Head north to chase some real heat, sip some wine, and lounge by a pool.
Where to Stay
With its leafy plaza and slow pace, Healdsburg feels like a vacation town a mere 90 minutes from San Francisco. Go grab some baked goods at Costeaux French Bakery, pick up a book at Copperfield’s Books, and find a few souvenirs at Limestone. We were told the coffee at Flying Goat Coffee is worth the stop.
Base yourself at Hotel Healdsburg, an oasis right in downtown Healdsburg. The rooms are modern, airy, and spacious. Ours had its own terrace, framed by ivy-covered walls and looking straight into a quiet courtyard.
PizZando, the buzzy on-site pizzeria, is ideal if you’re after a relaxed setting and good, easy food. For something more elevated, Dry Creek Kitchen is the move: dine al fresco on the dishes by famous chef Charlie Palmer, and indulge in a little people-watching. My personal favorites: the beef tartare and the lobster gnocchi. Want some rooftop vibes? Head to Harmon Guesthouse, Hotel Healdsburg’s sister property.
What to Do
Hotel Healdsburg’s amenities alone are worth the stay. The spa is a highlight: the massages strike exactly the right balance of pressure and relaxation, and Anya managed to work out every knot in my back in under 50 minutes.
For the more active guests, there’s a well-equipped gym and a pool, perfect either for swimming laps or simply lounging poolside and playing backgammon. Some hotel bikes (coming with helmets!) are available to borrow for a ride along Dry Creek, where a bike lane makes for a short, easy 3-mile loop.
No trip north is complete without a stop at our favorite vineyards around Napa
In Napa, follow Julien Fayard’s recommendations and make a pit stop at Moulin Bakery or Angèle, a French spot featuring excellent wines (what else?).
Two days in Healdsburg felt more like a one-week holiday: I came back relaxed and inspired. And is there a better advertisement for a town that feels like a vacation destination?
