Cool Things to do in Sonoma County

You can't be drinking wine all the time, right? This isn't a list of the "regular" stuff, but cool things to do in Sonoma County.

The Beach

The Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway One) is famous for a reason. It might be the most scenic road you've ever driven.  Take the short trip off the road to Bodega Head -- a piece of land that juts out into the Pacific. It's on the Pacific Plate while the mainland you just drove in from is on the North American Plate (you just crossed the San Andreas Fault). Bodega Head is a popular spot for whale watching. There are many beaches along the coast. Just realize the weather at the coast is often much cooler than inland.

 

From Bodega Head looking north

 
The Redwoods

Some facts: They are the tallest tree, they've been around for 240 million years and in California for 20 million, they now only grow on the Pacific Coast, some of the trees are over 2,000 years old. Armstrong Grove is the place to be amazed by these wonders.
  

If you look closely you'll see
someone walking through the redwoods

 
Snoopy

The creator of Snoopy and the Peanuts gang lived in Santa Rosa. The Charles M. Schulz Museum is dedicated to the comic strip and movies. No, it's not just for kids! I promise you'll smile, probably a lot.
 

 
Sonoma Raceway

Watch professional racing, drive your own car on the track, or take a driving class. It's not all racing classes as they have defensive driving for the street -- my whole family been through this training.
 

Wednesday Night Drags, show up with your car and a helmet
image from sonomaraceway.com

 
Beer

Lagunitas and Russian River Breweries are the famous ones. And maybe you know about The Bear Republic (of Racer 5 fame), but there are over two dozen breweries in the county along with several tap rooms showcasing many west coast beers.
 

Beer samplers from Russian River Brewing. Buckle up!

 
An Outdoor Show

Weill Hall at Sonoma State University where there is lawn seating for summer concerts and theater.

The Transcendence Theatre Company puts on Broadway Under the Stars at the Jack London State Park in the summer.
 

image from transcendencetheatre.org