Brian_in_Charlotte

For our upcoming trip in May, we've decided on these 2 towns as bases (only want to move once).

We'll do 3 nights in one and 4 in the other. Having trouble choosing how to split our time. We'll want to drive over to Napa to at least check it out, and will also likely drive over to the coast and redwoods from Healdsburg. In each, we'll stay within walking distance of the square and evening meals will be a highlight of our trip. Nearby hiking is also of interest.

Thanks in advance.

toedtoes

Since you want to spend some time in Napa, I would do 4 days in Sonoma - it's closer to Napa. That would give you 3 days in Healdsburg, 3 days in Sonoma and 1 day trip in Napa.

kleroux

I guess you know that the town of Napa is located in the Napa valley, and its in Napa county. The county of Sonoma also has the town of Sonoma, which is located about half way between the town of Napa and the city of Santa Rosa. The Sonoma county seat is Santa Rosa. Healdsburg is 12 miles North of Santa Rosa, in Sonoma County. About 1.5 hrs. north of the Golden Gate bridge via route #101. Rather confusing, but a good map will sort if all out.

razzledazzle

Well, I'd say 4 in Healdsburg because you want to go hiking and out to the ocean. There's nice hiking in the Armstong Woods in near Guerneville and loads of Coast hikes off of Hwy 1 from Jenner down to Bodega Bay.
A great book is The Hiker's Hip Pocket Guide to Sonoma County by Bob Lorentzen.

From Healdsburg you could easily drive over to Calistoga and explore the area around there via the Silverado Trail and St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Which, if you are visiting Napa on a holiday or weekend, would be a much easier route than attacking Napa Valley from the southern end via Hwy 29.

Near Sonoma town for hiking look into Jack London State Park and further west 15 minutes near Petaluma is Shollenberger Park which is a wetlands preserve.

You do have you reservations, yes ?

R5

StuDudley

IMO, the area around Healdsburg is much, much more interesting than the area around Sonoma. I think the town of Healdsburg is prettier than Sonoma, and I prefer the Healdsburg square over the Sonoma square (although both are quite nice - many would prefer the Sonoma Square). My wife thinks the shopping in Healdsburg is better. I also prefer the Healdsburg restaurants over the Sonoma restaurants. There is a Michelin 2 star restaurant in Healdsburg (1 of only 4 in the entire Bay Area), and a 1 star. There are no starred restaurants in Sonoma.

The Dry Creek Valley & Alexander Valley (Healdsburg) is prettier than any winegrowing region around Sonoma, IMO. The drive from Healdsburg through the Alexander valley to Calistoga in Napa Valley is one of my favorites, and much prettier than any drive from Sonoma to the Napa valley. I also enjoy a drive up from SF to Healdsburg via 101 to Guerneville road west to 116. Then north on 116 to Forrestville then north on Mirabel Rd to the Russian River, then east to Wohler rd north, crossing the Russian river. Then follow the very pretty Westside Rd to Healdsburg.

I think the Sonoma Mission Inn is over-rated - if you are not a spa person. It's also in a very run-down area of Sonoma (actually Boyes Hot Springs).

I would stay 5 nights in Healdsburg & 2 in Sonoma.

Stu Dudley

Brian_in_Charlotte

Thanks for all the replies. Glad I inquired, because I was about to book 4 nights Sonoma, 3 Healdsburg. Now I think I'll reverse that.

We're looking at a couple VRBOs. The Benzinger Solana Cottage in Sonoma (http://www.vrbo.com/64785) and the Zincity Cottage in Healdsburg (http://www.vrbo.com/91570). Anyone have any knowledge of these? Thanks again.

kleroux

How did you find the rental in Healdsburg?

Brian_in_Charlotte

Just searching VRBO.com.

kleroux

OK..that's good info. I always suggest people check out www.HealdsburgRentals.com ... so its nice to know there are other sources of interesting rentals....