Need a peaceful wine country escape in Sonoma County? Head to Glen Ellen! Tucked between vineyard-draped hills and oak woodlands, Glen Ellen offers a perfect blend of rustic charm, culinary excellence, and outdoor adventure. Whether you're wine tasting, hiking, or relaxing in luxury, this small town delivers big-time Sonoma Valley appeal.
Glen Ellen, CA Highlights:
- Stroll through Jack London State Historic Park: Explore the writer’s former home, hike scenic trails, and tour vineyard ruins.
- Wine taste at boutique Sonoma wineries: Visit Benziger, Imagery, and other nearby tasting rooms for biodynamic and small-lot wines.
- Explore Quarryhill Botanical Garden (now Sonoma Botanical Garden): Wander through a rare collection of Asian plants in a tranquil hillside garden.
- Dine at acclaimed local restaurants: Enjoy seasonal fare at Glen Ellen Star or cozy up at the Fig Café.
- Relax in a vineyard retreat: Soak up the views from peaceful inns and charming cottages nestled among the vines.
Best Time to Visit Glen Ellen, CA
The best time to visit Glen Ellen is from late spring through fall (May to October), when vineyard landscapes are vibrant and weather is perfect for outdoor dining and hiking. Harvest season (August–October) brings the buzz of wine crush. Winter is quieter and more intimate with cozy tasting rooms and fewer crowds.
How to Get to Glen Ellen, CA
- If you are traveling by car: Glen Ellen is located off Highway 12, about 20 minutes north of Sonoma, 30 minutes from Santa Rosa, and 1.5 hours from San Francisco.
- By Air: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) is the closest (45 minutes), with SFO and Oakland International about 1.5–2 hours away.
- By Train/Bus: SMART train service runs from Larkspur to Santa Rosa; from there, car rentals or rideshares are the best option.
Where to Stay in Glen Ellen, CA
- Olea Hotel – Upscale boutique inn with modern rooms, gourmet breakfast, and spa services among oak groves.
- Gaige House + Ryokan – Tranquil Asian-inspired retreat offering luxury suites, outdoor soaking tubs, and Zen gardens.
- Jack London Lodge – Charming and affordable lodging near the town center with pool, creekside patios, and easy access to the park.
Best Things to Do in Glen Ellen, CA
⮕ Jack London State Historic Park
Explore historic ruins and hike scenic trails on an easy weekend trip.
© Jack London State Historic Park
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What is Jack London State Historic Park?
- Jack London State Historic Park is a National Historic Landmark and former home of the famous writer and adventurer Jack London.
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How large is the park?
- The park spans 1,400 acres and features stunning views and historic buildings.
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What unique landmarks can visitors find?
- Visitors can see a 2,000-year-old giant Redwood tree, the ruins of a 19th-century winery, and the cottage where Jack London wrote.
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What are the historic highlights of the park?
- Notable attractions include:
- House of Happy Walls Museum – dedicated to Jack London.
- London’s gravesite overlooking Valley of the Moon.
- Ruins of Wolf House – London’s 1911 dream house.
- Beauty Ranch – Jack London’s farming venture.
- A log bathhouse and stone dam at the lake.
Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-938-5216
⮕ Sonoma Botanical Garden
Admire rare plants and enjoy a peaceful walk through spring blooms.
© Courtesy of mattegg - Fotolia.com
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What is Sonoma Botanical Garden?
- Self-described as “not your typical botanical garden,” Sonoma Botanical Garden features wild Asian woodlands and is among the largest wild-sourced Asian plant collections in the world.
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Where is the garden located?
- The garden is situated in an abandoned quarry, symbolizing a transformation into a thriving green oasis.
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Did the 2017 fire affect Sonoma Botanical Garden?
- Although the surrounding ashy, barren hills were decimated in a 2017 fire, the garden was thankfully untouched.
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What can visitors enjoy at the Woodland Garden?
- Visitors can experience the unique colors, patterns, and textures of the Woodland Garden.
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What is Jane’s Garden?
- Jane’s Garden, named after the founder, is an English-style garden featuring Asian species, blossoming cherry trees, gazebos, arbors, mature oak trees, and a fountain.
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What other gardens are at Sonoma Botanical Garden?
- The garden also features the stunning Chinese Heritage Rose Garden and Stewartia Grove, a serene garden of flowering trees.
Sonoma Botanical Garden, 12841 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-996-3166
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Morton’s Warm Springs Resort
Soak in warm pools and relax during a laid-back family outing.
© Morton’s Warm Springs Resort
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What is Morton’s Warm Springs Resort?
