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City in California, United States
Photo: ayako from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sonoma is a city in the Sonoma Valley within Sonoma County, in the north part of the Bay Area of California. With its central location in wine country, the city of Sonoma, with little over 10,000 residents, attracts thousands of visitors from around the world for wine tastings.
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Group and self-guided.
Sonoma State Historic Park
Founded in 1823 as the last of the Spanish California missions, in part by Mariano Vallejo to check the Russian's impact in Northern California. Site of the first vineyard in Sonoma County. This is where the Bear Flag Revolt took place in 1846. It was bought by the California Historic Landmarks League in 1903 and restored in 1913. Though it was the last mission, it was the third structure in California to be designated a State Historic Landmark.
Historic movie theatre built by wine mogul Samuele Sebastiani in 1933. Shows first run and retro films and also has great and varied live music and special events. Stop by the original ticket booth for a quirky photo op.
Sonoma's Pacific Western League baseball is a true American baseball experience. Fun, cheap and entertaining, the Stompers are the best team in the league. Get Grandstand tickets - they're the best and just behind home base. Grilled hot dogs and meatball sandwiches with good Sonoma wine and beer available.
A modern and contemporary art museum with no permanent collection. They also have a library onsite for those doing research on fine art.
In-person guided tours of the sanctuary for private groups of 2-10 people; about 90 minutes, and walking about a half-mile.
Take a cooking course and then relax with a wonderful meal on site. Ramekins a local cooking school and event facility just off of the Plaza, that trains future (and hobbyist) wine country chefs.
The most popular place in town on Tuesday from 5:30PM until dusk from May until October. There is live music and lots of farmers selling fresh vegetables and fruits and food trucks and vendors making fresh food for you to enjoy. Locals bring wine and picnics and have parties until the cowbell is rung and everyone heads home.
A 6.1 acre city park features a water-wise landscape that keeps the park thriving through droughts. Brochures at the park will take you on a self-guided tour of the grounds.
A 110-voice community chorus offering three annual concerts. Music for its programs includes classical, folk, pop, gospel, Broadway show tunes and more.
Brings filmmakers, actors, and fans from around the world to wine country for a weekend. Film showings, parties, and live music.
Has been voted one of the top ten 4th of July celebrations in the United States by Travel and Leisure magazine. Starting with a parade (get there really early, as in 8AM) on the Plaza, followed by live music and food, and ending with what could be the biggest small-town fireworks show you will ever see.
Has been taking place in Sonoma for over 100 years to celebrate the harvest of the grapes. The weekend includes 12-km/5-km runs, a grape stomping contest, a gala, art and live music.
Located in a small house about a block off the Plaza (next to the Sonoma Hotel), Roche makes one of the best Chardonnays in Sonoma. Tastings take place indoors and outdoors - grab a glass of wine and people watch from one of the many outdoor tables. The service can be more "car sales" like.
The winery owns the oldest vineyard north of San Francisco, planted by Franciscan monks in 1825 to make sacramental wines at the Mission. After the Mission was secularized, General Vallejo made award-winning wines from these grapes. An Italian immigrant called Samuele Sebastiani bought the vineyard in the early 1900s, and his family has produced wine from it ever since.
Sigh is the only champagne and bubbly tasting room in Sonoma. Woman-owned and cute and quirky inside, tables are decorated with bottle tops and it's the only place in town where they will teach you how to saber your own champagne bottle (on Saturdays). Flights and bottles are available - a great place to buy a bottle and go sit on the Plaza too.
Sojourn is in a cute house just off the Plaza. As this is known as one of the best Pinot Noir producers in Sonoma, you may opt to do a tasting solely focused on Pinot. Friendly people and a great experience if you're interested in a more exclusive - but still friendly and laid back - wine tasting experience.
Sonoma parents have been bringing their children to play on the playgrounds in the historic plaza for years. Two playgrounds are onsite, including sandpits. Picnic tables are nearby, too.
A famous amusement park in Sonoma that has been around since 1958. A fun collection of trains mixed with train rides and other amusement rides.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and happy hour, Sunflower is popular with locals. It's been featured on "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives," but it doesn't fit into any of those categories. Casual dining inside, but the highlight is the back patio. Delicious brunch, salads and sandwiches. Happy hour is served from 3-4PM with locals wines and beers. Free wifi.
Sonoma's favorite local bakery, the Boulangerie is a popular place for breakfast and lunch. Affordable fresh sandwiches, tasty coffee, and freshly baked bread and pastries. Try a cheesy breadstick. Grab a loaf of bread to nibble on with local cheese at the park. They back the bread in house - stop by around 8PM for a hearty smell out back.
Super cheap, no thrills Mexican food you expect when visiting California. For lunch and late night there is a taco stand set up outside that serves into the evening. Fast, cheap and filling.
Mary's is locally owned and has locations throughout wine country. They serve traditional east coast style pasta in a family-friendly environment. They also have happy hour starting at 3PM.
Tasty Connecticut-style pizza and an ever-changing seasonal menu. A family friendly restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, the Grape is known for being one of the best places to work in town - and it shows in the friendly service.
