Healdsburg, California, located just 65 miles north of San Francisco, has long been a favorite Bay Area escape. Once a modest farming community, it’s now widely considered a top-tier destination for food, wine, and culture, all while retaining its alluring small-town character.
Now, National Geographic’s Brenna Darling has featured Healdsburg in the new book, Small Towns U.S.A.: 100 Must-See Getaways Across The United States.
Here’s a closer look.
National Geographic’s stamp of approval
Darling includes Healdsburg among just a handful of featured small towns in the Western U.S., praising its relaxing atmosphere, award-winning amenities, and laid-back character. The publication highlights the historic 19th-century Healdsburg Plaza, a hub for summer concerts and one of wine country’s best farmers markets.
Nat Geo also points visitors toward local staples like Little Saint‘s artsy, plant-based complex, and the artisanal treats at Noble Folk Ice Cream and Pie Bar. Beyond the downtown plaza, they highly recommend hiking among the coastal redwoods at Riverfront Regional Park or sipping exquisite pinot noir at stunning estates like Flowers Vineyard and Winery.
Deep roots and easy access in the Bay
Long before Healdsburg’s modern acclaim, this region along the Russian River was inhabited by the indigenous Pomo people until Harmon Heald founded the town in 1857. After evolving from a 19th-century railroad trading hub into an agricultural powerhouse, Healdsburg developed its modern wine country identity by the 1970s. Today, it sits perfectly at the junction of three major wine-growing regions: the Russian River, Dry Creek, and Alexander valleys.
You can reach Healdsburg via a scenic 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco via US-101 North. If you plan to make the trip to experience the farm-to-table dining and picturesque vineyards for yourself, just be sure to book your reservations early—especially during the peak season from late spring through the fall.
Read our full guide to Healdsburg for more tips about visiting.
