The central plaza is the organizing principle of Healdsburg. A full city block of mature sycamores, redwoods, and oaks, with benches, a bandstand, a small fountain, and well-kept grass, it functions as both town park and main street. The surrounding streets are lined with tasting rooms, restaurants, wine bars, clothing boutiques, and galleries — all better than average, reflecting the wealth the wine industry has brought to town.
On Saturday mornings from May through November the plaza hosts a farmers market with exceptional local produce: tomatoes, stone fruit, artisan cheeses, fresh-baked bread, and seasonal vegetables that change week to week. Local winemakers sometimes pour at the market.
The plaza is best on a weekday morning when it belongs more to locals than tourists, or on a warm Friday evening when the restaurants open their windows and the energy of the week ending is palpable. The bandstand hosts free concerts in summer.