Why Sonoma County?
What's So Special about Sonoma County?
Beauty Abounds
Hidden by rugged headlands and a craggy coastline, miles of sandy beaches with natural carved arches and secluded coves, the Sonoma coast offers one of nature's finest scenic attractions.
A series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands extends from Bodega Bay to about 35 miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access beaches from points along the coast's State Route 1.
The north coast weather can be foggy in the summer but it usually burns off by midday so the Sonoma Coast's cool ocean breezes offer a respite for visitors seeking to escape the inland heat.
Bodega Bay was the shooting location of Alfred Hitchcock's movie The Birds. Bodega Bay offers great seafood restaurants and a variety of accommodations.
The Russian River passes through some of California's finest wine-growing regions and offers recreation to thousands. Healdsburg, Rio Nido, Guerneville, and Monte Rio sit along the shores of the river. The Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean at the south edge of Jenner as it passes Goat Rock.
North of Jenner, Fort Ross a Russian outpost used for hunting otters and seals has been preserved and is well worth your time to visit.
Oh, The Wine and Food!
Some of America's finest wines come from Sonoma County. Our favorite wine-growing regions are the Sonoma Valley, Russian River and Dry Creek Valley. Fine wines from these areas are exported throughout the world and have been served to visiting dignitaries at White House dinners. Whether your favorite is seafood, Italian, French or other exotic combination you'll find it served in our wonderful restaurants.
Agricultural Abundance
The cities are surrounded by vineyards, farms and grazing land where nationally sought after organic and boutique vegetables, fruits and cheeses are grown and produced.
Sonoma County agricultural products are readily available at farms throughout the area. Spring and summer bring farmers' markets to many local communities. Here you can buy the tastiest, freshest, and ripe vegetables and fruit.
The famed horticulturist Luther Burbank made his home in Santa Rosa for more than 50 years. In his garden and in nearby Sebastopol, Burbank conducted the plant-breeding experiments that brought him world renown. His objective was to improve the quality of plants and thereby increase the world's food supply. In his working career Burbank introduced more than 800 new varieties of plants including over 200 varieties of fruits, many vegetables, nuts and grains, and hundreds of ornamental flowers.
"I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned."
-Luther Burbank, 1875
Micro Climates
Climates in the southern part of Sonoma County tend to be warm during the day and cool at night as moist marine air from the ocean moderates temperatures. Healdsburg north tends to have warmer days and evenings with less moderation from marine air.
Clean Air
Onshore marine air, extensive farmland, clean air advocates and open space gives Sonoma County the cleanest air in the bay area.
