California Tourist Guide &#187; Wine Country Vacation and Travel Guide

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Napa Valley Tourist Attractions
Sonoma Valley Tourist Attractions
Western and Sonoma Coast Tourist Attractions

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California Wine Country Map

California Tourist Guide — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:01:30 +0000

Compared with other California areas, Napa and Sonoma Counties may be a bit light on typical tourist attractions like amusement parks or museums, but they do offer oenological, culinary, artistic and natural delights that will stimulate your senses and soothe your soul. The California Wine Country map and information presented here will help orient you to the area and, it is hoped, help you make the most of your Wine Country visit.

Front and center are the area’s wineries, but you can also think of the entire countryside as one gigantic attraction. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most rewarding – pack a picnic, rent a bike and drink in the surrounding beauty as you enjoy some wine. Even the sky’s not the limit here because you can also take a Wine Country hot air balloon ride to soak in the beauty from above!

The printable maps (pdf files) found at the following links may help with planning the wineries portion of your California Wine Country visit – Sonoma County wineries map and Napa Valley wineries map – and the following articles should help you locate other attractions that may be of interest on your visit to Wine Country:

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in the California Wine Country, and as you will note on the main California Tourist Guide map there are also other areas nearby that you may want to visit while you are here.

The distance from San Francisco to Napa is only 50 miles (80 kilometers), so you may also want to consider some Bay Area vacation ideas in your planning process.

Since air transportation to the area is limited (Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schultz Sonoma County airport is the only local option), most people travel to Wine Country from either San Francisco International, Oakland International or the Sacramento airport. As you can see on the portion of a Google map above, San Jose airport is also an option. Knowing and exploring all these options can often help you save on air travel costs.

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Note: Information in this article was accurate
when it was published, but hours, prices, etc.
change constantly. Please confirm details
with local contacts before traveling.

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Western and Sonoma Coast Tourist Attractions

California Tourist Guide — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:59:42 +0000

People are often surprised by the size of this area and by the abundance of Western and Sonoma Coast tourist attractions to enjoy. Santa Rosa is the biggest town between San Francisco and Portland, and it definitely has a lot to offer. And, like those two cities, there is a focus in the area on walking and biking that many people from other parts of the country find very inviting – some so much so that they end up moving here!

Some of the things to do in Western Sonoma may seem a tad quirky, but that’s part of the charm! Whether you go for quirky or lean more toward the area’s natural or historical tourist attractions, Western Sonoma is fun for the whole family. Check it out!

Safari West, Santa Rosa – Called “the Serengeti of Sonoma” by some, this 400-acre wildlife preserve offers an intimate experience with hundreds of African mammals, including zebras (three babies were born in January 2010), giraffes, cheetahs, rhinos, buffalos, wildebeests, monkeys and lemurs. The habitat is designed to give the animals the ability to interact and roam about freely, so you never really know for sure what you might see. Safari West’s expeditions are by appointment only and last about three hours. Overnight accommodations in tent cabins with hardwood floors, private baths, plush beds and a view of “the savanna” are also available. (safariwest.com)

The Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa – The Peanuts gang is celebrated and immortalized at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in permanent displays and a variety of changing exhibits. It is a must-visit for budding cartoonists, and they can access a library of instruction books, drawing tables, writing and art supplies should inspiration strike. There is a gift shop, of course, and the Redwood Empire Ice Arena, still owned by the Schulz family, is located directly across from the museum. (charlesmschulzmuseum.org)

Howarth Park, Santa Rosa – This large city park is seamlessly joined with Spring Lake Park (a county park) and Annadel State Park. Howarth Park offers canoe and paddle boat rentals, pony rides, a merry-go-round, a miniature train ride and a large, well-developed playground with a climbing net, bridges and a play town. There are also picnic areas and campsites. There are lakes in the parks, and Spring Lake has a swimming lagoon, too. Lake Ilsanjo in Annadel State Park, considered a “local secret” natural swimming location, can be accessed by a short hike (about two miles) on the Vietnam Vets trail (off Annadel Heights Road) which leads to the Spring Creek Trail. The parks’ abundant hike and bike trails vary from paved paths to open trails and connect to the Bay Area Ridge Trails.

