Summer is a beautiful time to retreat to Sonoma County, here are some attractions to consider for your reader’s next getaway:
A Nostalgic Retreat to The Coast
The Inn at the Tides is a dreamy oceanfront stay, filled with nostalgic vibes of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film The Birds. The legendary filmmaker was location scouting on a cloudy and gloomy day in Bodega Bay, where treeless hills and foggy days surround the quiet fishing harbor across the street at The Tides Wharf and Restaurant, and found it a perfect setting for his film about murderous birds. On the day of filming, the skies were clear, bright blue and sunny, and had to use special effects to replicate the previous fog.
A winner of AAA Four Diamond award for Best Housekeeping, The Inn at The Tides invite guests to enjoy the very roomy coastal views of the Sonoma Coast on the patio or cozy up to the crackling in-room fireplace. Head on over across the street for The Tides Wharf and Restaurant right above the water for a glass of Sonoma County’s sparkling wine paired with the fresh crab or salmon catch of the day, where you might catch some seals swimming past to the fishing boats down the harbor for a feast.
Head to the 150 year old Potter School House behind St. Theresa’s Church in Bodega, just five miles south, for a photo op at this film site. Then head to Horse N’ Around for the Dunes Trail ride with panoramic views of the Bodega Bay Harbor through the sand dunes decorated with colorful ice plants and deer. When your stomach starts to grumble, Ginochio’s Kitchen has the most mouthwatering smoked meats, and you’ll feel good supporting a family owned business that has served over 1,000 free meals!
Head north in the morning for a walk or hike, exploring the 5,630 acre Jenner Headlands Preserve, where you’ll find dazzling wildflower blooms, majestic redwoods, coastal prairie, and lots of wildlife that call it home. Marvel at the beauty and make sure to pack out what you pack in to help keep the coast and these preserves beautiful, pristine, and for others to enjoy for generations to come. Ending a hike with a relaxing wine tasting and charcuterie pairing overlooking the Pacific Ocean at The Fort Ross Vineyards, sitting on 53-acres as the only winery and tasting room in the appellation. Stop by the River’s End Restaurant and grab some oysters, coconut prawns, duck confit sandwiches and a bottle of wine for a beautiful sunset dinner before returning to your cozy accommodations.
For more trip ideas, visit https://www.sonomacounty.com/activities/trip-itineraries
Fort Ross Vineyards Photo by Tiffany Nguyen, Other photos courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism