’ll be able to hear all about if you book a tour with them.

Alley 6 Distillery

We’ve clearly covered a lot of wineries, but if you’re craving some spirits, be sure to check out Alley 6 Distillery!

Stop by their tasting room to sample their handcrafted Rye Whiskey and Harvest Gin. You can also request a tour of the distillery!

Dinner at Chalkboard

Chalkboard is another favorite restaurant of mine in Healdsburg!

They serve a lot of delicious small plates that are meant to be shared, and their homemade pasta is so just freaking good.

Definitely get at least one or two of their pastas, including the cocoa trifoglio with duck confit.

That’s it for my Healdsburg wine country guide! Looking to book some tours so you don’t have to drive? Check out these ones on TripAdvisor !

There are so many other fantastic wineries that I didn’t fit into this three-day guide ( Dry Creek Vineyard , Lambert Bridge Winery , Copain , Silver Oak , Truett Hurst Winery —just to name a few!).

If you’re looking for even more winery and restaurant recommendations for Healdsburg, be sure to check out my Hburg posts :

Best Wineries in Healdsburg Best Restaurants in Healdsburg Hotels in Healdsburg: Top 10 Hotels to Stay in Sonoma Wine Country Harmons Guest House, Healdsburg Healdsburg Airbnbs

Thank you to Stay Healdsburg for hosting us during our recent Healdsburg visits and Emily Martin Events !

Healdsburg, CA is in Sonoma County.

If you’re coming from the Bay Area, a weekend in Healdsburg is lovely, but you could absolutely spend three to four days there for a trip.

Healdsburg is a 1.5 hour drive from San Francisco.

Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab , a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Healdsburg

Day trips from healdsburg.

• Healdsburg to Napa Valley
• Healdsburg to Petaluma
• Healdsburg to Napa
• Healdsburg to Sonoma
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County

2. Napa Valley's Best Wine Tour w/ Local Expert

3. Sprinter Van Wine Tour: Up To 14 Guests

4. Explore the Redwoods

5. 7 Hour Private Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma Valley

6. Custom Private Russian River Wine Tour from San Francisco

7. Napa Wine Tour: SUV Up To 6 Guests

8. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco

9. Corporate Charters and Events

10. 6 Hours Healdsburg Wine Tour with Luxury SUV

11. Napa Hike with Wine

12. Bay Area Sightseeing Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley

Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch

Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

“Private Wine Tours of Napa Valley and Sonoma for 2 to 5 people”

Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley

Half-Day Wine Country Tour from San Francisco

Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

Small Group: SF, Muir Woods and Sausalito + Optional Alcatraz

What travellers are saying.

Meetings | Weddings | CHAMBER

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Girl’s Getaway Weekend in Healdsburg Itinerary

Jaelyn Moraga | September 27, 2022

How does a weekend in wine country with your best friends sound? If you are stuck in a routine, can’t get away from mom duties or simply just need a weekend to reset, you are in need of a girls getaway! Get your friends together to relax at the spa, drink world-class wines and soak up the serenity of Healdsburg, California! 

Now, let’s plan your trip. Once you get the official “I’m in!” from the girls, pull out your computer and let’s start resort searching. We recommend booking your stay at the elegant, authentic, charmed hotel, Montage Healdsburg . Immerse yourself in the 258-acres of vineyards, oak trees and rich agriculture. Enjoy wine tastings, smores by the fire, nature, spa treatments, or a drive-in movie, all within steps from your room.

The spa has been nice, but you girls are in a wine country and now, it’s time for wine. Head out to Marine Layer for an evening with the girls! This modern venue on the historic Healdsburg Plaza serves up delicious wines and light bites, perfect for a social hour. Enjoy an exploration of five limited wines, featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from the Sonoma Coast. After your tasting, indulge in a thoroughly crafted mezze plate made from nearby Little Saint. A few glasses in, reminisce on your group memories together and agree that this trip was much needed.

