Sonoma Valley
 

2 retired ladies traveling to Santa Rosa area in May for a week. We will fly into Oakland & rent a car. We have lodging already secured but are interested in suggestions for things to do. I have received travel brochures but after a while they can overwhelm you. Also need advice on tolls. Not having traveled that area in over 20 years I'm not sure what is best way to go or what the options are for payment. Thanks for any and all suggestions.

It helps to know what your interests are before making recommendations. Are you looking for outdoor activities? An indulgent spa experience? History? Wine tasting?

Wine tasting. Head up to Healdsburg for a day of tasting on the town square or the Dry Creek Valley. Head out to the Russian River. Wine taste at Korbel Champagne Cellars and take in the old growth redwoods at the Armstrong Redwoods.

Wine tasting is definitely one of our ideas but just viewing the area is also something - roads off the freeways - seeing something other than tourist attractions.

The ideas I listed are off the freeway. Dry Creek Road, Lambert Road, then Head north or south on Westside Road to find off the beaten path drives. Westside Road leads down to River Road and the Armstrong Redwood forest.

https://www.sonomacounty.com/chamber...-road-wineries

You could also head out to the Alexander Valley from Healdsburg. Acres of vineyards and not crowded.

There are some nice hikes in that area:
https://overlookmontini.org/about/

If you like botanical gardens:
Quarryhill Botanical Garden

If you're a fan of Jack London:
Jack London State Historic Park

Visit one of California's 21 missions:
Mission San Francisco Solano - SPSHPA

Check out Safari West. It's Africa on a very small scale, but very fun and interesting. https://www.safariwest.com/
There is a beautiful video about the recent fires.

Ca'Toga is an interesting artistic villa. Check it out online. There are tours on Saturday from May to October. Ca' Toga The World of Carlo Marchiori, World-Renowned Mural Artist It's in Calistoga which is not too far. Ca'Toga is not well known, but it is unusual and perfect if you like house tours. There is also a gallery in Calistoga.

I like the Luther Burbank house near downtown, the tour is educational. Luther Burbank Home & Gardens | Luther Burbank Home & Gardens

And, near Calistoga is the Bale Grist Mill, which is not open yet due to the fire, but may be by May.

We used to have a cabin in the mountains in Santa Rosa, close to Napa Valley, so I did lots of exploring.

Kailani, are you referring to Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park - it IS open, we were there on New Year's weekend.

Here's our morning (with photos) at Jack London State Historic Park...beautiful!

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/22755-2/

((H))