Day Trip Ideas
Outdoors
Mother Nature Does Her Best Work Here
Santa Rosa and Sonoma County are all about outdoors adventuring. Breathing in the fresh air and connecting with Mother Nature, Santa Rosa has outdoor recreation options that are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast looking to explore nature or simply taking a peaceful walk in a scenic setting. With an extensive trail system, 66 parks, 6 lakes, and easy access to the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods, one could spend a week exploring and still need more days!
Parks and Hiking
Known as the urban heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, Santa Rosa is a stone’s throw away from world-class hiking trails. Gorgeous parks dart the area around the city, providing easy access with stunning vistas and memorable natural experiences. For a list of some of our favorites, check out our hiking page.
Trione-Annadel State Park
Embark on a journey of natural wonder at Trione-Annadel State Park, a breathtaking natural wonder nestled in the heart of Santa Rosa. Spanning over 5,000 acres, this pristine park offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, rocky paths, and tranquil lakes. Hike through miles of scenic trails, where vibrant wildflowers bloom and ancient oaks provide shade. Discover the park's rich biodiversity as you encounter native wildlife such as deer, California newts, birds, and butterflies. Whether you're seeking adventure or serenity, Trione-Annadel State Park invites you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Northern California's wilderness.
The Active Outdoors
If connecting with Mother Nature and breathing fresh air means adrenalin-pumping activities then you have come to the right place. Not afraid of heights? Then zip line through the redwoods, take a hot air balloon ride, or skydive with a view of Sonoma County.
Two-wheelers can also get their heart pumping with mountain biking through Trione-Annadel State Park or road cyclists can take on the massive climb of the King Ridge ride. Check out our Cycling Page for more information.
Endurance athletes call Sonoma County home and if this is not your home, this is the place to train. With dozens of running and cycling events throughout Sonoma County, Santa Rosa is at the hub of it all. Enjoy annual events like the Annadel Half Marathon, IPA 10K, or Levi's GranFondo.
Vineyards, Wineries, and Gardens
Luther Burbank called Sonoma County, “the chosen spot of all the earth as far as nature is concerned”.
Our gardens are proof that he was right. Sonoma Botanical Garden is one of the continent's largest and most important collections of temperate-climate Asian plants. The Luther Burbank Home and Gardens share the history of the world-renowned horticulturist who loved and experimented with plants for most of his 50-year career.
If you think of wineries for just their vineyard views you would be wrong. Some of the most impressive gardens in the state of California are part of our Sonoma County wineries. Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate and Gardens has the most stunning gardens you will ever walk through. You can also take a self-guided vineyard tour year-round at wineries like St. Francis Winery, Balletto Vineyards, or Paradise Ridge. Check out Sonoma Vineyard Adventures for more information.
Water Sports and The Pacific Coast
If you are drawn to water, Sonoma County has you covered. If you love fishing you can choose from a day on the Pacific Ocean fishing for salmon, rockfish, or halibut or maybe you prefer freshwater fishing along the Russian River or one of our many lakes.
Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding are also popular on the Russian River or go bioluminescent kayaking at sunset. You get to choose if you float down the river at a slow pace, enjoy a tour that takes in wildlife, or experts can burn calories with a more vigorous tour out on the ocean.
The rugged Sonoma Coast is the definition of beauty and views. Bodega Head offers stunning views, trails for beginners, and wildlife viewing from birds to whales and of course the barking seals. Take a drive along Highway 1 and choose your favorite cove or beach, pull in, relax, and just listen to the sound of crashing waves.
Camping
We all know camping is fun and allows us to connect with loved ones and nature. But that’s just the start. Did you also know that myriad health benefits result from being in the great outdoors? From positive impacts on physical and mental health to those tailor-made for children, there are benefits that ensure there’s even more reason for camping in and around Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.
Take for instance the KOA Petaluma Campground and RV Park, which offers sites from a tree-covered tenting area, large pull-thru RV sites, Rustic Camping Cabins, or full-service Wine Country Lodges.
Or for more adventurous, how about with an overnight stay "glamping" in a luxurious tent at Safari West. Imported from Botswana and customized on the property, each of their thirty tents sports a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom, polished hardwood floors, and because it’s camping, all the wildlife sounds of the Sonoma Serengeti!
More To Explore
Your Summer Adventure Awaits!
Santa Rosa and Sonoma County are all about outdoors adventuring. Breathing in the fresh air and connecting with Mother Nature, Santa Rosa has outdoor recreation options that are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast looking to explore nature or simply taking a peaceful walk in a scenic setting.
Glorious Late Summer, Early Fall in Santa Rosa
Treat yourself to a getaway in Santa Rosa, the urban heart of Sonoma County Wine County, where this fall art comes alive and culinary delights take center stage.