Activities (besides wine tasting)
While most people come to Healdsburg/Sonoma for wine, the area offers so many other things - biking, hiking, golf, mudbaths, kayaking, etc. Too many activities to properly list them all. However, here are out top things we like to do besides wine (even though drinking wine continues to be our top activity!).
Biking
The air, the vineyards, the wide open spaces - biking throughout Sonoma County is just lovely.
San Francisco Chronicle had a great article showcasing 3 great rides around Healdsburg - can't go wrong with any of them:
www.sfchronicle.com/travel/article/3-great-bike-rides-around-Healdsburg-13544866.php..
For younger riders (and families), there is a great ride that uses the bike paths around the town of Healdsburg.
https://www.healdsburgresortho...
If you are going to rent a bike, we would recommend Spoke Cyclery. Great folks, bikes and right in Healdsburg:
www.spokefolk.com
Also, just riding around Healdsburg visiting wineries isn't a bad way to spend a day.
Hiking
Lots of wonderful hiking near us.
San Francisco Chronicle also did an article on some of the great hikes around Healdsburg: www.sfchronicle.com/travel/article/The-5-best-hikes-around-Healdsburg-12504695.php#photo-14887913
We particularly like hiking the Healdsburg Ridge (as it is only 5 minutes from us): www.ci.healdsburg.ca.u...
If you are from outside the Bay Area, you should take a hike among the redwoods. The most famous place to walk is of course Muir Woods, which is 1.5 hours from us (and close to San Francisco): www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm
Golfing
Definitely some beautiful courses here to escape for the day (or afternoon). Redwoods, Ocean and everything in-between. Here are some of our favorites:
Tayman (Healdsburg)
This is the local course. Right near town. A 9-hole that won’t take your whole day, but gets you out in nature. A challenging course with plenty of hills.
www.healdsburggolfclub.com
Windsor
This is the closest 18-hole course. A fairly flat course and pretty.
www.windsorgolf.com
Northwood
This is one not to miss! 9 holes set among the redwoods. About 30 minutes away….gorgeous.
www.northwoodgolf.com
Indian Valley
Located about an hour south of Healdsburg, but absolutely beautiful, a hidden gem.
www.ivgc.com
Bodega Bay
On the coast, breath-taking!
www.bodegaharbourgolf....
Visit Snoopy’s Home
Charles Schulz, the genius behind Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the whole Peanuts gang lived just south of us in Santa Rosa. The museum has the largest collection of original Peanuts artwork in the world and tells the story of how Peanuts came to life and became a worldwide success. Very fun (and great for kids):
https://schulzmuseum.org/
Also, if you like ice skating, Schulz also built close to his home a professional-sized indoor ice rink: https://www.snoopyshomeice.com/
yoga or massage
in the backyard
Yoga/Pilates
Sophie will come to you and hold a session with your entire group. We already have yoga mats at the house.
Sophie Yoga
www.sophieyoga.com
(707) 206-1665
massage
Sonoma Bodyworks will bring their massage to you. Swedish, Deep, Prenatal, Couples and more.
Sonoma Bodyworks
www.sonomabodyworks.com
(707) 939-8841
Mud Baths (and Spas)
Another beautiful thing about our location is that we are just over the hill from Calistoga - the mudbath and spa capital of the world (or at least the U.S.). Here are some to look at:
Indian Springs
One of our favorites. Famous mudbaths and double Olympic-size hot springs heated pool. www.indianspringscalistoga.com
Spa Solage
Part of the Auberge family of resorts. A beautiful property.
www.aubergeresorts.com/solage
Golden Haven
Less expensive than Indian or Solage, but have heard the massages are very good. www.goldenhaven.com
Hotel Healdsburg
If you are looking for a spa in Healdsburg, the Hotel Healdsburg has a lovely one:
www.hotelhealdsburg.com/spa
Olive Oil
Many wineries also make beautiful, artisinal olive oils. And you can taste them just like wine. Here a few places where you can taste:
www.sonoma.com/blog/sonoma-olive-oil-and-artisan-products/
Cheese
And let's not forget that Sonoma County is also famous for its cheese! And the famous Sonoma Cheese Trail awaits. You could spend the whole day visiting all of the artisinal cheese makers around the area - and washing it down with wine of course!
www.sonomacounty.com/articles/california-sonoma-cheese-trail-and-map
Art
Healdsburg has some beautiful galleries in town. Also, Alexander Valley is home to world-famous T. Barny.
T. Barny Sculture
He does beautiful stone sculptures. His studio and home are just down the street and he is open by appointment.
www.tbarny.com
Paul Mahder Gallery/Grapeseed
A fun combination. Beautiful art and wine tasting.
www.grapeseedwine.com
Other galleries in Healdsburg
https://www.sonomacounty.com/a...
Russian River
The Russian River is literally a mile from the house. You can kayak it, canoe it, even paddle board it. A great company right in Healdsburg can set it up:
www.riversedgekayakandcanoe.com
Gamble
If you are in the mood for some cards or slots, River Rock casino is only 7 minutes away:
www.riverrockcasino.com
A more Las Vegas style casino - Graton Casino (larger and more amenities) is located 25 minutes south in Rohnert Park:
www.gratonresortcasino.com
