Santa Rosa’s top tours offer practical ways to experience Sonoma County‘s celebrated wine country and natural wonders. The most worthwhile options include small-group wine tours that visit 3-4 carefully selected wineries, letting you skip the planning while a designated driver handles the logistics. For active travelers, guided bike tours through the vineyards provide exercise and excellent photo stops, while horseback rides offer a memorable perspective of the valley.
I especially love the kayak tours along the Sonoma Coast for their combination of wildlife viewing and scenic beauty. The 2-day Redwood National Park tour, though pricier, delivers tremendous value with its expert naturalist guides and immersion in California’s most magnificent forest.
Let’s explore the best tours in Santa Rosa worth your time and money.
Key Points
- Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour offers a personalized exploration of California’s wine country on horseback with stunning views from Skaggs Vista.
- Russian River Kayak Tour provides a guided kayaking experience on the Sonoma Coast with opportunities to see local wildlife.
- Sonoma Wine Rides offers group wine tasting tours to three wineries in Sonoma County with a customizable charcuterie lunch.
- Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour is a half-day adventure covering 12 miles through scenic landscapes with visits to 2-3 wineries.
- Redwood National Park Tour is a 2-day private tour package with hotel accommodation, transportation, and lunch included.
Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour
The Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour offers adventurous travelers a chance to explore the stunning wine country of California on horseback. The tour includes gentle rides along the Southlake Trail and breathtaking views from Skaggs Vista, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Mt. St. Helena.
With a small group limited to six participants, the experience is highly personalized. Reviewers rave about the tour, with a 99% recommendation rate and an overall rating of 4.9 stars. Travelers praise the well-trained horses, knowledgeable guides, and the stunning natural scenery.
The tour includes a helmet, bottled water, parking fees, and optional alcoholic drinks, though transportation isn’t provided. To participate, guests must be at least 12 years old, under 225 lbs, and have moderate physical fitness.
Closed-toed shoes and long pants are recommended, and no bags or backpacks are allowed during the ride. Prices start at $129 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Sonoma Horseback-Riding Tour Review
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Russian River Kayak Tour at the Beautiful Sonoma Coast
Kayakers seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of the Sonoma Coast will find the Russian River Kayak Tour a captivating experience. Recommended by 100% of travelers, this 5-star tour provides a unique perspective of the Pacific Ocean through guided kayaking.
Participants can expect to mingle with local wildlife, including the possibility of spotting whales, seals, and a variety of birds. With a maximum group size of 12, the tour ensures a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides who prioritize safety.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks, lunch, and bottled water, with gratuities covered. Participants should come prepared with water shoes, a change of clothes, and an extra layer, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Due to COVID-19, guests are encouraged to bring their own lunch or visit local cafes. Reviews highlight the tour’s beautiful scenery, educational content, and the overall peacefulness and enjoyment of the kayaking experience.
Read our full review: Russian River Kayak Tour at the Beautiful Sonoma Coast Review
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Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours
For travelers seeking a relaxed and educational wine tasting experience in Sonoma County, Sonoma Wine Rides offers join-in group tours that showcase the region’s renowned local wines.
The tours include visits to three wineries in Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, or Russian River Valley, where guests can enjoy tastings of red and white wines paired with a customizable charcuterie lunch.
Featuring 122 reviews with a 4.9 overall rating and a 99% traveler recommendation rate, the tours provide all-day transportation, eliminating the hassle of driving.
Pickup and drop-off services are available from various locations, and the tour concludes after the last tasting experience.
While the tours aren’t wheelchair accessible, they’re suitable for most participants, with a maximum of 12 travelers per group.
Guests have praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, the enjoyable winery visits, and the excellent charcuterie lunch, though some have requested sweeter wines and varied winery selections.
Read our full review: Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours Review
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Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour
As an excellent option for travelers seeking a unique and immersive experience in Sonoma’s picturesque wine country, the Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour offers a half-day adventure exploring the region’s scenic landscapes and renowned wineries.
Operated by Ace It Bike Tours, the tour covers 12 miles of flat, paved trails and country roads, showcasing iconic redwood trees, local farm animals, and murals. Travelers will visit 2-3 wineries in the Russian River Valley region, with the opportunity to enjoy 2-for-1 tastings.
The tour also provides highlights of Sonoma’s viticultural history from a knowledgeable local guide. With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour ensures a personalized and relaxed experience.
Geared towards most travelers, the tour includes high-quality bikes, helmets, and water. While tasting fees and gratuities aren’t included, the tour’s 5.0 rating based on over 25 reviews suggests it’s a fantastic way to take in Sonoma’s wine country.
Read our full review: Sonoma Wine Country Bike Tour Review
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Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour Through North Sonoma County
Travelers seeking an immersive and intimate exploration of North Sonoma County’s renowned wineries can embark on the Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour. This highly-rated excursion boasts a 97% recommendation rate from past participants and a Badge of Excellence from Santa Rosa, USA.
The tour offers visits to three world-class wineries, where guests can learn about the region’s rich wine history and culture from a knowledgeable local guide. The small-group format, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensures a personalized experience.
The tour includes transportation by shuttle, a picnic lunch, and bottled water, making it a seamless and convenient day out.
Though tasting fees at each winery are an additional cost, the overall experience is praised for its quality, from the beautiful wineries to the engaging activities. Guests appreciate the opportunity to connect with others and deepen their understanding of winemaking.
With a flexible schedule and easy booking, the Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour is an excellent choice for a memorable Sonoma County adventure.
Read our full review: Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour Through North Sonoma County Review
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Redwood National Park Tour 2-Day Private Tour Package Hotel Included
The Redwood National Park Tour 2-Day Private Tour Package Hotel Included offers an immersive adventure into the heart of California’s redwood forests.
This 2-day private tour, priced from $2,248 per person, departs from San Francisco and includes pickup/drop-off, all taxes, 1 night of hotel accommodation, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, Redwood NP entrance fees, and lunch.
Travelers will be picked up from their selected meeting points in San Francisco, Fisherman’s Wharf, or Sausalito, with the tour starting at 8:00 am.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is unsuitable for passengers with disabilities, as the vehicles aren’t equipped for such transport. Guests should have a moderate level of physical fitness.
While tips/gratuities are voluntary, meals (except lunch) aren’t included.
Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, and the tour is non-refundable with no refunds for cancellations.
With a 5-star review and total reviews based on Viator and Tripadvisor, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in the majestic Redwood National Park.
Read our full review: Redwood National Park Tour 2-Day Private Tour Package Hotel Included Review
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The Sum Up
Santa Rosa offers a variety of captivating tours, from horseback riding and kayaking to wine tasting and exploring the majestic Redwoods. Visitors can enjoy the region’s natural beauty, rich history, and renowned wine country. Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Santa Rosa has something to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences.