Wondering what’s happening in Healdsburg, CA? Here is the best guide for you to get up-to-date on the latest happenings and explore this California town.
“Things to do in Healdsburg, California” is a destination that has many things. It’s not just wine. The city of Healdsburg is also home to one of the best-preserved historic districts in California.
Healdsburg is a well-known wine country destination in Northern California, known for its world-class restaurants and vineyards. Healdsburg, a little more than an hour’s drive from San Francisco, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Sonoma County.
Healdsburg is a delightful tiny town with a lively town center and several wine tasting places. But wine tasting is only one of the many enjoyable activities available in Healdsburg. Healdsburg, which is located along the Russian River, provides a variety of outdoor activities for the entire family.
Vineyards in the Healdsburg, California area
Many top-notch cafes serve up inventive culinary concoctions employing local items ranging from fruit to dairy, making the Sonoma County jewel a huge hit with foodies.
Are you planning a vacation to Healdsburg, California? Read on to learn about the greatest things to do in the area, as well as our recommendations on where to stay and dine.
Healdsburg, California Attractions
Healdsburg is a great place to go for a stroll. Plaza
The Healdsburg Plaza is an excellent site to start your tour of the city. Harmon Heald, a local, founded the historic plaza in 1857, and it acts as a focal point for the lively streets that surround it.
In Healdsburg, I’m strolling around the plaza.
A lovely gazebo and mature trees may be seen in this lush green space. It’s a popular hangout spot for both residents and tourists. On good days, you’ll find families having picnics and children playing. It’s ideal for a quiet stroll in the early mornings. If you prefer public art, the plaza has several lovely murals to admire.
On Tuesday nights in the summer, the gazebo hosts live music performances, as well as food vendors selling locally produced fare. In the summer, concerts may be staged on Sunday afternoons.
The Healdsburg Farmers’ Market is held on Tuesday mornings between late April and late October, and features fruit, fresh flowers, cheeses, seafood, and other local items. There’s also live music! There’s also an aisle with local arts and crafts from October to December, which is a must-visit if you’re doing Christmas shopping.
Healdsburg Memorial Bridge is shown in part of a mural.
Between mid-April and mid-December, a farmers’ market is held in the West Plaza parking lot, which is only a block from the plaza.
Healdsburg Plaza hosts a wine tasting event.
While there are many lovely vineyards to visit around Healdsburg, wine tasting may also be done around the Healdsburg Plaza. There are several sampling rooms scattered around the ancient area, allowing for leisurely drinking pauses in between exploration and shopping.
Portalupi Wine, on North Street, offers daily wine tastings in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Wine tastings do not need reservations, but for a really memorable experience, we recommend reserving their wine and meal combo. The wines, which are influenced by Italy, are of excellent quality and are not too costly. Don’t forget to check out the infused oils and vinegars.
The Portalupi Wine Tasting Room is located in the heart of Healdsburg.
The warmth and generosity of the Thumbprint Cellars Lounge on Matheson Street are as good as the wines, which include outstanding red and white blends and single varietals. There is also an onsite art gallery to visit. Make a reservation for an outdoor sampling session in advance.
Relaxed samples are available at Hawley Winery’s tasting room and gallery on North Street. Austin Hawley created the furniture out of wine barrels. A visit to Hawley is well worth the time and money because of the excellent wines, art, and service. On Tuesdays, the tasting room is closed.
The Williamson Winery tasting room on Matheson is worth a visit for the cuisine as well as the wines. Daily tastings are available by appointment, and walk-ins are accepted if space permits. They provide cheese and meal combinations with small-batch wines that have been meticulously selected. We had some fantastic meal combinations.
Visit Healdsburg Square and go shopping!
You’ll be spoilt with choice when it comes to shopping in Healdsburg Plaza, with everything from gifts and home décor to apparel, purses, and shoes, books, and specialty delicacies. The streets around the plaza are dotted with intriguing stores and galleries, so wear comfortable shoes and come prepared to shop for hours (or just looking).
In downtown Healdsburg, a nice shop window
Mr. Moon’s, on Center Street, is reasonably priced and has cute gifts for both children and adults. Their cards are stunning! Toys, bath & body goods, and jewelry are also available.
