SONOMA VACATION RENTALS, CALIFORNIA |
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Sights and Attractions in Sonoma |
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| Tour the wine country as you choose --- by car, train, plane, bicycle or hot air balloon --- and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, as well as the wines that have made Sonoma famous. |
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Historic Sonoma Square and the Sonoma Mission
Wine Country Tours
Wine Country Train Ride
Wine Country Plane Ride
The Petrified Forest
Old Faithful Geyser
Six Flags Marine World
Charles Schulz Museum
Hot-Air Ballooning
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| Historic Sonoma Square and the Sonoma Mission |
| In Sonoma, you cannot miss a visit to the historic Sonoma Square, the largest town square of its kind in all of California. Located within the Sonoma State Historic Park, the square is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city. The Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, or the Sonoma Mission, is the last and northern-most of the 21 Franciscan missions along the coast of California. Established in 1823, the Spanish Catholic mission is impeccably maintained. Visit the mission for a look at the displays and artifacts that describe the area and its history. The Sonoma State Historic Park is open daily 10 AM to 5PM. The park is closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. |
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| Wine Country Tours |
| Sonoma is home to some of the earliest vineyards and wineries in the State of California. Ranked as one of the finest wine-growing regions of the world, with over 40 wineries, it is well worth the effort to take a wine tour or drive to one of the wineries for wine tasting and a tour of the premises. Go to the smaller wineries if you are keen on interacting with the owners or managers. Or, take a trip to Napa, which just 15 minutes away, and visit one of the 250 wineries there.
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| Wine Country Train Ride |
| The Napa Valley Wine Train takes you through this beautiful region in style, with gourmet dining and fantastic views. Daily gourmet rail excursions are available year-round. There are 3 dining experiences to choose from, including the Vista Dome, Gourmet Express and the Silverado Grill.
The "glass topped" 1947 Pullman Vista Dome dining car excursion features a 4-course luncheon and a glass of Napa Valley's premier sparkling wine. The lavishly restored 1915-1917 Pullman dining and lounge railcars allow the Gourmet Express passengers to visit the wine tasting car or observe the culinary staff in the 'one of a kind' kitchen car. Menus include a choice of 3-, 4- or 5-course meals. Passengers can choose first or second seating, similar to cruise ship seating. Full cocktail services, as well as over 100 wines, are available. The Silverado Grill is a casual 'open air' railcar. An 'a la carte' menu of grilled cuisine is perfect for families or passengers desiring a lighter fare.
The wine train also has other, special event or holiday, trips available. Call ahead for reservations, but remember that prices and schedules are subject to change without notice and seating is subject to availability.
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| Wine Country Plane Ride |
| The Wine Plane is a 90-minute ride on a Cessna Centurion 210, with plush interiors, over Napa, Sonoma, Point Reyes National Seashore and San Francisco. There is a choice of wines that you can sample onboard, and the ride costs you anywhere from $149-$299. |
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| The Petrified Forest |
| The Petrified Forest is a privately owned park that is home to some of the largest fossils in the world. The forest was formed when volcano eruptions 3 million years ago buried and preserved a gigantic redwood forest. Tour services are available. Entry fees are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors over 60 and youth from 12 to 17 and children from 6 to 11 years are $3.00. Prices are subject to change. The park is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM every season but winter, when closing is at 5 PM. |
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| Old Faithful Geyser |
| Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga is 1 of 3 such geysers in the world. Shooting gushes of hot water 60 to 100 feet in the air every 45 minutes, the geyser is a true natural phenomenon. The surrounding grounds feature a gift shop, a geothermal exhibit hall, a snack bar, a picnic area and the famous fainting goats. Hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, year round. Admission fees are $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors age 60 and over and $3.00 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under 6 years are free. |
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| Six Flags Marine World |
| Six Flags Marine World in Vallejo also makes a great day trip from Sonoma. The park is America's only combination wildlife park, oceanarium and theme park. “Medusa” is the region’s longest and most extreme coaster with 7 inversions and V2: Vertical Velocity is the only spiraling impulse coaster of its kind in the world. A variety of shows and special events also take place all season long. General admission is $49.99 for youth and adults, and only $29.99 for kids under 48 inches tall. |
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| Charles Schulz Museum |
| Visit the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa for a behind-the-scenes peek into the real life of Charlie Brown and his friends. The museum offers a self-guided tour program with discounts for 15 or more. Self-guided tours are available from Noon to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends. Plan to spend at least 2 hours on this tour, plus some additional time watching the daily screenings of the Peanuts television shows and interviews with Charles Schulz. The museum is open from Noon to 5:00 PM on weekdays and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed Tuesdays. The museum closes on New Years Day, Easter, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day and Christmas Day. Entry fees are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for seniors and youth. |
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| Hot-Air Ballooning |
| Perhaps the best way to take in the beauty of the wine country, take a hot-air balloon ride up into the sky. Sunrise and sunset rides are available, as are breakfast and dinner packages. Several businesses provide the service locally. |
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