The 6 Best Places to Stay in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa sits at the heart of Sonoma County, surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and some of Northern California’s most celebrated wine regions. But where you stay here makes a real difference. Some areas put you close to tasting rooms and dining, others offer secluded vineyard views and quiet mornings, and a few strike the perfect balance between access and escape.

So what are the best places to stay in Santa Rosa? The answer depends on how you want your Wine Country trip to feel.

Whether you’re planning a romantic vineyard getaway, a group trip with space to spread out, or a slower, scenery-first escape, this guide breaks down the best areas to stay in and around Santa Rosa, with local insight on the vibe, what each area is best for, and where to base yourself.

→ Browse all luxury Santa Rosa vacation rentals here

1. Santa Rosa Valley – Best for Central Access & Spacious Stays

Staying in or just outside Santa Rosa itself puts you at the geographic center of Sonoma County. It’s a practical, flexible base if you plan to explore multiple wine regions without relocating.

Why stay in Santa Rosa Valley:

• Easy access to Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood

• More space and privacy than downtown hotels

• Good balance of convenience and quiet

Things to know before you book:
Santa Rosa isn’t a traditional “wine town” like Healdsburg. You’ll likely drive to wineries and dining, but distances are manageable.

Local tip:
Early mornings are calmest here — perfect for coffee on the patio before heading out to tastings.

Wander Homes to Explore in Santa Rosa Valley

• Wander Santa Rosa Valley – A refined retreat with mountain views, a private pool, and a basketball court, offering space to relax between days of exploring Wine Country.

2. Healdsburg – Best for Dining, Walkability & First-Time Visitors

Healdsburg is one of Sonoma County’s most popular places to stay — and for good reason. Its charming central plaza, excellent restaurants, and proximity to top wineries make it ideal if you want everything close at hand.

Why stay in Healdsburg:

• Walkable downtown with standout dining

• Easy access to Dry Creek and Russian River wineries

• Lively but polished atmosphere

Things to know before you book:
Healdsburg books up quickly and tends to be pricier, especially on weekends and during harvest season.

Local tip:
Weekday stays are noticeably quieter and make dining reservations much easier.

Wander Homes to Explore in Healdsburg

• Wander Healdsburg Oasis – A stylish, mid-century-inspired retreat with a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and guest house set on a working farm.

• Wander Healdsburg Creek Retreat – A serene, design-forward escape overlooking a tranquil creek, complete with a hot tub, sauna, and private patio.

3. Glen Ellen – Best for Scenic Beauty & a Slower Pace

Glen Ellen is small, quiet, and surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. It’s ideal if you want a Wine Country stay that feels unrushed and immersive.

Why stay in Glen Ellen:

• Peaceful village atmosphere

• Close to Sonoma Valley wineries

• Access to Jack London State Historic Park

Things to know before you book:
Dining options are limited, so you’ll likely cook in or plan ahead for reservations.

Local tip:
Sunset light here is especially beautiful — plan to be home by early evening to enjoy it.

Wander Homes to Explore in Glen Ellen

• Wander Sonoma Mountain Retreat – A refined vineyard-side escape with a large pool, inner courtyard, and sweeping mountain views.

• Wander Glen Ellen Retreat – A hilltop estate featuring a pool, hot tub, bocce court, and multiple outdoor entertaining areas.

4. Kenwood – Best for Vineyard Views & Wine-Focused Trips

Kenwood sits right on Highway 12, between Santa Rosa and Glen Ellen, making it an excellent base for wine-first itineraries in Sonoma Valley.

Why stay in Kenwood:

• Surrounded by wineries and tasting rooms

• Less touristy than Healdsburg

• Easy access to multiple wine regions

Things to know before you book:
Kenwood is quiet at night, with limited nightlife — perfect if your evenings are about cooking, wine, and conversation.

Local tip:
Many wineries here open earlier than elsewhere — start tastings late morning to pace your day.

Wander Homes to Explore in Kenwood

• Wander Kenwood Vineyards – A luxury retreat with mountain views, a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and BBQ designed for relaxed vineyard living.

• Wander Kenwood Valley Retreat – A resort-style oasis with a saltwater pool, hot tub, game room, outdoor kitchen, and even a boutique vineyard.

5. Calistoga Valley – Best for Privacy, Design & Wellness-Oriented Stays

While technically just north of Santa Rosa, Calistoga Valley offers a distinct feel — quieter, more design-forward, and ideal for travelers who want to unplug.

Why stay in Calistoga Valley:

• Dramatic mountain scenery

• Secluded, high-end properties

• Ideal for longer, slower stays

Things to know before you book:
You’ll want a car, and most dining is destination-based rather than walkable.

Local tip:
Plan grocery runs in advance and lean into cooking — this area shines when you stay put.

Wander Homes to Explore Near Calistoga Valley

• Wander Calistoga Valley – A contemporary architectural retreat with a pool, hot tub, fire pit, outdoor kitchen, tennis court, and sweeping Mayacamas Mountain views.

6. Sonoma Mountain – Best for Views, Nature & Quiet Luxury

High in the hills above Santa Rosa, Sonoma Mountain offers elevated views, forested surroundings, and total privacy.

Why stay on Sonoma Mountain:

• Expansive mountain and forest views

• Cooler temperatures in summer

• A true escape from crowds

Things to know before you book:
Cell service can be limited in places — which many guests see as a plus.

Local tip:
Bring layers. Evenings cool quickly at elevation, even in summer.

Wander Homes to Explore on Sonoma Mountain

• Wander Sonoma Retreat – A private mountain escape with a pool, recreation room, and panoramic views designed for extended stays.

• Wander Sonoma Hills – A refined retreat with a fireplace, gym, and expansive windows framing forest and mountain scenery.

So, Where Should You Stay in Santa Rosa?

If it’s your first visit, Healdsburg or Santa Rosa Valley are excellent starting points. For vineyard views and a slower pace, Glen Ellen and Kenwood shine. Travelers seeking privacy and design will love Calistoga Valley or Sonoma Mountain, where the focus shifts from schedules to scenery.

Where to Stay in Santa Rosa with Wander

No matter which area fits your travel style, Wander’s luxury vacation rentals across Santa Rosa and Sonoma County offer a spacious, private alternative to hotels. These thoughtfully designed homes give you room to unwind, cook, and truly settle in — ideal for couples, groups, and extended stays.

From vineyard-side estates and mountain-view retreats to homes with pools, hot tubs, and expansive outdoor kitchens, Wander makes it easy to experience Wine Country on your own terms.

Explore luxury vacation rentals in Santa Rosa with Wander →