Gallery Lulo is an outstanding must-see for stunning jewelry and home décor. The one-of-a-kind candlesticks, vases, and bowls are magnificent, as are the sculptures. Michele Mockiuti’s mix-and-match earrings are enticing!
There are several women’s clothing shops, however ladies should visit Tamarind and Susan Graf Limited, while males should visit Ereloom. Susan’s Basement, also by Susan Graf, is a must-see for reduced costs. Designer apparel for men and women is available at fantastic prices here.
Susan Graf Limited is a company based in Healdsburg, California.
Take a food and wine tour in Healdsburg.
Seasonal, local goods take center stage on many restaurant menus in Healdsburg, which is undoubtedly the most known culinary destination in Sonoma County. We go to Healdsburg sometimes simply to savor the very tasty meals (and, of course, the world-class wine!).
A guided food and wine walking tour is a simple and enjoyable way to experience the delights in downtown Healdsburg. This highly rated small group tour gives you a terrific introduction to the bakeries, cafés, and wine stores that surround the plaza, as well as some history and local knowledge, thanks to the entertaining guides.
The trip is available all year and lasts around four hours. Now is the time to book this tour!
The Healdsburg Museum is a must-see.
The Healdsburg Museum & Historical Society, located on Matheson Street only a short walk from Healdsburg Plaza, provides a glimpse into the town’s and surrounding area’s past.
The Healdsburg Museum is a local history museum.
The museum has both a permanent exhibition and rotating exhibits, with a large collection of papers, images, and artifacts. Visiting the museum is one of the top things to do in Healdsburg if you appreciate learning about local history.
A collection of baskets made by local Native Americans, as well as Native American tools and other relics, may be found here. The Pomo and Wappo peoples are regarded as among of the world’s greatest basket builders, and the displays’ complexity and craftsmanship will astound you.
Household objects, antique architectural relics, a plethora of pictures and paintings, toys, fabrics, firearms, musical instruments, and tools all combine for an interesting browse, so plan beforehand!
Dine at Healdsburg’s Most Famous Restaurants
Healdsburg has so many wonderful establishments that picking which ones to try would be difficult: we suggest staying longer or returning multiple times to sample them all! We’ve spoken about some of our favorite meals in the “Where to Eat” section, but here are some of the city’s most well-known eateries for that special occasion.
Bravas Bar de Tapas serves elote.
In 2021, the World’s Best 50 Restaurants includes Single Thread Restaurant, which has three Michelin stars. Many of the products are farmed on Single Thread’s own farm, and the tasting menu is an intriguing combination of Sonoma County and Japan. While reservations are difficult to come by and the dinner is pricey, foodies will not want to miss out on eating here.
Valette specializes on American cuisine and uses ingredients from local farmers in its inventive dishes. The Day Boat Scallop en Croute appetizer is well-known, yet it’s just one scallop, and you’ll want more! Try the “Trust Me” tasting menu: every meal was outstanding.
Barndiva has a lovely outdoor terrace with lights strung throughout and a holiday ambiance. Come for American food cooked using fresh, seasonal ingredients obtained locally. Although the menus vary, we have yet to have a bad meal here in our three trips.
Dry Creek Kitchen is Healdsburg’s first fine dining establishment, with a site overlooking Healdsburg Plaza. Chef Charlie Palmer opened the restaurant in 2001, and it serves American cuisine with an excellent wine selection.
Good to know: Many Healdsburg restaurants fill up months in advance (weeks in some instances), so plan your dining adventures ahead of time and make those appointments!
Healdsburg Wineries Tour
Healdsburg is well situated at the confluence of the Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley, making it an excellent starting point for visiting nearby vineyards. If you have more than a few hours in Healdsburg, venture outside the square to see at least a few vineyards!
At a winery near Healdsburg, a delicious cluster of red grapes
We’ve gone into further depth below on a trio of wineries that we make a point of seeing on each trip to Healdsburg: they’re worth seeing for the wine, but also for other reasons. There are other additional Healdsburg vineyards that provide excellent wine sampling opportunities.
Chalk Hill Estate Vineyards & Winery is one of just a few wineries in the Chalk Hill AVA, which is located on the eastern outskirts of the Russian River Valley. There are vineyards on the estate, but there are also natural oak forests, a culinary garden, and stables. On a daily basis, by appointment, a range of activities and excursions are available.
