Welcome to Sonoma! We are so excited to celebrate with you in this beautiful corner of California’s Wine Country. Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or indulge, Sonoma has something for everyone. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite local spots and activities to help you make the most of your visit.

Menu (click a link below)

Hotel/Camping
Restaurants
Wineries
Breweries
Hiking
Activities
Nature and Gardens

Hotels/Camping

  • Sonoma Valley Inn (0.2 miles from the square): A fantastic, value-driven hotel just a block from Sonoma Plaza. It offers solid amenities like a heated saltwater pool and a hot tub, making it a great option that won’t break the bank.
  • El Pueblo Inn (1 mile from the square): A fantastic, well-loved motel with a reputation for being clean, comfortable, and a great value. It’s a no-frills option that gets consistently high marks from visitors.
  • The Lodge at Sonoma Resort (1.2 miles from the square): This beautiful resort offers a luxurious experience without the stuffy atmosphere. It’s a convenient and comfortable home base, just a short walk from Sonoma Plaza.
  • MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa (1.2 miles from the square): A charming and elegant hotel with a focus on tranquility and sophisticated comfort. The property features a beautiful garden, an exceptional spa, and a highly-regarded on-site restaurant, Layla.
  • Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (4 miles from the square): A luxurious and iconic hotel known for its natural mineral hot springs, world-class spa, and stunning grounds. It’s a perfect retreat for guests looking to unwind and be pampered.
  • Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Campground (11 miles from the square): For the adventurous guest, this campground offers a rustic and beautiful experience. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be fully immersed in nature and enjoy hiking and stargazing. The sites are simple, with no hookups.

Restaurants

  • The Girl & The Fig (0.2 miles from the square): A Sonoma classic for French-inspired country food. It’s lively and popular, with a reputation for great food and a fantastic patio. It’s perfect for a nice dinner out without being overly stuffy.
  • Della Santina’s (0.3 miles from the square): A family-owned spot for delicious and authentic Italian food. It has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the food is consistently excellent.
  • El Molino Central (2.5 miles from the square): This is a local favorite for authentic Mexican food. It’s a casual spot with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the food is incredible.
  • The Big Easy (11.5 miles from the square): Located in nearby Petaluma, this spot is a go-to for many Sonoma County locals looking for live music and excellent Southern-style comfort food. It offers a laid-back, late-night vibe with delicious, home-style cooking.

Wineries

  • Roche Winery & Vineyards (0.4 miles from the square): With locations both downtown and at their estate, Roche offers a great balance. The downtown tasting room is a casual and convenient option, while the estate has a down-to-earth feel.
  • Gundlach Bundschu Winery (3.0 miles from the square): One of California’s oldest wineries, “Gun-Bun” is known for its beautiful grounds, fun tours (including a cave tour), and laid-back vibe. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon without feeling like you’re in a museum.
  • Jacuzzi Family Vineyards (4.6 miles from the square): This winery offers a taste of Tuscany in Sonoma. The tasting room is in a beautiful villa, but the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it a great and accessible stop.

Breweries

  • Sonoma Springs Brewing Company (0.5 miles from the square): A laid-back spot for handcrafted ales and German-style beers in the heart of wine country. Great for a casual pint and pub fare, with a fun, local atmosphere.

Hiking

  • Sonoma City Trail (0.1 miles from the square): This is a flat, paved bike and walking path that runs for a couple of miles from behind Sonoma Plaza to Sebastiani Winery and beyond. It’s a great, convenient option for a leisurely stroll or bike ride and a favorite for a reason.
    • Cost/Price: $ (Free)
  • Bartholomew Park (2.5 miles from the square): This private park is a hidden gem with beautiful hiking trails, and it’s also a winery! You can enjoy a hike through the vineyards and then enjoy a tasting. It’s a much less crowded option than the state parks.
  • Sonoma Valley Regional Park (3.0 miles from the square): This park is easy to access and offers a variety of trails, from paved paths to more rugged routes. It’s a popular spot for locals, but the trails are well-spread out, so you won’t feel crowded.
  • Jack London State Historic Park (8 miles from the square): Explore the famous author’s former ranch with scenic hiking trails, historic ruins, a museum, and picnic spots. It’s got beautiful redwoods and valley views, plus guided tours on weekends.

Activities

  • Sonoma Plaza (in the center of town): The heart of the city and a beautiful historic landmark. It’s the perfect place to stroll, picnic on the grass, and browse the shops and tasting rooms that surround it.
    • Cost/Price: $ (Free)
  • Sonoma State Historic Park (0.1 – 0.5 miles from the square): This is a collection of six historical sites around Sonoma Plaza, including the Mission San Francisco Solano. Weekend docent tours are available, and it’s perfect for history buffs.
  • Sonoma Farmers’ Market (0.4 miles from the square): A beloved local tradition on Friday mornings (9:00 AM – 12:30 PM), located just off the Plaza at Arnold Field. It’s a wonderful place to grab a bite, enjoy live music, and see a slice of local life.
  • Mountain Cemetery (0.5 miles from the square): For those who enjoy history and a peaceful, scenic walk, the historic Mountain Cemetery is a must-see. Located on a hillside just a few blocks from Sonoma Plaza, it offers a glimpse into the lives of Sonoma’s early residents and beautiful views.
    • Cost/Price: $ (Free)
  • Sonoma TrainTown Railroad (1.5 miles from the square): Located just a few minutes from Sonoma Plaza, TrainTown is a quarter-scale railroad that offers a charming 20-minute train ride through a beautiful, miniature landscape. It’s a whimsical and nostalgic experience that’s a hit with everyone, from kids to adults who are kids at heart.
  • Bike the Vineyards (varies, but rentals are close to the square): Rent a bicycle and take a self-guided tour of the nearby wineries. It’s an active and fun way to see the vineyards up close.

Nature & Gardens

  • Cornerstone Sonoma (5 miles from the square): A vibrant marketplace with art-inspired gardens, boutique shops, food trucks, and wine tasting rooms. It’s great for strolling, photo ops, and casual events like live music.
  • Sonoma Botanical Garden (8 miles from the square): Located in nearby Glen Ellen, this is a world-class botanical garden home to one of the largest collections of scientifically documented, wild-source Asian plants in North America. Spring is considered the garden’s most beautiful season when many rare plants come into flower.