This Charming California Wine Town Regularly Ranks Among The Best In The Country—Reach It In 1.5 Hours From SF

Healdsburg, California is a small city in Sonoma County, located about 65 miles north of San Francisco. Visitors come from all over to experience Healdsburg’s historic downtown, fantastic farm-to-table dining, and scenic vineyards. Once a modest farming town, it’s now one of the Bay’s top destinations for food, wine, and cultural events. Notably, Healdsburg is a regular contender on numerous top-ten list s. *USA Today* ranked Healdsburg at #3 among the best small towns in the West for 2025, *Condé Nast Traveler* listed it as the 8th best small city in America for 2024, and *Food & Wine* named it as the 7th best small city in the U.S. for food in 2025. In past years, Healdsburg has been honored by *Smithsonian Magazine* and more local publications. Keep reading to learn more about what makes Healdsburg stand out on both a local and national level. History of Healdsburg --------------------- The region around Healdsburg was originally inhabited by the indigenous Pomo people , who established villages along the Russian River. It was in 1857 that Harmon Heald , Healdsburg’s namesake, purchased land and founded the town around today’s historic plaza. With the arrival of the railroad in the 1870s , Healdsburg became a major trading and transportation hub in the growing agricultural industry. The region developed into an agricultural powerhouse in the early 20th century, and viticulture , or the cultivation of grapes, grew more important in the late 1800s and early 1900s. After the war, Sonoma County and Healdsburg fully claimed their identities as part of California Wine Country , and Healdsburg became a local tourist destination from around the 1970s onward. Healdsburg sits at the junction of three major wine-growing regions: The Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. Today, Healdsburg is a renowned culinary destination , but it retains its small-town character and [historic buildings](https://secretsanfrancisco.com/small-towns-northern-california-victorian-architecture/) as an integral part of the town’s identity. Things to do in Healdsburg -------------------------- ### Downtown Healdsburg Downtown Healdsburg is concentrated around the alluring Healdsburg Plaza , a shady square known to host music events, festivals, art shows, and the Healdsburg Farmers’ Market. Spend an afternoon browsing local boutiques and shops , wine tasting rooms, galleries, and restaurants. Some fun attractions include the quirky Hand Fan Museum , the free Healdsburg Museum, and the Healdsburg Center for the Arts. ### Wineries and vineyards Healdsburg’s position in the heart of California Wine Country affords endless options for wine tasting and touring . The area boasts dozens of award-winning and beautiful wineries , some of the most popular ones being Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Seghesio Family Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, and Williams Selyem Winery. Others boast unique architecture or features, such as Soda Rock Winery, Aperture Cellars, and Flowers Vineyard & Winery. ### Farm-to-table dining Of course, many visitors to Healdsburg come to experience its illustrious culinary scene. The farm-to-table philosophy is evident at numerous restaurants throughout the city, be they casual bistros or fine dining powerhouses. While the three-Michelin-starred SingleThread Farm may be the most renowned, other favorites include Valette, Dry Creek Kitchen, Bravas, Spoonbar, Ciao Bruto, and Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen. ### Outdoor recreation A trip to wine country means exploring some of California’s best scenery, and there are several ways to make the most of it. Favorite excursions include hiking through 155 acres of oak woodlands in Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve , kayaking down the Russian River , and cycling through peaceful vineyards. Visiting Healdsburg from San Francisco -------------------------------------- It takes about 1.5 hours to reach Healdsburg by car from San Francisco via US-101 North. If you’re hoping to visit a popular winery or restaurant, make sure you make a reservation , especially during peak season from late spring through the fall. Add on to your Healdsburg adventure with a night at one of Healdsburg’s boutique hotels , or stop off en route in Bodega Bay for an additional coastal excursion. Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/healdsburg-california-best-small-towns/