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If your idea of a perfect vacation involves eating and drinking through picturesque landscapes, all without leaving the US, then we’ve found the dream destination for you.
With no fewer than 19 wine-growing regions, a beautiful coastline lined with redwood forests and mild winter weather, this is a Californian wonderland.
Travel zoo has unveiled a list of their ‘best bets’ for travel in 2025. And right at the top of the list is Sonoma DistrictCalifornia.
It’s easy to see why.
Tour fascinating vineyards
Sonoma County is home to California wine, but without the glitz associated with Napa Valley.
There are 19 wine growing regions that provide support 400 wineries and an incredible 60,000 hectares of vineyards for you to explore.
If you have more than a passing interest in wine then this is a great place to visit.
Many of these vineyards are open to the public, so you can visit them independently.
But the best way to explore Sonoma County’s vineyards (especially if you want to visit several in one trip) is with a guided tour.
Taking a small-group wine tour will take you to some of the best vineyards in the region and pack you full of delicious wine and fascinating information, all without having to worry about driving back to your hotel on the beach. end of tour!
Platypus Wine Tours is a highly rated tour operator that takes you to three hidden gems in Sonoma County.
Prices vary depending on the day of your tour (with weekends being more expensive than weekdays) but start from $119.
Beautiful beaches
If you can tear yourself away from the vineyards (and the delicious wine), then Sonoma County is also an ideal, if underrated, place for a beach vacation.
Some of the best beaches include Goat Rock Beach in Sonoma Coast State Park.
The nature here is spectacular, and as this is a golden sandy beach it is also a great place to relax and unwind.
If you’re looking for epic coastal views, try Stengel Beach, which offers fantastic views of waterfalls and coastal cliffs.
From the lookout point, on certain days you can see harbor seals and even gray whales in the water below.
Because Sonoma County has one of those extensive coastlineit’s also a great place to try water sports, go fishing or take a boat trip.
Bodega Bay is an excellent place to charter a boat or take a boat tour.
Andiamo Whale Watching Charter Bodega Bay Tours offers highly rated and knowledgeable whale watching excursions.
This is something you should put on your bucket list if you are in the area.
They offer whale watching excursions, bird watching excursions and harbor tours, but the whale watching excursions are the most iconic. A private charter for 2 people costs $450.
Small town exploration
Sonoma County is just 30 miles north of San Francisco, but instead of living in a big city, you’ll find an abundance of quaint small towns here.
There is a growing trend for it small town vacations in 2025, and this is a great place to embrace this trend.
One of the most famous cities in Sonoma County is Healdsburg.
This has all the small town charm you would expect, but with an injection of trendy appeal and luxurious amenities.
The city’s activities revolve around a historic 19th-century square lined with boutique shops and family-run coffee shops.
If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll enjoy the city’s food scene, with an emphasis on quality ingredients and farm-to-table dining.
Among the best restaurants in the city is Barndiva, which serves luxurious country cuisine and has been awarded a Michelin star for its high quality.
For the ultimate foodie choice, book a table at the SingleThread Farm restaurant and inn.
This has been awarded not one but three Michelin stars. It has also been awarded a rare Green Michelin star.
You must book this in advance as you will be served an eleven-course tasting menu, tailored to your dining preferences and dietary requirements.
This meal is a marathon, not a sprint, and all ingredients are sourced in-house or sourced locally.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
