Catch a show (or movie, or live podcast taping) at this performing arts center at Sonoma State University. There are two main performance spaces: the intimate 240-seat Schroeder Hall, which resembles a cathedral, and the 1,400-seat Weill Hall, which during the summer opens its rear wall out to the lawn for a festive concert series.
Armstrong Redwoods Reserve
Photo: Getty Images
Ancient, magnificent, and certainly not to be missed—Sonoma’s coastal redwoods are (pardon the cliché) a wonder to behold. This 805-acre protected forest just north of Guerneville is dotted with old-growth trees that were spared during the logging boom of the 19th century, with heavy-hitters including Parson Jones rising 310 feet into the sky, and Colonel Armstrong, which is over 1400 years old. There’s a nice variety of trails, including wheelchair accessible routes, and interpretive signs that share stories of the landscape’s native people.
When to Visit
Sonoma has a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, but because the region stretches from the coastline to inland valleys, temperatures tend to vary. The best time to visit Sonoma mostly depends on your priorities. If you want consistently warm weather, go for summer; if you’d like to see the vineyards in action, arrive during harvest season in autumn; and if the idea of fewer crowds and better hotel rates sounds appealing, winter and early spring are solid choices (just remember it’ll be chillier).
What to Pack
Pack separates you can layer up or down as needed, and comfortable footwear for walking around. Though there’s a small handful of fine dining establishments that might call for an elevated look (ahem, SingleThread), Sonoma County prides itself on being relaxed, so there’s little worry about being underdressed. If you plan to hike, don’t forget a pair of boots or trekking sandals.
How to Get There
The Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa is the closest option for the region. If you can’t find a direct flight into STS, Sonoma County is less than a two-hour drive from three international airports: San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento. Tip: If you’re flying into SFO, traffic during rush hour is godawful, so time your flight accordingly.
