Best Family Activities in Sonoma Wine Country

Sonoma Wine Country offers a multitude of family-friendly activities beyond wine tasting. Here are some of our most recommended options from the concierge desk at Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

Be sure to include a visit to Benziger Family Winery for their Bio-Dynamic Tractor Tram Tour, a fun and educational journey through vineyards that highlights their sustainable farming practices. Next, head over to Larson Family Winery, where the fun extends to the whole family, including your furry friends. While adults indulge in wine tasting, kids can play bocce ball, enjoy a picnic, and mingle with the friendly Labs and farm animals that call the winery home. For a dose of nostalgia and creativity, make your way to the Charles Schulz Museum, where the beloved Peanuts characters come to life through exhibits and interactive displays. Then, let the little ones’ imaginations run wild at Train Town, a locals-approved amusement park featuring miniature train rides and various attractions. Animal lovers won’t want to miss Charlie’s Acres Farms Animal Sanctuary, where rescued farm animals find sanctuary and visitors can learn about compassion and care for all creatures. Finally, end your day with an adventure at Safari West, where you can encounter exotic wildlife.

With these family-friendly activities, your Sonoma Wine Country getaway promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.

Most Romantic Things to do in Sonoma Wine Country

A romantic stay in Sonoma starts with a stay in the resort’s unmatched Spa Mission Suite. These stunning suites feature an open floor plan with oversized Jacuzzi soaking tub. Romantic four-poster king bed, wood-burning fireplace and sitting areas with sofa beds.

Our destination romance experts recommend the following experiences tailored for couples:

1. Sonoma Ballooning and Sangiacomo Vineyards: Soar high above the vineyards with a hot air balloon ride, then enjoy a private stroll through the picturesque Sangiacomo Vineyards followed by an intimate wine tasting.
2. Wine Blending at Meadowcroft Winery: Unleash your inner winemaker as you blend your own signature wine at Meadowcroft Winery, a hands-on and unique experience perfect for couples.
3. Horseback Riding with Sonoma Valley Trail Rides: Enjoy a romantic horseback ride through the vineyards of Bartholomew Estate with Sonoma Valley Trail Rides.
4. Private Cabana at Cline Cellars: Escape to a secluded cabana nestled among the vines at Cline Cellars, where you and your partner can enjoy a picnic.
5. Scenic Drive along Hwy 1 to River’s End Restaurant: Take a romantic drive  along Highway 1, take in the unmatched coastal vistas, end your adventure with a sunset dinner at River’s End Restaurant in Jenner.
6. Russian River Drive to Armstrong Redwood State Park and Korbel Champagne Cellars: Forest bathing in the majestic beauty of towering redwoods in Armstrong Redwood State Park, then journey to Korbel Champagne Cellars for a tasting and leisurely lunch.

Favorite Things About Summer

Sonoma offers a multitude of summer activities – Tuesday nights come alive with the bustling atmosphere of Sonoma’s Night Market, explore an array of local farmers and artisans while enjoying live music performances.

Resort guests and locals alike are invited to join us on the front lawn every Friday & Saturday night, May 31st through October for Sonoma’s favorite Summer Music Series! Cozy up at one of our outdoor firepits, enjoy seasonal bites from our signature food truck CaliForno Street Eats, and sip on your favorite cocktails and Sonoma wines from 38º North Bar!

The summer season also brings the acclaimed Transcendence Theatre Company to Sonoma, treating audiences to captivating outdoor performances that showcase top-tier talent. Adventurous spirits rave about Sonoma Adventures’ bike tours, spanning half or full days and featuring visits to renowned wineries. Hybrid and electric bikes available.

Music enthusiasts flock to Sonoma for events like BottleRock, a premier music festival featuring an impressive lineup of artists across various genres located in neighboring Napa Valley.

Oenophiles delight in the annual Taste of Sonoma event, where they can sample an extensive selection of wines from local producers while enjoying small bites from regional chefs.

