California's 'Off-Beat Destination For Creativity' Is An Unsung Art Town With Walkable Charm And Tasty Orchards

When you think of Sonoma County, wineries — and perhaps apple and plum orchards, too — probably spring to mind. And you wouldn't be wrong! Fortunately, along with world-class wine and agriculture, a visit to the city of Sebastopol will reward you with epic dining and shopping options, outdoor recreation, and artistic flair. Just 7 miles west of Santa Rosa and 55 miles north of downtown San Francisco, the city is easily reachable for either a day trip or a weekend jaunt in this breathtaking river valley in Sonoma County that boasts bold wines and scenic picnic spots.

Less than a half-hour drive from Guerneville, a summertime haven mixing redwoods, calm river waters, and vineyards, Sebastopol has a population of only a little more than 7,000 and combines the best of a thriving city with the friendly, local charm of a small town. It's inherently walkable, and the locals even have a name for it — "the PedLine." Stroll around town and you'll be spoiled for choice with the city's range of coffee houses, restaurants, bars, and shops that line about five blocks on and around Main Street. For your morning caffeine or sweet treat, check out Retrograde Coffee Roasters, Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, or artsy Coffee & Moore. 

For lunch, try the classic diner fare at Sebastopol Sunshine Cafe, get a retro drive-in experience at D's Diner, or grab a seat on the patio at Hole in the Wall Restaurant on the southern end of town. You'll also find more upscale or farm-to-table dining options like Goldfinch, The Redwood, Fern Bar, and Handline.

You're probably starting to get the idea that Sebastopol is a bit of a foodie paradise. Crooked Goat Brewing's taproom is home to excellent rotating beers and a delicious collaborative menu from three local restaurants also worth checking out in their own right: Acre Pizza, The Farmers Wife, and Osito Style Tacos. If you enjoy a good bourbon or gin, definitely make your way to award-winning Spirit Works distillery, founded by two well-traveled environmentalists who put organic ingredients and sustainable processes at the top of their priority list.

Make sure you check out The Barlow, a fantastic 12-acre food and shopping destination where handcrafted local wine and brews meet lovingly curated boutiques and crafts by local artisans. You'll soon even be able to make an overnight of it in the Barlow Hotel, which will feature a rooftop pool, a spa, and fine dining.

It's no surprise that Wine Country describes Sebastopol as an "off-beat destination for creativity," brimming with unique galleries and studios. Check out the eclectic trash-to-treasure sculptures of Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent at Patrick Amiot Junk Art, then pop over to the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, which hosts rotating exhibitions, a ceramics studio, an annual documentary film festival, classes, and other events. Check out Sebastopol Gallery and Lori Austin Gallery for expansive displays of art and crafts by regional, national, and international makers.

Sebastopol is popular for its hiking and biking routes, too, thanks to the West County Regional Trail, a 5.5-mile stretch of mostly-paved track that takes you by meadows, farms, and vineyards. Just outside of town, take your pick from trails in Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Laguna Uplands Preserve, and Laguna Wetlands Preserve.

For a historical twist on nature, visit groundbreaking horticulturist Luther Burbank's Gold Ridge Experiment Farm. Observe unique hybrid plants you won't find anywhere else in the world and learn about Burbank's creations of some produce and flowers we take for granted today, like many of California's plums and prunes, the Shasta Daisy, and more. History buffs, you also won't want to miss Sturgeon's Mill, a "working museum" keeping a steam-powered sawmill running strong after more than 100 years.

Of course, no visit to this Sonoma County gem would be complete without plucking some juicy fruit directly from the tree at Hales Apple Farm or Apple-a-Day Ranch or tasting some of the region's finest wines. Looking for underrated vineyards to visit in California? Iron Horse Vineyards is known for their sparkling varieties made entirely from estate-grown grapes. You'll want to try their up-and-coming chardonnay and pinot noir, too. Freeman Vineyard & Winery is nestled among redwood trees and hosts tastings in a cool wine cave. When in downtown, stop by Pax Wines for tastings, good eats, and live music every Friday night.

Once you've sipped to your heart's content and you're ready to relax somewhere cozy, drop your bags at the Fairfield Inn & Suites, the city's only hotel, or find more boutique options like Hotel La Rose or the Beaux-Arts' Hotel E, about 15 minutes east in Santa Rosa. This area boasts more vacation rentals than any other part of Sonoma County, so there's no shortage of charming home rentals to choose from in Sebastopol.