NAPA-SONOMA MAGAZINE: Oct. 2023

The town of Glen Ellen is known for its wine and for Jack London State Historic Park—but surprisingly, it is also a yacht club destination.

In a nod to one of America’s great adventurers, the philanthropic Jack London Yacht Club has its official clubhouse at the Saloon at the Jack London Lodge. Every spring, members race miniature boats on Sonoma Creek behind the popular bar, in an homage to the 1907 journey London took with his wife, Charmian, on his two-mast sailboat, the Snark.

A fun and educational outing begins on the property where London lived, died, and is buried. Jack London State Historic Park has more than 29 miles of hiking trails traversing the 1,565-acre park, which sports his cottage, barns, a distillery, and the ruins of the Wolf House and a winery. Docents share stories of London’s devil-may-care life and his goal of making his beloved property, which he called Beauty Ranch, a model for sustainable farming. You can also take a self-guided tour by picking up maps and brochures at the House of Happy Walls Museum. The park has shady places to rest, with picnic tables throughout the gardens and groves. Visitors can bring in prepackaged lunches from the gourmet Glen Ellen Village Market, or eat in town or at the nearby Mill at Glen Ellen, an old sawmill that offers alfresco dining along the creek.

Since London liked his spirits, a tasting at nearby Kenwood Vineyards might feel appropriate. Kenwood has 125 acres of vines inside Jack London State Historic Park. Visitors can enjoy wine and local artisanal cheese inside or outside a 1906 barn converted into a tasting room.

Guests who’d like to spend the night will find an upscale-motor-lodge vibe at the Jack London Lodge, which has an outdoor pool and a spa. From the lodge’s aforementioned saloon, it’s also a short walk to several shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to bring your tattered copy of The Call of the Wild.

Insider tip: Before you go, reserve a free California State Parks pass at your local library and download the parks’ Virtual Adventurer app to enhance your time here.