Things to Do in Healdsburg California
Visitors to the Healdsburg area have no shortage of things to see and do. The long list of tourist-friendly activities includes picturesque outdoor recreation spaces, cultural arts offerings, wine tours and tastings, delectable dining options and relaxing spa days.
Outdoor Gems
The scenery of this Northern California area is unsurpassed, giving way to rolling hills, expansive vineyards and picturesque country roads. The area is also a haven for outdoor recreation. Beyond Healdsburg’s quaint downtown district are opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, boating and fishing – to name a few.
There are also plenty of chances to sit back, relax and take in the surroundings. Notable sites include Lake Sonoma, the Healdsburg Ridge Trail, Russian River access at Veteran Memorial Beach Park, as well as the majestic Armstrong Redwood State Reserve and the Austin Creek State Recreation Area.
Bicycling Magazine has called our wine roads some of the Seven Greatest Rides on Earth. Stop by the Visitor Center for cycling maps and hiking guides.
Healdsburg & the Arts
Healdsburg is home to the largest number of privately owned galleries concentrated in one town, in Northern California. The more than 24 galleries are an attraction for art lovers from the entire San Francisco Bay area, and are all within walking distance from each other. Galleries feature the finest in art. Many galleries feature evening hours and complimentary wine and food sampling.
In Healdsburg galleries you’ll find paintings, sculpture and photography as well as hand-crafted furniture, fine jewelry and ceramics.
The Healdsburg Jazz Festival is presented each spring, featuring world-class jazz performers showcased in both indoor and outdoor venues.
The Healdsburg Performing Arts Center Theater is home to the Raven Players and is used for live theater, concerts and an array of local events.
Healdsburg is also home to many writers and poets who can often be found reading from their work at local coffee houses and bookstores.
The historic downtown Healdsburg Plaza with its copper roofed gazebo has been called one of the “most beautiful town squares in the U.S.” by Travel and Leisure Magazine. It is the site of the weekly town picnic and concert series each summer, and is used for multiple local events, including the arrival of Santa Claus each December.
Fine Wines, Microbrews, Ciders & Distilleries
Our lush valleys are home to some of the oldest names in California winemaking. Healdsburg is surrounded by several of Northern California’s finest regional wine appellations, including Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley. The Alexander Valley alone boasts over 13,000 acres of vineyards, 30 grape varieties, over 40 wineries and more than 200 independent farmers. Area wineries focus on premium wines made from locally grown grapes. Healdsburg is centrally located to over 250 world-class wineries and tasting rooms, from palatial European-style villas to rustic mom-and-pop operations, all sharing a passion for well-crafted wines.
The Chamber Visitors Center offers free maps of self-guided Healdsburg winery tours, or you can hire one of several qualified tour guides to assist you. Both will provide you with an unparalleled glimpse of the beauty of Sonoma County and a delicious taste of Healdsburg’s premium California wines. If strolling is more to your liking, there are over 30 winery tasting rooms all within walking distance from the downtown plaza. If you’re looking for wine country, Healdsburg is the place!
Like much of Northern California, Healdsburg is also becoming known for craft micro-breweries and hand crafted ciders. Healdsburg actually was a hop growing region at the turn of the century, with several small family breweries located in the area. Local craft beers are served at most of the restaurants and are available for tasting at downtown brewpubs. Locally crafted ciders are also available in restaurants and cider tasting rooms. New on the Healdsburg front are distilleries, producing spirits available for tasting as well.
Dining
Healdsburg is known as a mecca for foodies! Four-star restaurants, wine bars, cafes and bistros line the downtown streets, offering visitors and locals alike an array of menus featuring locally grown, freshly prepared foods. Many chefs use local purveyors to source their produce, meats and dairy products. Some chefs even share fruits and vegetables grown on their own garden plots. Emphasis is placed on locally grown and sustainably produced products. This farm-to-table concept allows for a unique relationship between the agricultural community, the chefs and their diners. Most of the world’s cuisines are represented, from fresh seafood from local coastal communities and contemporary American favorites to Mexican, Asian and Italian, all easily paired with Sonoma County wines.
Relaxation
After a day of wine tasting or biking the country roads of Healdsburg, make sure to take some time to relax at one of the many tranquil spas in town. Choose among numerous treatments, such as facials, body wraps and scrubs, or enjoy a professional massage and aromatherapy session – all within a serene environment. Whether it is a quiet day to yourself or a romantic getaway with that special someone, there is no doubt that you’ll leave the spa feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Accommodations
If you choose to stay for more than a day, Healdsburg offers a wide variety of lodging options. Several historic buildings have been converted to bed-and-breakfast inns, offering cozy fireplaces and deep soaking tubs. Luxury hotels, vacation rentals and family owned motels offer a variety of accommodations with amenities such as room service, swimming pools and day spas. A visit to www.healdsburg.com will bring up a search engine to help you check availability, pricing and amenities. Or a quick call to the Healdsburg Visitor Center (707) 433-6935 will provide you with suggestions for places to stay, things to do and how to get here.