Start your Saturday with some morning mindful yoga at Montage’s Sundrenched Vineyard Lawn. When finished, roll up your mats and head on over to the Country Store for some grab-and-go coffee, juices, pastries or breakfast sandwiches. Eat and unwind from your peaceful class. 

To get the traditional wine tasting experience, we recommend booking a tour at Quivira Vineyards . Check their events page to see if anything catches your eye while you are visiting, otherwise book one of their group tastings. During your tasting, soak in the breathtaking views of Mount St. Helena, farm hill vineyards and gardens. But wait, your day doesn’t end there! Before dinner, stop by Roof 106 for cocktails with an incredible rooftop view. This elevated cocktail lounge is just what you and the girls need to start your night. Try original, adventurous cocktails and classic wines as you enjoy the open-air and views of the plaza. For dinner, head downstairs to The Matheson to try seasonally prepared, creative dishes handcrafted by Chef Matt Brimer. His menu explores everything from land to sea. Some of the local favorites are their bread and housemade salted butter with Heirloom tomatoes, the Corn Finished American Beef, and the Yellow Peach Crisp. 

Have a slow Sunday morning, order breakfast to the room and soak up the last bit of the amazing room at the Montage. Hit the pool one last time and relax in a private cabana before checking out. For your last meal, make a stop at   PizZando for lunch, followed by Noble Folk Ice Cream .  

A weekend getaway to Healdsburg with your closest friends will make you feel relaxed, rejuvenated and reenergized! Head home with your favorite bottle of wine, or a case, and everlasting memories. Whether you are looking for food and wine to endless relaxation, Healdsburg has a place for you. That’s Healdsburg happy! 

Visit stayhealdsburg.com to start planning your next girls’ getaway in wine country today!

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The Society: Healdsburg

Location & Hours

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325 Center St

Healdsburg, CA 95448

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Both bold Did a drop in for a taste. Because after the Mission grapes were first California Variety in the 1700's, followed by the Zinfandel I'm on a mission (pun not intended) to expand my tasting target - Zin's These 2 are very good.

2017 Foley Sonoma Patty's Patch Zinfandel (left) 2021 OZ Zinfandel (right)

Exceptional service Had let the host know I have tried a few of their offerings elsewhere and he offered a custom experience. Wines were also really good and up to par. Definitely recommend a visit here

Be aware that wine tasting stops 90 minutes before closing, although that is not stated anywhere on their website. We showed up at 5:35pm with a closing time 7pm and were told that wine tasting was not available after 5:30pm.

What a fun drop in. Excellent experience and our hostess was kind. Though my husband and I are not avid wine drinkers, this was worth stopping in. Thank you for the hospitality!

Wine list and secluded seating area

Great to see a wine room with a consolidated portfolio. Foley family wines has an ownership of several different properties in the area & on, Ferrari Carano, Chalk Hill, Foley Sonoma, etc. was impressed by our host she very personal and knowledgeable and did a wonderful job leading us on a customized flight to our groups tasting preferences, we had a great bubbly to start with the Foley Family Brut, then went into the cabs and bold reds. Really enjoyed the Prevail from Ferrari and Foley Sonoma Estate Tannat.

We came in on Monday with our newborn baby and had Joe as our sommelier and he was hands down the best person we've had in 5 years coming to Napa and Sonoma. He's an amazing storyteller, poured a bunch of different wines and let us compare, told us history lessons, pairing options, etc. it was truly an unforgettable experience!

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The hiking, camping, day trips and more that will make your SoCal summer one to remember

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Good morning. It’s Saturday, June 1 . I am Jaclyn Cosgrove, an outdoors journalist at The Times. Here’s what you need to know to start your day.

• Hiking and camping season are here. Make the best of it with these tips.
• The contrasting days of a former and current president: Trump conviction and Biden’s attempt to tame the war in Gaza .
• How bad will a California COVID wave get if FLiRT subvariants continue to rise ?
• And here’s today’s e-newspaper

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“Adventure is out there!”