Locally owned Himalayan restaurant that is the social hub for the Nepalese community. Taste is a friendly spot with simple indoor and outdoor seating. You can get traditional HImalayan dishes, as well as Indian classics like Chicken Tikka. Each meal comes with a bowl of soup, and lunchtime offers specials. Grab a Nepali beer, too! Takeout available.
Only Thai restaurant in the City of Sonoma. Contemporary decor with all the classic Thai dishes. Friendly service and cool music to boot.
Casual Italian-Mediterranean dining with a nice wine list. Nothing too fancy, but, go on Tuesdays when Claudia is working and get great service. The bar has happy hour specials each day of the week and on Friday's the backroom has some of the best live jazz in the Bay Area (seriously).
An American-style Mexican restaurant, the service is great and the prices are too. Happy Hour is M-F and you can get margaritas and tacos for cheap. Chips and salsa are housemade and so popular the owner sells them throughout the state at grocery stores. Nice little patio out back that is great for lunch.
Locally sourced produce, beef, chicken and seafood is prepared simply at this intimate restaurant.
EDK
Contemporary indoor and outdoor dining on Sonoma Plaza. Sharing a space with the El Dorado Hotel, EDK offers a formal dining area with shared & individual tables, a lounge, and a smaller casual cafe. Contemporary wine country food with locally sourced and seasonal items. They also make their own charcuterie. Can be a bit pretentious, and quite the place to see and be seen for the San Francisco set who visits for the weekends.
the fig
Owned by celebrity chef Sondra Bernstein, the girl & the fig opened in 1997 and helped launched wine country cuisine. French country food in a casual but classy setting, they offer indoor and outdoor dining, and a French style zinc bar specializing in classic French cocktails with a twist and Rhone varietal wines. Reservations necessary.
Portuguese restaurant owned by Azorean-born chef Manuel Azevedo. Authentic gourmet food with a classy decor that feels more like coastal Portugal than Sonoma. Popular in the evening, make a reservation. They serve lunch and dinner (and lots of port!).
The best Italian food in town. The owner/chef is from Italy and he cooks each meal himself. Fast paced place with a real Italian feel, enjoy classics and hearty dishes with a small but nice Italian wine list. Amazing food.
Housed in a former hotel dating back to the late 1800s, the Depot Hotel serves quality Italian food that has been family owned for decades. Don't let the rather uneventful interior fool you - make a reservation and sit out back where the hotel's historic pool provides a lovely atmosphere amongst the garden. Call ahead, it's a popular wedding spot.
Vella Cheese has been making their products since 1931. The building is a former brewery, built in 1904. A historic building, the site has seen it all, from earthquakes to Prohibition. Tom Vella founded it, and his son, Ig Vella took over - there is even a bridge named after him in town. Fabulous cheese in small and large formats for you to enjoy.
The favorite of locals, Sonoma Market also has a location in Glen Ellen. All you can want in a locally owned grocery store and more. The best fresh seafood and steaks in town, wine often cheaper than you'll get at the winery itself, and a great hot and salad bar.
Wine country deli with fresh sandwiches, local cheeses and wine. You can take to go or eat there on their patio with a fire pit. The only place in town that serves Blue Bottle Coffee. Lady Gaga went here every morning for her coffee when she was in town in 2012.
The Irish pub of Sonoma. Full menu, live music, beers, and a fun, family-friendly environment. They also have Trivia night on Wednesdays where the locals compete for first, second, and last place. Prizes usually include wine, so bone up on your current events!
Founded in 1927, described by a local as "the only real bar in Sonoma". All the classics of a bar: live music, jukebox, pool, TV's, and heavy pours. Lots of locals and it can get pretty rowdy sometimes. It opens at 6AM if that tells you anything.
A contemporary beer garden that is part of a local chain (two other locations exist) that was started by Gordon Biersch. Food is just mediocre but the beer is adequate and features HopMonk's own beer (if you like Biersch's beers...) and other regional and international brews. Service is often slow and not always the most attentive but a lot of younger "hip" locals hang out here and they have live music most nights of the week.
The only bar in Sonoma open for business on Christmas. Yup, the Town Square is that kind of place. A tiny dive bar located opposite the other dive bar (Steiner's) - you're either a fan of this bar or the other. Cheap booze, heavy pours, local flavor and a laid back tiny bar vibe. It's 5 o'clock somewhere.
A wine bar with a contemporary yet laid back feel with a big international wine list. Specials are frequent and you can also buy wine here to go. They serve Italian food from their parent restaurant, Della Santina's.
The only spirits producer in Sonoma Valley. Prohibition went on the map with their HelloCello limoncello. Now they produce bourbon, rye, whiskey, rum and other treats. Sometimes they are open on the weekends on a whim, but call ahead for a tour and tasting. They make a bourbon called "Hooker's House," while the sexy label says one thing, it's actually named after General Hooker (no, the term "hooker" did not come from his name!).
