How to Summer in Sonoma – Part 2
As summer continues in Sonoma, so do our itinerary suggestions. We began with part 1 outlining festivals and culinary events in the area and now we sashay our way to outdoor adventures and activities taking place near MacArthur Place. An ideal stay in Sonoma, for any season, begins with luxury accommodations at MacArthur Place then lightly layers in a touch of outdoor exploration (which certainly can be a light walking vineyard tour) with local culinary discovery and, the essence for any getaway, relaxation. Read on to explore our continued list of our favorite summer activities in Sonoma.
Expand Your MacArthur Experience
Enhance your stay at MacArthur Place with a bespoke wine tasting excursion in Sonoma curated by Bohemian Highway Travel Co and Foley Food & Wine Society to provide priority access to one-of-a-kind wine tasting excursions offering fine wines and vineyard views within beautiful Sonoma and Napa wine country.
Join one of our certified yoga instructors – Jes Williams, Andrea Bogart and others – for an energizing vinyasa practice to kick-start your morning and inspire you to move through the rest of your day with intention and ease. This class unites body and breath with clear instruction and modifications for all levels. Students will leave feeling refreshed and ready for a day in wine country! This yoga class is complimentary for hotel guests, and $10 for Sonoma locals, and will be held outdoors on the property’s West Lawn. Yoga mats and waters will be provided for hotel guests.
Active Things to Do in Sonoma County
Drop in and climb up! The gym is setup for all levels and offers day passes along with rental climbing equipment (shoes, harness, belay device). For those with older kids, it’s a great time to start a new hobby for the entire family.
Sonoma Adventures curates a bike tour for the whole family and you just have to show up! Learn about the history of the area, explore quiet country roads, visit wineries and enjoy an al fresco lunch. The guide will include a pedal assist bike (because you’re on vacation still!), helmet, water and a picnic style lunch.
Petaluma River Paddle Boarding
Cruise the waterways of Petaluma and enjoy some easy exercise with the kids while discovering the natural world on paddle board or kayak. Choose to take the adventure on your own or have a guided trip – there are boards big enough for a family of 4 or combine paddle boards and kayaks. A 20-minute drive from MacArthur Place.
Stafford Lake Bike Park Novato
For the thrill-seekers in your crew, rent a bike and let them shred the tracks. From beginners to advanced riders, all will enjoy the fresh air and adrenaline rush. Bonus – within 10 minutes of the park there are a slew of restaurants so all are sure to be pleased with the lunch selection. A 35-minute drive from MacArthur Place.
Hiking & Biking in Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Overlook Trail
The Sonoma Overlook Trail is a pristine 3-mile walking path that winds along wooded hillsides all the way up to a lookout point that gazes out upon Sonoma Valley. A diverse array of native plants and animals can be observed along the gentle-grade trail, as well as spectacular panoramas of Sonoma Valley and the Bay Area from the meadow at the trail’s top. Sonoma Overlook Trail’s main trailhead lies at the entrance to the Mountain Cemetery, off 1st Street West, just four blocks north of the Plaza. The upper trailhead takes off from Toyon Road within the Mountain Cemetery. Bicycles, dogs and horses are not permitted on the trail.
Jack London State Historic Park
This park is a memorial to writer and adventurer Jack London, who resided here from 1905 until his death in 1916. The park’s stunningly beautiful acreage was once part of the legendary author’s Beauty Ranch. House of Happy Walls Museum Built by Charmian London as a memorial to her husband’s life and work. Wolf House ruins Jack and Charmian London’s rustic dream mansion was nearly complete when it tragically burned down in August 1913. Jack London’s cottage – the couple’s well-preserved main residence – is where Jack wrote his books, hosted countless guests and managed the ranch.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park contains the headwaters of Sonoma Creek, and runs through gorge and canyon, across meadow floors and under scenic rocky outcroppings. The park boasts 25 miles of trails enveloped by redwoods and ferns or by oak woodland and chaparral. Deer, gray fox, the occasional bobcat and coyote can be spotted in the park. In spring, wildflowers cast a dazzling color palette across green hills. Meadow Loop: One of the best family hikes around, this loop follows the valley floor along upper Sonoma Creek. Highlights include a stop at The Ferguson Observatory and a journey down the Planet Walk. Bald Mountain Loop: The view from the 2,729 feet summit of Bald Mountain takes in everything from the Golden Gate Bridge to Mt St Helena. This hike is best during cool months or early morning.
For more hiking and biking information scroll here>>
However you plan to spend your time in Sonoma this summer or next, we look forward to being your home base.