VML (together with sibling winery Truett-Hurst) are two Dry Creek Valley treasures located only 10 minutes from downtown Healdsburg. The grounds are breathtaking, and Dry Creek is a peaceful spot to unwind with a glass of wine. The wine is outstanding, with overtones of marshmallow and other unusual flavors.
Wine tasting at Truett-gardens Hurst’s
A 10-minute drive from downtown Healdsburg, Silver Oak Winery offers panoramic views of Alexander Valley. The vineyard offers a fantastic barn-inspired tasting area that is exclusively open by appointment. The cabernet sauvignon produced by Silver Oak is well-known. Tastings and excursions are available.
Do you prefer a trip with a guide? This enjoyable bike and wine tasting trip includes visits at three Dry Creek Valley wineries, as well as a picnic lunch. The journey lasts roughly 5 hours and covers 12 to 16 kilometers in reasonably flat terrain. Now is the time to book this tour!
At Ferrari-Carano Winery, take a stroll around the gardens.
Ferrari-gardens, Carano’s which are put out in front of the winery villa, are one of our favorite Healdsburg wineries to visit. The five acres of gardens provide for a wonderful promenade, with a network of meandering pathways, a small bubbling stream with bridges, fish ponds, and mature plants.
The Ferrari-Carano gardens include a stream and a tiny waterfall.
A spectacular display of thousands of spring blossoms is a terrific incentive to come in the spring. Tulip swaths of various hues and dazzling yellow daffodils provide spectacular color. You may phone the winery’s tulip hotline to find out when the bloom will be at its greatest in a given year.
Annuals and perennials in a variety of hues take over in the summer and autumn, prolonging the colorful show. The mature trees in the gardens, which include a few Portuguese cork trees, are also worth appreciating. Like in a botanical garden, identification markers are used to label plants and trees.
Summer flowers provide a splash of color to Ferrari-Carano.
Ferrari-Carano also has a magnificent mansion and spectacular water features in addition to the grounds. Views of vineyards can be seen from the tasting terrace, and there is a road lined with cypress trees that will transport you to Tuscany.
Visit the Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Movie Museum.
The Francis Ford Coppola Winery, just a few miles north of Healdsburg, is a delightful place for the whole family to visit. While you may sip excellent wine while admiring the lovely vineyards and gardens, the Movie Gallery is one of the finest reasons to come.
Tucker’s deep crimson vehicle from the film
From The Godfather through Apocalypse Now and Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, the Coppola Winery Movie Museum has a significant collection of memorabilia from family films. Over two levels, there are costumes and props on exhibit, as well as a souvenir store, tasting rooms, and the winery restaurant, which is worth seeing in and of itself.
The deep red car from Tucker: The Man and His Dream, Marie Antoinette’s sailing ship models, Dracula’s costumes, Duvall’s hat and boots from Apocalypse Now, and Don Corleone’s desk and chair from The Godfather can all be found here. Coppola also has a collection of Oscars to his name.
If you’re a movie enthusiast who like Coppola’s films, you’ll enjoy looking at the exhibitions. Apart from the museum, the Wine Wonderland has two pools with private cabanas for bathing and changing, as well as Coppola’s favorite cuisine from across the globe served at Rustic, the vineyard restaurant.
Jordan Winery offers fantastic experiences.
Jordan Winery is one of the most gorgeous vineyards in Sonoma County, with a greenery-draped chateau and lanes lined with mature trees. The sprawling estate, which spans 1,200 acres, is home to some of Healdsburg’s greatest dining and wine experiences.
Jordan Winery’s chateau.
The three-and-a-half-hour Estate Tour & Tasting is definitely worth the time and money. The “ultimate Healdsburg wine tour” includes a champagne breakfast in the chateau’s courtyard and a drive through the estate’s vineyards and wilderness regions, with several stops for tastings and food and wine pairings. Also included is a sample of the estate’s olive oil.
If you don’t want to spend the whole morning sampling, the 90-minute outdoor hilltop tasting with stunning views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside is an option. Journeyman Meat Co., a famous Sonoma County salumeria, provides the salumi. There are also vegetarian and vegan matching alternatives available.
Memorial Beach is a great place to relax.
In the summer, the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach on the Russian River is quite popular. A summer swimming beach (with lifeguards on duty), picnic areas, and lawns are all available to enjoy on nice days.