Luther Burbank Home & Gardens, Santa Rosa – As a world-renowned horticulturist and botanist, Luther Burbank developed more than 800 new varieties of plants – including over 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains plus hundreds of ornamental flowers (including the Shasta Daisy, which he named after California’s spectacular Mt. Shasta) – and he also made Santa Rosa his home. In 1875, he declared, “I firmly believe, from what I have seen that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned.” The home and surrounding one-acre garden, a registered National, State and City Historical Landmark, is now a Santa Rosa city park and is open to the public. (lutherburbank.org)

Railroad Square, Santa Rosa – Not far from the Schultz Museum, this historic town square’s early-20th century stone and brick buildings presently house cafes, shops and nightspots, and a California Tourist Information Center is located here in the 1904 landmark Northwestern Pacific Railroad Depot. You can pick up a self-guided walking tour map of the area at the center, or you can also access a Railroad Square walking tour map here for easy at-home printing (pdf file). Don’t miss the bronze statues of Charlie Brown and Woodstock in nearby Depot Park or the First Friday art walks during the summer months. (railroadsquare.net)

Joe Rodota Bike and Pedestrian Trail, Santa Rosa to Sebastopol – This multi-use trail extends from downtown Santa Rosa (where it connects to the Prince Memorial Greenway near the Courtyard Marriott in Railroad Square) all the way to downtown Sebastopol, several miles to the west. Except for small portions near those city centers (especially in Santa Rosa, where the path traverses a few streets), it is a completely off-road experience and a great way alternative to driving between the two cities. This area is blessed with an abundance of open spaces to enjoy, and you can order a map here that will help you enjoy them.

The Hand Fan Museum, Healdsburg – This exquisite and unique one-room museum is devoted entirely to hand fans, and it is the only one of its kind in the country. The general collection of over 3,000 fans covers a wide variety of periods and places, and they are artfully arranged in exhibits that change every three to four months. (handfanmuseum.org)

Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory, Petaluma – Mrs. Grossman’s Sticker Factory has been making stickers since 1979 and is the nation’s oldest and largest sticker company. Available by reservation, one-hour factory tours follow workers as they print, package and ship stickers and can give children an insider view of a product they know and love. (mrsgrossmans.com/tours)

The Old Potter Schoolhouse, Bodega – Used as a filming location in Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” this building was slated for demolition when Hitchcock discovered it. He had it shored up and rebuilt for the filming, and it is the only original building used in the film that still exists. The public is welcome to view the outside of the schoolhouse, but it is a privately-owned residence.

The Tides Wharf Restaurant, Bodega Bay – This restaurant and parking lot also appeared in “The Birds” in the gas station, cafe and boat dock scene (although the gas station was blown up on the studio lot). The Tides complex has since been expanded and remodeled, and it is a great place to enjoy Cioppino or a a fresh salmon dinner.

Bodega Bay Kayak – Let’s end on a creative note and think of the sunbathing and surfing seals as a tourist attraction. One- and two-person kayaks can be rented for a self-guided tour, and they also offer guided kayak tours along the Russian River where it empties into the ocean. In the spring, the seals give birth to their pups here, away from deep-sea predators.

Chansolor Guest Ranch, Bodega Bay – Again, not technically a Wine Country tourist attraction, but if horseback riding or fishing are of interest, you would be hard-pressed to find a better place to enjoy them than this 373-acre historic working ranch that is surrounded by some of the finest beaches in California and over 10,000 acres of parks and protected land. (chanslorranch.com)

Did you find any Western and Sonoma Coast tourist attractions that interest you? There are a lot of things to do in Wine Country, and this California Wine Country map will help you find them. You may also want to check out our Sonoma Valley tourist attractions and Napa Valley tourist attractions articles for some additional ideas.

Photo of Snoopy at Charles M. Schultz Museum by bryce_edwards via flickr (Creative Commons) and Photo of Old Potter Schoolhouse from Hitchcock’s ‘The Birds’ in Bodega by mrjoro via flickr (Creative Commons).

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Note: Information in this article was accurate
when it was published, but hours, prices, etc.
change constantly. Please confirm details
with local contacts before traveling.

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Sonoma Valley Tourist Attractions

California Tourist Guide — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:30:32 +0000

The surrounding beauty makes Sonoma Valley tourist attractions some of our favorites in the state. It’s no wonder the area earned the nickname “Slow-noma” as it invites you to breathe in – deeply – and just enjoy the good life. Then again, should you have “a need for speed,” there’s always the Infineon Raceway to get you going!

The Sonoma Valley is a bit more laid-back than its Napa Valley neighbor to the east, and that difference is also apparent in the list below. While there are certainly places to shop, a good number of the things to do in Sonoma Valley revolve around just being outdoors – whether you sit on the historic plaza to eat some cheese and drink some wine (it’s legal) or just walk around an area garden or park. What sounds good to you?