In just two miles, my hike had climbed almost 1,700 feet in elevation. As I went up the Vital Link Trail in Burbank , I thought, “I will never do this again.”

But then, a lounge chair built to honor Willie Mann greeted me at the top. I sat down, put my hand to my heart in gratitude to Willie’s friends and family and took in the panoramic views of L.A. County.

For the past few months, a group of Times writers and contributors have worked to launch and improve our guides that will help you make the most of this adventurous season.

I’d like to share with you my advice for how you can easily escape Los Angeles and have a truly great summer. The research is already done for you.

Our updated hiking guide includes hikes for all skill levels, like …

• The shady (and relatively flat) 2.4-mile Elysian Park West Loop Trail that Times staff writer Deborah Vankin wrote “may be the ultimate urban trail in L.A. — intimately connected to the surrounding city while also steeped in tranquil wildlife.”
• The moderate Bridge to Nowhere hike , where you can gaze upon, indeed, a bridge to nowhere. The trail could leave you with “a renewed recognition of the puniness of mankind and the might of the San Gabriels,” Times staff writer Christopher Reynolds wrote.

If you want to stay longer in the woods, I have good news for you: there are many camping and backpacking opportunities near L.A.

I wrote a guide for how to snag a campsite at one of the many first-come, first-serve campgrounds in L.A. If you want something easy, check out one of the beginner-level campgrounds, like Chilao Campground , a high-desert-with-forest-vibes spot in Angeles National Forest.

Or, try your hand at bikepacking. I recommend taking the West Fork National Scenic Bikeway , a stunningly green, mostly paved path north of Azusa, about six miles to the Glenn Camp Campground . I spotted a deer , several birdies and a few squirrels, including one who ran alongside my bike before springing off into a tree.

When you visit these trails or campgrounds, please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace , a simple framework to help us remember to leave only footprints and take only memories (and photos). Arguably its most well-known principle is to not leave behind any trash (hot take: including orange peels ).

Our 101 best West Coast experiences guide is an embarrassment of riches.

Carry that mindfulness with you as you explore farther north, using our 101 best West Coast experiences guide to everything awesome from Baja to British Columbia. It is also available in a zine , which would make a great gift (hint, hint, Mom).

Spend the night in the East Brother Light Station , a lighthouse on an island in the San Francisco Bay. Check out Fauna , a restaurant led by chef David Castro Hussong, in Baja’s Guadalupe Valley, where Christopher got one of the best meals he had last year.

The guide also highlights free activities, including the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery , where you might just spot elephant seals making love (probably loudly?). You didn’t have that on your bingo card, did you?

For shorter, closer-to-home experiences, check out Christopher’s guide on the best ways to kick off your summer in L.A.

Lastly, for those of you who plan to stay close to home, you can forage in your own neighborhood. For real!

My colleague Jeanette Marantos recently considered one of the most L.A. ethical quandaries: Should you pick fruit from your neighbor’s tree? If so, when? Half of the 855 readers who replied said it’s OK when the branches are full of fruit and hanging over a public street or sidewalk. But is it legal? You’ll have to read Jeanette’s piece to find out .

Sometimes when I’m planning my next hike or camping trip, I hear Ellie from the Pixar film “Up” shouting, “Adventure is out there!” Or maybe that’s just Little Jaclyn, my inner child, ready to party. Either way, I will see you on the trails.

