ACTIVITIES

About the Healdsburg area...

Nestled in a serene, wooded setting on the Russian River, BirdSong Riverside Retreat is located just a mile from Healdsburg’s beautiful, historic downtown plaza. Founded in the mid 1800’s, this outstanding vacation destination preserves its Victorian small town charm, while offering world class restaurants, art galleries, antique and specialty shops and spas. Healdsburg is the heart of Sonoma County Wine Country with over 60 world renowned wineries nearby which are open for wine tasting year round; dozens of tasting rooms are conveniently located in the downtown area.

Climate and weather…

Blessed with the moderate weather of our Mediterranean climate, Healdsburg is enjoyed year-round.  Our warmer season usually begins in April and our ‘Indian’ summers linger into late October through the grape harvest, with daytime temperatures generally ranging from the 70’s to the 90’s.  Even on the warmest summer days, evenings are refreshingly cool.  Our ‘winter’ weather, from late fall through early spring, is mild with daytime temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s, and the 40’s at night.  Even during periods of rain, our large, protected, screened porch with electric heaters, allows for enjoying the ‘outdoors’ with the beautiful sound of raindrops ‘drumming’ on the metal roof.

Healdsburg’s historic plaza…

The hub of activity of our town, just five minutes away, is our beautiful town square, lined by mature Redwoods, with walkways, lawns, a central fountain, benches, and a gazebo and stage for free summer concerts and morning tai chi.  Antique shows, chili cook-offs and ‘art on the square’ are some of our other weekend events.  The plaza area is also home to excellent restaurants, tasting rooms, art galleries, coffee houses, boutiques, book stores, apparel, home accessory and other specialty shops.  Healdsburg’s open air Farmers’ Market offers local, fresh-picked organic fruits and veggies, baked goods, honey, fresh flowers and other hand-crafted delights, from Memorial Day weekend through November, on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.   

Around town and in the immediate area…

There is much to do and a wide variety of activities to enjoy during your stay at BirdSong Riverside Retreat.  Wine tasting and fine dining in our outstanding restaurants attract many visitors, with over 60 wineries nearby and literally hundreds in Sonoma County.  Private limo services and a seasonal wine ‘trolley’ are available as your ‘designated’ driver, although dozens of tasting rooms are on or within walking distance of the square. Tasting tours by bicycle are also available. Many beautiful wineries are less than an hour’s drive in surrounding Napa, Mendocino and Lake Counties. Healdsburg's Bear Republic Brewery and Pub produces awarding winning microbrews for your beer-drinking pleasure.

There’s plenty more to do…

With something for everyone, Healdsburg and the surrounding area abound with interesting and fun activities.  The Russian River provides for bird-watching, fishing, seasonal canoeing and swimming.  The recreational summer dam is in place generally from mid June through mid September, slowing the river current and raising water levels approximately 4 feet, creating an idyllic ‘lake-like’ environment.  BirdSong Retreat is just upstream from the dam and Memorial Beach recreation area, where canoes and paddleboats can be rented by the hour.  Half day and full day canoe trips are available, passing right by BirdSong and ending near Memorial Beach. Experiencing the views and bird life when on the water provides a unique and intimate connection with nature.

For the fisherman…

The Russian River is open for fishing year round with fall and winter runs of steelhead and salmon and a summer run of shad.  Bass, trout and squaw fish are also caught in the summer months.  One day or year long California fishing licenses are available in town.  Recreational fishing is also enjoyed nearby in Lake Sonoma, Clearlake and Spring Lake; ocean fishing is about a 60 minute drive away, leaving from Bodega Bay, Fort Bragg or the San Francisco Bay area. 

For biking, hiking and golfing…

Bike rentals are available for around town adventures as well as guided rides through the wine country.  Many hiking trails in the nearby Redwoods or along the coastline provide opportunities for more ‘breath-taking’ experiences.  Healdsburg’s Tayman Park is a small public 9 hole, par 35 golf course and driving range; Windsor’s Rooster Run (only 10 minutes away) is a 7000 yard champion golf course and also available to the public.  For a unique golfing experience in the Redwoods, Northwood Golf Club in Monte Rio (about ½ hour away) is a public 9 hole par 36 course.  More excellent courses are available within a short drive.

More adventures…

Drive 1 hour north to Willets and board the Skunk Train for an incredible trip winding along a beautiful river, through the Redwoods and fern covered terrain, towards the ocean to Fort Bragg on the coast.  Full or half day trips are truly an exceptional experience, especially in the ‘open-air’ cars!  The Napa Wine Train (1 hour southeast) offers a fine wine and dining experience as your luxury rail car travels through Napa County wine country. Balloon rides offer a unique ‘bird’s-eye’ perspective of our lovely landscape and vineyards. A 400 acre Wildlife Preserve, Safari West offers guided open-air jeep tours daily, by reservation. Home to over 400 mammals and birds, this lush oasis, less than 30 minutes away, offers an intimate exposure to exotic wildlife. There are too many more adventures to detail here, but we are happy to explore your interests and provide advice and help with reservations.

For the artistically inclined

Sonoma County is also very rich in culture and the arts. Local wineries offer many summer music festivals, and food and wine tastings. Jazz is offered in the lounge at the Hotel Healdsburg and at several other local venues. Wells Fargo and Spreckles Centers for the Performing Arts are both less than 20 minutes away and attract music, theater and comedy events.  Several community theater groups offer local productions and the Raven Theater in town, also hosts weekend events.  San Francisco is only about an hour’s drive south with many theaters, museums, cable cars, night clubs, the Fisherman’s Wharf and much, much more.

ParkPoint Health Club

With our $15/day guest passes, you can also enjoy Healdsburg’s premier health club, ParkPoint, with lap, aqua exercise, and child pools, Jacuzzis and Saunas, exercise classes, machines and free weights, lounge and snack bar with large screen TV, massage services, childrens center, etc. www.parkpointhealthclubs.com

Pamper yourself…

For spa and massage services, Healdsburg offers several choices. Excellent ‘in-house’ massage is also available; pre-scheduling is required.

With all of these choices and so much to do you may need several days and many return visits to enjoy all of the activities and adventures our lovely ‘paradise’ has to offer!!!