Top 5 Santa Rosa Car Tours: Discover Sonoma in Style

So, you want to see Sonoma County, California, and you figure a car tour is the ticket. Great idea, actually! Sonoma has beautiful open roads, cute towns, and, of course, vineyards all over the place. That being said, planning a trip like this could be quite the undertaking, like figuring out where to go and what to see.

1. The Russian River Valley Wine Route

For wine lovers, this route really is almost the perfect way to go. Picture this: you start in Santa Rosa, then head straight over to the Russian River Valley, one of Sonoma’s absolute finest wine growing spots. Is that cool, or what? Along the way, anyway, you could hit places such as Guerneville, a town right on the river that has this relaxed, almost bohemian vibe. Or maybe check out some vineyards; Korbel Champagne Cellars for some bubbly, or perhaps Iron Horse Vineyards if you appreciate pretty views right next to fantastic Pinot Noir.

That road to get there, though, it’s super twisty and narrow. Now you do need to be careful. It could be very dangerous. Keep your eyes open for cyclists, too, since a lot of them enjoy those roads as well.

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2. Sonoma Coast Cruise

Ready for something completely different? Now how about a trip that gives you the sea air? Leaving from Santa Rosa, that heads west to the Sonoma Coast? Route 1, you know, which is famous for its amazing view, gives you cliffs that crash down into the Pacific and, basically, some tiny towns stuck in there. Jenner is the town right where the Russian River actually hits the sea, great for seals, that is! Fort Ross State Historic Park kind of makes you think about what life was like back when the Russians used to control that place.

Just to keep it real, just remember that sometimes the coast fog could be really very bad, actually. Also, Highway 1 may get pretty windy at times, now you really must drive with just a bit of care.

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3. Alexander Valley and Healdsburg Loop

Want even more wine but kinda want it with a more charming small-town flavor to it? This path can get you right to Alexander Valley, where there are Cabernets that will truly wow. Then, really you are just going down to Healdsburg, now that really is actually a super cute town, and has this Plaza where you can spend quite some time shopping at galleries or finding all sorts of goodies from regional artists.

Dry Creek Road gives you the views, by the way. Now make sure you give time to get to Healdsburg Plaza, though, it’s worth it.

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4. The Backroads to Bodega Bay

This is kinda more the low-key choice if you are thinking of doing the Sonoma coast. Is that okay? This gets you through all of the countryside, basically, and right through rolling farms. Check it out though! Stop just a bit at one of the farms. Just pick your own strawberries! A little something fresh like that! You can get to Bodega Bay, where you should look closely at the boats.

Do watch the time of day though, okay? Farm visits only go at particular hours. And if you are trying to do it on a holiday, actually they probably might be closed.

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5. Petaluma and the Cheese Trail

For, basically, foodies, you would very much enjoy this tour. Petaluma has that great historic town square, but its claim? Farm-fresh cheese. See that! It’s almost a bit unreal. Plan for yourself to see the “Cheese Trail”—it hits places where you could meet cheesemakers or, too it’s almost, see local farms.

Remember some parts could have animals roaming! That’s important since they could kinda cross in the middle of the road anytime, basically.

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All these driving plans will kinda turn your day out up near Santa Rosa to be more than the usual trip. The tour which seems most right just kinda will vary with personal taste. No matter your preference, be mindful, pack the camera, go check them out!