When you're not sampling the fine wines in Sonoma, you'll find plenty of other attractions to fill your time. Live entertainment is often on the calendar at the Green Music Center and the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. Regional parks offer natural wonders ranging from whale watching to towering redwood forests. Sonoma's golf scene offers year-round play thanks to the area's mild weather.
With so many options, it's easy to create a tailor-made escape that meets all your needs for a rejuvenating break from home.
When to Visit Sonoma, California
Though the weather is generally mild, Sonoma still experiences four distinct seasons. There's also a natural cycle to the wine production here that you'll want to keep in mind if tours and tastings rank high on your to-do list.
Autumn is Sonoma's peak tourist season. This is due in large part to the wine crush that begins around the middle of August and typically lasts through October. Vineyards are particularly busy during this time, and local produce is abundant, making the area's famous farm-to-table dining even more appealing. The Sonoma Valley Vintage Festival, the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, and the Sonoma Wine Country Weekend all take place in autumn. Though average highs are still in the upper 80s in August, they dip to the 70s in October, making for a comfortable and pleasant visit all-around.
Winter is the best time to visit Sonoma if you're looking for bargain hotel prices. You'll find some of the best deals of the year between November and February. There's also a festive air to the wine country during this time. Holidays in Sonoma is an annual event featuring special winery dinners, boutique shopping, and Santa sightings. Check it out if you're looking for some unique gift ideas. Sonoma's Plaza features over 100,000 twinkling lights for the season, creating a cheerful backdrop for any vacation that's sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Spring brings the Sonoma International Film Festival in April. Temperatures rise steadily from average highs in the mid-60s during March to the mid to upper 70s in May. Spring festivals are abundant with the March Wine Road Barrel Tasting Weekends, the Sonoma Jazz Festival, and Hospice du Rhone in May.
Summer is a popular time to visit Sonoma as well. Average highs hover in the mid to upper 80s, while lows dip into the 50s. There are several events you can enjoy during this season, including Gay Wine Weekend in June and Sonoma's July 4 Celebration.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Sonoma, CA:
Sonoma by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts demonstrating mean nightly cost trends by star rating class in Sonoma, CA. You can use these charts to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Sonoma for your upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotels in Sonoma, California
4 Star Average Prices: $323.50
If a touch of luxury is what you're looking for, you'll find that Sonoma has plenty of hotels poised to provide. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is home to a natural mineral hot spring. The Willow Stream Spa offers a spa menu featuring carefully selected treatments that fall into three distinctive categories: Relieve, Restore, or Results. Whether you're interested in a long afternoon in one of the mineral water soaking pools, or you want a signature detox treatment, you'll find something satisfying.
Accommodations at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn include a mini-bar, signature bath amenities, and terry cloth robes, so you can pamper yourself in your room as easily as in the spa. Other amenities at the inn include an 18-hole golf course and four distinct dining locations.
MacArthur Place offers luxurious guest rooms and suites equipped with European walk-in showers, signature grape seed bath amenities, and soft terry robes. Refrigerators and Keurig coffee makers make it easy to keep drinks and snacks right in your room, while complimentary Showtime, HBO, and DVD players ensure entertainment is always available.
Guests at MacArthur Place enjoy added pampering with a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning and a wine and cheese reception every night. The hotel's Garden Spa offers treatments that feature local fruits and herbs right from the inn's own gardens. A pool, whirlpool, and fitness center are available for more relaxation and recreation. Guests can enjoy on-site dining at Saddles Steakhouse.
Affordable Hotel Options in Sonoma, California
3 Star Average Prices: $211.25
If you want to experience wine country on a budget, you have a few different accommodations available to you. These lower-priced picks offer outstanding amenities, yet they won't break your budget while you're in Sonoma.
The Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn is one of the most affordable choices in the city. The hotel offers a bright start to any morning with a complimentary breakfast. Head to the heated saltwater pool, sauna, or hot tub to relax. With both a fitness center and business center on hand, you can keep up with all your essential tasks and routines away from home.
Spacious accommodations in the Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn include refrigerators and coffee makers so you can keep your favorite hot or cold beverages handy. Flat-screen televisions offer satellite and HBO, while complimentary WiFi keeps you connected to more entertainment options. Cozy up in front of your own personal fireplace, or snuggle into the hypoallergenic duvet on your plush bed.
The Sonoma Creek Inn is an affordable boutique hotel with 16 cozy guest rooms. The charming decor gives each space a bespoke look with hand-crafted accessories and original artwork. Select rooms feature outdoor patios so you can soak up the California sun. Each guest room includes a refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, flat screen television with cable, and high-speed wireless internet.
This hotel also helps you stretch your vacation budget with access to local specials. Concierge services and wine tasting passes are available at the front desk. Guests at the Sonoma Creek Inn also enjoy discounted rates on bike rentals with Sonoma Adventures, and complimentary bike pick-up and drop-off at the inn.