- Morton’s Warm Springs Resort is a sanctuary of geothermal springs located in Sonoma County’s Valley of the Moon.
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How long has the resort been in operation?
- The mid-century resort has been welcoming city dwellers from San Francisco to Oakland since the 1950s.
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What activities can visitors enjoy?
- Guests can enjoy picnics, barbecues, recreation activities, and swimming in the mineral springs.
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What amenities are available at the resort?
- Visitors will find:
- Two geothermal pools and a wading pool
- Changing rooms and showers
- Sonoma Creek access
- Creekside barbecue and picnic sites
- An organic café
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What sports and games are available?
- Guests can enjoy horseshoe pits, lawn games, ping pong tables, a baseball field, and a sand volleyball court.
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When is the resort open?
- The season runs from early May through late September.
Morton’s Warm Springs Resort, 1651 Warm Springs Road, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-833-5511
⮕ Triple Creek Horse Outfit
Ride scenic trails and discover a fun, unusual outdoor experience.
© Courtesy of Roman Pavlov - Fotolia.com
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What is Triple Creek Horse Outfit?
- Triple Creek Horse Outfit is a horseback riding business owned and operated by a young local couple, with the owner having been a horse wrangler before starting the business.
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Where does Triple Creek Horse Outfit operate?
- The business operates from Jack London’s Beauty Ranch within Jack London State Historic Park.
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What can visitors expect on a guided horseback tour?
- Riders will meander through oak woodlands, groves of towering redwoods, past world-class vineyards, and alongside shimmering creeks in quiet meadows.
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Are the horses suitable for all riders?
- Yes, the horses are gentle and suitable for all levels of riders.
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Is there an additional fee to enter the park?
- Yes, visitors must pay to enter Jack London State Historic Park, which is separate from the riding tour fees.
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What perks come with a guided horseback tour?
- Two perks included with guided tours are:
- A Cottage Tour pass
- Tickets for Benziger Family Winery tastings
Triple Creek Horse Outfit, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-887-8700
Glen Ellen Wineries
⮕ Wellington Cellars
Sip small-batch wines and savor a quiet, romantic tasting.
© Wellington Cellars
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What is Wellington Cellars?
- Wellington Cellars is a family-owned winery known for producing estate wines from 100-year-old vines.
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When did Wellington Cellars change ownership?
- In 2014, the winery changed hands from one family to another, with the new owners focusing on hand-crafted wines produced exclusively from the winery’s 24 acres.
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What types of grapes are grown at Wellington Cellars?
- The vineyards feature a variety of grapes, including:
- Cabernet
- Chardonnay
- Marsanne
- Roussanne
- Sauvignon
- Malbec
- Grenache
- Merlot
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Does Wellington Cellars have any historic vines?
- Yes, there is an old-vine Zinfandel that dates back to 1882.
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What new additions opened in 2019?
- In 2019, the estate opened a renovated tasting room and a new barrel room.
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What is the winery’s production goal?
- Wellington Cellars aims to produce French-Bordeaux wines, with an annual production target of 3,500 cases.
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Does Wellington Cellars offer wine tasting tours?
- Yes, they offer estate wine tasting tours to educate the public.
Wellington Cellars, 11600 Dunbar Road, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-934-8604
⮕ Benziger Family Winery
Tour biodynamic vineyards and enjoy affordable tastings with beautiful views.
© Benziger Family Winery
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What is Benziger Family Winery?
- Benziger Family Winery has been producing wines for over 30 years and is known for its commitment to sustainable organic farming using Biodynamic methods.
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Has Benziger Family Winery won any awards?
- Yes, the winery won the 2018 People’s Choice Award for “Best Winery Tour and Tasting Room.”
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What types of winery experiences are available?
- Guests can choose from five unique winery experiences:
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour – Includes a guided tour of the Sonoma Mountain winery, estate, and wine cave, along with barrel tastings and seated tastings in the cave.
- Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour – A scenic tour showcasing the winery’s Biodynamic farming.
- Pinot Noir “Taste of Terroir” Experience – A one-of-a-kind Pinot Noir tasting experience.
- Exclusive Tasting & Lunch – A special experience with one of the Benziger family members.
- Signature Wine Tasting – A curated tasting of the winery’s best selections.
Benziger Family Winery, 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 888 490 2739
⮕ Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery
See bold artwork and savor creative wines on a couples visit.
© Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery
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What is Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery?
- Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery is a Benziger family property dedicated to experimentation and the crafting of rare wines from uncommon varietals.
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What types of wines does Imagery Estate Winery specialize in?
- The estate focuses on unique varietals such as Lagrein, Tempranillo, and Malbec.
