The Russian River in Sonoma County, California - photo by Max Hartshorne

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Sonoma County, California : Where the River Meets the Redwoods

A February trip to the Russian River Valley in California's Sonoma County was the perfect mix of scenery, greenery and laidback culture that's home to many culinary wonders. We also sipped some fine wines.

While most travelers compare Sonoma with its high priced neighbor, Napa Valley, on our trip we spent our time in the small towns near the coast. They have plenty of wineries there too, but there was also a sense of small town California you can’t find in Napa. Read more of Max Hartshorne's story about Sonoma County.

Birdwatching in West Marin, California: One Woman’s Journey to the the Edge of the Lagoon

My first trip to the Bolinas Lagoon was just a daytrip I took to find some peace and quiet away from home.  Bolinas Lagoon is in West Marin, an area along the coast just a few miles north of San Francisco, on the other side of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Its miles and miles of protected parks and waterways makes it an ideal spot for a short getaway from the hustle of the city. 

Once I reached the lagoon, I pulled over where a few other cars had already parked, and walked along the meandering edge of the lagoon until I was next to a few local birders with their spotting scopes and binoculars all pointed at a duck. Read more of Claire Hutkins Seda's story about birding in West Marin.

Vallecito: A Quiet, Primitive Desert Campground

When the Butterfield Stage thundered out of Fort Yuma on the Colorado River headed for Los Angeles and then San Francisco from 1858 to 1861, it meandered into Mexico for a short distance, crossed back into California at the New River and aimed for Warner’s Ranch.

But before the stage got there it rumbled through the Carrizo Gorge and made a stop at a little stage station called Vallecito, in what is now eastern San Diego County. Read more of Gerald Burke's story about Vallecito.

Healdsburg, the Heart of California's Wine Country

Surrounded by three of Sonoma's best known wine counties Healdsburg is the perfect base to chill, unwind and savor the best of California.

Two hours drive north of San Francisco, just off Highway 101, lies the small town of Healdsburg. The secret to its growing popularity is its charm and location.

Designed like a Spanish plaza, paths lead from all sides and corners to a small fountain. Palm trees set amongst redwood trees continues the Mediterranean theme and it is the perfect place for an afternoon siesta. As the park takes minutes to walk through it's worth sitting on one of the many benches and enjoy the comings and goings of life in rural America. Read more of Jacqui Currie's story about Healdsburg.

A vineyard in Healdsburg, California - photo by Jacqui Currie

Read more GoNOMAD stories about California:

Huntington Beach, California: Surf City, USA

Accessible Attractions in San Francisco

California: Planting Trees in 90210

Johannesburg, California: The Gateway to Death Valley

Destination Guide to San Diego California

Pacific Coast Highway Photo Gallery

Gay Palm Springs, California

Touring San Francisco

Drenched to the Bone: Backpacking Northern California's Lost Coast