Healdsburg is a small Sonoma County town with a big reputation. It sits where the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley meet, putting dozens of wineries within a short drive of its historic Plaza. Ask anyone who lives here, though, and they’ll tell you the best Healdsburg experiences often happen between tastings.

This is a town of morning hikes, river afternoons, farmers market Saturdays and bakeries worth the line. So much of it is within a few miles of downtown that you never have to choose between exploring the town and enjoying its wine. You can do both in the same day.

If you’re wondering what to do in Healdsburg besides wine tasting, here are three of our team’s favorite ways to spend a few hours. After that, we’ll suggest how to end the day with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir at MacRostie.

Start Your Morning on a Trail

The easiest way to understand this place is to get up into the hills around it.

Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve sits on the north edge of town, with its trailhead off Parkland Farms Boulevard and Arabian Way. Its roughly 155 acres of oak woodland, grassland, serpentine chaparral and wetland are home to more than 40 bird species. A popular loop of about two miles climbs gently to the Russian River Overlook, with views of Fitch Mountain.

A morning here is a good way to start a Healdsburg day trip. You beat the afternoon heat, you work up an appetite for lunch, and you still have the whole afternoon for tasting.

If you want more of a climb, head to Fitch Mountain Park and Open Space Preserve, the 991-foot peak that rises over the east side of town. Its 173 acres of redwood, Douglas fir, oak and madrone recently reopened after trail improvements.

Local tip: Hike early, bring water, and stay on the trail. Poison oak and ticks are common here, and even in fall, afternoons in the valley can get warm.

Spend a Few Hours on the Russian River

Vineyards get most of the attention, but the Russian River is just as much a part of the town’s identity. It gives the Russian River Valley its name, and the cool fog that drifts in each evening is a big reason Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive here.

The best way to see the river is from the water. River’s Edge Kayak & Canoe, a local outfitter whose roots go back to 1951, runs self-guided trips on the upper Russian River. On their Rio Trip, you check in beside Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach, and they shuttle you five miles upriver. From there you paddle a gentle, Class I stretch back at your own pace, usually in two to three hours. You can choose a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Dry bags and coolers are provided and dogs are welcome, so all you need to bring is a picnic. Keep an eye out for herons, egrets, turtles and osprey.

River’s Edge is currently open Thursday through Sunday, and the season typically runs through October, weather permitting, so book ahead. An early fall paddle, after the summer crowds have thinned, is one of the most underrated Healdsburg activities.

Prefer two wheels? Getaway Adventures rents e-bikes, hybrids, road bikes and kids’ bikes from its shop on Moore Lane, and it’s open daily. Road bike rentals come with custom maps and route advice, and the e-bikes make it easy to cover the hills of Dry Creek or the Russian River Valley. Many locals will tell you Westside Road is one of the prettiest rides in Sonoma County, and it passes right by our front door.

Whichever you choose, give yourself time to freshen up afterward. Wine tasting is much more enjoyable once the life jacket or bike helmet comes off.

Eat, Browse and Wander Around Downtown

Some of the most memorable things to do in Healdsburg don’t need a reservation at all.

Start with breakfast at Quail & Condor, the bakery locals line up for. The New York Times has named it one of the country’s best bakeries, and it has been a James Beard Award semifinalist. In late 2025 it moved into a larger space at 44 Mill Street, which added seating and a full breakfast menu. Get there early for the croissants and the kouign amann. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you’re in town on a Saturday morning, visit the Saturday farmers market. It’s one of the oldest certified farmers markets in California, running since 1978. In 2026 it moved into its first permanent home, the Foley Family Community Pavilion on North Street, a short stroll from the Plaza. The market runs 8:30 a.m. to noon through December 19. Pick up local cheese, bread, fruit and flowers, and get a taste of the region’s food culture at its source.

From there, wander the blocks around the historic Plaza. The independent shops, galleries and cafés make downtown feel like a real community rather than a stopover. For an art break, the nonprofit Healdsburg Center for the Arts is half a block off the Plaza on Center Street. It showcases local artists and is free to browse.

Our advice: don’t over-plan this part. Some of the best finds are the ones you stumble into.

Finish Your Day at MacRostie

After hiking, paddling or wandering downtown, take the scenic drive out Westside Road to the MacRostie Estate House at 4605 Westside Road. It sits on a hilltop in the heart of the Russian River Valley.

We designed the Estate House as a place to slow down, not rush through. Our Signature Experience is a relaxed, seated tasting of five wines. It focuses on our small-production, single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast. You’ll sit on one of our patios overlooking Thale’s Vineyard while a wine ambassador shares the story behind each glass. If the hike or paddle left you hungry, you can add a cheese, charcuterie or small-bites plate when you book.

A few helpful details:

• We’re open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome when space allows.
• Plan on 60 to 90 minutes for your tasting.
• Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
• Non-alcoholic beverages are provided for designated drivers.

Book your Signature Experience at MacRostie →

A Sample Healdsburg Day

• 7:30 a.m.: Pastries and coffee at Quail & Condor
• 8:30 a.m.: A loop at Healdsburg Ridge, or check in for a river paddle
• 12:30 p.m.: Lunch and browsing around the Plaza
• 3:00 p.m.: Seated tasting at MacRostie as the afternoon light hits the vineyards

A quick note from us: Our local businesses sometimes adjust their hours with the seasons, so give them a quick call or check their websites before you head out. It’s the best way to make sure your day goes exactly as planned.

Healdsburg Travel FAQ

What are the best things to do in Healdsburg besides wine tasting?
Good options include hiking Healdsburg Ridge or Fitch Mountain, kayaking or paddleboarding the Russian River, and biking the back roads. You can also visit the Saturday farmers market and explore the bakeries, shops and galleries around the Plaza.

Can you combine outdoor activities and wine tasting in one day?
Yes, you can combine outdoor activities with wine tasting, and you should! The most popular plan is an outdoor activity in the morning, lunch downtown around midday, and a seated wine tasting in the afternoon. Most activities are a short drive from the Healdsburg Plaza.

Is Healdsburg worth visiting if you’re not a big wine drinker?
Wine is central to life here, but the outdoor recreation, food, art and small-town atmosphere make it a great destination on their own. Many wineries, including MacRostie, also offer non-alcoholic options.

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a full weekend, our best advice is simple: pick one adventure, leave room to wander, and save the afternoon for us. We’ll have a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir waiting.

Reserve your tasting at MacRostie →