Sonoma County’s quaint town of Sebastopol may have garnered initial attention for its apples and plums, but today it’s also widely recognized as a laid-back art and creativity hub. Located just 15 minutes from Santa Rosa, this NorCal gem offers farm-to-table cuisine, small-production wineries, one-of-a-kind shops, and a relaxed, bohemian vibe that makes it unique. All of those things are precisely why it’s such a magical place to visit. Ready to start exploring? Here are our top picks of what to do on a getaway to Sebastopol.

Go Wine Tasting

Sebastopol is home to several great wineries, so it’s easy to make a day of wine tasting. A favorite is Iron Horse Vineyards, where you will sip sparkling wine made solely from the estate vineyards you overlook as you taste. For something a little different, the cave at Freeman Winery is a serene place to sample their small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Another great winery in Sebastopol is Pax Wines Tasting Room, known for its roll-up garage doors, vinyl spinning on the turntable, laid-back vibe, and Syrah.

Shop & Savor at The Barlow

Nowhere is there a more enjoyable place to experience local artisans and makers than at The Barlow Market. One could easily spend an entire afternoon—or really an entire day—exploring this 12.5-acre open-air marketplace on the east side of Sebastopol, where you’ll find vendors offering everything from tacos and sushi to wine, olive oil, crystals, and clothing. It’s a true local gathering place highlighting the bounty and talents of Sonoma’s craftspeople. Best of all? Kids and dogs are welcome.

Tour A Farm

Luther Burbank, an American botanist and pioneer of agricultural science, just may be one of California’s most underrated heroes. Without him, we wouldn’t have the russet potato, the shasta daisy (which took 17 years to make), or the plumcot! In Sebastopol, you can visit the Luther Burbank Experiment Farm where the horticulturist developed these, as well as over 800 other varieties of fruit and nut trees, flowers, and vegetables. Take a self-guided tour or opt for a docent-led tour to explore the grounds, which are open daily from dawn until dusk.

Pick Your Own Apples

While wine is a given, Sonoma County, and especially Sebastopol, is known for its Gravenstein apples. Many of the orchards in Sonoma pivoted to vineyards, but there are still a few left, and even better: some have become an attraction worthy of a day-trip for city folk looking to pick their own apples. If you want to partake in this quintessential autumn activity, Apple-A-Day at Ratzlaff Ranch offers “U-Pick” each fall, where you can enjoy some fresh air and gather apples to take home.

See Art Made of Junk

Patrick Amiot Junk Art is the vision of Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent, who create eye-catching art made from stuff that would usually just go to the dump (he sculpts and she paints). The colorful pieces can be found throughout Sebastopol—if you drive along Highway 12, west of Santa Rosa, you might spot a giant junk-art Holstein cow towering over actual cows in a farmer’s field. But many of the couple’s pieces are located along Florence Avenue, a street that is quite an attraction due to front yards filled with the unique sculptures.

Explore More Art Mediums

If you’re craving some culture, there’s no better place to find it than Sebastopol Center for the Arts, where you can take in gallery exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, poetry readings, and more, all created by local, national, and international artists. The Center for the Arts also offers workshops of all kinds, including poetry, drawing, ceramics, and collaging, so be sure to plan ahead.

Enjoy Fresh California Cuisine

Handline elevates fast-casual to a totally new level. Yes, you still order at the counter, but the seafood-centric food (think oysters, fish tacos, and ceviche) is incredibly thoughtful and made with fresh, quality ingredients. Plus, the space is sleek and stylish and feels nothing like a counter-service restaurant. Sister spot, Fern Bar, is another must for local fare, serving up small plates, sandwiches, cocktails, and shareables that highlight the region’s bounty.

Delight Your Sweet Tooth

Getting a cone of Two Dog Night Creamery’s ice cream (made with liquid nitrogen, so it’s extra smooth and creamy) is a treat you can feel good about. Every scoop you enjoy helps support local Santa Rosa farmers, since almost all of the ingredients used in the ice cream are grown in Sonoma County. They even have vegan options so no one has to miss out. Or, head to Screamin’ Mimi’s to fulfill your ice cream fix, with flavors like Horchata, Strawberry Mud, and Mexican Chocolate.

Bike the West County Trail

Renting a bike is one of the best ways to get out in nature in Sebastopol, and you can find one at Sebastopol Bike Center. They offer casual options for cruising around to those ready for more adventuring. Even more, the West County Trail is located right behind their shop, which follows sections of the old Petaluma and Santa Rosa Railway from downtown Sebastopol to Forestville. You’ll ride by pretty farms and agricultural hubs, as well as wineries and vineyards. The route is 16.4 miles roundtrip and takes about 45 minutes each way—without any stops, that is!