Sonoma, California

Situated only moments away from the Sonoma Town Plaza, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art hosts rotating exhibits of modern and contemporary artwork done by local, national, and international artists. There are typically two exhibitions on display at a time, and other museum highlights include an art library, a gift shop, a cafe, and an art studio that hosts year-round workshops and classes.

551 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-939-7862

Home to almost 1,000 wild animals native to Africa, Safari West is a unique 400-acre wildlife preserve that offers safari opportunities and luxurious overnight accommodation. Guided safari tours last approximately 3 hours, and visitors will have the chance to spot animals from more than 90 distinct species, including zebras, giraffes, cape buffalo, and ring-tailed lemurs. Anyone who would like to extend their stay can book a night in one of the on-site tents; the tents were imported from Africa, and each one includes a private viewing deck, an en suite bathroom, and a continental breakfast.

Safari West , 3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95404, Phone: 707-579-2551

Formerly known simply as Annadel State Park, Trione-Annadel State Park is tucked away near the northernmost edge of the Sonoma Valley. The 5,092-acre park is crisscrossed with 35 miles of hiking trails, but visitors should be aware that motorized vehicles are not allowed in the park and dogs, horses, and bicycles are only permitted on designated trails. Fishing is another popular activity here; Lake Ilsanjo is home to a large population of bluegill and black bass. The park is also known for putting on a show of beautiful wildflowers, particularly in the months of April and May.

6201 Channel Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95409, Phone: 707-539-3911

Charles M. Schulz is best known as the creator of the Peanuts comic strip, and the Charles M Schulz Museum & Research Center was created to memorialize his life's work. Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to marvel at the largest collection of original Peanuts artwork in the world, watch documentaries in the on-site theater, and even see a replica of Schulz's art studio. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays between the beginning of September and the end of May, and guided tours are available but must be made at least 3 weeks in advance.

2301 Hardies Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, Phone: 707-579-4452

Attractions for Couples

Located inside the rebuilt Northwestern Pacific depot building, the Depot Park Museum tells the story of the Sonoma Valley from the time before European settlement up to the present day. The museum offers both permanent and temporary exhibits; permanent exhibits include three historical train cars, a timeline of Chinese history in the area, and a display on the history of the area as a whole. An on-site book store sells small souvenirs and books on Sonoma history.

270 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-938-1762

Founded by well-known art collector Rene di Rosa, di Rosa is home to the world's biggest collection of significant modern and contemporary artworks done by Bay Area artists. Roughly 2,000 pieces of artwork are displayed in three different galleries, and hundreds of sculptures can be found in the Sculpture Meadow and scattered across the beautiful 200-acre di Rosa property. One of the galleries is open to drop-in visitors, but the rest of the galleries and the grounds can only be viewed as part of a guided tour. Tours last approximately 90 minutes, and advance reservations are highly recommended.

5200 Carneros Hwy, Napa, CA 94559, Phone: 707-226-5991

Erected in the 1850s by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Hooker, the General Joseph Hooker House has been carefully restored to the glory of its Civil War days. The pre-cut home was shipped over to America from Sweden, and Hooker only lived in it for a brief time before selling it to a woman named Catherine Vasquez and her husband Pedro. Over the years, the home has also served as a tea room and a library of historical records. A local winery is currently leasing the building, although the Sonoma League for Historic Preservation occasionally uses it for special events.

414 1st St E, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-938-0169

Recommended Attractions

One of six sites that make up Sonoma State Historic Park, General Vallejo's Home consists of a Gothic Victorian house and a number of outbuildings set on a beautifully landscaped 20-acre property. Vallejo named the property Lachryma Montis, Latin for “mountain tear,” in honor of the free-flowing spring found there; this spring is still one of the highlights of the property. Vallejo and his wife lived here for more than 35 years, and the building and grounds have been carefully maintained. Today, the home is open to the public and furnished with many of the Vallejo's own belongings.

Phone: 707-938-9559

Specializing in sparkling wines, Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves & Vineyard was the first winery in Carneros to plant champagne grape clones. The winery now boasts 335 acres of vineyards, but they're still tended by many of the people who helped to plant the very first grapes. Guided tours of the winery are offered three times a day, and the tasting room is open to the public every day of the week. Reservations are required for groups of seven or more, and the winery is also proud to offer experiences like food and wine pairings, glassware courses, and charming vineyard picnics.

23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476, Phone: 707-933-1917