Sonoma County
Business & Community Guide
Your local resource for businesses, services, events, and everything that makes Sonoma County an extraordinary place to live and visit.
Browse our local business directories for cities and communities across Sonoma County, California.
Located in Northern California’s famous Wine Country, Sonoma County is the northernmost county in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. Roughly 45 minutes north of San Francisco, the county spans over 1,500 square miles, from inland valleys to 76 miles of Pacific coastline.
County Seat: Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa is the largest city in the county with approximately 175,000 residents. It serves as the hub for county services, healthcare, shopping, and cultural venues. The city offers everything from redwood parks to a thriving downtown restaurant scene.
Wine Country Capital
Sonoma County is home to more than 500 wineries across 19 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley. It’s one of California’s top wine-producing regions.
Stunning Natural Beauty
From the Pacific Coast at Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast to ancient redwood groves at Armstrong Woods, the county’s landscape is extraordinary. The Russian River winds through farmland and forest, offering swimming, kayaking, and camping.
Agriculture & Farming
Beyond wine, Sonoma County is celebrated for organic produce, dairy, and sustainable farming. The fertile land supports a world-class farm-to-table culinary scene found throughout the county’s restaurants and farmers markets.
Sonoma County has 9 incorporated cities plus dozens of unique unincorporated communities, each with its own character and charm.
ποΈ Santa Rosa
County seat and largest city. Home to major hospitals, Sonoma State University nearby, cultural venues, and a vibrant downtown. Gateway to wine country and redwood parks. Pop. ~175,000.
π· Petaluma
32 miles north of San Francisco, Petaluma features a beautifully preserved Victorian downtown, boutique shops, craft breweries, and a renowned dining scene. A popular commuter hub with small-town charm.
π Rohnert Park
Home to Sonoma State University and the Green Music Center. Features Graton Resort & Casino and a friendly suburban atmosphere. Midway between Santa Rosa and Petaluma on US-101.
βͺ City of Sonoma
A historic wine-country town centered around a beautiful Mission-era Plaza. Surrounded by acclaimed wineries and tasting rooms. The Mission San Francisco de Solano is a must-see landmark.
π‘ Windsor
A family-friendly planned community with a lively Town Green hosting concerts, markets, and festivals. Known as one of the safest cities in Sonoma County with top-rated schools and quality housing.
π· Healdsburg
Upscale wine-country town 65 miles north of San Francisco. Surrounded by Dry Creek and Alexander Valley AVAs. World-class dining, boutique hotels, and a charming central plaza define this destination.
π Sebastopol
Known for its progressive culture and small-town charm. Formerly the heart of apple orchards β wine grapes now dominate β Sebastopol hosts the annual Gravenstein Apple Fair. 20 minutes west of Santa Rosa.
π· Cotati
Known as the “Hub” of Sonoma County, Cotati features a unique historic hexagonal plaza and a Central European-style layout. A small, welcoming city adjacent to Rohnert Park and Sonoma State.
πΏ Cloverdale
The northernmost city in Sonoma County. A quiet, scenic community known for its peaceful pace, affordable housing, beautiful valley landscapes, and access to the Alexander Valley wine region.
Unincorporated Communities
Key government agencies, departments, and public services serving Sonoma County residents.
ποΈ County Government
Sonoma County Official Website Board of Supervisors County Departments Directory Permit & Resource Management Registrar of Voters / Elections AssessorβRecorderβCounty Clerkπ Public Safety
Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office Santa Rosa Police Department Santa Rosa Fire Department Sonoma County Emergency / OES Petaluma Police Department District Attorney’s Officeπ« Education
Sonoma County Office of Education Santa Rosa Junior College Sonoma State University Santa Rosa City Schools Sonoma Valley Unified SD Sonoma County Libraryπ Transportation
SMART Train (Rail Transit) Sonoma County Transit (Bus) CityBus β Santa Rosa Golden Gate Transit (SF Service) Petaluma Transit Caltrans β Road ConditionsπΏ Parks & Environment
Sonoma County Regional Parks California State Parks Sonoma Land Trust Environmental Health Services Santa Rosa UtilitiesSonoma County has multiple hospitals and a robust network of clinics serving residents across the region. Santa Rosa is the primary medical hub.
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital
A major regional medical center in Santa Rosa offering a full range of services including trauma, cardiac care, cancer treatment, and a 24/7 emergency room. Part of Providence Health System.