Sonoma Plaza and Mission – Sonoma’s central plaza, the largest of its kind in California, is steeped in the history of its surrounding 19th century adobe and Victorian houses. It is the site of the state’s northernmost Franciscan mission (Mission San Francisco Solano) and the birthplace of the California State Bear Flag. The plaza has restaurants, shops and a Sonoma County tourist information center. (parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=479)

Train Town, Sonoma – Train Town’s 47-foot clock tower and station is modeled after Oakland’s 16th Street Depot and is where you can board the steam train for a 20-minute tour through 10 wooded acres to the miniature town of Lakeville, with buildings (chapel, school, jail, firehouse, saloon, etc.) scaled at one-half size. Vintage amusement rides, an arcade and various “track snacks” make for a family-friendly outing. (traintown.com)

Cornerstone Gardens, Sonoma – This eclectic collection of shops, wineries and a gourmet cafe set amidst nine acres of garden installations is conveniently located at the southern gateway to Wine Country. The gardens, created by many of the world’s leading landscape architects, are almost worth a stop just for a photo-opp in the big blue chair! Most photography enthusiasts quite enjoy their visit here. (cornerstonegardens.com)

Sebastiani Theatre, Sonoma – Originally built by winemaker August Sebastiani in 1933, present-day owner-operator Roger Rhoten transformed the once-aging facility into a first-class movie house well known in the community for quality blockbuster movies, foreign films and fine live entertainment. (sebastianitheatre.com)

Infineon Raceway, near Sonoma – Formerly known as Sears Point Raceway, this is a great place to enjoy NASCAR, IndyCar and superbike races. (infineonraceway)

Bouverie Preserve, near Sonoma – While it is probably still more difficult to snag a French Laundry dinner reservation, you will likewise want to plan in advance if you want to partake in a guided tour (on Saturdays during the fall and spring) of this 535-acre woodland preserve in the hills above Sonoma Valley. You can enjoy 100+ species of birds and 350+ species of flowering plants here. (egret.org/visit_bouverie)

Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen – Author Jack London lived on this 150-acre property from 1911 until his death in 1916, and its scenic beauty now celebrates his life and preserves his memory in “The House of Happy Walls” museum, the ruins of the “Wolf House” he had built and which burned down the day before he and his wife Charmian were to move in and the couple’s gravesites. Volunteer docents lead scheduled weekend hikes, or you can explore on your own. (parks.sonoma.net/JLPark.html)

Morton’s Warm Springs, near Glen Ellen – The popularity of this beautiful 22-acre resort’s healthy geothermal mineral pools dates back to the Wappo Indians. In addition to the three natural pools, the resort’s gently winding creek, unique picnic areas, meadows, woods and rock formations provide a perfect place unwind and connect with Mother Nature. (mortonswarmsprings.com)

Quarry Hill Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen – This a 21-acre garden offers ponds, waterfalls and stunning Sonoma Valley vistas surrounded by flowering Asian trees, magnolias, dogwoods, maples, birches, roses, lilies and rhododendrons artfully woven along paths with hidden places to sit and relax. (quarryhillbg.org)

Did you find any Sonoma Valley tourist attractions that interest you? There are a lot of things to do in Wine Country, and this California Wine Country map will help you find them. You may also want to check out our Napa Valley tourist attractions and Western and Sonoma Coast tourist attractions articles for some additional ideas.

Photo of Big Blue Chair at Cornerstone Gardens in Sonoma by Lil’ El via flickr (Creative Commons).

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Note: Information in this article was accurate
when it was published, but hours, prices, etc.
change constantly. Please confirm details
with local contacts before traveling.

Was this article useful and/or interesting?
Would you please consider bookmarking or sharing it?
We appreciate it!

Napa Valley Tourist Attractions

California Tourist Guide — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:41:40 +0000

People often think if they are not foodies or oenophiles or if they are on a family vacation, there’s nothing of interest in Wine Country. Au contraire! The list of things to do is certainly not limited to Napa Valley tourist attractions, but there are some fine offerings to mix in with the winery, bike or hot air balloon tours, all the great meals and whatever else you have planned for your Wine Country vacation.

Peruse the list of Napa Valley tourist attractions below – set out from charming Calistoga in the north to stylish Napa in the south – and see if there is something you might want to add to your travel itinerary. (If you need help orienting yourself, this California Wine Country map may be useful.)