The beach, which is located along the Old Redwood Highway, may become busy in the summer, particularly on weekends, so arrive early to grab a parking place and a sand area. It’s a good idea to carry beach umbrellas and water shoes.
To enjoy the river, bring inflatables or paddleboards. Water quality isn’t always consistent, and water levels might fluctuate, so double-check ahead of time to prevent disappointment.
On the grass, leashed dogs are permitted, but not on the beach or in the sea.
Have fun with Wicked Slush!
Amy’s Wicked Slush, located on Healdsburg Avenue across from the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, is a must-visit in Healdsburg if you appreciate ice cream. It’s addictive: we can’t help but stop by anytime we’re in town!
Wicked Slush’s soft serve
The drive-up ice cream shop provides a large choice of slushes and soft serves (or a split) in a variety of flavors, most of which are made with dairy or non-dairy components. Your food is made and delivered out to you after you’ve placed your order at the window and paid.
The vanilla soft serve is delicious, and the dairy comes from the renowned Straus Family Creamery in Sonoma County. It’s silky, creamy, and totally delectable.
Amy’s Wicked Slush (Amy’s Wicked Slush)
The Russian River may be kayaked (or canoed)
On its approach to the Pacific Ocean, the Russian River passes through a number of communities in Sonoma County, with Healdsburg being one of them. Swimming and paddling are only a few of the activities available on the river.
One of the greatest ways to appreciate the Russian River is to go kayaking or canoeing. Access is available at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach in Healdsburg. Between May and September, you can paddle the river.
From a kayak or canoe, you may see a lot of wildlife and birds. Along the way, keep an eye out for otters, great blue herons, kingfishers, ospreys, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
You may either bring your own kayak or canoe or hire one from one of the town’s numerous outfitters. You may also go on a kayaking excursion with a guide.
Ridge Open Space Preserve in Healdsburg is a great place to go hiking.
Consider the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve if you’re searching for a pleasant way to burn off some of the calories you’ll gain while indulging in good cuisine and wine in Healdsburg.
The preserve, which is located at Bridle Path and Arabian Way, is 155 acres in size and has a network of pathways. Chaparral, oak trees, and meadows make up the terrain. You may see wildflowers in the spring.
There are a few viewpoints where you may stop and take in the scenery. To the east, the Mayacama Mountains may be seen from the Fox Pond Overlook. Another beautiful site for a shot is the Russian River Overlook.
Bring your binoculars since the preserve is home to a variety of bird species. Deer and rabbits are also possible sightings. Mountain lions and bobcats also live in the area.
Only leashed dogs are allowed on paved routes.
How to Get to Healdsburg, California
Are you flying into Sonoma County? Many major US cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas, Portland, Seattle, and Vegas, fly into the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa. Healdsburg is little over 9 miles from the airport and is easily accessible by US 101 N.
The majority of tourists come in Healdsburg by car. The journey to Healdsburg from San Francisco takes around an hour and 15 minutes, making it ideal for a fast day trip or a longer weekend retreat. It takes roughly 6.5 hours to travel from LA.
On a Sonoma County road trip, Healdsburg is a great place to stop. One of the greatest California road excursions is a wine country road trip via Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma, you’ll need to hire a vehicle. Take a look at Discover Cars! They compare prices from a variety of vendors to get the best deal for you.
In the Ferrari, there’s a lovely tree. -Gardens of Carano
In Healdsburg, California, there are a variety of places to stay.
Healdsburg, California hotels
Chalkboard, one of Healdsburg’s best restaurants, is housed in Hotel Les Mars, a Relais & Chateaux property in downtown Healdsburg. Traditional furniture with intricate decorations and antiques are included in the rooms. Each room is uniquely decorated, and the service is top-notch. Make a reservation here!
The Four Sisters’ Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza is positioned on the square, so you can enjoy fantastic shopping, wine tasting, and eating just outside your door. The rooms are well-appointed and roomy, with fireplaces for chilly nights. Enjoy delicious breakfasts as well as cheese and wine in the afternoon. Make a reservation here!
The LEED gold-certified h2hotel has cheerful design as well as an onsite spa and pool. The rooms are stylish, with plush bedding. spoonbar, the onsite restaurant, is known for its inventive drinks and American cuisine cuisine. The rooftop succulent garden is lovely, and free bikes are available throughout your stay. Make a reservation here!
