The Sonoma wine region's coolest town, once-sleepy Healdsburg has emerged as a sophisticated spot for foodies and wine aficionados. With a growing number of visitors drawn to the area each year, Healdsburg boasts a burgeoning array of accommodation options, including everything from classic inns to luxurious boutique hotels. Most of the best places to stay in Healdsburg are in the heart of town - perfect for on-foot explorations - but one of our favourite properties is an enchanting rural resort surrounded by acres of vineyards.

Blessed with fertile soil and nestled amidst world-class wineries, Healdsburg is also home to bustling farmers' markets, farm-to-table eateries and hip cafés. Expect plenty of open cellar doors and trendy tasting rooms, but do be prepared to book your table in advance. Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes are especially popular with weekend visitors from San Francisco. For a sense of the town's history, head to Healdsburg Plaza. This is a great place for some people-watching with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, too.

Much of Healdsburg's charm lies in its unspoilt architecture and laid-back atmosphere, although gentrification is most definitely on its way. Stroll around the town centre, or borrow a bike to tour the wineries, many of which can be found lining Dry Creek Road and Westside Road. There are hiking trails criss-crossing the countryside in all directions, as well as a lovely river for canoeing and kayaking with the kids.

Many of the best places to stay in Healdsburg are quaint and cosy inns, but there are some swish contemporary hotels too, as well as wonderfully romantic hideaways for honeymooners or couples. Book a room in a characterful hotel and hit the town for fabulous food and wine in a charming Northern California setting!

The best places to stay in Healdsburg

For contemporary cool

• Harmon Guest House is a chic, contemporary hideaway featuring locally-sourced artwork and upcycled furniture. Named for Healdsburg's pioneering founder, Harmon Heald, the hotel celebrates the town's quirky, creative soul. Rooms are soothing and spacious, with lovely textile touches and leafy views. The rooftop bar and terrace is a real plus, as are the pool and the central location! A very cool, luxurious choice for creative travellers eager to unwind.
• H2Hotel offers the perfect eco-escape in 36 beautifully-appointed rooms with an impressive green focus. Inspired by nature, the hotel's design uses natural materials, encouraging biodiversity and protecting the nearby creek through its sustainable architecture. Expect clutter-free rooms, a lovely pool and spa, and funky communual areas -- including the friendly Spoonbar. And there's a great wine list! One for fun families or eco-minded couples.

For Foodies

• Hotel Healdsburg is a modern boutique property clad in wisteria and surrounded by attractive gardens. The 55 rooms are fresh and elegant, there's a lovely pool and a small spa, but the real draw is the food. Feast on superb seasonal dishes at Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen, where the wine list stretches to 500 bottles, or enjoy wood-fired delights at Pizzando — a sure-fire foodie and family hit.
• Single Thread is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant specialising in organic Japanese fare, much of which is grown on the property's farm, seven miles from town. Come for the fabulous food, and stay in one of five swish white-and-grey bedrooms. A gorgeous foodie paradise.
• Madrona Manor is a striking rural escape with 22 gorgeous guestrooms and suites set on a scenic estate, with views of the Dry Creek Valley. Many of the majestic Mansion rooms feature four-poster beds and antiques original to the Victorian building. The icing on the cake is the Michelin-starred restaurant, where Chef Mallgren's evolving menu showcases local and organic produce. With candle-lit dinners and romantic suites, this is a brilliant, adults-only pick for food-loving couples.

For romance

• Hotel Les Mars is a beautiful little hotel, offering 16 romantic rooms infused with Parisian-style charm. Think canopied four-posters with rich jewel-toned fabrics and deep hydrotherapy jet tubs in opulent bedrooms and bathrooms. The Chalkboard Restaurant is a delight, and the team can organise wine tours and tastings aplenty. Pick this place for classic elegance and old-world luxury. Great for honeymoons!
• Duchamp Hotel is an appealing boutique spot with just six minimalist suites nestled in a verdant garden. Kick back with a glass of the good stuff on your private patio, take a dip in the 50m heated pool, or make the most of the super-central location to sample Healdsburg's best eateries, shops and galleries. A tranquil base for intimate couples.

For a Classic Inn

• Grape Leaf Inn features 13 prettily-appointed bedrooms in a historic Queen Anne-style home built in 1905. Expect traditional wallpapers and stained-glass windows offset by sleek, contemporary touches. The big table d'hôte breakfasts are brilliant for sociable travellers. Owned by wine-makers, this is an excellent pick for relaxed foodies or wine lovers, who can natter away to the experts!
• Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza is a classic Californian inn, located in the heart of the action on historic Healdsburg Plaza. The 12 rooms are sophisticated yet understated, decorated in calm tones and with cosy linens on big beds. Kick off your evening with the property's wine & hors d'oeuvres - a wonderful touch! An elegant, central and grown-up choice.
• Calderwood Inn is another Queen Anne-style hotel owned by knowledgeable wine-makers. This time, interiors are smart and traditional, with attractive antique pieces, twinkling chandeliers and intricate wallpaper designs in much of the house. Some of the ten spacious rooms and suites boast private patios. Old-fashioned charm.

For a luxurious rural resort

• Montage Healdsburg is an exceptional wine country retreat, with 130 super-swish rooms and suites scattered across more than 200 acres of spectacular countryside. Luxurious bungalow-style accommodation features private decks with enchanting views, the enormous spa offers an array of rejuvenating treatments and there are terrific eateries to try. Ideal for couples or families, who will adore all the family-friendly activites!

For an apartment or holiday cottage

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Healdsburg?

• Fly to Santa Rosa Airport (STS), and take a 15-minute taxi to Healdsburg. Alternatively, travel to San Francisco Airport, and take the subway across the city to catch a bus to Healdsburg via Santa Rosa. This overland route should take around 3.5 hours by public transport, or less than 1.5 hours by car, making Healdsburg a popular weekend escape from San Francisco.
• California's wine country is brilliant for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Summers in Healdsburg are hot and sunny. Time your trip for the harvest season (September or October) for slightly cooler weather and a very special atmosphere at the wineries!

Still not sure?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Santa Rosa.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in California.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Healdsburg