Why We Love Healdsburg and Why You Will love Having Your Medical Conference there:

When people think of Wine Country, places like Napa often come to mind first. But tucked away in Sonoma County is a destination that many travelers quietly consider one of the state’s greatest treasures. Healdsburg is a place where world-class dining, beautiful landscapes, and genuine small-town charm come together.

At MedTreks, we believe that medical conferences should be inspiring, relaxing, engaging, fun and rewarding. We host these Outdoor Medicine Collectives where we know our guests will feel well taken care of – they will enjoy the scenery, the food and have plenty of opportunities for small 1/2 day adventures. Welcome to Healdsburg – Ari’s (MedTreks founder) hometown. Here is what we love about it!

A Walkable Town

Centered around one of California’s most beautiful town squares, Healdsburg offers an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Between educational sessions, you can wander tree-lined streets filled with locally owned boutiques, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and cafés. The food scene alone is worth the trip. Whether you’re craving authentic tacos, fresh farm-to-table cuisine, handcrafted pastries, or an unforgettable Michelin-starred dinner, Healdsburg offers something for every palate. 

Here are just a few of our favorites:

• The Little Saint: Little Saint is a 100% plant-based restaurant, coffee bar, wine lounge, cocktail bar and events venue located in downtown Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California.
• The Matheson: An upscale farm-to-table restaurant, wine bar, Roof 106 rooftop bar & outdoor dining.
  
• Lo & Behold: Global comfort food and cultivated cocktails with a beautiful garden patio!
• If you want fancy, try checking out Dry Creek Kitchen, Valette or Singlethread– a 3 Michelin star restaurant.

The Sonoma Coast: A Different Side of California

One of the things that makes Healdsburg so unique is what surrounds it.

Less than an hour away, the landscape transforms dramatically as vineyard-covered hills give way to towering redwoods, winding rivers, charming apple orchards, and finally the rugged Pacific coastline. Bodega Bay feels wonderfully untamed. Waves crash against dramatic rock formations, seabirds soar overhead, and fresh ocean air greets you. Spend the afternoon hiking coastal bluffs, exploring tide pools, watching harbor seals, or simply enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the harbor.

Paddle Through Sonoma County

There is something about towns that have rivers flowing through it. The Russian River gently winds through towering redwoods, quiet forests, and scenic vineyards, creating one of the most peaceful ways to experience Sonoma County. Along the way you might spot river otters, turtles, great blue herons, and other local wildlife before pulling onto a sandy riverbank for a quiet break.

Explore Dry Creek Valley 

Just minutes from our hotel, the famous Dry Creek Valley showcases another side of Sonoma County.

Quiet country roads meander through vineyards, olive orchards, lavender fields, and family-owned wineries, making the valley one of California’s premier cycling destinations. 

Continue to the end of the valley and you’ll arrive at Lake Sonoma. Here you’ll find miles of hiking trails and wide-open views that make it easy to spend an afternoon immersed in nature.

Education Beyond the Conference Room

Healthcare professionals spend their careers caring for others. Finding opportunities to step away from the demands of clinical practice isn’t simply enjoyable—it’s essential.

That’s the philosophy behind the Outdoor Medicine Collective.

You’ll spend your days learning practical wilderness and travel medicine from outstanding faculty, then step outside into one of California’s most beautiful regions to continue conversations over exceptional meals, scenic hikes, bike rides through wine country, or sunsets along the Pacific Coast.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Healdsburg this October.