A locally owned and operated Best Western. A few blocks from Sonoma Plaza, this hotel is pet friendly and has a pool, jacuzzi rooms and free breakfast. Free wifi and laundry facilities you can use. Expensive for a Best Western - but not your typical, either.
Centrally located, the El Dorado Hotel is the most high end overnight property on the Plaza. Very modern rooms (27 in total) with free wifi, coffee/tea, and you even get your own reusable water bottle for your stay. A super hip solar-heated pool overlooks the restaurant and will make you feel like a star while those dining watch you sunbath.
A comfortable inn with a Santa Fe feel. Further from the Plaza, a cab, car or bike would be ideal. The more affordable mid-range option compared to its neighbouring Best Western. They offer a pool and hot tub, 24-hr front desk services, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Know someone who lives in Sonoma? Have them make the reservation for you - they offer a locals discount!
A historic hotel with 16 rooms and suites located on the Plaza. A classic B&B feel with antiques and French country furniture. Guests receive complimentary wine in the evening, and dinner can be enjoyed downstairs at the girl and the fig. Can get noisy at night as the bars close.
Registered on the National Register of Historic Places, Swiss Hotel is in a great location on the Plaza. A small group of guest rooms overlook the Plaza above an Italian restaurant and bar. Located in the heart of the town and near several bars, the inn can attract street noise in the late evenings, including rowdy tourists heading back to their hotels after a long day (and night) of wine country drinking.
Classy inn on the Plaza with six rooms. Whirlpool tubs in each room and private balconies. Ledson is owned by a wine country family - you can taste the families wines in the tasting room and restaurant on the ground floor. Free internet, and discounts for wine club members on rooms.
A contemporary resort and spa just south of Sonoma Plaza, part of the Marriott chain. Beautiful and super modern, with a big pool spotted with cabanas, a great place to nurse a hangover after wine tasting, or to cater to your family when the kids just want to have fun. Pets are allowed with a charge, and internet is additional. They have two restaurants.
Western themed, but don't let that scare you - the decor is modern and classy with all the touches of a (fancy) home. Lovely gardens, many types of rooms, and free internet. Breakfast and wine reception included. MacArthur also has free DVDs you can borrow and a fitness center. Onsite restaurant is Saddles, a high end steakhouse with a tacky cowboy theme.
Four quaint cottages owned by the folks who own Sonoma's Best, a local general store. 1.2 miles from the Sonoma Plaza, this is a great launching point to check out Sonoma Valley and visit Napa. Romantic with private patios. Free internet.
The only department store in Sonoma. A good place to buy affordable clothing for adults and children, and general housewares. Not really a place for souvenirs.
Tuesday evening farmer's market that takes place on the Plaza. It's the big happening in the city every week, with live music and a real local flavor. Locals bring wine, beer, food and lawn chairs and sit in the plaza, picking up fresh veggies, locally made crafts and food at the market.
A remarkably full to the brim kitchen store with local and internationally produced items. All you need as a home chef or bartender. The windows are worth a visit for window-lickers alone.
A super quirky and cool retro candy store that also sells vintage style Sonoma-wares such as pillows, coasters, glasses and other items with retro designs. A fun place to just pop in and grab a candy or real sugar drink from your childhood. Not from the US? This place is chock full of American paraphernalia you'll love.
SOS
A classic California skateboard and surf shop (Sonoma is about 1½ hours from the beach) with cool clothes for all ages of hip and cool. Bring your teen - there's a skate ramp out back that is popular after school and in the summer. SOS also has the best Mexican food truck in town that frequents out front - El Coyote.
The only bookstore in town. Sells new and used books and hosts special events with authors. Kids reading room is in the back. Also sells works by local authors and about Sonoma history.
Nicest jewelry store in Sonoma. Need something fixed? They'll take care of it in a jiffy. They have beautifully made works for women and men, and do custom work. The jeweler is a stylish rocker guy with cool taste and they also have a fabulous collection of estate jewelry.
Cozy boutique selling leather goods made by the woman who owns the shop!
Super cool 4,000-square-foot salvage and antique shop. Amazing things from around the world and a bulldog that runs around the store. Really expensive, so if you are in the market for a super special piece for your home, this is the place to get it. It's also worth it just to walk around and check it out - the owners are very friendly.
Classy antique shop selling local and European antiques.
A "contemporary general store," Fat Pilgrim has furniture, new items and antiques, and local art. Their selection of big metal animals makes for great photo ops.
There are no major freeways that go through or even close to Sonoma. The best way to get in is from California State Route 12 which goes directly through the city.
Read in the guideBy car
Many visitors rent cars, and take advantage of tour services for bringing them to and from wineries without risking drunk driving. Sonoma wine tour services include:
By bicycle
Sonoma's mild climate and beautiful scenery make it great for walking or riding a bike. If you want to rent a bike or take a bike tour, there are three places in town:
By bus
Sonoma County Transit connects Sonoma to the surrounding towns in the county. Their website has information about how to purchase passes and taking your bicycle on to buses.
By taxi
If you find yourself stranded at a winery after too many tastes of Pinot Noir, it may be handy to have the number of someone who will pick you up.
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Santa Rosa · Regional · STS
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