Sonoma Travel Guide

In the heart of California’s Wine Country is the city of Sonoma. Located in the Sonoma Valley, this city is known for its Old Town plaza, historic landmarks, and of course, wine! In addition, Sonoma is home to some fantastic outdoor activities in its beautiful surroundings. At Sonoma Plaza, visitors can shop ‘til they drop, with charming boutiques and popular restaurants, as well as a wealth of tasting rooms. There a range of dining options in Sonoma, including casual bistros, European cuisine, and fine dining experiences.

Things to Do in Sonoma

Wine-tasting here is the number thing to do in Sonoma with some of the best wineries and vineyards being Jacuzzi Family Vineyard and Buena Vista Winery. Visitors here can unwind with a glass (or two) of local wine, while taking in the gorgeous views.

If you're looking to get active, make your way to Jack London State Historic Park where there is over 20 miles of hiking trails. For something more relaxing, Sonoma Coast State Park is home to a beach, perfect for cooling off in the hot temperatures.

Elsewhere, Sonoma Plaza is a must-visit in town, with historic buildings and over 100 shops and restaurants.

Best Places to Stay in Sonoma

The downtown area of Sonoma has lots of hotels, resorts and inns to choose from, with something to suit most budgets.

Best Time to Visit Sonoma

Summer is a popular for vacationers in Sonoma, but the fall is also a great time to visit.

A Local's Guide to Sonoma

Just a short drive north from the Golden Gate Bridge of San Francisco, is Sonoma, one of California’s top food and wine destinations, and a location that should definitely be on your West Coast bucket list. In the heart of wine country, there are more than 425 wineries in the region, from rustic home-grown farms to huge ranches that grow grapes on an industrial scale.

Sonoma wine is legendary, and on your vacation you can learn about the history of Pinot Noir, discover wine tasting in Bodega Bay, meet the wine-makers of the Sonoma coast and the Russian River Valley, and even visit California’s oldest winery. Take the short drive to the nearby Sonoma Valley, which is the area between Santa Rosa and Sonoma town. The valley is split into individual wine regions, including Kenwood and Glen Ellen, all of which have something new to offer its wine-seeking visitors.

Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, downtown Sonoma and the Sonoma Plaza are certainly worth a visit. The plaza is lined with popular restaurants, quaint shops and tasting rooms and is a lovely way to spend the day or evening. Visitors can take one of the various tours of the town to learn more about the history there, helped along by some of the monuments that are still standing today. The Sonoma Barracks military post and cannon arsenal, along with the museum of Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma are go-to spots for any history buff. Be sure not to miss the Bartholomew Memorial Park nearby, the on-site museum details the process of wine-making in the state, and showcases primitive agricultural tools that have been used in the early days of wine-making.

Until just a few years ago, the town was mainly a summer destination, but today the city buzzes all year round thanks to the events hosted here. Winter sees festivities such as the Olive Festival in January, and in fall there are a range of Harvest festivities, while spring sees some wineries open their doors and welcome tourists to sample their world-class wines before the summer crowds.

The range of vacation rentals in Sonoma is vast. From boutique hotels and resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone. Many people chose to opt for one of the many Sonoma vacation rentals on the Sonoma coast, some of which come with private pools and hot tubs. When in Sonoma county, aim to stay in a resort that has rooms with vineyard views, or pick a trendy downtown hotel to be in the center of everything. There are also some great vacation rentals in nearby Sea Ranch which make a good home base for the duration of any trip. The town has breathtaking beaches and a rugged coastline, where around half the houses are rented out as vacation homes.