Sonoma: Day Trips

Bodega Bay The coastal village that starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is a quaint fishing town with several interesting shops and galleries in addition to the Bodega Marine Laboratory, a research aquarium offering free tours on Fridays from 2-4pm. Bodega Marine Laboratory, About 1 hour west of downtown Sonoma; www.bodegabay.com
beach | family | aquarium

Boonville Located amid Anderson Valley’s redwood groves, Boonville is a funky town known primarily for beer and pinot noir festivals in May, the Wool-Grower's Barbeque and Sheepdog Trials in July, and the annual Mendocino County Fair in September. 2 hours north of downtown Sonoma
family | culinary | wine tasting

Freestone This tiny town earns a place on any spa-lover’s map thanks to Osmosis Enzyme Bath & Massage, a Japanese-style spa offering exotic treatments like a detoxifying "dry" bath in a blend of plant enzymes and fragrant wood shavings. 1 hour northwest of downtown Sonoma; www.osmosis.com
spas

Goat Rock State Beach Near the mouth of the Russian River, this sandy beach offers picnic facilities with amazing views; walk north from the parking lot to spot colonies of harbor seals. Goat Rock State Beach, 90 minutes west of downtown Sonoma
beach | family | wildlife

Lockeford Visit antique shops, go horseback riding, or stop in at Vino Piazza, where ten independent boutique wineries offer tastings in one unique location. About 2 hours east of downtown Sonoma; www.lockeford.com
family | wine tasting | horseback riding

Mendocino Escape to this beautiful coastal community where restaurants, spas, and wineries are plentiful; cooler than wine country, and with fewer tourists. 3 hours north of downtown Sonoma; www.mendocino.com
spas | wine tasting

Napa Valley Much larger and more commercial than Sonoma Valley, Napa remains famous for quaint towns, beautiful surroundings, amazing restaurants, and stunning vineyards. Napa Valley, 30 minutes east of Sonoma Valley; www.napavalley.org
culinary | wine tasting