California’s ‘Unique Creative Hub’ is an Underrated Art Town with Walkable Appeal and Delicious Orchards

When you think of Sonoma County, wineries — and perhaps apple and plum orchards, too — probably spring to mind. And you wouldn’t be wrong! Fortunately, along with world-class wine and agriculture, a visit to the city of Sebastopol will reward you with epic dining and shopping options, outdoor recreation, and artistic flair. Just 7 miles west of Santa Rosa and 55 miles north of downtown San Francisco, the city is easily reachable for either a day trip or a weekend jaunt in this breathtaking river valley in Sonoma County that boasts bold wines and scenic picnic spots.

Less than a half-hour drive from Guerneville, a summertime haven mixing redwoods, calm river waters, and vineyards, Sebastopol has a population of only a little more than 7,000 and combines the best of a thriving city with the friendly, local charm of a small town. It’s inherently walkable, and the locals even have a name for it — “the PedLine.” Stroll around town and you’ll be spoiled for choice with the city’s range of coffee houses, restaurants, bars, and shops that line about five blocks on and around Main Street. For your morning caffeine or sweet treat, check out Retrograde Coffee Roasters, Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, or artsy Coffee & Moore. 

For lunch, try the classic diner fare at Sebastopol Sunshine Cafe, get a retro drive-in experience at D’s Diner, or grab a seat on the patio at Hole in the Wall Restaurant on the southern end of town. You’ll also find more upscale or farm-to-table dining options like Goldfinch, The Redwood, Fern Bar, and Handline.

You’re probably starting to get the idea that Sebastopol is a bit of a foodie paradise. Crooked Goat Brewing’s taproom is home to excellent rotating beers and a delicious collaborative menu from three local restaurants also worth checking out in their own right: Acre Pizza, The Farmers Wife, and Osito Style Tacos. If you enjoy a good bourbon or gin, definitely make your way to award-winning Spirit Works distillery, founded by two well-traveled environmentalists who put organic ingredients and sustainable processes at the top of their priority list.

Make sure you check out The Barlow, a fantastic 12-acre food and shopping destination where handcrafted local wine and brews meet lovingly curated boutiques and crafts by local artisans. You’ll soon even be able to make an overnight of it in the Barlow Hotel, which will feature a rooftop pool, a spa, and fine dining.

It’s no surprise that Wine Country describes Sebastopol as an “off-beat destination for creativity,” brimming with unique galleries and studios. Check out the eclectic trash-to-treasure sculptures of Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent at Patrick Amiot Junk Art, then pop over to the Sebastopol Center for the Arts, which hosts rotating exhibitions, a ceramics studio, an annual documentary film festival, classes, and other events. Check out Sebastopol Gallery and Lori Austin Gallery for expansive displays of art and crafts by regional, national, and international makers.

Sebastopol is popular for its hiking and biking routes, too, thanks to the West County Regional Trail, a 5.5-mile stretch of mostly-paved track that takes you by meadows, farms, and vineyards. Just outside of town, take your pick from trails in Ragle Ranch Regional Park, Laguna Uplands Preserve, and Laguna Wetlands Preserve.