Picnic and Hike at Riverfront Regional Park in Sonoma County
Since the COVID pandemic, it has been difficult for wine travelers to find a winery where one can enjoy a picnic lunch with vineyard views. Many wineries have restrictions on their picnic areas. Often reservations are required. Some offer picnic tables to wine club members only. Several wineries have closed their picnic areas because that is where they do their wine tasting for guests.
Near Healdsburg, we found the perfect spot, Riverfront Regional Park. This Sonoma County park is on Eastside Road, just 10 to 15 minutes from the center of Healdsburg. You can hike, fish, and grill at this lovely, beautiful park set among the Coastal Redwoods and the Russian River Valley wine region.
How to Get to Riverfront Regional Park
From the center of Healdsburg, get on Highway 101 South from either Dry Creek Road to the North or the Roundabout near the Healdsburg Plaza (just south). Go south on 101 and take exit 502, Old Redwood Highway. Stay west on Old Redwood Highway and then make a right turn onto Eastside Road. Go 3.7 miles to the park entrance.
Where to Buy Picnic Delights
In Healdsburg there are two spots to buy your picnic goodies. Big John’s Market is an upscale market with a fantastic deli, salad bar, and a hot food area. The Troubadour, a new bakery and deli on Healdsburg Avenue, has delicious sourdough sandwiches wrapped and ready to go..
What to Bring to Riverfront Regional Park
Bring your picnic basket, cooler, tablecloth, and beverage. You might want to take a hike before lunch and get in some exercise before your feast. See where to hike in Riverfront Regional Park.
More Ideas
Along Old Redwood Highway and Eastside Drive, there are several wineries where you can schedule a visit and tasting. One of our favorites is the Foppiano Vineyards. It is one of the first wineries on the way to Riverfront. Foppiano goes back to 1896 and is still a family-owned winery. We also enjoy Acorn winery run by Betsy & Bill Nachbaur. Directly across from the Riverfront Regional Park entrance is Copain Winery. Its owner is the Jackson Family Wine Company. You can visit there by appointment. The views are beautiful. Be aware that the wines are expensive and the experience is on the high-end side. We generally avoid those types of wine experiences.
Where to stay and dine in Healdsburg
- Best restaurants in Healdsburg
- Best lodging in Healdsburg
- Things to do in Healdsburg
- Old Redwood Wine Trail
Great idea for picnic near wineries