To celebrate our Travel Journal launch last month, we planned the BEST girls getaway to Sonoma County with some of our favorite mamas! We invited Kelli Murray of Rylee + Cru, photographer Mandi Nelson, blogger Amanda Watters, and blogger Emmy Jones of Mae Woven to join us for a weekend trip filled with beautiful drives along the coast, yoga, shopping, olive oil tasting, and more! Below, check out our top 10 favorite things to do for a weekend trip to Sonoma County.
1. DRIVE THE SONOMA COAST
We hopped a flight from Salt Lake City to San Francisco, rented a couple of vans, and headed out on a road trip along the beautiful Sonoma Coast on California's iconic Highway 1. The drive was beyond breathtaking! The winding roads and surrounding scenery of lush green hills, rocky coastline, and vivid blue waters were unreal. We lost count of how many times we all exclaimed, "It's so beautiful here!" And more than once we could have sworn we were transported to some European countryside. Plan to make frequent stops along the steep, winding roads—not only for a dose of fresh air but also for photo ops!—and if you're prone to car sickness pack some water, snacks, and medicine just in case!
2. STAY AT TIMBER COVE RESORT
We bunked up for the weekend at the incredible Timber Cove Resort, and the property did not disappoint. Situated on a bluff with the ruggedly beautiful Sonoma Coast below, the rustic, mid-century modern hotel features 46 renovated guest rooms, most with views of the ocean and the surrounding private grounds. We loved the record players and vintage stove fireplaces in each guest room! Dine on-site at Coast Kitchen, and enjoy a beverage on the patio as you watch the sunset over the ocean. There aren't many amenities near Timber Cove, so it's super quiet and feels like a true getaway—we would have been happy to spend all weekend relaxing at the resort!
3. TAKE A PRIVATE YOGA CLASS
We scheduled a private yoga class with Margaret Lindgren of Unbeaten Path Tours. Margaret is a yoga instructor and local tour guide. The morning yoga session was held on a balcony overlooking the ocean at Timber Cove Resort, which made for an ideal setting to find our inner zen. We highly recommend booking a yoga class or private tour with Margaret when you visit! Post-namaste, we all enjoyed a casual breakfast of yogurt parfaits and pastries on the sunny balcony. The perfect way to start the day!
4. PLAN AN OLIVE OIL + WINE TASTING
When visiting Sonoma, plan an olive oil and wine tasting at one of the many farms and wineries in the area. One afternoon, we drove to Trattore Farms for an olive oil tasting on the patio and an al fresco lunch styled by Gatherist. We loved the Olio Nuovo Olive Oil, Jalapeño Olive Oil, Pear White Balsamic Vinegar, and Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar. We all purchased bottles to take home and enjoy (sadly, not every bottle survived the trip).
5. DO A BIKE TOUR
We toured around Sonoma by car, but you could also explore the area by bicycle with Sonoma Valley Bike Tours. Leisurely pedal along country roads and through vineyards as you visit local wineries. The area is also perfect for road cyclists. Schedule a guided tour or rent bikes and venture out on your own.
6. VIST HEALDSBURG
Following our visit to Trattore Farms, we stopped at the nearby town of Healdsburg. The charming town is filled with antique shops, boutiques, cafes, and quaint tree-lined streets. Be sure to visit Healdsburg SHED, a curated shop, cafe, and event space. We went crazy for their selection of kitchen goods, cook books, linens, candles, and more.
7. CHECK OUT POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE
On your Northern California road trip along Highway 1, plan a stop at Point Reyes National Seashore. The protected stretch of coastline features expansive ocean views and beautiful beaches. Be sure to visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse built in 1870. If you're lucky you might catch sight of migrating gray whales!
8. GO KAYAKING
Exploring the Sonoma Coast on foot or by car is amazing, but nothing is more magical than exploring by kayak! Book a day of ocean kayaking with Water Treks EcoTours. Explore more than 30 miles of river and coast views, including Sonoma Coast State Park and the Russian River Valley.
9. VISIT THE MUIR WOODS
When you arrive in or depart from San Francisco, be sure to make a quick detour to the Muir Woods before you drive up the coast to Sonoma. The area is known for its towering redwood trees—a truly spectacular, awe-inspiring sight. Explore by car or park and embark on a hike among the trees—you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view.
10. SPEND AN AFTERNOON EXPLORING SAN FRANCISCO
Before we bid California adieu and flew back home, we spent an afternoon exploring San Francisco. We loved the Mission District and Marina District. Some of our favorite stops included Le Marais Bakery for croque madame as big as our heads; Blue Barn Gourmet for yummy salads (and the best tater tots!); and Aesop for all things skincare and self-care (we love their body lotion, face oil, and face masks).
Photographs: Mandi Nelson, Stephanie Hammer, Emmy Jones
Document your own girls getaway with a Travel Journal! The journal features darling illustrations by Kelli Murray, and thoughtful, meaningful prompts to help you record and remember the best details of your favorite trips.
