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
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...
Tucked away in western Sonoma County, the tiny community of Occidental was founded in 1876 as the last stop on the North Pacific Coast Railroad, and it soon became a popular vacation destination. In...
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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Join Sonoma Canopy Tours for a memory of a lifetime.Discover the world-famous Northern California Redwoods in a way you have never imagined with Sonoma Canopy Tours. It's high adventure that's green,…
Located in scenic downtown Occidental, California, the West County Herb Company is a comfortable, community-oriented shop featuring artisan herbal products and wares, locally grown and responsibly…
Inn at Occidental is not just another Sonoma County Wine Country bed and breakfast: secluded beneath towering redwoods in the charming village of Occidental, this bed and breakfast is centrally…
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…
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…
Hinterland is a women owned and operated screen printing, design and US-made apparel collective.
This charming Mexican Cafe serves lunch & dinner to locals & tourists alike without direct competition. Located in the historic town of Occidental in Sonoma County's wine country.
Born out the love of small house concerts with traveling fine music and other artists, our series has endured three decades to become now a world class chamber music series for our whole community,…
Natural and organic groceries, produce, and deli.
We are a 102 year old meat processing facility, specializing in all-natural meat products. We carry high quality USDA prime dry aged steaks, local grass-fed beef, local lambs and goats, California…