14 experiences to inspire your spring vacation in California

At last, days are growing longer and the end of winter is in sight. We’re finally inspired to ditch the nightly TV binge and swap our time spent lounging on the sofa for something more exhilarating.

Spring is the perfect time to pursue new adventures, reconnect with nature, and discover a rejuvenated approach to living your best life. The place to do this? Somewhere you’ve never been before; a place that offers an unforgettable journey for the senses — Sonoma County.

Forget about any other California trips you’ve taken in the past that focused on bar hopping and poolside drinks — this one is going to be wildly different. Located just 45 minutes north of San Fransisco and nestled between Napa County and the Pacific Ocean, it’s the ultimate spring getaway destination.

So, let’s take a look at what makes Sonoma County so magical this time of year.

Food and wine

It’s easy to tire of visiting the same old restaurants in your city, especially if you’re a foodie or wine enthusiast. That’s why it’s key to adventure and drink in (literally) what the rest of North America has to offer. Sonoma County is home to more than 425 wineries and over 500 eateries with everything from Michelin-starred spots to casual restaurants.

To make it better, you can plan your visit around iconic events like the Artisan Cheese Festival — literally a celebration of cheese hosted by experts. The 43rd annual Barrel Tasting Weekend is another highly anticipated event where you can visit wineries to sample wines right from the barrel before it’s bottled. Looking for another opportunity to taste locally produced wine and gourmet foods? Russian River Vine and Dine is a must.

Film festivals

Living in Hollywood North means we often have the pleasure of seeing movies being filmed on the streets of downtown Vancouver. But we all know that most of the big blockbusters are shot in California. So, why not explore the industry during a trip to Sonoma County?

More than 90 hand-selected films will be shown at intimate venues around the historic plaza in Sonoma during the 23rd annual Sonoma International Film Festival this spring. The Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival is also happening this season, bringing incredible independent documentaries to the spotlight that are hard to view anywhere else.

Outdoor adventure

Sonoma County’s vibrant wildflowers are just one reason to spend time immersed in nature during your vacation. Visit Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve and venture out on a hiking trail, or join a towering canopy tour.

The Sonoma region is home to more than 60 nature parks in total. This includes Jenner Headlands Preserve, a park covering 5,630 acres with Douglas fir forests, oak woodlands, and coastal prairie overlooking the Pacific Ocean (dreamy enough for you?). You can even make your way to Jack London State Park and see where the inspiration for Call of the Wild came from. 

On the coast, catch a glimpse of sea lions sunbathing or spot whales as they migrate. Inland, join the most quintessential Sonoma County celebration at Blossoms, Bees, and Barnyard Babies where you can do everything from cuddle lambs to learn how to grow lavender. Looking to cap off your adventure in style? Take a heavenly hot air balloon ride over Sonoma Wine Country.

Wellness

Practicing self-care while you’re on vacation in Sonoma County is as easy as getting outside.

The region is home to over 40 spas and wellness centres where you can really find your zen. Stretch your skills at goat yoga, bathe in a cedar enzyme bath at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, or opt for a signature massage at the Farmhouse Inn.

Pair wine and wellness with Bohemia Highway Travel Company and the beautiful Sonoma landscape as your backdrop. Alternatively, if you’re set on retreat vibes, book a stay at Kenwood Inn and Spa. The 29-room boutique hotel is tucked away in Sonoma Valley with views overlooking a lush Sonoma vineyard. Can you imagine a better spot to call home, even temporarily?

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You could spend the next few months in Vancouver wishing you were on vacation — or you could break up the season with what could be your most revitalizing trip of the year.

Fun fact: You can fly directly into Sonoma County’s Charles M. Schulz airport and enjoy a beverage of your choice within 20 minutes of landing. (Yes, it’s named after the creator of Peanuts!)

Transition to spring in the most relaxing way possible by planning your trip to California’s Sonoma County now.