When we think of wine country in California, Napa Valley often comes to mind. But Sonoma Valley is just as much of a wine hub as Napa is. And it’s the perfect place to spend a 3-day weekend.

Sonoma is filled with wineries, but it also has an abundance of art and culture, from historical landmarks to one-of-a-kind museums to theaters that have been entertaining the area for generations. There are plenty of things to do in Sonoma, no matter what time of year you visit.

June through October is generally the busy season for Sonoma. August through September is often when the valley experiences its hottest temperatures. September and October are when the harvest season is for the vineyards, so wine fans typically come out in droves for wine tastings. 

November through May is considered the off-season, so you’ll be contending with fewer crowds, with the exception of Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, when the crowds are definitely in attendance in Sonoma. However, while Sonoma does have a temperate climate and doesn’t get too cold throughout the winter, you will still likely experience chillier and more overcast days if you go during the off-season. 

May and June are nice sweet spots for visiting Sonoma. For the most part, the weather will be sunnier than if you’d gone earlier in spring or winter, but it won’t be as busy as it gets later in the summer and early fall when the harvest season begins.

Having a long weekend trip in Sonoma? With so much to do and see in this scenic city, it’s tough to know where to start. We’ve put together a three-day Sonoma itinerary to help you see all that you can of this stunning wine region. Follow these recommendations, from where to eat to what to do, and you’re bound to have an amazing 3-day Sonoma vacation!

If you’re still deciding where to stay then make sure to check out our article on the best boutique hotels in Sonoma!

How to Spend a Weekend in Sonoma, California

Getting Around Sonoma

The easiest way to get into Sonoma is by flying into the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport. This airport is a regional airport and has flights operating throughout the West Coast. If you’re coming from outside the West Coast, expect a layover.

If you’d rather avoid the layover, you may have more luck getting a direct flight to San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport. Both are about 75 miles or an hour and a half away from Sonoma. 

From there, you can take the Sonoma County Airport Express from either airport. You can take this bus to the Charles M. Schulz Airport or hop off at a stop in Petaluma, Rohnert Park, or Santa Rosa.

You could also take a Golden State Transit bus from San Francisco to Petaluma or Santa Rosa. However, you’ll have to take another bus on Sonoma County Transit to get from these destinations to Sonoma or take an Uber or taxi to your destination.

Sonoma does have a bus system, but the best way to get around the city is by car. Sonoma is not a highly walkable city. You should expect that you’ll need transportation to get from one attraction to another throughout your 3 days in Sonoma. 

Renting a car is highly recommended, but if you’d rather not deal with a rental, you can opt to take a taxi or Uber everywhere you go. However, this method may end up being more expensive in the long run.

If you’re going to Sonoma to enjoy the many different wineries, keep in mind that you’ll need to arrange transportation in advance. You shouldn’t be behind the wheel after going to a wine tasting! 

You may want to book a wine tour, which often provides transportation to and from the different wineries you’ll be going to throughout the day. It’s often the safest method of enjoying wine tastings in Sonoma.

Sonoma Weekend Itinerary – Day 1

Sonoma Plaza

To start your 3-day weekend in Sonoma, head to Sonoma Plaza. Sonoma Plaza is a great place to get a taste of all that Sonoma has to offer. From high-end shopping and world-class art galleries to wine tasting and historic sites, a lot of culture is packed into this one plaza.

First off, grab breakfast over at the Sunflower Caffé, a cute and cozy brunch joint right in Sonoma Plaza. This restaurant focuses on using real, local ingredients and creating fresh and flavorful dishes. Take a seat in the plant-filled garden and enjoy everything from kimchi hash and smoked duck sandwiches to more traditional options like breakfast burritos and avocado toast. 

San Francisco Solano Mission

After breakfast, spend the morning immersed in the history and culture of the area. From the plaza, take a short stroll over to the San Francisco Solano Mission. This mission was the last California mission and was founded in 1823. 

Today, it’s part of the Sonoma State Historic Park. Guests are welcome to tour the mission and enjoy the stunning architecture. In what was once the quarters belonging to the padre, or the Roman Catholic priest, there now sits a museum dedicated to the history of the California missions.

Wine Tasting around Sonoma Plaza

From there, head back to the plaza for an afternoon of more exploration. Enjoy touring the art galleries, or start your Sonoma wine-tasting journey. You can hop around several wineries in Sonoma Plaza. Enjoy the world-renowned pinot noirs from Fulcrum Wines, or cheers to chardonnay at Darling Wines.

Finish off your wine-tasting journey with more wine and a delicious dinner from Valley Bar + Bottle Shop. Part restaurant, part wine tasting room, and part bottle shop, this Sonoma gem is the perfect place to have a nice leisurely dinner while you taste what Sonoma has to offer. 

Reservations are recommended when you decide to dine here. You can pick a table inside the warm and inviting dining room or sit outside by the warmth of the heaters. On the menu, you’ll find a mix of Mediterranean flavors with California twists. 

The flavors pair brilliantly with the diverse collection of wines. From seasoned burrata to chicken with sour orange and cabbage, the choices are unexpected and perfectly fit for every foodie in your group.

You’ll likely want to do a bit of shopping beyond the bottles at Valley. From wine shops to jewelry stores to olive oil shops to chocolate stores, there’s a little something for everyone. 

The plaza is the perfect place to pick up all the souvenirs you’ll want to bring home. Maybe, if your friends are lucky, you’ll even share a bit of chocolate and wine with them. But no shame in keeping these scrumptious treats for yourself! 

Visit Wineries in Sonoma Valley

Sebastiani Theatre

As the night begins, head over to the historic Sebastiani Theatre. This theater has been entertaining Sonoma since the 1930s. Although it started as a movie house, it now plays much more than movies. You can still catch a flick here, but you can also hear live music, watch your favorite acts take the stage, see a play or musical, or listen to an expert speaker.

Sonoma Weekend Itinerary – Day 2

After a day of strolling around, the second day of your 3 days in Sonoma will be considerably more active. But first, you need to fuel up! 

Stop by El Dorado Kitchen for a breakfast that’s a true treat. This upscale restaurant is serving up elevated versions of classic breakfast favorites, like brioche French toast and duck confit hash. Each dish uses only fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, so expect the menu to change depending on when you take your 3-day trip to Sonoma. 

Sonoma TrainTown Railroad

From breakfast, enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that’s quintessentially Sonoma. Way back in 1958, the Sonoma TrainTown Railroad’s founder, Stanley L. Frank, decided to bring a 10-acre tabletop railroad to life. These days, TrainTown is open every day in the summer and on weekends in the fall, winter, and spring. It’s an amusement park based entirely around railroads!

Sonoma often gets thought of as a place for grownups, thanks to all the wine tasting, but TrainTown is loads of fun for the whole family. The heart of the park is the Train Ride, a quarter-scale railroad with 4 miles of track wrapping around the park. This 20-minute ride features a stop at the Lakeview station, where kids can enjoy the miniature town of Lakeview and its petting zoo.

Kids are also sure to love the other rides throughout the park, all railroad-themed, like the Mine Train Coaster. If you’re taking your 3-day Sonoma vacation with kids, you’ll surely want to add TrainTown to your Sonoma itinerary. 

Cornerstone Sonoma

For lunch, stop by Folktable Restaurant at Cornerstone Sonoma. The restaurant uses only locally-grown ingredients, ensuring freshness in every bite. From sandwiches and salads to crab rolls and kimchi, this menu has a little bit of everything. There are also several vegan and vegetarian options, as well as an extensive wine menu.

When you’re done eating, spend some time exploring Cornerstone. This marketplace features boutique shopping with wares from local artisans, wine-tasting rooms, and beautiful gardens to stroll through. 

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park

After lunch, drive on over to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. This state park straddles the boundary between Sonoma and Napa counties, providing you with gorgeous views of each iconic location. Especially if it’s your first time in Northern California, you can’t end your weekend in Sonoma without walking among the famous redwoods! 

With 25 miles of hiking trails, it’s easy to spend a day wandering around the woods. There are so many different trails to take you may never want to leave, especially if you’re a big hiking fan. 

But the biggest draw to this state park is the 25-foot waterfall, which you can access by taking the Canyon-Pony Gate Loop Trail. The waterfall is best seen after the winter rains, making the best time to visit late winter or spring. The waterfall is still there in the summer, but it’s often a slow trickle.

If you’re visiting in summer or fall, there’s still plenty of beauty to behold. From hillside forests to a year-round stream, this state park is a natural wonderland.

While you’re there, stop by the Robert Ferguson Observatory. It’s the largest in the western US. If you’re enjoying the sunset while you’re hiking, you may be able to do some stargazing at the observatory when you’re done.

End the second day of your weekend trip to Sonoma with dinner at Wit & Wisdom, serving up American comfort food in a classy yet cozy atmosphere. Featuring California cuisine cooked in a hearth oven, there’s just something so inviting about this restaurant. Plus, it boasts an extensive, award-winning wine list.

Sonoma Weekend Itinerary – Day 3

For the last day of your weekend in Sonoma, it’s time to experience the best wines Sonoma has to offer. Sonoma is one of the wine capitals of the world. And spending a day wine tasting is a perfect way to experience the beauty, agriculture, and innovation of the area. 

Basque Boulangerie Café 

But first, head back to Sonoma Plaza, where you’ll be picked up at 10:15 am to begin a wine-tasting tour aboard the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley. Most of the breakfast and brunch places serving sit-down meals open around 10 am, so you may not have time for a full sit-down breakfast before your wine tour. 

Luckily, you can still grab a quick bite or cup of coffee from Basque Boulangerie Café. This café opens at 7 am each morning, so you should have no problem fueling up here before your wine tour. You can pick up a pastry or go for something hardier, like a croque madame or bacon panini. 

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

After you grab your breakfast, you’re ready to begin your tour. The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley takes Sonoma visitors around Sonoma Valley in a cable car replica, where you’re given a scenic tour of the valley while also being chauffeured around to some of the best wineries in the area. 