From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures and culinary delights, Sonoma’s summer offerings promise unforgettable experiences.

Favorite Picnic Spots

Sonoma Valley boasts an array of picnic spots.  And the Inn’s culinary team is delighted to pack you the perfect bespoke picnic basket.

Each of the following favorite destinations offers their own unique Wine Country charm. Nature enthusiasts can revel in the beauty of Jack London State Park, he perfect setting for a leisurely picnic. Those seeking a more urban vibe can head to the Plaza in downtown Sonoma, where they can spread out a blanket, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the historic town square.

For a serene lakeside picnic experience, Bartholomew State Park never disappoints. Oenophiles can elevate their picnic experience at neighboring wineries including  Benziger, Imagery, and Cline Cellars, where picnic tables are available by appointment.

Recommended Local Hikes

Sonoma County boasts an abundance of scenic hiking trails that accommodate outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Our teams’ top recommendations for local hikes include the Overlook Trail, offering breathtaking views and Jack London State Park, where hikers can explore the historic grounds once frequented by the renowned author.

Bartholomew Park provides a tranquil escape for nature lovers, with its picturesque trails that wind through vineyards, and Sonoma Regional Park with its diverse terrain and scenic vistas. Sugarloaf State Park offers a network of trails that showcase sweeping panoramas from the summit.

Whether guests are looking for a leisurely vineyard walk, an immersive historical journey, or a more challenging experience, Sonoma’s local hikes promise to deliver.

Best Free Activities in Sonoma Wine Country

Sonoma offers a wealth of free activities.  Don’t miss Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, sampling bounties from local farmers, admiring works from local artisans and winemakers while enjoying live entertainment. Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the summer season be sure to catch the resort’s Summer Music events, grab a bite from CaliForno food truck and a glass or two of your favorite local wines on the resort’s front lawn.

Explore the Valley on two wheels with complimentary house bikes. Pedal your way through the scenic landscapes at your own pace. Dive into the region’s agricultural heritage at the Friday morning Farmers Market at Arnold Field.

For a change of scenery, take a scenic drive to the Pacific Ocean and hike along the Bodega Trailhead. Or experience the tranquil beauty of nature at Ferrari-Carano Vineyard & Winery’s gardens or the rose garden at Korbel Champagne Cellars.

Best Local Tips

Ready to visit Sonoma like a local?  Be sure to include a meal at neighboring El Molino Central, where you can taste authentic Mexican cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Explore the vibrant art installations and boutique shops at Cornerstone Sonoma.

For nature enthusiasts, a trip to Armstrong Redwood State Park provides an opportunity to marvel at towering redwoods. Stargazers shouldn’t miss the chance to visit the Robert Ferguson Observatory, where you can peer into the cosmos and witness the wonders of the night sky through powerful telescopes.

Discover the beauty of Sonoma’s flora at the Sonoma Botanical Gardens, which showcase a diverse array of plant species from around the world. Lastly, indulge in a bit of retail therapy at the iconic William Sonoma Store, where you can browse high-quality kitchenware.

Favorite Nearby Vineyards

Guests of the Inn are literally in the center of Sonoma Wine Country. Several stand out favorites include: Coursey Graves captivates with its commitment to crafting small-lot, single-vineyard wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. Repris Winery offers a blend of Old-World tradition and New World innovation, with a focus on sustainable farming practices. For guests looking for an “elevated mountain vineyard experience”, Kamen and Kunde (Mountain Top) deliver breathtaking vistas and premium wines that showcase the distinctive character of their high-altitude terroirs. BWise Winery epitomizes the art of blending.

Stone Edge Farm invites guests to savor estate-grown wines in a setting that celebrates the synergy between wine, food, and nature. Hanzell Vineyards boasts a rich history of winemaking excellence, offering tastings that highlight their commitment to tradition and innovation.

Gloria Ferrer Winery dazzles with its world-class sparkling wines, crafted using time-honored methods that honor the legacy of its Spanish founders.