In light of recent events in the economy (Storm und Drung! Oh the humanity!) Inside-Sonoma has peered inside our empty wallet and come up with these free things to do in Wine Country.
Whether you are headed for Sonoma Valley, the Russian RIver Valley, Napa Valley or another valley entirely, here’s what to do that saves the scrilla:
1. Hike the Redwoods. Armstrong Woods has trees that are thousands of yeard old, hundreds of feet tall, and it won’t cost you a dime to see them. Simply park in the main parking lot and walk right in. The trail is clearly marked, and a short hike takes you to some picnic benches in a grove of ancient redwoods. Take out your lunch and enjoy your meal amongst sylvan splendor. To be a good sport, buy a postcard or something at the Visitor Center – those trails don’t maintain themselves.
2. Watch the whales. Head out to the coast, specifically Bodega Head, and you can see sea lions, all manner of birds, and if you are lucky, migrating whales. On weekends during migration season (January through May) docents with binoculars are there to point out the cetaceans as they swim along the coast with their young.
3. Wine taste. No seriously. There are still a few spots where you can taste for free. We aren’t going to publish the list here for fear of being swamped by indignant vintners and debauched bachelorettes, but if you go here, you can do the work yourself. List of Sonoma Wineries.
- Free
- Also free
- Possibly free, if you are smart
