Rolling, oak-covered hills laced with old vine vineyards and modern wineries make the Sonoma Valley one of the top places to road trip in California.
That’s saying something because let’s be honest here, California is one of the most beautiful and stunning places in the entire country and there’s plenty of competition for the best road trips in California. From soaring mountains to stretched-out beaches, California really does seem to have it all, yet the Sonoma Valley stands alone as a truly must-see destination.
What many people don’t realize is that the Sonoma Valley is known for way more than wine tours and bike tours. Yes, this stunning landscape that’s one of the top wine-producing regions in the entire world also happens to have some world-class driving roads that snake their way through this dramatic landscape. Oh, and Sonoma also happens to have a world-renowned race track tucked away in those dramatic hills as well.
The Open Road team is always on the lookout for the next best location to provide supercar driving thrills and after a recent visit to the Sonoma Valley, we wanted to provide some must-see stops for your next California driving tour.
Navarro Point Preserve and Scenic Trail
If you want to feel like you’re truly on the edge of the continent, then the Navarro Point Preserve and Scenic Trail is a must-see stop on your next California driving tour.
Located just off Highway 1 in the tiny town of Albion, the Navarro Point Preserve instantly transports you back in time. For miles and miles, there is nothing to see but the beauty and splendor of nature at its absolute finest. Seaside meadows sit atop bluffs that overlook the spot where the Navarro River empties into the vast Pacific Ocean. Not only is the destination absolutely stunning, but the process of getting there is, well, breathtaking.
Highway 1 through Mendocino county is one of those once-in-a-lifetime drives. Coming in from the East offers a stunning change in landscape as Highway 1 careens over the rolling hills and breaks free as you near the coast and the Navarro Point Preserve.
Although the trail to the bluff is only 1.2 miles long, there is plenty to see in a very short period of time. Take a picnic, take a seat and just enjoy it.
Sea Ranch (Highway 1)
If you’re in the San Francisco or Sonoma Valley areas, you owe yourself a road trip to Sea Ranch.
Located along the Sonoma County coastline’s most Northerly portion, the Sea Ranch is a tiny planned community with a distinct California spirit. The Sea Ranch stretches for about ten miles in one of the most scenic sections of California’s Central Coast. Most homes in the area are vacation rentals and visitors enjoy everything from world-renowned golf courses to quaint eateries.
Sea Ranch is about 100 miles North of San Francisco, and about 2 hours Northwest of Sonoma Valley, making it easily accessible for a day’s drive. As quaint and idyllic as the town itself is, much of the allure of Sea Ranch is the drive there. Whether coming in over the beautiful coastal foothills from Sonoma or driving up the winding awe of Highway 1, the drive into Sea Ranch is unreal.
Enjoy the drive and the destination with this epic California road trip location.
Lake Sonoma Recreation Area
Located just off Highway 128 (itself an iconic drive) and Highway 101, Lake Sonoma Recreation Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Head north from the Sonoma / Santa Rosa area toward the old hot springs town of Geyserville along Highway 128. Along this stretch of road, you’ll wind through vineyard after vineyard (over 100 to be exact). Stop in the tiny town of Geyserville, and explore the Victorian-themed downtowns of Cloverdale and Healdsburg. Finally, at the end of the road, you’ll take a quick left to stay on 128 and wind your way up the oak-studded hills around Lake Sonoma.
Lake Sonoma and the surrounding recreation area offer over 8000 acres of a pristine lake that’s ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking, or SUP usage. Grab a picnic lunch in nearby Geyserville, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lake.
The Sonoma Valley Is Better In A Supercar
From rugged beaches to rolling hills dotted with oak trees and stunning lakes, the Sonoma area is one of the most scenic areas in the entire state of California. The only thing better than driving these roads on your next California road trip is doing it behind the wheel of a bonafide supercar. Sounds like a dream? Open Road by Xtreme Xperience is here to make this dream a reality.
You’ll have the opportunity to drive a variety of different supercars on the stunning roads of Sonoma Valley during a California driving tour that’s catered to the driving enthusiast. You’ll stop and appreciate the splendor of the Sonoma Valley as you blast through in cars from brands like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. From a one-day adventure to luxury destinations and multi-night stops at some of the finest hotels in the world, there’s something for every driving enthusiast.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your Open Road to adventure today!
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