Ah, midsummer. It’s a magical time of long days, balmy nights, and relaxation. As we reach the middle of the season, you might be thinking about what to do on the summer solstice. In other parts of the world like Scandinavia, midsummer is an important holiday. In Sweden, people wear flower crowns and dance around a maypole. In Norway, it’s not midsummer without a large bonfire.
It might not be nationally celebrated here, but why not start your own tradition? If you’re looking to do something special to commemorate the longest day of the year, here are our recommendations.
Get Outside
The sun won’t set until 8:38 pm, so you can take a long hike and still get home before dark. Hit the coast, take to the forest, or climb a mountain and enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re looking for some good hikes, check out our list.
If hiking isn’t your thing, no worries. There are plenty of ways to get out and connect with nature without breaking a sweat. Go swimming along the Russian River at Monte Rio Beach, or take a dip in Lake Sonoma.
Have a Bonfire
Do as the Scandinavians do and celebrate this magical day with a bonfire. If you have a fire pit in your backyard, invite some friends over and have some wine or roast marshmallows. If you don’t have your own fire pit, no problem. Some of Sonoma County’s beaches have places to make a bonfire. Check out Doran Beach. Please, please, be careful with your fires.
Watch the Sunset
Commemorate the end of the longest day by watching the sun sink behind the horizon. For the best views, head to the coast or take a stroll down the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail in Sebastopol.
