Sonoma Valley has more than just two days of things to see and do, and a lazy Sunday is often the best way to make the most of your Sonoma wine country vacation. Spend Friday and Saturday exploring wineries and eating at top-notch restaurants then end your getaway relaxing at the spa and wandering around the plaza on bicycle. You’ll want to make sure you book a stay for Sunday night, too.
Brunch anyone?
No need to wake up early for breakfast. Sleep in, roll out of bed, and head to brunch on the Sonoma Plaza.
the girl & the fig: Their brunch menu begins at 10am and features three house-made Bloody Mary cocktails, a fig and arugula salad featuring Laura Chenel chèvre, several cheese and cured meat samplers, and a mano formate (the house charcuterie line) pressed sandwich with prosciutto.
Sunflower Caffe: Sit on the front patio and enjoy the sun as you dine on avocado toast topped with radishes, sprouts, and a poached egg, the Denver omelette filled with peppers, caramelized onions, and house-made sausage, and, of course, their monster mimosa. A good spot to catch Sonoma Valley locals enjoying a sunny morning on the historic front patio.
El Dorado Kitchen: Enjoy a beautifully prepared meal at El Dorado Kitchen featuring a smoked salmon flatbread, house-made mole hash with sausage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, and a brioche french toast topped with bacon and a pineapple and orange compote.
Explore on Bicycle
We suggest renting a bicycle to see more of the town... and work off those wine calories.
Sonoma Adventures: Take a segway or bicycle tour along quiet country roads to wineries within the valley. You’ll enjoy wine tasting, a picnic style lunch, and a tasting at a local cheese factory. Or, rent a bike and make your own Sonoma adventure.
Blazing Saddles: Rent a bicycle to explore on your own or take a daily guided tour through the valley, stopping at local wineries. Find the shop at 20091 Broadway, less than a mile south from the Sonoma Plaza.
Wine Country Cyclery: This is a great spot to rent or buy a bike or get your bike fixed. Located one block from the Sonoma Plaza and it is an easy hop on and get on the lovely Sonoma Bike Path nearby. The staff is very talented and ready to help.
History of the Valley
Founded in 1823, Sonoma is as rich in history as it is in wine. Spend a few hours visiting our state parks and learn about Sonoma’s past.
General Vallejo’s Home: This authentic part of Sonoma is a must for history lovers. General Vallejo was a military commander, the director of colonization of the Northern Frontier, and the founder of Pueblo de Sonoma. Kids of all ages will enjoy the antique home and its furnishings, but most especially the turtles in the garden’s pond. Plus, it is right off the Sonoma Bike Path and less than a mile from the Sonoma Plaza.
Mission San Francisco Solano: The last and northernmost California mission, the Mission San Francisco Solano features an adobe chapel and courtyard. Inside the landmark visitors can learn about mission life and view religious paintings and artifacts. Just across the street you can finish your tour at the Sonoma Barracks, a two-story building used to house Mexican army troops.
Relaxation
You don’t have to be out on the town your entire vacation. Take a break from exploring with a treatment at one of our top-rated spas.
The Spa at MacArthur, MacArthur Place: An easy stroll from downtown, the Spa at MacArthur bases its treatments on the fruits, flowers, and herbs found in the hotel’s gardens. Enjoy a Wine Country Detox treatment featuring a seaweed wrap before sipping on a matcha latte at the Porch coffeeshop.
Willow Stream Spa, Sonoma Mission Inn: The Willow Stream Spa, rated along Travel + Leisure’s top 25 spas, is located atop an ancient thermal mineral spring. Wind down in a private cabana alongside the pool, dip in one of the two mineral water soaking pools, or relax with a crushed Cabernet body scrub.
Dinner
Dine at one of Sonoma’s highly rated restaurants to end your unforgettable weekend getaway.
Della Santina’s Trattoria: Della Santina’s is an authentic, family-owned Italian restaurant right off the Sonoma Plaza. It features a quaint patio in the back of the property perfect for a quiet, romantic dinner. With specials like pappardelle all’anatra (duck ragu) and scaloppini di vitello (veal loin cooked in a marsala reduction), the menu will make your mouth water.
Sonoma Grille: Winner of Sonoma’s best seafood restaurant for three years now, Sonoma Grille is a must. Try their fresh homemade seafood linguine or indulge in the surf and turf. The restaurant also has an extensive bar list and outdoor seating area.
If you’re ready to start planning your vacation to Sonoma Valley, check out www.sonomavalley.com or request your free welcome kit here for insider tips, deals and special offers.
Lazy Sundays in Sonoma was inspired by Brenda McNeill Art of Leisure.
