ARMSTRONG REDWOODS

Armstrong Redwoods Park is our favorite place to visit in Sonoma. There is no comparison to the absolutely gigantic trees you can find in this redwood grove. Trying to capture the experience with your iPhone won’t do it justice.

You can either take a car ride through or walk — we recommend walking through. You don’t need more than an hour for a leisurely paced walk through all the trails, but you will want to stay longer.

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Russian River Brewing

Russian River Brewing

BEER TASTING & TOURS

In the heart of downtown Santa Rosa, Russian River Brewing is serving award-winning beer. It is considered one of the best breweries in the US by beer snobs everywhere. Food is decent, and it can get extremely busy, so be aware! Pliny the Elder and the Pilsner are our favorites.

In addition, the large Russian River Brewing facility is in nearby Windsor. The Lagunitas brewery is in nearby Petaluma. They host fabulous beer tours that go over the brewing process in detail.

There are plenty of other breweries nearby as well. We recommend you check out at least one of them!

The Russian River

Kayaking down the Russian River is an excellent peaceful activity for a hot day. The classic Guerneville hangout, Johnson’s Beach, is just down the road from the Armstrong Redwoods. Once there, you can rent kayaks for the day and hang out by the water.

Johnson’s Beach

Johnson’s Beach

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Sonoma Wine TAsting

Since you’re in Sonoma, it would be a shame not to taste some wines. Here are some of our favorite wineries:

  • St. Francis Winery

  • Kunde

  • Korbel (Excellent for sparkling wines)

  • Rodney Strong

Bodega Bay & HIGHWAY 1

One of our favorite activities is just taking a ride on Highway 1. It’s the California roadway - if you’re afraid of heights, it might not be an easy ride!

There are plenty of places to stop along the way and enjoy the view of the rocky shoreline - just be careful getting in and out! Bring some snacks, park your car, and soak in the views and ocean sound.

Some spots to see in this area:

  • For Hitchcock Fans
    Bodega Bay is where The Birds was filmed! The Tides Restaurant and the church from the film are still there.

  • For Those Craving Sugar
    Patrick’s Saltwater Taffy is a cute little store on the coast.

  • Clam Chowder
    I’ve heard there’s good clam chowder to be had somewhere.

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POINT REYES

There are plenty of places to get fresh cheese in Point Reyes, some of the best is at Cowgirl Creamery. At the Marin French Cheese Company, you can bring a picnic, buy some cheeses and have lunch!

Lunch at Hog Island Oysters can’t be beat. Oysters come fresh out of the Tomales Bay and right onto your plate. You can have a full service meal, or if you’re adventurous, reserve a picnic table and shuck your own oysters.

Cowgirl Creamery

Cowgirl Creamery

Picnicking at Hog Island Oysters

Picnicking at Hog Island Oysters

Hog Island Oysters

Hog Island Oysters

Painted Ladies

Painted Ladies

Typical Mission Burrito

Typical Mission Burrito

SAN FRANCISCO

It’s a short hour-plus drive between San Francisco and Santa Rosa. If you’re visiting from out of California, it may be convenient to fly into or out of SFO. That way, you can also spend a few days in San Francisco as part of your trip. Here’s a small sampling of things you can do:

  • For the Urban Hiker / View Seeker
    Land’s End and Chrissy Field are must-see areas to take a short hike. This is no urban hike — you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean.

  • For those Who Prefer to Wear Jeans & Sweatshirts to a Bonfire on the Beach
    Ocean Beach is the definition of a Northern California beach. It’s cold, you need a sweater, but if you come early enough on a weekend you can snag a bonfire spot and build up your own bonfire for the evening. There’s a Safeway nearby that provides logs.

  • For Burrito Hunters
    Here’s your chance to eat a proper Mission Burrito and immediately pass out. We recommend La Taqueria or Taqueria el Farolito. There’s also Tacolicious, a sit-down Mexican restaurant known for its tacos.

  • For Criminals Who Are Also Into Birding
    Take a tour of Alcatraz! This tour is spooky! After your tour, you will find plenty of beautiful greenery, flowers, and birds during a stroll around the island’s gardens. Alcatraz tour tickets sell out early, so get to it!

  • For Full House Fans (Agnes)
    This is your chance to see the “Full House Houses” that were burned into your retinas during the late 80’s and early 90’s. Be sure to check out the Painted Ladies (above).

  • For Big Trouble in Little China Fans
    Take a stroll through the pagodas of San Francisco Chinatown, eat at a dumpling house or sit down and have some delicious Dim Sum breakfast.

  • For the “Open Minded”
    Check out Audium (http://www.audium.org), a performance and “exploration of sound.”

  • For the Tourists
    There are plenty of must-see things for first-time tourists:

    • Take a ride on the Trolley Car

    • Walk the Marina

    • Take 600 steps to the top of Coit Tower

    • Drive (or watch others drive) down windy Lombard Street

    • Walk (or ride) the Golden Gate

  • For Watching the Game
    Enjoy a night of baseball at Giants Stadium.

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