If you’re looking to do some wine tasting in Sonoma Valley and the wineries are not within walking distance of each other, it’s always a good idea to have transportation planned out in advance to ensure that you don’t get behind the wheel after a tasting. By hopping on the wine trolley, you’ve got transportation taken care of, with the bonus of having a knowledgeable guide with you aboard this one-of-a-kind tour.

This open-air wine trolley will take you to three tastings with vineyard representatives across six hours. Along your route, your tour guide will also tell you facts about the Sonoma area, providing you with an additional educational tour that’s all part of the wine trolley experience. You’ll pass by landmarks like General Vallejo’s soldier barracks, the Bear Flag Monument, and the quaint town of Glen Ellen, where writer Jack London spent his final years.

At the vineyards, you’ll learn all about how the unique wines are made, from how climate affects the wine season to how volcanic soils affect the taste. As your tasting begins, you’ll meet with a winery educator, who will explain everything about what you’re drinking and give you background on the history of each winery. 

Don’t worry about lunch because the wine trolley has it covered. Depending on the weather, your lunch will take place among the vineyards, in the courtyards of the wineries, or in the wine cellars. 

Winery stops may vary, but the most common ones are BR Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, VJB Winery in Kenwood, and the Mayo Family Winery in Glen Ellen. Each winery features stunning vineyard views from buildings that look like they belong in fairytales. You’ll love spending the day enjoying all the majesty to be found around Sonoma. 

Try the Wine Trolley Tasting Tour 

girl & the fig

When you arrive back in the Sonoma Plaza, finish out your day with dinner at the girl & the fig, a rustic French restaurant serving up a seasonal menu inspired by the area’s local ingredients. If you’re still craving more wine, you’ll love any selection from this restaurant’s award-winning wine list. 

But if you want to switch it up, try one of the girl & the fig’s inventive cocktails. Take a seat on the outdoor garden patio and enjoy watching the sunset while you revel in a lovely Sonoma evening.

More Places to Eat & Drink in Sonoma

Dine at EDGE:

Located in Sonoma Plaza, EDGE is the restaurant home of Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery. Expect top-notch wine selections here, as well as inspired food with local ingredients. The prix-fixe menu here changes each week to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s wine list.

Eat in style at Cafe La Haye:
Also in the Sonoma Plaza, Cafe La Haye is a stylish bistro with a seasonal menu prepared with local ingredients. Filled with American fare with twists inspired by palates from around the world, you’ll love every bite here. Also on the menu is an extensive wine list with bottles from all over Sonoma and Napa’s wine countries.

Get a little fancy at Layla:

Located at the MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa, Layla is an upscale restaurant with a natural touch. Featuring tons of natural light, greenery, and scenic views, Layla is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that’s perfect for a date night. Dine on organic, fresh, locally-sourced ingredients while you relax and enjoy each other’s company by candlelight.

What to do if you have more than 3 days in Sonoma

Safari West

Camp in Safari West. Located in Santa Rosa, Safari West sits upon 400 acres in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains. Here you’ll find a 3-hour safari ride through the Sonoma Serengeti, where a highly-trained guide will take you on a custom safari vehicle and get you up close to the animals. For an even cooler experience, you can book a custom safari or stay overnight in the park on a luxurious glamping site.

Russian River

Float down the Russian River. The Russian River is a tranquil place to spend an afternoon. You’ll float down it as you watch the redwoods go past. You can also find plenty of family-friendly beaches along the river, where you can go swimming, sunbathe, or rent inner tubes, kayaks, and canoes.

Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center

Learn about Peanuts history at the Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center. This family-friendly museum in Santa Rosa is dedicated to the life of the cartoonist who brought the Peanuts gang to life.

You can check out a recreation of Schulz’s studios, see a life-sized replica of Snoopy’s doghouse, take a peaceful stroll through the Snoopy Labyrinth, and see the wall Schulz once painted for his daughter’s nursery. There are docent-led tours available to get the full experience. 

Cline Family Cellars

Sip wines at Cline Family Cellars. Located on a stunning ranch, Cline Family Cellars offers you the chance to take a seat on the scenic Garden Patio while you sip your way through the curated flight of their wines. Or you can sit by the pond and enjoy a bottle of your choosing with a seasonal cheese and charcuterie board or picnic basket.

Sonoma County Tasting Pass

Grab a Sonoma County Tasting Pass. With over 425 wineries in Sonoma County, it’s impossible to see all of these acclaimed wine houses in one weekend. To do more tasting, a Sonoma County Tasting Pass will allow you to tour Sonoma’s award-winning wineries and even craft breweries for either one or two days.

Choose tasting flights from 11 different locations and even get discounts on bottles you want to bring home. If you want to switch it up a bit, you can also buy a one- or two-day distillery pass, allowing you to tour the region’s microdistilleries. From vodka to whiskey to much more, there’s plenty to explore in Sonoma County!

Sonoma County Half-Day Wine Tour

We hope you enjoy your weekend trip to Sonoma! Should we add something else to our 3-day Sonoma itinerary? Let us know in the comments.

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