• Question: Where is Glen Ellen located?
    Answer: Glen Ellen is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley wine country.
  • Question: What is the population of Glen Ellen?
    Answer: Glen Ellen is a sleepy village with a population of 784.
  • 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.
  • Question: What are some notable features of the town?
    Answer: The town features classic tiny cottages, white picket fences, and shade-casting poplar trees.
  • 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.

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1. Jack London State Historic Park


Explore historic ruins and hike scenic trails on an easy weekend trip.

Jack London State Historic Park

© Jack London State Historic Park

  • 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.
  • How large is the park?
    • The park spans 1,400 acres and features stunning views and historic buildings.
  • 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.
  • 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

2. Sonoma Botanical Garden


Admire rare plants and enjoy a peaceful walk through spring blooms.

Sonoma Botanical Garden

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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.
  • Where is the garden located?
    • The garden is situated in an abandoned quarry, symbolizing a transformation into a thriving green oasis.
  • 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.
  • What can visitors enjoy at the Woodland Garden?
    • Visitors can experience the unique colors, patterns, and textures of the Woodland Garden.
  • 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.
  • 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

3. Morton’s Warm Springs Resort


Soak in warm pools and relax during a laid-back family outing.

Morton’s Warm Springs Resort

© Morton’s Warm Springs Resort

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • What activities can visitors enjoy?
    • Guests can enjoy picnics, barbecues, recreation activities, and swimming in the mineral springs.
  • 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
  • What sports and games are available?
    • Guests can enjoy horseshoe pits, lawn games, ping pong tables, a baseball field, and a sand volleyball court.
  • 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 >

4. Triple Creek Horse Outfit


Ride scenic trails and discover a fun, unusual outdoor experience.

Triple Creek Horse Outfit

© Courtesy of Roman Pavlov - Fotolia.com

  • 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.
  • Where does Triple Creek Horse Outfit operate?
    • The business operates from Jack London’s Beauty Ranch within Jack London State Historic Park.
  • 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.
  • Are the horses suitable for all riders?
    • Yes, the horses are gentle and suitable for all levels of riders.
  • 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.
  • 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

5. Wellington Cellars


Sip small-batch wines and savor a quiet, romantic tasting.

Wellington Cellars

© Wellington Cellars

  • What is Wellington Cellars?
    • Wellington Cellars is a family-owned winery known for producing estate wines from 100-year-old vines.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Does Wellington Cellars have any historic vines?
    • Yes, there is an old-vine Zinfandel that dates back to 1882.
  • What new additions opened in 2019?
    • In 2019, the estate opened a renovated tasting room and a new barrel room.
  • What is the winery’s production goal?
    • Wellington Cellars aims to produce French-Bordeaux wines, with an annual production target of 3,500 cases.
  • 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

6. Benziger Family Winery


Tour biodynamic vineyards and enjoy affordable tastings with beautiful views.

Benziger Family Winery

© Benziger Family Winery

  • 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.
  • Has Benziger Family Winery won any awards?
    • Yes, the winery won the 2018 People’s Choice Award for “Best Winery Tour and Tasting Room.”
  • 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

7. Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery


See bold artwork and savor creative wines on a couples visit.

Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery

© Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery

  • 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.
  • What types of wines does Imagery Estate Winery specialize in?
    • The estate focuses on unique varietals such as Lagrein, Tempranillo, and Malbec.
  • What can visitors experience at Imagery Estate?
    • Visitors can enjoy both an array of rare wines and the estate’s unique art collection.
  • 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.
  • 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

8. Loxton Winery


Meet the winemaker and enjoy an intimate, cheap tasting.

Loxton Winery

© Loxton Winery

  • What is Loxton Winery?
    • Loxton Winery is a five-acre estate vineyard located in Sonoma Valley.
  • How much wine does Loxton Winery produce?
    • The winery produces 3,000 cases annually, with 40% of the wine coming directly from the estate.
  • Can visitors watch the winemaking process?
    • Yes, Loxton Winery is a great place to watch the winemaking process from vine to glass.
  • 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.
  • 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

9. B.R. Cohn Winery


Relax with live music and sip wines during an exciting afternoon trip.

B.R. Cohn Winery

© B.R. Cohn Winery

  • 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.
  • Where are tastings held?
    • Tastings take place in a meticulously preserved 1920s estate home that offers a comfortable and casual atmosphere.
  • 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.
  • What can visitors find in the gourmet shop?
    • Guests can taste hand-crafted, barrel-aged vinegars, gourmet olive oils, and charcuterie.
  • 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

Glen Ellen is a 1 hr 30 min (50.2 miles via US-101) day trip from San Francisco.


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