Lake Sonoma
Healdsburg, CA
While most visitors to Sonoma are there for the wine-tasting experiences, the area offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures if you know where to look. Lake Sonoma is a prime spot for water activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. There's even a fish hatchery and visitor center that tells the story of how the lake was created during the building of the Warm Springs Dam.
The basics
Add a day at Lake Sonoma to your wine country visit, and you'll see why this area is admired as one of the most beautiful in California. With 50 miles (80 kilometers) of shoreline, there are trails for hiking and horseback riding where you can take in the rolling hills covered with grapevines. Boats are available for rent at the marina, and you'll find everything from 2-story pontoons to fishing boats and paddleboards.
Things to know before you go
There is a sandy beach in the Yorky Creek Recreation area, where you'll also find a playground and picnic facilities. This is located on the north side of the lake.
A few campgrounds are set on the shores of Lake Sonoma, including boat-in and RV sites.
The lake gets top marks for its year-round fishing and is thought of as one of the best spots in California to fish for bass.
You'll find natural history and cultural exhibits at the visitor center. Ranger-led tours of the fish hatchery are also available.
Stop at the Lake Sonoma Overlook for some stunning views.
How to get there
From San Francisco and points south, take Highway 101 north and exit at Dry Creek Road. Drive about 12 miles (19 kilometers) on Dry Creek Road until it turns into Skaggs Springs Road, and the lake is in sight. The lake is about 1.5 hours from San Francisco. To get to the swimming beach, drive from Cloverdale on Hot Springs Road, where you'll find the parking lot.
When to get there
The swimming beach can get quite crowded on hot weekends, so plan to arrive early or come on a weekday instead. The marina and boat launch also get busy during the summer, and watercraft rentals can book up early in the day. The area is popular in the fall, when the temps dip and the vineyards are harvested.
Things to do near Lake Sonoma
On a trip to Lake Sonoma from Geyserville, there are many wineries along the way, including Preston Farm and Winery, which has a tasting room and store that often sells olive oil, sourdough bread, and produce grown on-site. If you’re heading to The Ranch at Lake Sonoma for horseback riding, you can enjoy a post-ride drink and take in the property's view of the lake and rolling hills.
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