St. Joseph Health / Providence βKaiser Permanente Santa Rosa
Large integrated healthcare facility in Santa Rosa providing hospital services, specialty clinics, and primary care for Kaiser members in the greater North Bay area.
Kaiser Permanente βSutter Health β Santa Rosa
Regional hospital and clinic network affiliated with Sutter Health, providing inpatient and outpatient services including surgery, maternity, and specialty care.
Sutter Health βSonoma Valley Hospital
Located at 347 Andrieux St. in the City of Sonoma, this community hospital includes an emergency room and intensive care unit serving the Sonoma Valley.
Sonoma Valley Hospital βPetaluma Valley Hospital
Serving southern Sonoma County, Petaluma Valley Hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, and inpatient care close to the US-101 corridor.
St. Joseph Health βHealdsburg District Hospital
A community hospital in Healdsburg serving the northern wine country region including Alexander Valley, Geyserville, and surrounding communities.
Healdsburg Hospital βAliados Health β Community Clinics
A network of community health centers with 37 sites across Sonoma County in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Healdsburg, Cloverdale, and more. Serves all patients regardless of ability to pay.
Aliados Health βSonoma County Behavioral Health
County-operated mental health and substance use disorder services including crisis intervention, outpatient treatment, and community support programs.
Behavioral Health βπ Emergency & Urgent Resources
Sonoma County voters have twice approved open space funding initiatives, preserving forested areas, coastal habitat, and natural areas for generations to come.
Armstrong Redwoods SNR
Ancient coastal redwoods soar 300+ feet in this beloved state natural reserve near Guerneville. Family-friendly trails wind through old-growth groves. One of Sonoma County’s most iconic natural treasures.
Safari West Wildlife Preserve
A private wildlife sanctuary near Santa Rosa home to nearly 1,000 animals including giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and exotic birds. Guided safari tours available β one of Wine Country’s most unique experiences.
Sonoma Coast State Park
Stretching 17 miles of dramatic Pacific coastline from Bodega Bay to Jenner. Rocky sea stacks, secluded beaches, hiking trails, whale watching, and seal pupping areas at the Russian River mouth.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Over 25 miles of trails in the Mayacamas Mountains with sweeping valley views. Excellent stargazing at an onsite observatory. Good wildflower displays in spring. Near Kenwood in Sonoma Valley.
Russian River Recreation
The Russian River offers summer swimming, kayaking, and canoeing through redwoods and vineyards. Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville is a beloved gathering spot with rentals and family recreation.
Cycling in Wine Country
Over 1,400 miles of secondary roads and off-road trails make Sonoma County a cyclist’s paradise. Route options range from coastal loops to winery-to-winery tours through Dry Creek and Alexander Valley.
With over 19 golf courses set among vineyards, rolling hills, and coastal scenery, Sonoma County is a golfer’s destination.
β³ Bennett Valley Golf Course
Public 18-hole course in Santa Rosa nestled among hills and oak trees. An accessible community course with great views.
β³ Oakmont Golf Club
Two courses in the Oakmont 55+ community east of Santa Rosa β West and East. Lovely setting in the hills of the Sonoma Valley.
β³ Adobe Creek Golf Course
Public 18-hole course in Petaluma on scenic flatlands near the Petaluma River. Popular with South County golfers.
β³ Rooster Run Golf Club
Highly-rated public course in Petaluma with a links-style layout on open terrain. Excellent value and well-maintained fairways.
β³ Foxtail Golf Club
Two courses (North and South) in Rohnert Park offering championship-level play with a welcoming atmosphere for all skill levels.
β³ Windsor Golf Club
Public 18-hole course in Windsor surrounded by vineyards. Casual and friendly with a beautiful natural setting in the Russian River Valley.
β³ Sebastopol Golf Course
A classic 9-hole executive course perfect for beginners and those seeking a relaxed round near the charming town of Sebastopol.
β³ Bodega Harbour Golf Links
A spectacular links-style Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course on the Pacific coast near Bodega Bay. Ocean views on nearly every hole.
β³ Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club
Private club with a championship course in west Santa Rosa. Long-established club with a strong local membership community.
β³ Fountaingrove Club
Private 18-hole course in the hills of northeast Santa Rosa. Stunning elevation changes and panoramic views over the Santa Rosa Plain.
