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Glen Ellen, California, is a charming, small village in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wine culture. Glen Ellen is a small town with a population of around 1,000 souls. Nevertheless, this peaceful Sonoma town offers those who want to get off the beaten track plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and unwind. And you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque place to do so.
The Early History of Glen Ellen
Glen Ellen’s history dates back to 1839 when General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo established a sawmill here. The town began to take shape around the vineyard of Charles V. Stuart, who settled there in 1849 and named the area Glen Ellen after his wife. By the 1870s, Glen Ellen was recognized for its wine production. The village’s most famous resident, Jack London, author of “Call of the Wild,” lived here from 1909 until his death, and his legacy is preserved at Jack London State Historic Park.
Wineries and Wine Tasting
A day trip to Glen Ellen wouldn’t be complete without visits to some of the fine wineries in the area. Few visitors miss a trip to the Benziger Family Winery. The winery also incorporates a biodynamic farm area. The “Partners Tour” comes highly recommended. It is pricier than the standard tour, but you’ll have complete behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to sample some premium estate wines. Other wineries worth visiting include Talisman Wines, the Mayo Family Winery, and the Eric Ross Winery.
Activities in the Area
Jack London State Historic Park (2400 London Ranch Rd.): A 1,400-acre park with 26 miles of trails, the ruins of Wolf House, London’s grave, and the House of Happy Walls museum. Highlights include Beauty Ranch and docent-led hikes. Open daily; a $10 parking fee applies.
Sonoma Botanical Garden (formerly Quarryhill, 12841 Sonoma Hwy): A 25-acre research garden with one of North America’s largest collections of temperate Asian plants, plus California natives. Offers self-guided walks and stunning valley views; admission is $12–$15.
Hiking & Nature: Trails at Jack London Park, Sonoma Valley Regional Park, and Sonoma Botanical Garden offer valley views and wildlife (e.g., deer, birds). Horseback rides via Triple Creek Horse Outfit ($100–$150).
Morton’s Warm Springs Resort (1651 Warm Springs Rd.): Geothermal mineral pools for relaxation, open seasonally (May–September). Ideal for families; entry fees range from $15 to $20. The springs have a history of providing healing waters, situated in a forested hillside setting. Ideal for families or those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Dining Options in Glen Ellen
Eventually, you’ll decide you need to get something solid into your system! Stop by the Glen Ellen Village Market and Deli for a quick grab-and-go option. A fantastic selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, paninis, and burritos awaits. The patio at the Saloon at Jack London Lodge is a laid-back spot for a reasonably priced homemade hamburger, fries, and beer. Other dining options include the Garden Court Café & Bakery, Les Pascals Patisserie, and the Glen Ellen Inn Grill & Martini Bar.
Visitor Tips
Getting There: Glen Ellen is located in the northeastern corner of Sonoma County—a 90-minute drive from San Francisco via Hwy 101 and the Golden Gate Bridge. From Sacramento, the drive time is 1.5 – 2 hours.
Book winery tastings and dining in advance. Wear layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons. Walk downtown’s 60-yard block for shops and eateries. Parking: Free street parking in downtown Glen Ellen; paid lots at parks ($7–$10).
Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers, fall for harvest and mild weather (60–80°F). Summer can hit 90°F; winter is quieter but rainy.
For more details, visit www.sonomavalley.com or www.jacklondonpark.com.
Nearby Points of Interest (within 30 miles)
Safari West (3115 Porter Creek Rd, Santa Rosa, ~18 miles): 400-acre wildlife preserve with jeep tours to see giraffes, zebras, and more. Safari West African Wildlife Tours offers a three-hour tour led by an experienced guide. Guests board a safari truck and embark on a bumpy ride through the preserve. This tour provides a unique opportunity to experience an African safari while safely avoiding dangerous wild animals.
Napa Valley Wine Train (1275 McKinstry St, Napa, ~20 miles): Scenic train ride through vineyards with gourmet dining. The Napa Valley Wine Train provides an exceptional dining experience with stunning views of the wine country. The train travels along a historic 19th-century rail line previously used to transport visitors to the Calistoga resort. Nowadays, the train runs up to St. Helena, showcasing vintage cars and beautiful vineyard landscapes.
Old Faithful Geyser of California (1299 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, ~22 miles): Natural geyser erupting every 30 minutes, with a petting zoo. Old Faithful Geyser, located in the upper Napa Valley in the town of Calistoga, California, is one of only three “Old Faithful” geysers in the world. The other two are located in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, and New Zealand.