Tucked away in western Sonoma County, the tiny community of Occidental (pop. 1,115) packs a lot into its two-block long main street, home to galleries, gift shops, renowned dining establishments, and other local businesses. High-quality arts and cultural events are found at the Occidental Center for the Arts, while the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center promotes biological and cultural diversity.
As the midpoint on the exceptionally scenic 10-mile drive known as the Bohemian Highway, Occidental attracts cyclists and car clubs as the starting point for a number of beautiful and challenging routes between the redwoods and the coast. A favorite is to head west on picturesque Coleman Valley Road, which climbs over the ridge and then descends to Highway 1 along the coast.
North of town, the adventurous can fly through the tops of the redwoods via Sonoma Canopy Tour’s zip line experience.
Dining is a delight in Occidental. Founded as a railroad saloon and boarding house in 1879, the Union Hotel and Restaurant is now a lovely Italian cafe, bakery and pizzeria. Occidental's famous Negri's Italian Dinners & Joe's Bar, with its vintage trattoria ambience, has been serving Italian classics since 1943. And Mexican, French, and American cuisines are also served in local eateries.
Lodging is available in vacation rentals; the pet-friendly Occidental Lodge, with a pool and 27 rooms with queen- and king-size beds; and The Inn at Occidental, providing a luxury B&B experience.Â
Trip Ideas
The two-lane roadway known as the Bohemian Highway winds across 10 miles of western Sonoma County, through towering redwoods, serene pastures, rocky ravines, and the tiny hamlets of Monte Rio...
Say "Occidental," and many locals think "Italian" for the long-standing restaurants that serve generously portioned, family-friendly dinners in this small town tucked away in Sonoma County's Russian...
The charming, bohemian community of Occidental is a great base for fun getaways in Northern California. Tucked into thick redwoods, the tiny town is only a few miles from both the Pacific Ocean and...
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Surrounded by wooded hillsides, meadows and creeks, Occidental Guest House Properties are located in one of the most beautiful and richly natural areas of Sonoma County. Come enjoy the bounty of our…
Laurence Glass Works features fine art: almost all of it local, and quite a bit of it made by the store owner herself, Laurence.
St Philip the Apostle church is a Roman Catholic church located in Occidental, California. In the late 1800s the Catholic population of the Occidental area was served by the Church of the Assumption…
Natural and organic groceries, produce, and deli.
Hinterland is a women owned and operated screen printing, design and US-made apparel collective.
This cozy Victorian has been transformed into an eclectic spot locally famous for it’s rotating craft beer, yummy pub food, and awesome live music. Come enjoy the vibe and immerse yourself in the…
Jim & Michele Wimborough have been cooking in kitchens in the Bay Area (Zut on Fourth, Grand Café, and Boulevard to name a few) for the past 15 years. It has been their dream to find the perfect small…
Welcome to Negri’s Original Italian Restaurant where you’ll enjoy authentic Italian recipes passed down through four generations of our family for you and your family to enjoy.  Here at Negri's, we…