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Neighboring Napa Valley tends to get all the glory. But Sonoma County—wedged between Napa Valley and the Pacific Ocean—is
more geographically diverse and less tourist-y than Napa. You can travel 58 miles of rugged coastline—jeweled with pristine
beaches—with nothing but grazing cattle and sheep to block your view of the Pacific. Here are a few different ways to enjoy your trip:
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Sip your way along the Wine Road
Thanks to the wide variety of soil types and microclimates in this area, more than 25 different varieties of grapes are grown.
The easiest and most enjoyable way to sample the bounty of world-class chardonnays, pinot noirs, zinfandels and cabernets is
to follow the Russian River Wine Road. Home to more than 90 wineries, the “Wine Road” is really a network of country roads
winding through the Alexander, Dry Creek, Russian River valleys all the way to the Pacific in an area bounded north and south by
Cloverdale and Santa Rosa.. Request a free map at www.wineroad.com.
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Detox at Osmosis
Rated one of the “Top 10 Day Spas in America” by Travel & Leisure, this five-acre Zen-inspired retreat specializes in “cedar enzyme”
baths—a joint- and muscle-soothing heat treatment popular in Japan. The process begins with a cup of Japanese tea in a peaceful Japanese
garden. Then you’ll relax in a “mulch” of cedar fibers, rice bran and plant enzymes imported from Japan. As these ingredients begin to heat up,
your personal attendant will place cool cloths on your forehead as you perspire for a maximum of 20 minutes. Shower and indulge in a 75-minute
massage in a private creek-side pagoda.
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Surf, ‘comb, sun and seal-watch on Sonoma State Beach
Although separated by bluffs and rocky headlands, the necklace of beaches in the 10-mile stretch of coast from Bodega Bay to Jenner is known as
Sonoma Coast State Beach. It helps if you think of it as one beach with more than a dozen different personalities. Salmon Creek Beach, just north of
Bodega Bay is a popular surfing spot. From the lagoon at the mouth of Salmon Creek, nearly two miles of unbroken beach is perfect for walking,
surf fishing, beachcombing and picnicking. Shell Beach has great tide pools, starfish and mussel-encrusted rocks. Goat Rock Beach is home to a colony of
harbor seals. During the “pupping” season (March through August), park volunteers are available to help you see the pups from a safe distance.
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Sonoma written by Joyce Hadley Copeland. Joyce has been writing about
travel trends and vacation destinations for more than 20 years.
View all of Joyce's articles.
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