The week’s biggest stories

Trump conviction:

• Trump rages, Biden struggles to tame the war in Gaza : The contrasting days of a former and current president.
• Trump plans to raise money in California in the aftermath of felony convictions.
• ‘Stormy’ filmmakers explain how Daniels helped convict Trump : ‘Let’s give the woman her due.’
• Most California Republicans in competitive congressional races are silent on Trump’s conviction.
• Column: 3 things about the Trump conviction that should be getting more attention .
• Column: The jury has spoken. What happens next will be a great test of American democracy .
• Newsletter: How’s Trump’s conviction will — and won’t — impact his 2024 chances .
• Big expansion of UC strike over pro-Palestinian protests: Irvine, San Diego, Santa Barbara next.
• Police arrest protesters on UC Santa Cruz campus after ordering them to leave encampment.
• UC strike also rears up as pro-Palestinian protests. That’s why the endgame is so tricky .
• Kaffiyehs and pickets: UCLA, UC Davis workers strike over treatment at pro-Palestinian protests .

Policing and incarceration:

• For some incarcerated women, getting ahold of menstrual products is a nightmare.
• Off-duty LAPD officer shoots, kills motorist after dispute after fender bender.
• Schoolchildren sickened by cloud of tear gas in police training mishap .

Mexico election:

• Millions of Mexicans will vote tomorrow, likely to elect the country’s first woman president .
• She’s likely to be Mexico’s next president . Can she save the country from cartel violence?

Health and science:

• The FLiRT subvariants are rising : How bad will a California COVID wave get?
• Signs of rising COVID in California as new FLiRT subvariants dominate.
• Los Angeles could end COVID vaccination rule for city employees.
• The more women followed this diet , the longer they lived.

More big stories:

• Made it! Californian climbers use pioneering techniques to summit Mt. Everest .
• State audit finds major backlog of wage theft claims in California.
• Topanga Canyon Boulevard to reopen Sunday, months ahead of schedule.
• How Beyond Meat is trying to get its sizzle back.
• John Lennon’s newly repaired 12-string ‘Help!’ guitar sells for a record $2.85 million .
• Solar project to destroy thousands of Joshua trees in the Mojave Desert.

Get unlimited access to the Los Angeles Times. Subscribe here .

Commentary and opinions

• Harry Litman: Does it matter that Donald Trump just became a convicted criminal? Of course it does.
• LZ Granderson: With this guilty verdict, Trump has gone full Bond villain .
• Gustavo Arellano: The very L.A. lessons at the heart of reality TV smash ‘Vanderpump Rules.’
• Editorial: Phew. Anti-transgender measure won’t be on the November ballot.

Today’s great reads

A guide to mental health in Vietnamese. How to talk about family, grief, trauma and more, in Vietnamese, according to experts and community members.

One more great read:

• In the ‘gay capital’ of Asia, Chinese LGBTQ+ emigres look to build a new life.

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to [email protected] .

For your downtime

Going out (in Las Vegas)

• 🎰🌆 Here’s how to conquer the new Las Vegas .
• 🍹 Everywhere you need to eat right now, on and off the Strip.
• 🎢 9 immersive experiences you should book ASAP.
• 📖 10 books to add to your reading list in June .
• 🧑‍🍳 Here’s a recipe for skillet chicken thighs with peas & pickled chiles.
• ✏️ Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games .

How well did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz.

Which actor lends his voice to the lasagna-loving feline in the new release ‘The Garfield Movie’? Plus nine other questions from our weekly news quiz.

Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team:

Jaclyn Cosgrove, reporter Defne Karabatur, fellow Christian Orozco, assistant editor Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

Check our top stories , topics and the latest articles on latimes.com .

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Jaclyn Cosgrove covers the (great!) outdoors at the Los Angeles Times. They started at The Times in 2017 and have written about wildfires, culture, protests, crime and county government. In 2022, they managed For Your Mind, a yearlong mental health project. Cosgrove is originally from rural Oklahoma and is a proud Oklahoma State University graduate. They fell in love with the Southern California landscape when they moved here in 2017. They are always looking for the next adventure and welcome your ideas. If their phone goes straight to voicemail when you call, it probably means they’re in the mountains with their beloved dog, Maggie May.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Healdsburg

Day trips from healdsburg.

