SONOMA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA — Sonoma County, one of California's most diverse natural destinations with more than 50 regional and state parks, beckon travelers to hike through redwood forests, paddle along the coast, discover California history, or just sit down and enjoy the sounds of nature.

Protected lands include beaches, mountains, lakes, forests, and fields, proving this area is much more than Sonoma Wine Country.

Enjoy all that Sonoma County has to offer beyond the borders of the region's rich parklands. At more than 1 million acres, this authentic Wine Country starts just 45 minutes north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and encompasses the diversity of wine regions the world over. Sonoma County features more than 400 wineries and 55 miles/89 kilometers of stunning Pacific coast.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call + 1-707-522-5800.

Here are a few favorite Sonoma County parks, in no particular order. Find information about these and other parks to explore at www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-listings/parks. If you're looking for beaches to enjoy, visit www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-listings/beach-listings, and www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-listings/fishing-boating will direct you to fishing and boating areas.

Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve
The serene, majestic beauty of Armstrong Grove is a living reminder of the magnificent primeval redwood forest that covered much of this area before logging operations began during the 19th century. Armstrong Redwoods preserves stately and magnificent Sequoia sempervirens, commonly known as the coast redwood.

The coast redwood is the tallest living thing on Earth. These remarkable trees live to be 500-1,000 years old, grow to a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand from 200-250 feet tall. They are classified as temperate rainforests and need wet and mild climates to survive. The rainfall in Armstrong Redwoods averages 55 inches per year and the trees are often shrouded in a mystical fog that helps to maintain the moist conditions needed for the redwoods to survive.
170000 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
707-869-2015
www.parks.ca.gov

Jack London State Park
Author Jack London, “The Call of the Wild” and “White Fang,” was a pioneer in the world of commercial magazine fiction and was one of the first Americans to make a lucrative career exclusively from writing.

Jack London State Park offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the author and his wife, Charmian, including the ruins of their dream home, Wolf House, which burned down during construction. Other historic buildings demonstrate early 20th century ranching life. London was also a celebrated rancher and steward of the land.

Enjoy the park in a magical way by Transcendence Theatre's “Broadway Under The Stars” concert, featuring Broadway performers. Find out more details and purchase tickets at www.BroadwayJackLondon.com.
2400 London Ranch Rd
Glen Ellen, CA 95442
707-938-5216
www.jacklondonpark.com

Fort Ross State Historic Park
Fort Ross State Historic Park is one of the oldest historical park units in the California State Park System, in 1908. Ross, the name derived from the word for Russia (Rossiia), was established by the Russian–American Company, a commercial hunting and trading company. The bicentennial of the founding of Fort Ross was celebrated in 2012.

Trade was vital to Russian outposts in Alaska, where long winters exhausted supplies and settlements could not grow enough food to support themselves. Fort Ross was established as a food source for Alaska and to hunt profitable sea otters.

Fort Ross offers educational programs including overnights, full-day programs, school presentations, and more. The park is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and major holidays from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
19005 Coast Highway One
Jenner, CA 95450
707 847-3286
www.fortrossstatepark.org

Sonoma Coast State Park
Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Sonoma Coast State Beach, actually a series of beaches separated by rock bluffs and headlands, extends 17 miles from Bodega Head to Vista Trail located four miles north of Jenner. Beachcombers, fishermen, sunbathers and picnickers can access the beach from more than a dozen points along Highway 1. Camping is available at Wright's Beach.
Highway 1, along Sonoma County coast
707-869-9177
www.stewardsofthecoastandredwoods.org/sonomacoaststatepark.htm

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugar wasn't always sold in neat packages. Before 1900, it came in loaves. The southern edge of this park was named after the familiar "sugarloaf." The park is located in the Mayacamas Mountains between the Sonoma and Napa valleys. On clear days the view includes portions of the San Francisco Bay Area and even a glimpse of the Sierra Nevada.

Ferguson Observatory: In 1996, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park became the home of the largest observatory in the western United States, which is completely dedicated to public viewing and education. For public viewing schedule, visit www.rfo.org.
2605 Adobe Canyon Road
Kenwood, CA 95452
707-833-5712
sugarloafpark.org/Sugarloaf_Ridge_State_Park/Sugarloaf.html

Spring Lake Regional Park
Spring Lake is one of Santa Rosa's insider secrets. Combined with Annadel State Park, this large preserve on the eastern edge of the city sits at the northern entrance to the Sonoma Valley.

The 320-acre park features camping, fishing, picnic areas with barbecues, and four group picnic areas. Trails are available for walking, hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. There is also a three-acre swimming lagoon and a 72-acre lake.

Don't forget to visit the Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake for a wonderful all-age educational experience.
393 Violetti Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95409
www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_slake.htm

Helen Putnam Regional Park
Petaluma might be famous for Butter and Eggs, and not yet famous for its hip art and growing foodie scene, but add one more accolade to the list: Petaluma has great outdoor experiences. Helen Putnam Park is characteristic of the terrain: broad vistas, rolling hills of green (winter) or gold (summer) and easy access to Petaluma.

This 216-acre park offers panoramic views of southern Sonoma County and northern Marin County. The park has trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. A gazebo, picnic area, and children's playground are located at the trail head. There is a large pond for fishing (bluegill mostly).
411 Chileno Valley Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
707-433-1625 or 707-565-2041
http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/pk_helen.htm

Lake Sonoma
Nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma County, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by world-famous vineyards and land that is rich in history. Created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam in 1983, the lake provides for flood control, irrigation and recreation. When full, the lake has a surface area of more than 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline, forming the perfect setting for a wealth of recreational activities.
3333 Skaggs Springs Rd
Geyserville, CA 95441
707-431-4590
www.spn.usace.army.mil/lake_sonoma/index.html

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Sonoma County, located 45 minutes north of San Francisco, provides a genuine and adventurous wine country experience, featuring more than 400 wineries, 100-plus organic farms,  acclaimed restaurants, a thriving arts community, and 55 miles /89 kilometers of stunning Pacific coast.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call +1 707-522-5800.