Healdsburg’s downtown area
Healdsburg, California Vacation Rentals
Are you planning a trip to Healdsburg with your family or a small group? This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is less than two miles from Healdsburg Plaza and lies on a vineyard. The cottage has upmarket linen, a hot tub, and a porch from which to take in the scenery. Make a reservation here!
Dry Creek Valley, approximately 5 miles from downtown Healdsburg, is home to this lovely rustic cottage. The roomy one-bedroom, one-bath home is ideal for a romantic retreat in the wine region. The vistas are breathtaking! There is a king bed and a complete kitchen on the inside. Make a reservation here!
This beautiful home is nestled among flowers and is only a short walk from Healdsburg Plaza. The cottage’s one-bedroom, one-bathroom layout is ideal for a couple or small family. A bright and open living room with pleasant furniture awaits you inside. Make a reservation here!
On Healdsburg Plaza, there is a gallery.
In Healdsburg, California, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from.
We’ve previously listed a few of Healdsburg’s must-try restaurants, but there are a few more places where we’ve had fantastic meals, so here are some more Healdsburg restaurants to add to your list!
Bravas Bar de Tapas, situated off Healdsburg Square, serves delicious tapas, including vegetarian alternatives. Paella to share, as well as sangria and beverages inspired by Spain, are available. This is one of our favorite Healdsburg lunch locations!
Bravas Bar de Tapas’ lamb sliders
The h2hotel’s spoonbar serves a fresh California cuisine and features a beautiful rear terrace. On Sundays, they provide seafood specialties, while on Wednesdays, they serve fried chicken dinners. Their drinks are very well-known.
For breakfast or a sweet treat, Costeaux French Bakery is a must. The French toast and avocado toast are also excellent, as are the tarts and macarons.
If you want sweet delights, stop by Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar on Matheson Street for delicious ice cream in a variety of flavors, some of which are unusual. Also delicious are the pies, biscuits, and macarons.
When is the best time to go to Healdsburg?
Healdsburg is a year-round destination with entertaining things to do in every season and year-round activities in downtown Healdsburg and at local vineyards.
Healdsburg is very lovely in the spring. The weather is lovely, the hillsides are brilliant green, and the vines are just starting to blossom. There are wildflowers everywhere, so plan on doing some trekking while you’re there. Wineries’ gardens are in full flower, while farmers’ markets are bursting to the seams with spring vegetables.
Summer days are dry, long, and warm, making them ideal for picnics and concerts in the plaza, as well as spectacular drives across the countryside. Summertime is a favorite time for recreation along the Russian River.
In the summer, take a cool shaded garden walk at Ferrari-Carano.
Summer is a terrific season to visit Healdsburg because restaurants provide the finest of the county’s abundant agricultural products. At the farmers’ market, don’t forget to pick up some Dry Creek peaches.
The shifting hues of the leaves in the parks and vineyards are particularly appealing in the autumn. One of the most popular times to visit wine country, including Healdsburg, is during the fall crush. The weather is ideal for trekking in regional parks throughout the day.
Winter in Healdsburg is a beautiful (and more economical!) season to visit. The area is lit up for the holidays, and a special arts and crafts market enables you to pick up one-of-a-kind presents. Wineries in the area also host unique events.
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Healdsburg is a small town in the wine country of California. It’s known for its picturesque views, great restaurants and friendly people. This article will provide you with some tips on what to do in Healdsburg if you are visiting or live here. Reference: healdsburg, california map.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Healdsburg Covid?
A: Healdsburg Covid is a small town that many artists choose to live in. The most popular tourist attraction there is the annual Holi Festival, which happens on March 18th at Hops & Vines Taproom and Patio.
What is there to do in Healdsburg Besides wine?
A: There are many outdoor activities in Healdsburg including wine tasting, biking and hiking. If you prefer to stay indoors there is also a small zoo near the city center where you can see animals like deer and bears.
Is Healdsburg worth visiting?
A: Healdsburg is a city in the North Bay Area of California, located on the north shore of San Francisco Bay. It has been ranked as one of Americas most livable small cities by Places Rated Almanac for nine consecutive years and comes highly recommended if you are looking for a relaxing vacation spot to escape from your regular life routine.
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