Northern Sonoma

Towns Of Northern Sonoma

Geyserville CA
Cloverdale CA
Healdsburg CA
Windsor CA

Northern Sonoma Information

The area known as Northern Sonoma County comprises the towns along Highway 101, just south of the Mendocino County line. For wine lovers, the northern part of the county is akin to heaven! You'll find a diverse variety of wineries in Northern Sonoma - both large and small - and a trip to this section of the county will provide wine aficionados with days of tasting fun.

Of course, wine isn't the only attraction in Northern Sonoma County. There are plenty of other things to see and enjoy as well, including pretty parks, reserves and forests, large lakes that accommodate all varieties of watersports, an impressive array of art galleries, fun antique shops, golf courses, and even a casino or two.

As you travel north on Highway 101 from the Santa Rosa area, the first Northern Sonoma town you'll reach is Windsor. This small town was settled in 1851 and was the site of a busy U.S. army base during World War II (now the Sonoma County airport). The city has remained largely agricultural, with wine grapes, hops, and prunes as the primary crops. Windsor is also a staunch supporter of the arts and galleries are plentiful. For outdoor recreation, check out the 850-acre Shiloh Ranch Regional Park.

Just a few miles further north, you'll encounter Northern Sonoma's largest city - Healdsburg. Despite the nearby presence of a major highway, many tourist guides compare pastoral Healdsburg to the towns of Italy's Tuscany region. More than 100 wineries are within close proximity to the town, but you'll also find a wealth of other activities in Healdsburg as well. You can enjoy a few small yet enticing museums, spend time at a relaxing day spa, backpack or picnic under the redwoods, take a brewery tour, go cycling through the vineyards, or canoe and kayak on the Russian River. Both the visual and performing arts also play a large role in the life of this Northern Sonoma town, so you're never far from an art gallery, concert, or theatrical production. Healdsburg restaurants are plentiful and top-notch as well and Healdsburg lodging consists of pristine B&Bs, inns, and small motels.

Travel another 7 miles towards Mendocino County and you'll land in the little town of Geyserville. This North Bay city is located on the banks of the Russian River and within close proximity of the expansive Lake Sonoma. That means you'll be able to take advantage of a large choice of watersports, from sunning along the banks of the 2,600-acre lake to swimming in its cool waters to water skiing, boating, and swimming. Dozens of top-notch wineries surround the town, including well-known Aussie-owned Geyser Peak. You'll also be treated to a few fine Geyserville restaurants, an enchanting and innovative inn/lodge and other diverse Geyserville lodging, and a Native American casino that provides not only gaming fun but also live music.

At the tip of Northern Sonoma County, just a mile or so south of the Mendocino County line, you'll find the charming town of Cloverdale. A stop at the Wine and Visitors Center will provide you with a list of things to do while you're in town. Head to 70-acre Russian River Park for a picnic, bike ride, stroll, or a dip in the river. Go antiquing, stop for a cup of java at the local coffee shop and a donut from the town bakery, enjoy one of the town's special events or fairs and, of course, sample some fine Cloverdale area wines.

The towns of Northern Sonoma are easily accessible from Highway 101 and just a short driving distance from San Francisco and Santa Rosa. Cloverdale also provides easy access to Highway 128 west, a winding, scenic route to the rugged Northern California coast.