Sonoma County Illuminated
rom the rocky bays to rolling hills covered in vineyards, the Sonoma landscape provides a living playground for locals to get outside and explore. Here are some of our favorite spots, don't forget your picnic basket and a good bottle of wine.
Spring Lake Regional Park is a popular destination for a reason, it boasts hiking and walking trails, beaches, picnic areas, boating, fishing and camping. It also has a natural history center and a summer swimming lagoon. The 72-acre reservoir attracts abundant wildlife and is a prime spot for birding. It is surrounded by ten miles of walking trails, including paved and unpaved options. Spring Lake stands adjacent to Howarth Park which provides additional recreational activities such as family train rides, a carousal, pony rides, and an animal farm.
No trip to Sonoma County would be complete without a trip to the majestic redwoods in Armstrong Woods. This breathtaking grove is filled with ancient redwoods, many of which are over 500 years old and tower at above250 feet tall. The tallest tree in the grove is the Parson Jones Tree which measures over 310 feet in height and the oldest is The Colonel Armstrong Tree which estimates place at over 1,400 years old. Both can be viewed within an easy half mile walk into the reserve. The reserve also boasts picnic facilities and a visitor center, and while it is regulated for day use only, there are adjacent campgrounds in the Austin Creek State Recreation Area at Bullfrog Pond.
One of our favorite spots is the historic Jack London StatePark. Tucked away in mountains surrounding the picturesque small town of GlenEllen is the former home and ranch of the legendary author, celebrated for his many literary achievements as well as his adventurous spirit. The Park has over29 miles of trails with elevations between 600 and 2,300 feet. In addition, visitors can tour London’s cottage as well as the ill-fated Wolf House ruins, a dream project of London’s which caught fire and burned to the ground when it was nearly complete. Jack London Park also has ample picnic tables on a first come first serve basis and group picnic capabilities by reservation.
We invite you to discover these and so many other hidden jewels that Sonoma County has to offer and let us know some of your favoriteSonoma County getaways!
*Arte Sonoma acknowledges that Sonoma County is located on the ancestral territory of many indigenous people, including the Coast Miwok and Pomo People, and honor the land and the those who have stewarded its beauty.
