Healdsburg has long been a destination for tourists looking to explore the wine regions in the area, but this darling village has undergone a transformation over the past few years. Today, a visit to this picturesque town means access to hip restaurants, cool cafes, and eclectic boutiques. Check out our guide for the ultimate weekend experience.
Where to Stay
Image Source: Yelp
H2 Hotel
219 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-2202
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 405 reviews
Eco-friendly H2 Hotel is just a one-minute walk from the plaza. This boutique hotel is charming and LEED-certified, offering 36 modern and sleek rooms with an organic and sustainable design.
Insider tip: Plan for at least one meal at the hotel’s restaurant, the chic and sophisticated Spoonbar. Expect elevated takes on rustic cuisine like meyer lemon ricotta gnudi pasta, and herb-roasted black angus tenderloin.
Image Source: Yelp
Haydon Street Inn
321 Haydon Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 395-6548
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 364 reviews
For a home-away-from-home experience, stay at historic Haydon Street Inn. Housed in a 1912 Queen Anne Victorian just blocks from the Sonoma Plaza, this luxurious bed and breakfast is well appointed and offers a gourmet breakfast.
Insider tip: Ask about the property’s new wood-fired pizza oven. Proprietor John Harasty is a former executive chef and will be pairing fresh pizza at some of the wine tastings that are held on-site.
Where to Taste
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Dry Creek Vineyard
3770 Lambert Bridge Road
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-1000
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 421 reviews
Taste at the second-generation, family-owned Dry Creek Vineyard, the first new winery built in Dry Creek Valley following prohibition. This beautiful property is a relaxing spot to enjoy some Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. Ask to try the Mariner, a 91-point red wine blend with flavors of red fruit and dark chocolate.
Insider tip: Pop by Dry Creek General Store beforehand, and grab some sandwiches to take to the vineyard
Image Source: Yelp
J Vineyards
11447 Old Redwood Highway
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(888) 594-6326
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 152 reviews
Enter J Vineyards by walking under the trellised archway. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy some sparkling wine in the Bubble Room, or head to the terrace to enjoy some Pinot Noir and Vin Gris paired with small bites. The vibe is low-key, yet elegant.
Insider tip: To learn about the process of making sparkling wine, sign up for the J Tour and Tasting and take a behind-the-scenes look at the production techniques.
Image Source: Yelp
Cast Wines
8500 Dry Creek Road
Geyserville, CA 95441
(707) 431-1225
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 37 reviews
Located in nearby Geyserville, Cast Wines offers a smaller, more intimate experience than many of the neighboring wineries. Tastings are held on the terrace where visitors taste through four of the current releases while enjoying the bucolic scenery.
Insider tip: After tasting, head to lunch at Diavola Pizzeria for wood-fired pizza and house-cured salumi.
Where to Dine
Image Source: Flying Goat Coffee, Yelp
Flying Goat Coffee
324 Center Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-9081
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 182 reviews
For a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, grab a cup of coffee and a croissant at bright and airy Flying Goat Coffee just off of Healdsburg Plaza.
Insider tip: Non-dairy coffee drinks and gluten-free baked goods are available.
Image Source: Yelp
Chalkboard
29 North Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 473-8030
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 256 reviews
Enjoy seasonal small plates and creative craft cocktails at this hot spot just off Healdsburg Plaza. The cuisine is inventive and the restaurant has a stylish, modern vibe. The pork belly biscuits are always a favorite.
Insider tip: Consider indulging in the “candy bar” dessert, a yummy concoction of peanut crunch, brownie, nougat ice cream, and caramel. Or perhaps a maple bacon glazed donut for a combination of salty and sweet.
Image Source: Dry Creek Vineyard, Yelp
Dry Creek Kitchen
317 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-0330
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 655 reviews
Dry Creek Kitchen is Healdsburg’s quintessential Wine Country dining destination. Elevated and elegant, the experience is always the perfect marriage of impeccable service and top-notch new American cuisine crafted by owner and chef Charlie Palmer.
Insider tip: For a true night of indulgence, consider the five-course tasting menu.
Image Source: Yelp
Mateo’s Cocina Latina
214 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-1520
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 183 reviews
After a day of wine tasting, relax al fresco on the garden patio of Mateo’s Cocina Latina, where Chef Mateo’s unique blend of Yucatán roots are accented with French flourishes, brought together in locally sourced dishes.
Insider tip: After dinner, go for dessert at Noble Folk Pie and Ice Cream, where creative craft ice cream is paired with housemade pie.
Image Source: Yelp
SHED
25 North Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-7433
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 181 reviews
SHED is a modern and stylish destination for shopping and dining, attracting foodies, coffee addicts, and gardeners alike: the intersection of Healdsburg’s rural and and urban offerings. Schedule enough time to peruse the cool mix of products and great food in this hip, airy space, and stay for lunch at the cafe and sit outside among the growing greens featured on the menu.
Insider tip: Check out the interesting housemade ice cream flavors, like carrot turmeric.
Things to Do
Image Source: River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe Trips, Yelp
River’s Edge Kayak and Canoe Trips
13840 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-7247
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 34 reviews
Take in the serene beauty of the Russian River with a kayaking trip from River’s Edge. Expect lots of wildlife sightings and plenty of beaches to bank at along the way.
Insider tip: After an afternoon of adventure, head to Bear Republic Brewery for a flight of beer and brewpub fare.
Image Source: Yelp
Studio Bel Vetro
1441 Grove Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(617) 686-4194
Contemporary art lovers and designers will love Studio Bel Vetro’s showroom, where artisan glass and lighting fixtures are on display. Everything is handmade, including custom, expertly crafted light fixtures ranging from table lamps to authentically designed Venetian-style Reticello decorative chandeliers.
Insider tip: If you’re in the market for a one-of-a-kind piece, talk to the designers about a custom order.
Image Source: Punch Clothing, Yelp, Facebook
Punch Clothing
711 4th Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 526-4766
Boutique Punch Clothing specializes in current women’s fashion trends in designer clothing and accessories. The focus is on quality, well-made goods like leather goods and cotton, all made in the USA.
Insider tip: Costeaux French Bakery is just a block away. Head north to stop by for some French-style pastries after shopping.
It’s not likely you can get your fill with just one visit to picturesque Healdsburg. Try to take in as much of the scenery, cuisine, and wine tasting as this visit permits, then start planning to come back soon. There’s plenty to do in this idyllic, Wine Country town.