Discover Amista Vineyards in Healdsburg - One of California’s Most Walkable Towns

Healdsburg is a fantastic place to visit and an even more special place to call home. One of its main attractions is the downtown area, centered around a charming town square filled with shops, restaurants, and hotels, all within easy walking distance. The Plaza, as it is called locally, features towering trees, a picturesque gazebo, and a bubbling fountain. It's the perfect spot to relax, watch children play in the water, and enjoy a snack from one of the nearby shops.

A recent article in World Atlas highlights seven of California's most walkable towns, noting, "California has many stunning small towns. Walking through these towns enables visitors to immerse themselves in and appreciate their natural beauty and culture up close." Exploring these towns on foot is indeed a delightful experience. Having visited all seven, we can say they are all worth the trip. Each has its unique charm, but we must admit, Healdsburg tops the list. It's home and the home of our winery, Amista Vineyards—but more on that later.

Why Healdsburg is So Charming

Healdsburg's downtown comes alive, especially during the warm months, bustling with both visitors and locals. Blessed with beautiful weather for most of the year, the town's charm is always on display. Locals know the best spots for breads and pastries, coffee roasters, ice cream shops, and their favorite restaurants. From April through November, the farmer’s market is a lively hub for finding fresh local produce, cheeses, and flowers, and catching up with friends.

Our Favorite Healdsburg Restaurants

Visitors enjoy exploring the shops and boutiques, tasting wine at the in-town tasting rooms and trying out the many excellent dining options. For a town of just under 12,000, we have a vast array of great restaurants. Some of our personal favorites are Baci, Guiso Latin Fusion, Bravas, Willi’s Seafood, Rooftop 106, Costeaux French Bakery and Valette.

Discover Healdsburg's Hidden Gem: A Delightful Walking Trail

If you want to take a walk away from the bustle, there’s Foss Creek Pathway that runs from downtown to the Community Center on the north edge of town. You’ll see runners, walkers, bicyclists and dogs (on leash) enjoying the trail. If you’re a local, you’re sure to see someone you know. Also on display are sculptures of metal or stone. A favorite is a life-size creation called Grazing Horse, sculpted of metal and driftwood by a local Sonoma artist. There is also a playful sculpture of a blue sofa complete with end table, lamp and a red telephone.

Edge Esmerelda Chooses Healdsburg for Its Walkability

Healdsburg's walkability received a glowing endorsement with its selection as the host this June for Edge Esmerelda,  a month-long event dedicated to building the future. This pop-up village is attracting visionaries from around the globe who believe in creating a better tomorrow and are actively working towards it. All lodging, workshops and communal meals are located within close proximity of Foss Creek Pathway to encourage walking and biking. The event planners brought in hundreds of bikes for guests to use during their stay.

Discover Our Vineyard Walk at Amista Vineyards

The World Atlas article praises Healdsburg, noting, “Healdsburg is home to over 90 vineyards and wineries, including Amista Vineyards, which offers guided hikes and tastings.” Located just four miles from downtown, at Amista we feature a special walk of our own, with more to see than just grapevines! Stand beneath our majestic 200-year-old oak tree and imagine life in California when it was just an acorn.

Then check out our backwater pond on Dry Creek that was constructed in partnership with the Sonoma County Water Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers. The project’s goal is to restore the habitat for the Steelhead trout and Coho salmon that inhabit these waters. When you return from the vineyards, treat yourself to a wine tasting on our solar covered patio and gaze over the vineyard up to the tree-studded hills above. You may want to start planning your next stop among California’s walkable towns.

See the whole list of 7 Of The Most Walkable Towns In California by Amanda Jennings in the Places section of World Atlas.