Fun Adventure Travel Experiences in Santa Rosa, California

Santa Rosa is a charming little city nestled in the hills of California's wine country. People consider this stunning area the little sister of Napa Valley.

However, just because you are headed to wine country, it does not mean you need to spend your entire vacation overindulging in drink. Santa Rosa has a lot more to offer and has become a favorite of outdoors enthusiasts and adventurers.

Here are five fun adventures to embark on when visiting Santa Rosa.

Ziplining through the Redwoods

One popular adventure is Ziplining through the Armstrong Redwoods. This tour is an excellent introduction to the nature of Sonoma County. You will learn fun facts about the redwood forest while having an exciting excursion.

Redwoods are unlike many other large trees that stand strong against the wind. Instead, they like to move with it. Imagine standing on a platform built into a Redwood tree towering a couple of hundred feet in the air, swaying back and forth with the wind. Standing on the zipline platform can give you an adrenaline rush.

The zipline course itself is epic. You will reach speed over 25 MPH while traveling a distance of up to 800 feet. Ziplining is a thrilling adventure that helps you discover the area you are visiting.

Camping and Hiking

For those who want to get in touch with the raw nature of Northern California, Santa Rosa is an excellent home base. It is surrounded by incredible landscapes that are perfect for hiking and camping. There are vast vineyards, thick forests and great bike trails that showcase the area's natural beauty.

One place I recommend visiting is Jack London State Historical Park. It is named after the famed outdoors-minded literary icon because this is where he lived and is buried.

A quick hike will take you to the crumbling remains of his stone estate covered in vines and moss as nature starts to claim it. After a visit to the estate, venture to see his grave. It is very fitting for the famed outdoor writer. There are no markings on his headstone. In fact, his headstone is not really a headstone at all, rather a huge unmarked boulder in the ground. You cannot help but to think that London himself would be honored by this tribute.

A few more great areas to hike in Santa Rosa are Annadel State Park, Hood Mountain Trail, and the Spring Lake Loop.

Bike to the Wine Tours

No trip to Santa Rosa is complete without trying at least a little wine. Santa Rosa is sprinkled with dozens of wineries and vineyards to enjoy.

Each one has its own distinct taste and flavor. The rich reds and crisp white wines in Santa Rosa are delicious.

I have done a lot of wine tastings. However, Santa Rosa offered an opportunity to mix wine, adventure, and exercise in a way I have never seen before. In Santa Rosa, you can do biking tours to different wineries. This is a fantastic experience because it lets you explore the beautiful trails, and nature while sampling the nectar of the gods.

Road Trips

Santa Rosa is in an ideal home base for people embarking on road trips around California. The city is less than an hour from the Pacific Coastal Highway, one of the most breathtaking roads in America. One highlight of the coastal road is Bodega Bay, a beautiful fishing village.

Santa Rosa is also only an hour away from San Francisco, so it is easy to take a day trip into the city to experience some of the famous sites and neighborhoods.

If you feel like taking a longer road trip, you can get to Big Sur within 4-5 hours. This is a remarkable State Park and worth the drive.

Go on a Safari

Did you know you can have your own African Safari in California? Embark on an unforgettable expedition through the Sonoma Serengeti. You will see herds of exotic wildlife, sleep in tents and star gaze while on this incredible journey.

Santa Rosa is a laid-back city in Northern California. This sleepy little area will entice you in with its beautiful landscapes and wineries.

However, it is also a place for outdoor and adventure lovers. Whether you are zipping through the trees, biking to world-class wineries, or driving the scenic coast; Santa Rosa is a fun and exciting place to visit.

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