With its mild Mediterranean climate, mountains, valleys, forests, and more than 50 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, Sonoma County offers a generous range of outdoor activities.

Of course, it's true that Sonoma County built its reputation on laid-back luxury, slow-paced living, and being a place you visit to be able to sit back and relax. But that's not the whole story.

Here are eight Sonoma County outdoor activities you must do on your next visit.

1. Golf

Sonoma County is a top California golf destination. Like a well-structured Cabernet, golf just keeps getting better in Sonoma County. With a mild climate that encourages year-round play, fantastic off-the-fairway diversions, and a stunning natural setting along the beach, in the redwoods, or near vineyards, Sonoma County cards a winning score for golf travellers. Top golf spots include Windsor Golf Club, Sonoma Golf Club at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Links at Bodega Harbour.

2. Zipline through the redwoods

Discover the world-famous Northern California Redwoods in a way you have never imagined with Sonoma Canopy Tours. Take a guided eco tour through the treetops with seven zip lines, two sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, a rappel to the forest floor, and hiking through the world famous California Coastal Redwoods. One of the ziplines is over 1500 feet long, and the longest in NorCal! Marvel at panoramic forest views and deep ravines. If you're interested in an overnight stay, also check out Sonoma Treehouse Adventures!

3. Learn to surf

Whether you're an ultimate beginner or advanced surfer, the Bodega Bay Surf Shack offers surfing lessons 365 a year in Sonoma County. At the surf shack, you can rent surfboards, kayaks, extra gear, and stand up paddleboards. Choose from a group surfing lesson or your own private session, both lasting approximately 2.5 hours.

4. Test Your Speed on the Raceway

For those who like to sit back and watch, the Sonoma Raceway is a year-round motorsports complex with events scheduled a majority of the year (340 days and 50 weekends a year).

Or get behind the wheel yourself through the raceway's Sears Point Racing Experience. Drive a race car on its famous 2.52-mile road course, joined by a professional instructor, or go go-karting on California's longest track.

You can also take your need for speed to the indoor tracks at Driven Raceway in Rohnert Park. You might not be on a full-size course, but you sure can get going fast as you race your friends!

5. Sportfishing

Whether you want to hook a fish, pull up a pot of crabs, or get up close with whales and other sea life, several companies offer a variety of seagoing adventures out of peaceful Bodega Bay on Sonoma County's Pacific Ocean coastline, as well as several inland waterway options. There's nothing quite like standing on the deck of a boat, heading out for a day on the water.

6. Watersports

Whether you want to paddle a canoe, kayak, or standup paddleboard, Sonoma County boasts a variety of delightful watersport options. Explore the stunning Pacific coastline, follow the Russian River as it winds its way through Sonoma County, investigate the wide waters of Lake Sonoma, join the locals on the 72-acre Spring Lake, or even take a yoga class on a paddleboard, if you’re so inclined.

For more information visit: www.sonomacounty.com