Healdsburg is one of the most idyllic spots to spend a few days in all of California. It’s a larger village, so there’s a plethora of options for visitors who enjoy wine, food, lavishness, or nature. With a quaint downtown and a gorgeous countryside, you’ll likely start planning your return to Healdsburg before you even leave.

Where to Stay

Image Source: Yelp

Honor Mansion
891 Grove St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-4277
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 707 reviews
Check availability

If anyone ever thought true luxury was impossible to find north of San Francisco, one night at the Honor Mansion would set them straight – this inn has received the AAA 4 Diamond Award for 14 consecutive years. Thirteen sumptuous rooms exude elegance with fireplaces, large beds, and romantic bathtubs. Some rooms even feature hand-painted murals of cherubs hovering around the bed, which lends to the Old World aesthetic of the already-lavish accommodations.

Insider tip: If you can convince yourself to leave your room, Honor Mansion provides guests with some unique sporting opportunities, including competition croquet courts and a PGA-official putting green.

Image Source: Yelp

Madrona Manor
1001 Westside Rd.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-4231
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 244 reviews
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Madrona Manor is more removed from downtown Healdsburg, but the gorgeous bed and breakfast housed within the old Victorian home offers a refined wine country lodging. Eight acres of wooded grounds surround the manor, and the property is completely open to curious guests. Rooms are very spacious and feature antique furniture.

Insider tip: Madrona Manor is also home to a celebrated restaurant, but there is also a scaled-down lounge menu with upscale dishes like foie gras terrine and abalone.

Where to Eat

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Costeaux French Bakery
417 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-1913
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 460 reviews
Reservations: Not required

There are few better ways to start your trip in Healdsburg than with a quick culinary journey to France via the decadent pastries at Costeaux French Bakery. The excellent pastry chefs bake masterpieces including petit pecan pies, French silk raspberry cakes, and miniature eclairs. Along with baked goods and excellent coffee, the café serves sandwiches, egg dishes, and Bloody Marys.

Insider tip: The duck sandwich is a particularly opulent – and French – way to begin your day.

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Bear Republic Brewing Company
345 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-2337
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 350 reviews
Reservations: Not required

Based in Sonoma County, Bear Republic Brewing Company has a busy microbrewery and restaurant right in the middle of downtown Healdsburg. Bay Area natives might know the company for its flagship Racer 5 IPA, but they might be surprised to learn that the brewery has a delicious eatery with memorable pub grub. Not only is the beer guzzled down by patrons, it is used by the cooks in dishes like the barbecue pork sandwich and chicken wings.

Insider tip: The burgers are beloved by locals, but the wild game chili, made with antelope and wild boar, is always an intriguing choice.

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Baci Café & Wine Bar
336 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-8111
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 458 reviews
Reservations : Recommended

For a more upscale dining experience, head to Baci Cafe & Wine Bar in downtown Healdsburg, where traditional Italian cuisine is crafted with all-local ingredients. The dining room is modern and minimalist, but the wine list is very long. The crowd can get noisy as they chow down on housemade pasta, conjuring images of any bustling osteria in Tuscany.

Insider tip: Those with a hearty appetite will enjoy the combination platters, which take entrees like veal parmesan or ossobuco and serve them with heaping portions of risotto or pasta.

Things to Do

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Healdsburg Museum
221 Matheson St.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 431-3325
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 14 reviews

The Healdsburg Museum, housed in a former library built in 1910, features several exhibits focusing on the history and environment of Healdsburg and Sonoma County. The free museum hosts revolving art exhibits such as “Small World: Tiny Toys and All Things Miniature.” It’s a great starting point to understanding the culture of Northern California’s wine country.

Insider tip: The museum is just a block away from two winery tasting rooms, Williamson Wines and Topel Winery and Tasting Room.

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Wine Country Walking Tour
1083 Vine St., Ste. 182
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 758-4725
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 191 reviews

Get some exercise as you sample different local wines and cuisine during a Wine Country Walking Tour through downtown Healdsburg. The service offers several different tours on a rotating schedule, with some focusing on new eateries and others centered around the season. Expect engaging guides who fully immerse you in the tastes and history of the region.

Insider tip: Pick the brain of tour guide and co-founder Harold, who loves to share local stories and history.

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The Wine Carriage
Lytton Springs Rd. & U.S. 101
Geyserville, CA 95441
(707) 849-8989
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 73 reviews

Ditch the car and hop in a horse-drawn carriage for five mile tour throughout the vineyards surrounding Healdsburg. Each trip aboard The Wine Carriage includes a select tasting at three different wineries. Pulled along by two Belgian draft horses, riders see parts of Sonoma County rarely experienced by those using more modern transportation.

Insider tip: The carriages are more spacious than your think—easily seating up to a group of eight—so don’t be hesitant so book a group tour.

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Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve
Arabian Way
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 565-7360
TripAdvisor: 4 stars, 7 reviews

With breathtaking views of the Russian River and miles of hiking trails, Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve is a relaxing way to spend a few hours away from the busyness of downtown Healdsburg or the nearby wineries. It’s also a great location to see some of the local wildflowers such as hound’s tongue and California buttercups, depending on the season.

Insider tip: Head to the popular Russian River Overlook to see views of Fitch Mountain Bend.

There’s far too many things to do in Healdsburg than can be packed into a single weekend. Do what you can, then make plans to come back soon.

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Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.