Welcome to Like a Local, our series where travelers share their ideal long weekends. This time, Tessa shows how to do Sonoma—wine, food, and fun—with kids in tow.
Sonoma, affectionately known by locals as “Slow-noma,” offers a charming, laid-back pace that’s perfect for a relaxing weekend trip. While Wine Country isn’t typically known as a family destination, after spending time there with two toddlers, I’ve realized that Sonoma is a place people of all ages can (and should) enjoy. It’s one of our home bases when we visit the U.S., and a spot we never tire of exploring. Though Sonoma is a small town of roughly 11,000, it offers renowned food and wine while remaining down-to-earth and unpretentious.
Where to Stay
There’s a range of accommodations, from five-star resorts to more affordable options. The Inn at Sonoma is dog-friendly and conveniently located. However, with families, we typically enjoy staying in a house. For my sister’s wedding, we rented this Airbnb, which is the perfect location right next to the plaza, where anything you need is within walking distance. We also have enjoyed this property, which is more suitable for a larger group. It’s in a peaceful, woodsy setting just outside town and has a large fenced-in yard allowing parents to relax while the children roam free.
Where to Eat
Sonoma has no shortage of incredible eateries; we typically mix dining out with takeaway to enjoy eating outside. We usually start our day with a coffee (or mocha) at Baker and Cook—our go-to spot for breakfast and pastries. Their ham and cheese croissant and jam-filled doughnuts are a hit for parents and kids alike, and they’re perfect to bring to a nearby park. For somewhere closer to the plaza, Ohm Coffee Roasters is a great option that also happens to serve pastries from Baker and Cook.
A visit to The Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market, on Friday mornings is an excellent option if you want to pick up small bites and produce. My children always look forward to the crêpes and vendors usually give them food to taste. The market is situated next to a park with shuffleboard and train cars that make for a fun playground.
Michelin-star Italian chef Andrea Marino’s Salumeria Ovello is a must-visit. This small deli is just outside the plaza and has a well-curated selection of meats, cheeses, and daily specials. On every trip, we pick up a few porchetta sandwiches and a selection of meats for snacking.
On the other side of town is Lou’s Luncheonette, a Southern-inspired diner with ample outdoor space and activities for kids. We make sure to carve out time here to enjoy their mouth-watering brisket and fried chicken. We spend hours playing table tennis while the kids ride on toy tractors.
For something more central, Oso is an excellent option for families and is right in the heart of the plaza, offering a dynamic menu of shareable plates and al fresco dining. Pro tip: don’t skip the blood orange margarita.
Cafe La Haye, an American bistro prioritizing seasonal ingredients, has been around since 1996 and is a Sonoma institution. Initially, I hesitated to bring my kids here because of the intimate setting and the fact that it’s only open for dinner. However, the hospitality and thoughtful touches—like an off-menu meal for my son—made the evening enjoyable for us all.
Where to Go
Despite being known for wine, Sonoma has ample options for approachable places to go with little ones. One of my favorites is in the plaza: Darling Wines, a small, family-owned, minimal-intervention winery. Not only do they produce a phenomenal Syrah, but I also love the intention with which they craft their wines: sustainably and with an account for the surrounding ecosystem. They also gave my kids a basket of toys to play with while I enjoyed a short tasting with my mom, which felt doable with kids.
Gundlach Bundschu (‘Gun Bun’ to locals) is a Regenerative Organic Certified® family-owned winery and vineyard in Sonoma, producing wines since 1858. At two weeks old, this was the first winery my son ever visited. You’ll find seasonal bites and a beautiful sprawling estate with a family-friendly environment. Their sister winery, Abbot’s Passage, is run by Katie Bundschu, the first female winemaker in her family’s six-generation wine legacy. Set among the 80-year-old Zinfandel vines, the property features a tasting room, shuffleboard, seasonal grazing boards, and a curated mercantile with locally made goods.
While we enjoy exploring the various eateries in Sonoma, we also stay active and look for places for our kids to release their energy. The city park is in the center of town, the largest plaza of its kind in California. In between browsing shops, we make sure to stop at the park for the kids to explore, ride bikes, and feed the ducks. The park’s location makes it easy for one of the adults to sneak away for some shopping, all within a short walk. The square constantly has things going on. We were lucky enough to celebrate Halloween here, where the kids could go trick-or-treating at the local stores while we walked around with Frosés from SIGH.
For a more extensive walk, head to Bartholomew Park, which sits on 375 acres of vineyards, gardens, and forest. The park has beautiful views and a three-mile trail that winds through it. You can also arrange horseback riding through the Bartholomew Estate Winery.
For another kid-oriented activity, consider checking out TrainTown, a small amusement park that’s nostalgic for the entire family. Charlie’s Acres, a sanctuary for rescued animals, is also an excellent place for kids and animal lovers.
Our travel philosophy has always been to bring our kids to most experiences with us, and Sonoma feels like a place where it is possible and enjoyable. Despite what a lot of people think, Sonoma is laid-back and has something to enjoy for all generations. Whether having ice cream in the park or strolling through the vineyards with a stroller in tow, consider this a gentle reminder that travel doesn’t have to stop when kids come along.
Would you do Wine Country with kids?
