Glorious Late Summer, Early Fall in Santa Rosa

From the first glimmer of dawn to the slow swirl of an evening Pinot Noir, harvest season invites you to savor the bounty of our beautiful destination.

If you’re feeling the need for a getaway, we’ve compiled a list of inspirational activities that will fuel your soul and ensure that you and your loved ones are at a safe and recommended distance from other travelers. Our local lodging industry has even gone one step further to ensure your health and safety. To that end, the food, beverage, and hospitality industries in Sonoma County have aligned to form the S.A.F.E. Travels Promise.

Edu-vacation

This fall, remote learning brings unexpected opportunities. Pack up the family and combine school days with discovery days in Santa Rosa. Why not learn about endangered species at Safari West? Or learn the art of cartooning at the Charles Schulz Museum and Research Center? Santa Rosa’s summer type weather will continue well into the fall, so we invite you to take advantage of quality family time combined with hands-on learning.

Pictured: Safari West | 3115 Porter Creek Rd

Credit: Safari West

Harvest in Wine Country

Sip and celebrate the harvest season with a visit to Sonoma County Wine Country, where our local vintners have outdone themselves yet again by majorly upgrading the line-up of outdoor wine tasting experiences. While many wineries previously offered outdoor tasting options, be they overlooking rolling hills and vineyards in wine country, or prime patio perches just steps from the farm, the recent pandemic presented new opportunities for vintners to create fresh, alfresco experiences that are super safe and just as enjoyable as ever.

Outdoor Dining

In Sonoma County, there is no better way to enjoy a meal than by pairing it with vineyard views and the splendor of the great outdoors. Lucky for us (and you), Santa Rosa’s restaurant community has readily adapted to accommodate dining out safely amid a pandemic. Between maximizing existing outdoor dining space and creatively expanding their alfresco footprint in Downtown Santa Rosa, you can feel safe and socially distanced while savoring our regional cuisine at dozens of restaurants around town.

Mountains to Beaches

Bodega Bay features the best of both worlds when it comes to outdoor adventure. Water lovers can enjoy the beaches and some of the North Coast’s scenic overlooks. Hikers will find endless trails in the Armstrong Woods as you walk among ancient Coastal Redwoods. Add endless biking trails in Trione-Annadel State Park, manicured gardens in the McDonald District, and the local’s “always outside” mentality, and you’ll understand why Santa Rosa is so beloved. If you’re an outdoor lover, here’s some inspiration that will maximize your Santa Rosa getaway this fall.

Top-Notch Accommodations

There are 2 exciting new entries in the Santa Rosa lodging scene: The newly constructed AC Marriott Santa Rosa brings understated modern sophistication to the city’s historic district and the urban hub of Sonoma County. It offers easy access both to local businesses and industry, as well as leisure activities including wine tasting, brewery visits, sports, and a wealth of outdoor activities in Sonoma and the Russian River Valley. What becomes immediately apparent is that AC Hotel Santa Rosa Downtown’s unpretentious style and design were created to capture the vibrant and energizing spirit of the hotel’s surroundings and appeal to modern lifestyles.

And the newest hotel soon to open is the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa Sonoma. The contemporary design of La Quinta’s newest modern prototype hotel presents many diverse room types including beautiful balcony rooms as well as refreshing amenities to luxuriate in. All rooms are extremely spacious with upgraded modern decor designed to radiate a feeling of relaxation.

Check our list of recommended local accommodations.

Traveling Again

We all need something to look forward to again. And nothing is more exciting than planning your next getaway. Because the journey begins the moment we decide to go somewhere. It’s time to feel that feeling once again. So, get inspired. Save a date. Book a trip. And aim for a safe, comfortable, familiar destination like Santa Rosa.

To help you plan a perfect day—or better yet, several days—because you’re going to need more days—use our trip & itineraries Ideas to have a variety of wine country experiences. Click here.

It goes without saying 2020 has turned out to be a quieter year in Sonoma County. A time of nostalgia, smaller crowds, and hands-on experiences. It feels like it was 20 years ago when people would come to Santa Rosa just to revel in a view of the vineyards, enjoying the outdoors, and riding or hiking the trails in our beautiful parks. One thing is for certain, with so much to see, do, eat, drink, hike, bike, and explore, visitors to our amazing corner of the world will still have a wonderful time and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Meantime, like an old friend, we’re here and ready to welcome you back to Santa Rosa, the urban heart of Sonoma Wine Country.