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What can visitors experience at Imagery Estate?
- Visitors can enjoy both an array of rare wines and the estate’s unique art collection.
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What tasting experiences are available?
- The estate offers two tasting options:
- Main Bar Tasting – A casual experience featuring five small production wine samples with no reservations required.
- Semi-Private Collection Tasting – A seated tasting experience that includes five coveted varietals and features works of art.
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Can guests bring food to Imagery Estate Winery?
- Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own picnic basket and enjoy vineyard views at shaded outdoor tables.
Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery, 1435 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 877-550-4278
⮕ Loxton Winery
Meet the winemaker and enjoy an intimate, cheap tasting.
© Loxton Winery
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What is Loxton Winery?
- Loxton Winery is a five-acre estate vineyard located in Sonoma Valley.
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How much wine does Loxton Winery produce?
- The winery produces 3,000 cases annually, with 40% of the wine coming directly from the estate.
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Can visitors watch the winemaking process?
- Yes, Loxton Winery is a great place to watch the winemaking process from vine to glass.
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What types of tours are available?
- Vineyard Walkabout Tours – Offered on weekends, these tours provide an in-depth look at the agricultural side of the vineyard, followed by a private seated tasting.
- Crush Pad Tours – Offered seasonally during harvest, these tours allow guests to watch grapes being sorted and crushed up close.
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What tasting experiences are available?
- Relaxed seated tastings featuring limited wines are available in the Reserve Room with reservations.
11466 Dunbar Road, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-935-7221
⮕ B.R. Cohn Winery
Relax with live music and sip wines during an exciting afternoon trip.
© B.R. Cohn Winery
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What is B.R. Cohn Winery?
- B.R. Cohn Winery is a winery nestled in Valley of the Moon, between the Mayacamas Mountains and Sonoma Mountain.
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Where are tastings held?
- Tastings take place in a meticulously preserved 1920s estate home that offers a comfortable and casual atmosphere.
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What tasting experiences are available?
- Tastes of B.R. Cohn – A food and wine pairing experience featuring estate wines and olive oils with gourmet bites.
- Farm to Bottle – A walking tour of Olive Hill Estate, which includes wine tasting.
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What can visitors find in the gourmet shop?
- Guests can taste hand-crafted, barrel-aged vinegars, gourmet olive oils, and charcuterie.
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What is special about the memorabilia room?
- Owner Bruce Cohn invites guests to explore the memorabilia room, which commemorates his 45 years managing The Doobie Brothers rock-n-roll band.
15000 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA, Phone: 707-938-4064
Where to Eat in Glen Ellen, CA
- Glen Ellen Star – Renowned neighborhood spot offering wood-fired seasonal cuisine in a cozy yet refined setting.
- The Fig Café & Wine Bar – French bistro-style comfort food with a Sonoma wine list and no corkage fee.
- Les Pascals – Authentic French bakery known for croissants, tarts, and artisan sandwiches.
If you are interested in local events:
- Sonoma Valley Crush (September) – Behind-the-scenes access to boutique wineries during harvest season.
- Glen Ellen Village Fair (October) – Small-town fall festival with local art, food, and music.
- Holiday in the Plaza (December) – Festive tree lighting and holiday market in nearby Sonoma Plaza.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Glen Ellen, California:
- Sonoma (20 min) – Visit historic Sonoma Plaza, shop, dine, and tour Mission San Francisco Solano.
- Kenwood (10–15 min) – Explore small wineries, scenic hikes, and peaceful rural roads.
- Santa Rosa (25–30 min) – Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum or stroll Railroad Square’s antique shops and breweries.
- Petaluma (30 min) – Enjoy charming downtown architecture, farm-to-table restaurants, and antique stores.
- Annadel State Park (25–30 min) – Great for mountain biking, trail running, and wildflower hikes in spring.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Where is Glen Ellen located?
Answer: Glen Ellen is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley wine country.
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Question: What is the population of Glen Ellen?
Answer: Glen Ellen is a sleepy village with a population of 784.
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Question: What activities dominate the list of things to do in Glen Ellen?
Answer: Winery tours and tastings dominate the list of activities in Glen Ellen.
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Question: What are some notable features of the town?
Answer: The town features classic tiny cottages, white picket fences, and shade-casting poplar trees.
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Question: What is Glen Ellen’s biggest attraction?
Answer: The town’s biggest attraction is the Jack London State Historic Park, once home to the famous author and adventurer Jack London.
Recommended Activities for Families
Glen Ellen is a 1 hr 30 min (50.2 miles via US-101) day trip from San Francisco.
Plan Your Trip