Activities
Adventures and experiences in wine country
Cornerstone Sonoma
Cornerstone Sonoma combines stunning gardens, world-class art installations, wine tasting rooms, and artisan shops in one beautiful destination.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Experience Sonoma Valley from above with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the vineyards. Several operators offer morning flights that launch from various points around the valley, providing spectacular views of the patchwork of vineyards, the Sonoma Mountains, and the early morning mist burning off the valley floor. Flights typically last about an hour, with the entire experience taking 3-4 hours including setup, flight, and celebratory champagne toast upon landing. The pilots are experienced and provide engaging commentary about the landscape below. For guests seeking a truly memorable experience, a balloon flight over wine country is hard to beat. The peaceful silence broken only by occasional burner blasts, the otherworldly views, and the gentle landing make for an unforgettable morning. Reservations essential—book well in advance, especially for weekends.
Jack London State Historic Park
Nestled in the Sonoma Mountains above Glen Ellen, this 1,400-acre park preserves the ranch and legacy of adventure writer Jack London, author of The Call of the Wild and White Fang. The park offers an extraordinary combination of California history, natural beauty, and outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the remains of Wolf House—London's dream home that burned mysteriously before he could move in—as well as the cottage where he wrote many of his later works. The museum in the House of Happy Walls displays London memorabilia and tells the story of his remarkable life. Beyond the historical sites, the park features miles of hiking and equestrian trails through meadows, forests, and vineyard-view ridges. The Beauty Ranch trail loop is popular, while more adventurous hikers can climb to the summit of Sonoma Mountain. For our guests, Jack London Park offers a meaningful half-day excursion combining literature, history, and nature. Pack a lunch for the picnic areas, wear comfortable shoes, and allow time to absorb the peaceful atmosphere that inspired one of America's greatest writers.
Sonoma Bike Tours
Offering guided bicycle tours through wine country, Sonoma Bike Tours provides an active, immersive way to experience the valley's wineries, farms, and scenic backroads. Tours include quality hybrid bikes, helmets, support vehicles, and expert guides who know the region intimately. Itineraries range from leisurely half-day rides visiting a few wineries to full-day adventures covering more ground. The company also offers ebike options for those wanting assistance on the hills. Lunch and wine tastings are typically included in full-day tours. For guests seeking a more active wine country experience, a bike tour offers fresh air, exercise, and the satisfaction of earning your tastings. The backroads reveal a different perspective on Sonoma—quieter, more intimate, and genuinely beautiful. Reservations required. Tours depart from downtown Sonoma.
Sonoma TrainTown Railroad
A miniature railroad theme park that has delighted families since 1958, TrainTown offers quarter-scale trains that wind through ten acres of landscaped grounds, tunnels, bridges, and a miniature town. It's a slice of genuine Americana that kids absolutely love. Beyond the train rides, the park includes a carousel, a Ferris wheel, a climbing structure, and a petting zoo. The whole experience is scaled for young children—nothing too intense, just pure, wholesome fun. Many parents who visited as kids now bring their own children. For families staying at Sonoma Grove Suites, TrainTown provides a welcome break from the adult-focused wine country experience. An hour or two here keeps little ones entertained while burning off energy before (or after) wine tasting excursions. No reservations needed. Best for ages 2-10.
Sonoma Valley Regional Park
Spanning 202 acres along the hillsides east of Glen Ellen, this regional park offers excellent hiking and mountain biking with stunning views of Sonoma Valley. Multiple trails of varying difficulty wind through oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian areas. The park connects to other open space preserves, allowing for longer excursions if desired. Wildlife sightings are common—deer, wild turkeys, raptors, and occasionally coyotes. The valley views from the upper trails are particularly spectacular in the golden evening light. For active guests staying at Sonoma Grove Suites, the regional park provides a beautiful outdoor workout with easy access. The trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for casual hikers and serious athletes alike. No reservations needed. Parking fee applies.
Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley
Experience Sonoma Valley in style aboard a vintage California streetcar replica that winds through wine country, stopping at handpicked wineries along the way. The Wine Trolley offers a unique combination of transportation, local expertise, and social atmosphere that makes wine tasting both easier and more fun. Tours depart from the historic Sonoma Plaza and visit 3-4 carefully selected wineries over approximately six hours. Your knowledgeable guide handles all the logistics while sharing insights about the region's history, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions. The open-air trolley itself becomes part of the experience—there's something delightfully nostalgic about rolling through vineyard-lined roads on a classic streetcar. For guests at Sonoma Grove Suites, the Wine Trolley solves the wine country dilemma: how to taste freely without worrying about driving. The social format also makes it easy to meet fellow wine enthusiasts, and the guides know which wineries suit different palates and preferences. Reservations are required—book online or by phone. Tours run daily, departing at 10am from the Plaza. The $135 tour fee covers transportation and guide; tasting fees ($25-40 per winery) are additional.
Vella Cheese Company
A family-owned artisan cheese maker operating since 1931, Vella produces award-winning cheeses using traditional methods passed down through four generations. The original brick building in downtown Sonoma houses both the production facility and a retail shop. The flagship product is Vella Dry Jack, a California original that has won international acclaim. The shop also sells fresh cheeses, aged varieties, and specialty items perfect for picnic provisions or souvenirs. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through tastings and pairings. For guests interested in food traditions and artisan craftsmanship, Vella provides a meaningful visit. You can often glimpse the cheese-making process through the shop windows, and the opportunity to taste and purchase cheese from one of California's oldest producers is special. No reservations needed. Just walk in and taste.