Sharpsteen Museum, Calistoga – This museum was donated by Ben Sharpsteen, who enjoyed a successful 30-year career as a Disney animator, and his beautiful murals are a highlight of the facility. In addition, his Disney memorabilia (including an Academy Award) is on display, along with pioneering artifacts of early California history (old photos, a Victorian dollhouse and a stage coach, for example). The attached lavishly restored Sam Brannan Cottage offers a glimpse at what Calistoga looked like in 1860 when Mr. Brannan first envisioned the city as “the Saratoga of the West.” (sharpsteen-museum.org)

Old Faithful Geyser of California, Calistoga – One of the three world-famous “faithful” geysers (the other two are in Wyoming and New Zealand), this natural wonder erupts about every half hour and sends boiling-hot water (350 degrees Fahrenheit) from 60 to 100 feet into the air. In addition to the geyser, there are goats and llamas on the property, an exhibit about geyser eruptions and earthquake predictions, plus benches and tables where you can rest or enjoy a picnic. (oldfaithfulgeyser.com)

The Petrified Forest, Calistoga – Discovered in 1857 by William Travers, this privately owned park’s majestic grove of petrified redwood giants can transport you back in time more than three million years. Geologists deem it one of the world’s finest examples of a pliocene fossil forest, and the grounds also include a museum that details the origin of the fossils and geology of the area. (petrifiedforest.org)

Ca’ Toga Villa Tour, Calistoga – Italian-born artist Carlo Marchiori created this fascinating Palladian villa just north of Calistoga from scratch with materials like plywood and metal sheathing, recycled debris and plain 2×4s made to look like ancient columns or limestone pillars. A world-renowned muralist, Marchiori specializes in Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassic period art interpretations and also produces original ceramic plates, ceramic tile panels, paintings, sculptures, furniture and Roman style base-relief stone plaques which are available through his Ca’ Toga Galleria D’ Arte located in downtown Calistoga. Tours of this very unique Napa Valley tourist attraction are offered at 11:00am on Saturday mornings from May through October. (catoga.com/villa_01.html)

Culinary Institute of America Greystone Campus, St. Helena – One of the world’s premier culinary colleges, the CIA Greystone offers cooking classes and demonstrations, wine classes, shopping for all things epicurean and, of course, superb dining at the Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. (ciachef.edu/visitors/gs/)

Napa Valley Museum, Yountville – As trustees for a vast array of Native American artifacts (obsidian points, scrapers, arrowheads, grinding bowls and baskets) and early pioneer artifacts (clothing, household implements, books and jewelry), this museum endeavors to inspire the community to uncover the richness of Napa Valley’s art, history and environment. (napavalleymuseum.org)

Napa Valley Opera House, Napa – Built in 1879, the Napa Valley Opera House is a lovely example of Italianate Victorian architecture. It was the area’s first historic performance venue, and in its heyday it was known as “The Jewel of the Napa Valley.” The theatre was lovingly restored to its original splendor and re-opened in 2003, and the 480-seat house offers excellent sight lines and acoustics. Given its ample orchestra section and ingeniously-designed balcony, no seat is more than 16 rows from the stage. In addition to opera, dance, theatre and comedy, the Napa Valley Opera House offers a diverse array of musical performances. (napavalleyoperahouse.org)

The Wine Train, Napa – This popular Wine Country tourist attraction has been in operation over 20 years, serving gourmet lunches and dinners to over a million visitors and offering an opportunity to sample area wines without traveling to tasting rooms. The three-hour train ride begins in Napa and travels through the valley to St. Helena before returning to Napa (a 36-mile round trip). For travelers on a family vacation, the Wine Train also hosts special events with childcare on select dates to afford parents an opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted, leisurely dinner while their children enjoy movies and kid-style food in another car. (winetrain.com)

Oxbow Public Market, Napa – Even if you aren’t particularly interested in Wine Country cooking vacation opportunities, you will likely enjoy a trip to this riverfront marketplace. Located in Napa’s downtown Oxbow District, this shopping and dining destination features local specialty merchants offering wine, artisanal food, crafts and garden products. (oxbowpublicmarket.com)

Did you find any Napa Valley tourist attractions that interest you? There are a lot of things to do in Wine Country, and this California Wine Country map will help you find them. You may also want to check out our Sonoma Valley tourist attractions and Western and Sonoma Coast tourist attractions articles for some additional ideas.

Photo of Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga by Donnaphoto via flickr (Creative Commons) and Photo of Napa Valley Opera House by calmovie via flickr (Creative Commons).

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