Sonoma County’s 76 miles of Pacific coastline offer dramatic beauty, secluded coves, wildlife, and legendary surf. All beaches were ranked among the cleanest in California.
Bodega Bay
The county’s main coastal village is known for fishing, whale watching, harbor seals, and sandy Doran Beach. The dramatic Bodega Head is a must-see overlook for coastal views and whale watching JanβMay.
Salmon Creek Beach
A beautiful sandy beach just north of Bodega Bay, popular for surfing and beachcombing. Part of Sonoma Coast State Park, offering wide open ocean views and dune habitat.
Goat Rock & Jenner
Where the Russian River meets the Pacific, harbor seals haul out on the sand bar at Goat Rock Beach β a remarkable wildlife viewing opportunity. Jenner overlooks offer sweeping coastal panoramas.
Shell Beach & Tide Pools
Located within Sonoma Coast State Park, Shell Beach offers excellent tide pool exploration with sea stars, anemones, and marine life in rocky intertidal zones. Spectacular at low tide.
Doran Regional Park
The most accessible beach in Bodega Bay with camping, boat launch, and calm bay waters. Excellent birdwatching in the salt marsh and some of the county’s best clamming.
Sea Ranch & Walk-On Beaches
The dramatic planned community of Sea Ranch along the northern Sonoma Coast offers several public walk-on trail access points to secluded coastal bluffs and hidden beaches.
Sonoma County is home to 500+ wineries across 19 American Viticultural Areas. Whether you prefer bold Zinfandels from Dry Creek, elegant Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley, or classic Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast β there’s a pour for every palate.
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
A world-famous estate in Geyserville blending Hollywood glamour with world-class wine. Features a swimming pool, bocce courts, movie memorabilia, and exceptional Rubicon wines. A full resort-style experience.
Benziger Family Winery
A certified biodynamic estate on Glen Ellen’s Sonoma Mountain. Tram tours through estate vineyards explain the unique farming philosophy. A standout for wine education and sustainable agriculture.
Korbel Champagne Cellars
America’s leading producer of California champagne, located in a historic ivy-covered facility in Guerneville. Tours of the historic brandy cellars and beautiful antique rose garden are highlights.
Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate
Stunning estate in Fulton with award-winning wines and a culinary garden matching varietals to food. The KJ hospitality experience is one of the best in Northern California wine country.
Sonoma Plaza & Downtown Wineries
The historic Sonoma Plaza is surrounded by tasting rooms, boutique hotels, and restaurants. Walk from the Mission to a dozen tasting rooms β an iconic wine country experience for first-time visitors.
Healdsburg Tasting Rooms
Downtown Healdsburg’s charming central plaza is lined with outstanding tasting rooms from Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River producers. An upscale, walkable wine destination.
πΊοΈ Sonoma County Wine Regions (AVAs)
Beyond wine, Sonoma County offers an extraordinary range of experiences β wildlife, arts, history, culinary adventures, and outdoor thrills.
Safari West
A 400-acre African wildlife preserve in the hills north of Santa Rosa, home to nearly 1,000 exotic animals. Open-vehicle safari tours and unique glamping tents for an unforgettable overnight.
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
The historic Santa Rosa home and experimental gardens of legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank. A California State Historic Landmark with guided tours and beautifully maintained grounds.
Green Music Center (SSU)
A world-class performing arts venue at Sonoma State University in Rohnert Park. The acoustically acclaimed Weill Hall and lawn stage host national and international performers year-round.
Sonoma State Historic Park
The last of California’s 21 Franciscan missions and birthplace of the Bear Flag Republic. The Sonoma Barracks and Mission San Francisco de Solano tell the story of early California history.
Graton Resort & Casino
The Bay Area’s premier gaming and entertainment destination in Rohnert Park, operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. Features world-class dining, a spa, and over 3,000 gaming positions.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Sonoma County is a culinary paradise. From Michelin-starred spots in Healdsburg and the girl & the fig in Sonoma to fresh seafood shacks on the coast, the farm-to-table culture here is unmatched.
Sonoma County Fair
Held annually in late July at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, this beloved fair features livestock competitions, live entertainment, carnival rides, local food, and wine exhibitions.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
A legendary spa resort in Boyes Hot Springs near the City of Sonoma. Natural artesian mineral hot springs feed the luxurious pools and spa facilities at this celebrated wine country retreat.
Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime resident, here are key resources for everyday life in Sonoma County.