12 Hours in Sonoma: Escape The City
While San Francisco is a city that does not require a car within city limits, there are definitely advantages to having a car in being able to explore all the bay has to offer. These options include, but are not limited to hiking, picnics, camping, beaches, mountains, and of course, wine country.
Let’s pause for a minute to think about where you would be if you were to drive 45 minutes outside of downtown LA. You would either find yourself stuck on the 405, passing the Santa Monica pier, (which can often be a nightmare on sunny days…aka. ALWAYS) or driving down the 10-Eastbound through a desert abyss. Take your pick. In San Francisco however, 45 minutes takes you to a waterfront brunch spot in Sausalito, overnight camping on Angel Island, or sipping wine, soaking in the sun, and exploring the quaintness of Sonoma County. While the activities others listed I’ll elaborate on another day here’s a guide to help you plan your next 12 hours in Sonoma.
00am, Fremont Diner
Diner, American
00pm, The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa
Resort, Hotel, Lodge
00pm, Ledson Winery
Winery
30pm, Benziger Winery
Winery
00pm, Imagery Winery
Art Gallery, Winery
00pm, Madrone Vineyards Estate
Winery
30pm, The Town Square
Shop, Store, Winery
00pm, El Dorado
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
00pm, The Girl & The Fig
Hotel
9:00pm, The Lodge at Sonoma Renaissance Resort and Spa
Lights out. It’s amazing how 12 hours passes so quickly yet so slowly in wine country. You’re able to pack so much into a day, but everything you do has all of the elements of a perfect vacation – good food, quality wine, and time with friends. It’s easy to forget that you are a mere 45 minutes away from the city as you drift to sleep. Really, life could be worse.
By Elaine Choi