5 Fun Things to Do in Sonoma, California

One of the most historic cities in California is the town of Sonoma, nestled in scenic Sonoma Wine Country. The walkable downtown plaza holds a number of preserved historic sites to visit, plus an inviting array of wine-tasting rooms, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques where you can browse, dine, and relax. 

Here are just a few of our favorite things to do when you visit the charming town of Sonoma.

1. Explore Sonoma State Historic Park

As the site of the Bear Flag Revolt, which marked the end of Mexican rule and the raising of the Stars and Stripes flag by United States Navy Lt. Joseph Revere (grandson of patriot Paul Revere), the town of Sonoma has lots of rich history to share. The Barracks and many other buildings known by Revere still stand on and around Sonoma’s plaza for visitors to tour.

• Visit the last mission ever built, Mission San Francisco Solano (1823).
• See historical artifacts and tour the adobe Sonoma Barracks, which once housed army troops commanded by General Mariano Vallejo.
• Check out the Toscano Hotel, a 19th-century building furnished to look much as it did in the early 1900s.
• Marvel at General Vallejo’s home and grounds in 1850s Gothic style. 

2. Chill Out in Thermal Hot Springs

For centuries, Sonoma’s Boyes Hot Springs were a meeting place for Native Americans, and since the late 1800s, they have attracted devotees from around the nation. Today, you can enjoy the legendary waters at the Fairmont Spa, located at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, originally built in 1927 in the style of California’s early missions.

Soothing water temperatures vary between each of the inviting pools here, and non-hotel guests will find day-use bathhouse options and a whole host of relaxing spa treatments.

3. Choo-Choo with the Kids at TrainTown

An extremely popular family attraction, TrainTown’s quarter-scale railroad takes passengers on a 20-minute ride through its 500,000-square-foot park, winding through tunnels and across bridges. Disembark for a stop at a miniature town with a saloon, jail, outhouse, and a petting zoo where kids can feed the goats, ducks, sheep, and llamas.

Here, you can also ride a colorful carousel and Ferris wheel. TrainTown is open year-round except on rainy days and major holidays.

4. Go Wine Tasting (and leave the car behind)

With more than two dozen wine-tasting rooms located on or near Sonoma Plaza, you can sample an amazing selection of wines all within a few steps. Each tasting room offers a variety of unique atmospheres and experiences, ranging from elegant bubbly tastings to comfortable couches and tantalizing outdoor patios. Here are just a few:

• Kamen Estate Wines
• Sigh, sparkling wine bar
• Enoteca Della Santina
• Sonoma Wine Shop

In between tastings, settle into a park bench in the plaza to watch ducks in the stream, grab a table at one of the exceptional Sonoma restaurants that ring the plaza, or browse galleries and shops for special souvenirs. 

5. Take a Hike

Downtown Sonoma is framed by beautiful hills, which you can explore on the Sonoma Overlook Trail. The trailhead is located at the entrance to the Mountain Cemetery, just a few blocks north of the Sonoma Plaza. The hike is a 3 3-mile round trip on a gently graded trail to the top of a hill that loops around a meadow. Several benches let you relax and enjoy spectacular views.  Docent-led hikes are available on many weekends.

Another option is the adjacent Montini Open Space Preserve. Covered with oak woodland, large rock outcroppings, and open grasslands, the Montini Preserve is a worthwhile spot to explore. A portion of this trail is ADA-accessible; however, dogs, bikes, and horses are not allowed on either the Sonoma Overlook or Montini trails, and both are open during daylight hours.

Written by Sonoma County Insider Suzie Rodriguez