Located in the heart of Sonoma County wine country, Healdsburg combines small-town charm with world-class views and wines. The town of 11,275 people sits at the junction of the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley wine regions. Restaurants, shops, tasting rooms, galleries and bars line its famous square. Flowing along the east side of the city, the Russian River invites people to wade in on hot summer days to swim or float.
Here are some local spots visitors should add to their agenda.
Eat Drink:
The Matheson: To escape the crowds of the square, head to Roof 106, the third-floor lounge and bar that’s part of the Matheson. Cocktails and meals are on a first come, first served basis. The main restaurant occupies the ground floor. There’s also a self-serve wine wall with wines on tap adjacent to the restaurant for those who prefer to stay on the go.
Location: 106 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
Hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 12pm-10pm, Friday to Sunday
More information: 707-723-1106, https://www.thematheson.com
Costeaux French Bakery: Founded in 1923, Costeaux French Bakery is one of the oldest bakeries in the county where customers will find award-winning artisan bread, buttery croissants, classic chocolate chip cookies and St. Honoré cakes topped with rum and cream candies. Diners can enjoy bistro cuisine for breakfast or lunch or sip an espresso in the popular cafe or on the alfresco terrace.
Location: 417 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg
Hours: 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday
More information: 707-433-1913, https://www.costeaux.com
Tuesdays in the Plaza: The city’s weekly summer concerts in Healdsburg Plaza take place from 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday through the end of August. Here you will find amorous entertainment and food vendors.
Location: Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, Healdsburg
Hours: 6-8 p.m., Tuesday
More information: https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/335/Tuesdays-in-the-Plaza
Stay:
Best Western Dry Creek Inn: This pet-friendly hotel is a great jumping-off point for Dry Creek Vineyards, The Square, Lake Sonoma, or the River Rock Casino in Alexander Valley. The inn’s 163 rooms reflect a rustic Italian theme. Rooms at Villa Toscana have jetted tubs, fireplaces, and balconies overlooking a charming square. The inn hosts wine tastings and yoga classes in the plaza each week and has two outdoor pools, a hot tub, steam rooms and saunas, and a fitness center. A continental breakfast is served in the morning.
Location: 198 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg
More information: 707-433-0300, https://www.drycreekinn.com
Healdsburg Hotel: The only thing better than visiting Healdsburg place is to stay there. This modern hotel features spacious suites, a pool, free breakfast, and bicycles to get you around town. Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and Pizzando pizzeria are on site.
Location: 25 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
More information: 707-431-2800, https://hotelhealdsburg.com
Outside:
Kayak and canoe trips by the river: Float your cares down the Russian River. The Rio Trip offered by River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe Trips covers a scenic section of a five-mile stretch of the river beginning north of Healdsburg. This three- to six-hour self-guided paddle trip is ideal for swimming, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The cost is $75 for a single sit-on kayak, up to $150 for a double kayak or canoe.
Location: 13940 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg
Hours: 9am-4pm, Thursday-Monday
More information: 707-433-7247, https://riversedgekayakandcanoe.com
Healdsburg Racing Company: When your stated mission is to make Healdsburg the “healthiest city in the world,” you’ll typically go out of your way to help clients achieve their fitness goals. And that’s exactly what you can expect at Healdsburg Running Co. This Center Street institution is the place to gear up, get training tips, and advice on where to go for to exercise. The store’s weekly group activity lineup includes the Thursday run with the team; Friday Kids Club and trail running on Saturday morning. There is also a women-only running group.
Location: 333 Center Street, Healdsburg
Hours: 10am-7pm, Monday to Saturday; 11am-5pm Sunday
More information: 707-395-0372, https://healdsburgrunningcompany.com
Entertainment:
Raven Performing Arts Theater: This iconic theater has been entertaining audiences since 1949 and today offers an eclectic lineup of classic and original plays, musicals, book readings and comedy performances. This season’s lineup includes The Wizard of Oz and Twelfth Night.
Location: 115 North Street, Healdsburg
More information: 707-433-6335, https://www.raventheater.org
Healdsburg Square: In 1857, entrepreneur Harmon Heald executed his grand plan for his namesake village by building a store and post office, selling lots downtown, and building a town with a Spanish-style plaza. Healdsburg was officially incorporated 10 years later. Today, no visit to Healdsburg is complete without a visit to the square and its restaurants, tasting rooms and shops.
Location: Healdsburg Avenue and Matheson Street, Healdsburg
More information: https://www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/Healdsburg-Plaza-12
Comments are closed.