I have to admit, it took us a while to explore the Russian River Valley and I think it was because we were so star-struck with the drives. We would just drive through without much stopping but oh man! There’s a lot to discover here folks!

One of our favorite drives that first appealed to us in our exploration of Sonoma County was the West Side Road. (See more below.) This is not just a road but an association. It’s that worth taking a drive on.

Go North on the 101, exit Central Healdsburg, go straight and around the roundabout and away you go! Mill Street turns into the Westside Road.

The Russian River Valley has such an abundance of activity and places to visit that it would take several trips just to scratch the surface. It’s not just the locals who delight in this area but visitors too. This is where all the fun is!

Here are 7 fun things to do in the Russian River Valley

1. Pinot Noir Tastings, (ok Chardonnay too…)

Pinot Noir is our go-to wine. It’s what we like during the week, for the holidays, with friends, to celebrate, and for whatever other reason we are drinking wine. The Russian River AVA is known for its pinot noir too. This area has just the right amount of sea breeze and warmth for this fickle grape.

It’s where you’ll find some of the top producers of Pinot Noir so if you like this style of wine or want to explore it more, the Russian River Valley is the place to go and Stephen & Walker Winery in Healdsburg won’t disappoint. Sure, you’ll find some great pinot along the coast and maybe in the central coast outside of the county but the pinot grapes grow best here. Check out the latest review I did on a winery that has some delicious pinot noir that will lay down for a few years.

2. The Beer

I’m not really a beer drinker other than I acquired a taste in college, but I’m typically tempted to try in the Russian River breweries. They have this following for the “Pliny the Younger as this was the first-ever triple IPA, with three times the hops and higher alcohol than its single IPA and double IPA siblings” according to the Press Democrat. It is served only twice a year and you better get in line early! Yes, the Russian River is crazy for beer! So if you like beer, this is the region to settle in. To learn more about the big brewery check out Windsor’s Russian River Brewery.

3. The hikes and Parks

Sonoma County has some of the best parks in the Russian River area including Armstrong Woods. You’ll also find some of the best parks for picnicking, hikes, and incredible views like the Riverfront Regional Park along Eastside Road where they have benches with picnic tables set up like coffee tables where you’ll feel more like you’re in a living room surrounded by Sequoias. There’s also Eagle Ranch Park and Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail which has no areas to picnic but is beautiful for nice walks accessible for wheelchairs.

4. Water Sports

Think Sonoma County only has beaches along the coast? Did you forget the river? I’m surprised how often I hear of Angelinos who have stayed here – I figure it’s that well-known. From kayaking, tubing, to swimming, this river is nothing like I ever thought California would have with trestles and old-fashioned one-way bridges. Along the river you’ll often find cars parked along the road in the middle of nowhere to then realize, the attraction is the river below where people take relief from the heat. There are areas like Johnson’s Beach and Healdsburg Veteran’s Memorial Beach where you can rent kayaks and grab an ice cream and burger. A lot of people come here during the summer to swim right around the bridge. And don’t forget to have a wicked slush at Amy’s Wicked Slush https://www.amyswickedslush.com/ which is basically a slush on top of an ice cream. Oh yes!

5. The Drives

Some of the best drives in all of Sonoma County are in the Russian River. I’m not talking about the roads just outside the Charles Schultz airport (STS) but the majestic roads from West Side Road, the Eastside Road, to crossing the Wohler Bridge. These roads connect you from town to town and to River Road which connects you to Guerneville. We just love driving through here but we’ve also driven through these roads after landing at the CS STS (Santa Rosa) airport where we are immediately transported into wine country the moment, we step off the plane. You’ll get a feeling of relief within a half hour of landing that you’re finally here.

Westside Road Drive

6. Outdoor Recreation

With such beauty this place has to offer, if you’re an outdoor sports fan, this is a great place for it. Fly-fishing is popular here where there are memberships to clubs and man-made pools where members can practice for all ages. There are seasonal marathon races and some of the best trails for biking. My favorite outdoor recreation is kayaking. There’s nothing like gliding down the river in the late afternoon when the wind rustles through the trees and the sun shimmers over the water. The weather is perfect, and you’ll find rest just gliding down the river. If you need the time, however, make sure you have a watch with you as no one keeps track of time on the river.

Anglers at sunset near the Wohler Bridge

7. The Towns

Some of the most charming towns are in the Russian River Valley. One of the most popular towns in all of Sonoma County is Sebastapol with award-winning restaurants, breweries, whisky tastings as well as wine tastings in the Barlow but that doesn’t mean the town itself is not worth the visit. Head west to Occidental which is an old western town. Have a drink at the Union Hotel, breakfast at Howard Station Cafe where they serve up the most impressive menu, or grab a loaf or scone at Wild Flour Bread in Freestone.

Want to really have fun? Visit the vintage stores all along the 116 towards Cotati. Stop for fish-n-chips at Handline or a cup of tea at Sonoma Wine Shop/La Bodega Kitchen where you can have tea in a real tea cup! They also have wine there too of course!

It’s just endless and for everyone. Whether you have kids, your parents, your special sweetheart, or are on a fun girl’s getaway weekend, the Russian River Valley region is for all.

Did I leave anything out? I bet I did!