Art Museums & Gardens

AT A GLANCE: Four acres of walk-through gardens featuring work by 30+ internationally known landscape architects.

HIGHLIGHTS: The gardens are the big draw but once there grab a bite for lunch and sample some wine. Nice collection of very unusual shops and galleries.

BEST FOR: The gardens are ever-changing and worth a visit each time you are in the vicinity. Makes a nice first stop driving into the valley from the south.

AT A GLANCE: "Art park" on spectacular 200-acre property a short drive from Sonoma.

HIGHLIGHTS: Largest (and perhaps most eccentric) collection of northern California art. Over 2,000 pieces are displayed in a sculpture meadow, gallery and former home of Rene diRosa, pioneer viticulturist and art collector.  A car hanging from a tree, erotic art, outdoor sculpture, and wandering peacocks are just some of unexpected treasures awaiting you.

BEST FOR: diRosa is a must for art lovers and an eye-opener for all visitors, particularly as a rainy day activity. Plan on several hours as there is so much to see. Not to be missed!

AT A GLANCE: World-renown, Asian botanical woodland garden.

HIGHLIGHTS: Over 22,500 plants grown from seeds collected in the wild in Asia make this a haven for exotic plants, mostly from China but also from Korea, Japan and the Himalayas. Meander on gravel paths by flowering trees and shrubs, creeks, and waterfalls.

BEST FOR: A serene afternoon in a garden setting. Open year round; come each season to experience this treasure trove of rare and endangered Asian species.

AT A GLANCE: Small art museum featuring contemporary and local art.

HIGHLIGHTS: This is a really teeny museum that you can breeze through quickly. Exhibits are of variable quality but on occasion the museum hits a home run. Several hands-on workshops are held each year and often lectures are given in conjunction with exhibits.

BEST FOR: Exhibits featuring personal collections.