Things to see in Sonoma

 

While visiting wine country in Sonoma, it’s also worth a visit to the city of Sonoma to enjoy the many attractions around the old part of town and other places just outside of the city. The town centers around the main square plaza where the majestic City Hall resides, a stately stone manor currently used as city hall and visitors bureau. Around the park is a children’s park, a rose garden, fish ponds and public restrooms. The town’s beginning and entry to California history starts with the presence of the northern-most mission built in Alta California. The mission at San Francisco de Solano is along the main square and worth price of admission which covers entry to the mission, barracks, hotel, museum and the estate and home of General Vallejo, the earliest commander of Alta California.

Surrounding the main square are some of the stately buildings that have been refurbished and converted into hotels, restaurants, boutiques and galleries. Some of these buildings like the Sebastiani theater have also been remodeled and preserved as a theater showing first run independent art oriented films. A mannequin sits in the front cashiers box in period clothes as if frozen in time. It’s a very popular spot to take pictures of the theater and make-believe cashier.

 

 

 

 

 

The restored Sebastiani Theater, Sonoma square, features current art and independent films.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights around Sonoma

There are many things worth seeing around Sonoma and just on the outskirts town.  These include to following attractions:

 

1) There are many wineries just outside of the town including the oldest wineries Buena Vista Winery and Gundlach Bundshu Winery within the city limits.

2) Cornerstone Gardens is just outside  the city and worth a visit for those interested in art, design, gardens and cool galleries all in one space. Here is a recent post on Cornerstone that I just completed.

3) Mission San Francisco Solano is located on the main square. The entry ticket includes admission to the barracks, hotel, museum and the home of general Vallejo’s summer home. For more information about the mission visit their website here.

4) The headquarters and tasting room for Sonoma cheese factory is also on the main square and you can taste all the amazing Sonoma cheeses that they produce for sale on the premises.

5) Anyone interested in visiting a unique diner in the valley should head just outside the city to Fremont Diner – a very cool spot to try some local favorites with hearty wine country flair

6) Visitors interested in trains should stop by Sonoma Train Town, a fun park for children with a petting zoo, miniature train ride and amusement park. To see some highlights and activities visit Train Town’s website here.

7) General Vallejo home – a preserved Victorian historical home of the home of General Vallejo, the highest commander of Alta California at Sonoma. The home depicts early lifestyle and living conditions in the early Sonoma days of the generals family. To visit the site and schedule a tour, go to their website here.

8) Infineon Raceway – A variety of Nascar and other competitive racing including sports car lessons you can also take on the racing lessons through the Audi sports car  experience at the Sonoma raceway.

9) A wine country drive through Sonoma Valley along Highway 12 and Highway 121 will give you the best wine country experience to the magnificent valley. Along these scenic drives are many wineries with excellent tours and gardens, along with tasting centers to try any of each wineries daily offerings.

10) Sonoma Valley Museum – This local museum presents a rotating schedule of local and contemporary art and hosting impressive shows featuring artists from Goya, Picasso to David Hockney. The museum also hosts lectures, classes and various community events. To learn more about the museum and events, visit their website here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A beautiful drive along wine country roads in Sonoma

 

 

Where to stay around Sonoma City

There are so many fabulous places to stay in Sonoma city and base yourself while exploring the area. Check out all these top review accommodations here for current availability and prices.

Mac Arthur Place – a classic Sonoma hotel with a California vibe and relaxed luxury comfort, six acre estate with beautiful gardens, pool area, gorgeous rooms and amenities for this luxury stay and experience in Sonoma

Inn at Sonoma – central location from the main plaza with fun perks like wine hour, generous breakfast and comfortable rooms with fireplaces

The Lodge at Sonoma – a beautiful resort, modern and artfully presented, well appointed rooms and nice amenities.

 

Where to eat around Sonoma City

This city is packed with amazing foodie venues that will satisfy any foodie fetish and picky eater. Check out this fabulous video on the best places to eat around Sonoma city below.

 

Farm to table and local eats in Sonoma City

 

Check out these other posts to visiting Sonoma County

10 things to do in Sonoma for non wine drinkers

Wines and gardens of Ferrari Carano

California cheese road trip

St. Francis winery food and wine experience

Things to see in Sonoma city

Cool designs at Cornerstone in Sonoma

Visiting Hip Healdsburg in Sonoma

The Luther Burbank Gardens

 

Hope you enjoyed your Sonoma visit and if you did, please like the post below or help share it with any of the share buttons below.

 

Have you been to Sonoma City?

Sonoma City is a wonderful place to visit and enjoy a morning or a few days discovering the various attractions and lifestyle in the valley.

Hope that this post on Sonoma City was inspiring and that you will get to explore the many fantastic attractions, historic sites and landmarks to visiting the national parks around the state. If you enjoyed reading the post, please do bookmark it or share it with any of the social media buttons below.

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