Best-Kept Secrets for Winter Fun in Sonoma County

Winter Fun in Sonoma County

 

The best-kept secret in Sonoma County is that we have so many activities that provide winter fun  in Sonoma County during the winter.  I know when it’s cold and raining, it’s easier to curl up by the fire and binge-watch movies, but winter is one of the best times to enjoy local activities. Many of the great attractions in Sonoma County that get a premium price during other seasons are discounted during the winter.

We have weeks where it rains all week, but generally it rains, and then we have a respite, and that is such a great time to enjoy some of the activities we described today. Winter in Sonoma County has cozy wine tasting by fireplaces, whale watching in so many locations, waterfall hikes, festive holiday events, thermal baths, cooking classes, and so much more.

 

Whale Watching & Oysters in Bodega Bay

 

Winter is prime whale watching time in Sonoma County. January through May is prime whale watching time in Sonoma County. For some of the best whale watching, head to Bodega Head. Bodega Head is known for close-up views during the winter/spring gray whale migration. Winter is also a great time to explore some of the hiking trails at Sea Ranch, including Black Point and Shell Beach for panoramic views, with Goat Rock Beach, Salt Point, and Fort Ross also having excellent viewing points, especially from January to May.

 

A little-known fact is that some of the oyster restaurants now have locations in Bodega Bay. Hog Island Oysters now has a location in Bodega Bay, along with Rocker Oysterfeller’s at The Wharf. If you want a quick and inexpensive oyster lunch or dinner, try The Boat House, on the left just as you are leaving Bodega Bay.

 

Cloverdale Citrus Fair

 

The Cloverdale Citrus Fair is February 13-16. Very few people know that the Cloverdale Citrus Fair was one of the earliest fairs in California and was founded in 1892. The Citrus Fair features livestock events, a baby derby, wine events, and of course, citrus competitions. Compared to the Sonoma County Fair, the Cloverdale Citrus Fair is small and intimate. Visiting the fair in February is also a great time to visit northern Sonoma County wineries. A best-kept-secret is to visit wineries on football weekends; they are much less crowded, and you get much more personalized service.

 

Sonoma County Zipline Adventures

 

See the redwoods from high up in the trees with the Sonoma County Zipline Adventures. They conduct Tree Top Tours and also Forest Flight Tours. The grounds are incredibly decorated with lights everywhere, making it truly a magical experience this time of year. Very few people know that Sonoma Zipline Adventures is also a glamping destination, and you can also stay in treehouses.

 

Enjoy Winter Wineland & Barrel Tasting

 

Winter Wineland is a Sonoma County must-do if you like touring wineries. Winter Wineland is held each year in mid-January, and it’s a winter celebration held over two days with over 100 different wineries around Sonoma County participating.

Coming up in March, Wine Road has its barrel tasting each year, and it draws people from all over the country for the tasting that weekend. There is something special about tasting straight from the barrel before the wine is ready to be bottled and sold. The Wine Road Barrel Tasting event happens over two weekends in March and takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

 

Hot Air Balloon Rides for Winter Fun

 

You can take hot air balloon rides in Sonoma County in the winter, as it’s a year-round activity, offering views of dormant vineyards, mustard starting to bloom, the Russian River, and the coastline. Sonoma Ballooning and Santa Rosa Ballooning provide sunrise flights and often include champagne toasts and brunches. Many times, flights are discounted in the winter, or specials can be bought through Groupon.

 

Thermal Baths & Cedar Enzyme Baths for Winter Fun

 

Giving yourself or someone you love the gift of relaxation during the holidays is a gift that is remembered. The Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has many different spa experiences to choose from. They have an indoor bathhouse with an exfoliating shower, two mineral soaking pools, an aromatherapy steam room, a Halotherapy sauna, and cool down showers. The Watsu pool at the Fairmont is an amazingly relaxing experience.

On the other side of the county in Freestone, there is the Osmosis Day Spa & Sanctuary, truly a one-of-a-kind spa experience in Sonoma County. They are best known for their cedar enzyme bath. Think of being covered in a warm cedar heat treatment that can be so relaxing. Osmosis also offers spa packages, massage, both indoor and outdoor, skin care treatments, and all-day treatments. The gardens are beautiful year-round, and the destination is one known for helping people relax, recharge, and renew their bodies and spirits.

 

Safari West Adventures

 

Safari West is nestled in the foothills of Sonoma County and is one of the premier wildlife sanctuaries in the United States.  You can have an authentic African safari experience right in Sonoma County. Safari West’s property covers 400 acres of wilderness that teems with life. They have over 900 animals from 90 diverse species freely roaming within some of the most extensive enclosures in the nation. Get ready for an adventure to remember that brings you up close and personal with some remarkable creatures. This time of year, prices for safaris are less than in the summer. There are discounts available through different sources.

Make time for what you love to do and the people you enjoy spending time with. Crystal Clear Home can help free up some of your time when you delegate house cleaning to us! Give us a call at 707-827-3316 or fill out our FREE ESTIMATE form, and one of our cleaning professionals will call you back promptly to answer your questions and to give you a cleaning estimate.