Healdsburg California

Healdsburg California Information

The northern Sonoma County city of Healdsburg is a treat for all the senses. Boasting a plethora of things to do and see, this town of about 11,000 residents is the ideal place to stop to enjoy various recreational pursuits as you make your way north or south along Highway 101.

Wine-tasting is number one in and around Healdsburg. Surrounded by the Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, and the Russian River Valley, Healdsburg provides easy access to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms. From well-known names in wine to up-and-coming young wineries, Healdsburg visitors will be delighted with the opportunity to enjoy either self-guided Healdsburg area winery tours or organized guided tours of the area's diverse vineyards. Choose from a variety of trips, including a jaunt down the Russian River Wine Road, a favorite with wine connoisseurs worldwide.

Want to enjoy a little shopping while traveling through Sonoma County? No problem! Healdsburg provides a host of excellent shopping opportunities including enticing art galleries, antique shops, book stores, cutting-edge boutiques, and plenty of places to pick up a Sonoma County souvenir or two. Don't miss the weekend farmer's market, where you can indulge in a variety of homemade arts and crafts products.

If you've got the kids in tow, it won't be hard to find things to do in this welcoming city. Healdsburg activities include biking (check out the wine country bike tours), hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, and much more. Head to any of a number of parks located in the city for some fresh air and outdoor recreation. The nearby Russian River provides an opportunity to kayak or canoe and is a perfect place for a family picnic or an intimate lunch for two. Lake Sonoma is also just a short drive from Healdsburg as well and watersports are king at this large body of water.

As is true through much of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, you'll find that a number of fine artists have made their home in Healdsburg. Galleries are scattered throughout town and many of the wineries display local art work on their properties as well. Also consider a stop at the nearby Sebastopol Center for the Arts.

If performing arts is your preference, check out the Raven Performing Arts Theater. This former movie theater now hosts musical acts, comedy troupes, and a variety of other diverse performers in an intimate 500-seat setting.

Healdsburg also boasts two small but excellent museums. The Healdsburg Museum has recorded the history of the area for visitors to enjoy through a series of photos, documents, artifacts, and other exhibits, both permanent and changing. The quirky Hand Fan Museum will be enjoyed by all ages. Though the mission may sound strange - "to share the rich cultural and artistic history of the hand fan" - the museum is quite fascinating.

Depending on which time of the year you choose to visit, you may be greeted by one of Healdsburg's annual events, such as the Harvest Century Bicycle Tour (July), the Healdsburg Jazz Festival (June), or the Rodney Strong Vineyards Annual Summer Concert Series.

Overnight guests will find that Healdsburg lodging is quite ample and diverse. Choose from small chain motels, privately-owned inns and B&Bs, and vacation rental homes. There are plenty from which to select but remember that small lodging establishments fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist months.

Healdsburg restaurants are plentiful as well. Mexican, Chinese, Italian, French, and down-home American cuisine are all represented. Grab a donut, slice of pizza, or great cup of coffee at one of the downtown establishments if you're just looking for a quick bite to eat.