Windso(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Windsor, the top choice for families is The Windsor Inn & Spa, located steps from the Riverfront Promenade. This hotel offers spacious family rooms, a children’s activity center, indoor pool, and spa access. Its California country-style design features oak wood furnishings and native plants, creating a warm, nature-inspired atmosphere. Guests can enjoy nearby Windsor Vineyards tours and fruit-picking experiences. With easy access to parks and lakeside trails, it’s perfect for a relaxed, memorable family getaway in Northern California.

The downtown district of Windsor is the prime area for lodging, offering walkable access to Windsor Marina, restaurants, cafes, and local markets. Surrounded by the Redwood Forest Reserve, this neighborhood provides peaceful mornings with bird songs and serene evening lake views. Stay at boutique inns like Riverfront Lodge along Riverside Avenue, which offer private balconies, garden access, and panoramic valley vistas—ideal for experiencing slow-paced, authentic Northern California living.

Visitors to Windsor should attend the annual Windsor Wine Festival and explore the Local Artisan Market. Take a guided vineyard tour to learn about Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cultivation. The Windsor Historical Museum showcases 19th-century ranching life and early railway history, featuring vintage wagons and farming tools. In the evenings, catch live performances at the Riverside Outdoor Theater, where local theater groups present original musicals, highlighting the rich Northern California folk art scene.

For couples seeking romance, Willow Creek Retreat is a secluded eco-lodge nestled within the redwood forest. Featuring private hot tubs, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Santa Rosa Valley, and cozy fireplaces, each cabin offers an intimate retreat. The hotel provides sunset picnic packages and stargazing guides, paired with scenic night walks along the riverside trail. Book a couple’s spa treatment in the natural wood-walled wellness room, and savor a glass of local wine under the stars—perfect for a dreamy, tranquil escape in Sonoma County.

Near Windsor, the Cedar Grove Trail (2.5 km) and Riverside Loop are excellent choices for short hikes. The Cedar Grove Trail winds through towering Coast Redwoods, carpeted with soft moss and bathed in dappled sunlight—ideal for peaceful forest immersion. The Riverside Loop passes through wetlands and oak groves, offering chances to spot great blue herons and gray squirrels. Start early to avoid midday heat, bring water, and pause at the riverside overlook for stunning views of the valley. Both trails are well-marked and accessible for all skill levels.

Must-try foods in Windsor include freshly baked apple pie from local farms and house-grilled steak with house-made black pepper sauce. Visit the Windsor Farm Market daily for organic produce, artisanal jams, and locally crafted hard cider. Don’t miss the Windsor Ranch BBQ Fest, held every weekend, where meats are slow-smoked over oak wood and served with pickles and grilled vegetables. Pair your meal with a handcrafted espresso or almond milk latte from a riverside café using beans roasted in Sonoma—experience true Northern California farm-to-table living.

Yes, Windsor has several pet-friendly options. Paws & Pines Inn stands out with pet beds, complimentary dog treats, and a fenced backyard for pets to play. All rooms welcome small dogs and cats at no extra fee. The hotel hosts pet-friendly hiking tours through the Redwood Forest Reserve and provides waste bags and cleaning stations along the trail. Nearby riverfront paths also feature pet drinking fountains and signage—making it one of the most welcoming towns for furry companions in Sonoma County.

Nighttime highlights in Windsor include star-gazing events along the Riverfront Promenade, hosted by local astronomers with telescopes and constellation talks—best in spring and fall. Every Friday, the Windsor Marina Night Market comes alive with craft vendors, street food, and live music. For quiet moments, book a nighttime meditation session at a riverside cabin, surrounded by firelight and forest sounds. Some lodges, like Willow Creek Retreat, offer guided lantern walks through the redwood grove, creating a magical, immersive experience under the stars.

For business travelers, Windsor Executive Suites is the top choice. Located in the downtown business corridor, it features high-speed Wi-Fi, modern meeting rooms, and private work desks. Rooms boast smart lighting systems, soundproof walls, and ergonomic furniture—perfect for productivity. The hotel offers business breakfast delivery and express check-out, and is just minutes from the Windsor Conference Center. Partnered with rental car services, it ensures smooth travel to Santa Rosa Airport—a seamless blend of efficiency and comfort for professionals.

Windsor is well-connected via State Route 128, linking it quickly to Santa Rosa and Napa Valley. Within town, walking and biking are ideal—especially on the Riverfront Bike Path, a dedicated route for cyclists. Renting an electric bike or car is recommended for exploring vineyards and forests. Public transit options include Sonoma County Transit buses, with multiple daily routes. The Windsor Marina also offers bike-sharing stations. Plan trips early to avoid traffic, especially during weekend festivals, and use GPS navigation for smooth access to scenic spots.