Springtime in Sonoma Valley defies conventional seasons. Starting in mid-February and extending through June, it is, without a doubt, one of the most glorious times to be here. Imagine whole vineyards painted yellow with mustard flowers, blossoms on the trees, flowers blooming everywhere, green meadows, and clear blue skies…and with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, it’s just a slice of heaven. Before the summer crowds arrive, it is a relaxing and fun opportunity to experience the best of the valley in all of its splendor.

Choose your own adventure, selecting from our many state and regional parks, wineries and tasting rooms, restaurants and culinary experiences, museums and galleries, as well as guided tours and historical hotspots. Whatever you choose, you simply can’t go wrong. However, if you need a little inspiration, we’ve put together this five-day itinerary to offer up a glimpse of Sonoma Valley’s wonderful diversity of activities.
 

DAY 1: VISIT DOWNTOWN SONOMA

  • Go to Sonoma's Best Coffee Shop at the Sonoma Cheese Factory for a hot beverage and one of their delectable pastries.
  • Walk from the Cheese Factory up First St. West to the trailhead of the Sonoma Overlook Trail for a moderate 2-3-mile loop up Shocken Hill for an incredible view of downtown Sonoma and the San Francisco Bay.
  • For lunch, order epic Al Pastor tacos and a cold margarita from El Dorado Cantina’s walk-up counter. Sit down and enjoy on the historic Sonoma Plaza for a picnic under one of our centennial trees.
  • When you wander back into town, consider visiting Sonoma’s historical sites: Mission San Francisco Solano, the Mission Barracks, the Bear Flag Monument and General Vallejo’s Home—all walking distance from the trail and the plaza.
  • If time allows, consider tasting wines along Vine Alley with wineries like Cochon, Sol Rei and Sosie.
  • Head over to Sonoma Grille, where one of the most celebrated Happy Hour menus and an incredible array of surf and turf dishes await!
  • Grab a fancy nightcap over at The Beacon, where their craft cocktails and mocktails are the stuff of legend.

DAY 2: WINE TASTING THROUGH THE VALLEY

  • Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at Sonoma Valley Farmhouse, where everything from Chicken and Waffles to Steak Chilaquiles await.
  • Board the Sonoma Wine Trolley at the Sonoma Plaza, and gear up for a day of wine touring (lunch included), where you’ll high spot some of the valley’s most memorable wineries, from 10:00-5:00pm.
  • Go back to your hotel for a refreshing power nap.
  • Settle in for dinner on the sun-dappled patio of Spread Kitchen, where chef Cristina Topham’s Lebanese-inspired fare is one of the best deals in the area and is regarded by The San Francisco Chronicle as one of the best restaurants in the North Bay.
  • End the day with a night cap at Murphy’s Irish Pub, where live music is always on tap.

DAY 3: EXPLORE CHARMING GLEN ELLEN

  • Enjoy breakfast in Boyes Hot Springs at Sonoma Eats Mexican Food & Café, where authentic Oaxacan cuisine offers delicious fuel for the day.
  • Drive up Highway 12 to the charming village of Glen Ellen, and grab picnic fare at the Glen Ellen Village Market, where to-go selections range from a generous hot bar, an extensive salad bar, sandwiches made to order, cheese samplers and more.
  • Drive up the road to Jack London State Historic Park, where you can have a quiet mosey through the beautiful grounds or a vigorous hike through a redwood forest to the summit. Then take advantage of their wooden tables and enjoy your picnic feast!
  • On your way out of the park, consider a tasting stop at one of Glen Ellen’s small family wineries like Laurel Glen, Eric Ross, Rock & Clay, and Schermeister to name a few.  
  • Take a break with a cold beer at Jack London Lodge on their sunny patio overlooking Sonoma Creek.  
  • End the day with a special dinner at Songbird Parlour, where their impressive menu showcases the finest and freshest of Sonoma’s local ingredients.

DAY 4: GET ACTIVE IN KENWOOD

  • Enjoy your favorite hot morning beverage and a breakfast sandwich at downtown Kenwood’s popular Pillowfight Coffee. Tuck into one of their cozy booths with a book or soak in the morning sun on their patio.
  • Drive up into the mountains above Kenwood to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park for a morning hike or mountain bike to the summit for incredible views of Sonoma Valley or opt for a casual stroll along their Meadow Trail to take in the natural beauty at a slower pace. (Pro tip: Spring is the best time to take in the park’s many waterfalls.)
  • After your hike, return back down the hill to Kenwood and enjoy a wine-tasting and lunch at VJB Cellars, whose Italian-inspired deli and wood-fired pizzas will fill you up after a morning on the trail.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring Kenwood’s quiet vineyard roads, charming meadows, and scenic stops on an e-bike with Vine & Vista Tours, allowing you all the pleasure of outdoor cruising without the physical demands.
  • Browse Kenwood’s small boutiques before heading to a casual dinner at Palooza Brewery & Gastropub, known for their craft beers on tap, juicy burgers and hearty salads.

DAY 5: WIND DOWN SONOMA-STYLE

  • Enjoy a quiet breakfast of avocado toast or chilaquiles on the patio at Layla, the elegant restaurant at MacArthur Place.
  • After breakfast, head over to MacArthur Place’s spa, where you can relax and unwind with a variety of treatments, from massages and scrubs to facials and body wraps.
  • Lunch in downtown Sonoma at Tasca Tasca, a Portuguese tapas bar, where you can sample a variety of delicious and healthy options and order wine by the glass or the carafe.
  • After lunch, tour Sonoma’s art scene for a taste of local California talent: Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and Lori Austin Gallery. Feeling creatively inspired? Consider signing up for a workshop or class at Sonoma Community Center or Art Escape.
  • Late afternoon, head over to Bartholomew Park Estate to tour the grounds at a quiet pace. Enjoy a tour to learn the history of the estate or cap the day off with a tasting at their winery, sipping underneath the tree canopy overlooking the estate.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at the iconic girl + the fig, a French-inspired restaurant with a great collection of California wines and one of the best steak-frites you’ll find on this side of the pond.