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.
![](https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Group-Kayaking-Russian-River-Aerial-View.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=7c954b4abd94d6cf1319c01afc1b57cd 320w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Group-Kayaking-Russian-River-Aerial-View.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=c9829a82c84c085bf0f125ea4802f4a7 400w)
Mother Nature Does Her Best Work Here
Invigorated by beach strolls, mountain hikes, and bike rides, we catch our breath under the local version of skyscrapers.
With an extensive trail system, 66 parks, 6 lakes, and easy access to the Pacific Ocean, one could spend a week exploring and still need more days.
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.
Russian River Shuttle
The Regional Parks River Shuttle is a low-cost transportation option for visitors to Steelhead and Sunset Russian River beaches on summer weekends. Avoid full parking lots and the need to leave a car at each beach when floating the river by riding the River Shuttle.
An all-day shuttle ticket costs $5.
The Regional Parks River Shuttle travels a loop from Tom Schopflin Fields, 4351 Old Redwood Hwy., in Santa Rosa to Steelhead Beach Regional Park and Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville.
Shuttle tickets can be purchased at russianrivershuttle.mytrakk.com. No reservations are required, but seats are first-come, first-serve. Passengers can hop on and off at either beach. For more information on the Regional Parks River Shuttle and route maps, click here.
Parks and Hiking
nown 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.
Armstrong Redwoods*
Armstrong Redwoods State Park is a magical place. As you stroll through this beautiful old-growth redwood forest, you will see some of the tallest and oldest trees remaining in this part of California. The Parson Jones Tree is about 310 feet high; the Colonel Armstrong Tree is more than 1,400 years old. Surrounded by nature never felt so good so bring a picnic and make a day of it.
![](https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Family-Hiking-In-Redwoods.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=137707cc77d4da5facbaa04f19e30485 320w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Family-Hiking-In-Redwoods.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a9968e3971a327f1c8560e4fa4d7bea9 540w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Family-Hiking-In-Redwoods.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=5e967b88d4d794e0b472555611dda3b5 600w)
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? How about a zip line through the redwoods, 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. In 2019 there were 9 marathons and half marathons to run, many of them through the vineyards. Santa Rosa has hosted multiple IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 triathlons and a century bike ride is a normal weekend here.
![](https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Sonoma-Canopy-Tours-Couple-Ziplining-in-the-Redwoods.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=66d3cee8c95da0466c9c6d0098c3512b 320w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Sonoma-Canopy-Tours-Couple-Ziplining-in-the-Redwoods.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=fa6c77b40963515e6c9f136d1cafab85 540w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Sonoma-Canopy-Tours-Couple-Ziplining-in-the-Redwoods.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=81d312f27e1ba3392a8ca3198774216a 597w)
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. Quarryhill Botanical Garden 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.
![](https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0ab72af154aa3923f9694e3aa5e6ac1b 320w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=ea430c5c903a9fa48ff69e51047818c2 540w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=406f50905d75a20312b89451cb3d1842 768w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=89f2705a8b1273b8fca2f751deadf223 1024w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=a99c8c274f3c750334f8820493aa09f1 1200w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=d155ac762091c4f920174abd1e9ef3a4 1440w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/main-images/VSR/wine.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&bg=%23ffffff&fit=max&fm=jpg&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0adb4cb11a4931b094c789117e49b391 1920w)
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.
![](https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Petaluma-KOA-RV-Traveling-Couple-and-Dog.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=16a8a816fdfeca6c04fd31a22c02af8e 320w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Petaluma-KOA-RV-Traveling-Couple-and-Dog.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=4cac8e465371bb7a5f46d6780b0cedf7 540w, https://visit-santa-rosa.imgix.net/images/blog/Petaluma-KOA-RV-Traveling-Couple-and-Dog.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=0330611df422633bb6cac3ab4a85b8dd 586w)
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!
If you're looking for outdoor adventures with great wine, beer, and a culinary scene, you've come to the right place.
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