Sonoma County Outdoors Offer Adventure, Re-centering and Restorative Experiences

SONOMA COUNTY, CA (May, 28, 2021) – National Great Outdoors Month in June reminds us how nature can be a place for those seeking peace or adventure. With more than one million square miles of natural wilderness and 50 miles of rugged coastline, Sonoma County acts as the idyllic background to explore and relax during the month of June as well as all summer long, offering diverse experiences that best fit your interests.

 Escape to Sonoma County and visit the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and take in the soothing effects of phytoncides emitted from the trees. Forest Therapy (also known as forest bathing) provides health benefits like improving cardiovascular and immune systems to boost mood and cognition.

 Some Sonoma County hotels are even built around the idea of nature therapy. For example, the boutique inn Gaige House + Ryokan consists of private Japanese gardens and in-suite spa treatments allowing visitors to bathe among the trees known as Shinrin-yoku, a breathing and meditation exercise. Or venture out into the ancient oaks and curl up in one of their hammocks.

 Step up your average camping trip and turn to Wildhaven Glamping for the chance to sleep underneath the stars. Surrounded by nature and comfort, the glamping site is set along the Russian River in Sonoma County’s famous Alexander Valley wine region and minutes away from local wineries. You can also see the Russian River by securing a kayak ride with River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe Trips. Or try Burke’s Canoe Trips for a self-guided tour of the redwood forest.

 If you’re looking for a different view of the world, try Sonoma Ballooning to experience the rolling hills of Petaluma and historic downtown from the sky. Or explore the redwoods with Sonoma Treehouse Adventures where you can zipline among the trees and even have an overnight stay in one of their treehouses.

 Those that prefer to explore on foot can take full advantage of the Sonoma County Regional Parks. With more than 50 parks within the system and 60,000 acres of terrain, the parks offer panoramic shots of the mountains, coast and other picturesque parts of the destination with each hiking path. Additionally, visitors can pedal through wetlands, meadows and hillsides by renting your bikes or booking with various cycling partners. The parks system is deeply committed to protecting its natural resources with ongoing programs with biodiversity, active restoration and more.

Did you know June is also Lavender Month? Take in the sweet scents at Lavender Bee Farm with over three acres of lavender fields and gardens. The owners grow their plants all-natural without fertilizers or pesticides and their farm is home to many bee hives where they collect and preserve their lavender nectar for honey. Additionally, consider trying Bees n Blooms’ Lavender U Cut experience and harvest your own bunches. Through their regenerative farming, they help rebuild ecosystems from the soil up. Another breathtaking garden is Garden Valley Ranch with its garden roses already in bloom until October. Consider a flower foraging and picnic activity with friends meeting the various farm animals along the way.

 For those who would rather soak up their outdoor experiences from the comfort of a patio, explore one of the many local restaurants with scenic outdoor seating that serve fresh, locally grown fare that reawaken the senses. You can also visit a local winery like women-owned and operated SUTRO Wine Co. in Alexander Valley. Join founder and winemaker Alice Warnecke Sutro for a nature walk through Warnecke Ranch and Vineyard and guided wine tasting to follow.

Sonoma County invites adventurers to stop daydreaming and come try the restorative outdoor experiences awaiting them. Visitors can use the new digital Sonoma County Inspiration Guide to plan their trip, review the Travel Kindly Pledge to learn about the destination’s commitment to sustainable travel, and view a full list of upcoming events.  

All travelers must follow public health authorities’ recommendations as a way to keep our community and visitors safe. Please respect each businesses’ mask and social distancing guidelines. Walk-ins are available for some places but it’s encouraged to make reservations in advance of any trip where possible. For the latest updates on travel in Sonoma County, visit: https://www.sonomacounty.com/coronavirus.

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 Sonoma County Tourism is the official destination stewardship organization dedicated to creating and supporting a sustainable hospitality economy in Sonoma County, California. This is done through marketing, promotions and sales of the region for leisure travel, trade, meetings and groups, as well as the Travel Kindly Pledge. The Sonoma County hospitality and tourism industry makes up 10 percent of jobs in communities largely composed of small businesses. Down-to-earth charm is found within the destination’s diverse offerings, including; family-owned wineries, redwood forests, the Pacific coastline, and an assortment of well-being experiences. For more information, visit www.sonomacounty.com