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
On the map, Occidental may look like a mere blip on your vacation screen – a place to pass through on your way to other destinations. But in reality those quirky, small town sensibilities create the...
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...
Find Things to Do in Occidental
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The Occidental Community Farmers Market is now open! Market hours are 4pm – dusk every Friday through the end of October. We are located at the south end of downtown Occidental near Howard Station…
Neon Raspberry is an art space dedicated to perspective shift and social commentary, giving priority to work that takes on questions of the day. We offer unique reflections of human experience that…
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…
The Occidental Center for the Arts exists to provide a welcoming and accessible venue for the performing and visual arts in Occidental, California. Our mission is to enrich our community by providing…
Established in 2012, Boho Bungalow is a home and gift boutique that sits in the heart of picturesque downtown Occidental on the Bohemian Highway. The historic town attracts visitors from the greater…
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…
For almost 20 years, Galleria has been cultivating art and jewelry collections from local and international artisans. You’ll find an amazing assortment of high quality items in a wide range of prices.…
LandPaths' beautiful Grove of Old Trees is open for walking and picnicking any day of the year. In fact, the Grove is the only privately-owned preserve in Sonoma County that is publicly accessible and…
Nestled among the redwoods, rolling green pastures filled with sheep, goats, cows, deer, and llamas, is the beautiful former logging village of Occidental, California in the county of Sonoma. Sonoma…
Hand Goods is a treasured arts and crafts gallery located in the peaceful West Sonoma County town of Occidental. For over 40 years Hand Goods has offered locally made, original fine arts, and…