The Trione-Annadel State Park has more than one reason which makes it worthy of a visit. Spread across an area of 5,092-acre (2,061 hectares), the park is steeped in Native American history and is known for its volcanic rocks. Ecologically blessed with a diverse flora, the park is home to oak woodlands, maples, fir forests. Come spring, the park is blanketed in fully blossomed wildflowers.
Safari West is a 400-acre (162-hectare) sanctuary in the center of the wine country, where exotic mammals and birds reside. Started as a private facility, the preserve is now open to the public and conducts tours and field trips for those interested. Attracting over 60,000 people annually, Safari West is dedicated to the preservation of species and conducts interaction with students and educational programs. Tent cabins and other lodging is provided for those who wish to stay at the reserve. Amenities on-site include swimming pool, restaurant, and massages.
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens was the abode of American horticulturist, Luther Burbank. This historical landmark can be explored by the visitors and variety of tours are on offer. His gardens, the museum and greenhouse are a must-visit for all who are interested in horticulture.
Endowed with a varied topography, Sonoma Coast State Park has something for everyone. The expansive park features a shoreline dominated by soaring cliffs and sandy stretches, even as undulating prairielands drape its coastal bluffs. Steep boulders along the headlands offer dazzling views of the surrounding vistas. Visitors to the park can engage in numerous activities including swimming and surfing, or can explore tidepools teeming with marine life. Replete with diverse wildlife and natural landmarks, Sonoma Coast State Park makes for an exhilarating outdoor excursion.
Bodega Head is a small hill right on the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and harbor for miles around. There is also a small, sandy beach below the hill which can be accessed. While the views are truly stunning, the water current is quite strong here, so swimming and other similar activities are best avoided.
Stretching along a rocky terrain, Goat Rock Beach attracts many visitors during the summer. Keep your eyes peeled for the seals and sea gulls which can be found in the area. Water sport enthusiasts can try surfing the waves. Hang-gliding is another activity which can be enjoyed here. Whether you are inclined to adventurous excursions or simply relaxing on the golden sands, this beach has something for everyone.
Located along a serene stretch of the Chileno Valley Road, the Windrush Farm is an educational venture for children founded by Mimi Luebermann. The farm consists of rolling green hills harboring sheep that are harvested for its wool. In summer, this beautiful farm organizes a summer camp for children, educating them about the farm and fowl animals therein. Activities in the camp typically include wool harvesting, sheep herding, wool felting, vegetable harvesting and milking goats. Children are also educated about the care-taking involving animals like goats, chicken, sheep, cows and alpacas.
Deriving its name from the arc-shaped rock seen from its coast, this beach is a pleasant place to spend an evening witnessing a lovely sunset. Ample parking space is available for visitors who can scale the windswept bluffs overlooking the mesmerizing ocean and listen to the sounds of crashing waves as they watch sea birds cruising above the water. Owing to its serene environs, this beach is popular with outdoor enthusiasts looking to spend a day immersed in tranquility.
This beautiful beach in Sea Ranch forms part of the Sonoma County Parks, and although it is primarily surrounded by private estates, it is open to the public. Visitors can reach the beach through a wide access trail near the parking lot along the Whale Bone Beach Road. The beach features a dramatic coastline, replete with rock-studded shores, sandy coves and a small bluff that overlooks its expanse. Beware that swimming is not safe here, as the water is cold and often has strong currents.
Those looking to immerse themselves in some peace and serenity will relish a visit to Indian Beach. Owing to its relatively secluded locale, the beach is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who wish to unwind away from larger crowds. Vestiges of the area's Miwok inhabitants linger in the form of restored tule structures, which are conical dwellings hewn from barks. Visitors can also traverse an interpretative trail that runs along the sandy stretch to gain a deeper insight into the Native Americans that called the area home.
While most Bay Area visitors continue to flock to Muir Woods for their redwoods visit, Armstrong Woods in Sonoma County is a more serene alternative. The redwood grove is vast, inspiring and majestic; the oldest tree in the park, the Colonel Armstrong Tree, is a staggering 1400 years old. Visitors can also marvel at the tallest tree in the park, which is 310 feet (94 meters) tall. Trails winding through the extensive foliage of the reserve make for exhilarating hiking excursions and offer visitors a closer look at its diverse flora. While an entry fee applies to vehicles, pedestrians can enter the park free of charge.