• Healdsburg to Napa Valley
• Healdsburg to Petaluma
• Healdsburg to Napa
• Healdsburg to Sonoma
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through North Sonoma County

2. Napa Valley's Best Wine Tour w/ Local Expert

3. Sprinter Van Wine Tour: Up To 14 Guests

4. Explore the Redwoods

5. 7 Hour Private Wine Tasting in Napa or Sonoma Valley

6. Custom Private Russian River Wine Tour from San Francisco

7. Napa Wine Tour: SUV Up To 6 Guests

8. Custom Beer and Wine Tour of Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco

9. Corporate Charters and Events

10. 6 Hours Healdsburg Wine Tour with Luxury SUV

11. Napa Hike with Wine

12. Bay Area Sightseeing Tour

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz

Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco

Muir Woods & Sausalito Half-Day Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry from Sausalito)

Muir Woods, Golden Gate Bridge + Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley

Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

Muir Woods and Sausalito Small-Group Tour

Monterey, Carmel and 17-Mile Drive: Full Day Tour from SF

Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

Napa Valley Wineries Tour Including Picnic Lunch

Yosemite National Park: Full Day Tour from San Francisco

“Private Wine Tours of Napa Valley and Sonoma for 2 to 5 people”

Small Group: Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour from San Francisco

Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Sonoma Valley

Half-Day Wine Country Tour from San Francisco

Skunk Train: Wolf Tree Turn from Willits

Small Group: SF, Muir Woods and Sausalito + Optional Alcatraz

What travellers are saying.

Trump campaign doubles previous one-day record fundraising haul after guilty verdict

Former President Donald Trump's campaign says it raised a whopping $34.8 million in small dollar donations after he was convicted Thursday on 34 felony counts in Manhattan.

The campaign said the Thursday haul was "the biggest day ever recorded" for Trump's vaunted small-dollar fundraising operation on the WinRed platform, nearly doubling the previous high. The WinRed website temporarily crashed from the overwhelming traffic.

In a statement Friday morning, senior campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita said that within minutes of the verdict "our digital fundraising system was overwhelmed with support, and despite temporary delays online because of the amount of traffic, President Trump raised $34.8 million dollars from small dollar donors."

"Not only was the amount historic, but 29.7% of yesterday's donor's were brand new donors to the WinRed platform," the statement added.

Trump was found guilty in New York state court of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to a porn star to conceal an alleged affair. He was found to have done so to hide another crime, such as a campaign finance law violation or a tax code violation, making the charges felonies. He will be sentenced on July 11 and he could face probation, community service or a short jail stint.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

An aggressive Trump campaign effort to capitalize on the conviction

Trump’s campaign texted supporters at least five times asking them to donate and sharing a link to a WinRed page that called Trump a “political prisoner,” framed his conviction as a “witch hunt,” and included a copy of his mugshot from an unrelated case in Atlanta, Georgia. The page asked 10 million people to donate.

Additionally, dozens of Trump's allies shared the same link to the WinRed page on X, formerly known as Twitter. They include Republican Sens. Katie Britt of Alabama, Marco Rubio of Florida, J.D. Vance of Ohio, Tim Scott of South Carolina and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York, Byron Donalds of Florida and Steve Scalise of Louisiana also shared.

More: 'Speechless': Swing state voters react to Donald Trump's guilty verdict

Trump’s campaign wrote on Truth Social less than an hour after the verdict was announced, “So many Americans were moved to donate to President Trump’s campaign that the WinRed pages went down. "We are working on getting the website back online as quickly as possible.”

USA TODAY's inquiry to WinRed was not immediately returned. 

Small-dollar donations often can be a measure of grassroots enthusiasm for a candidate. In Trump's case, they have been a barometer for how the GOP base is responding to his legal troubles.

Trump has used each of his four criminal indictments to raise money, but his first conviction gave his fundraising a bigger boost.