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
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...
Unfurling across 10 miles of western Sonoma County, the two-lane Bohemian Highway wends through the tiny hamlets of Monte Rio, Occidental, and Freestone, passing towering redwoods, serene pastures...
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...
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Join Sonoma Zipline Adventures for the experience of a lifetime! Discover the world-famous Northern California Redwoods in a way you have never imagined with Sonoma Zipline Adventures. We're offering…
Home of the famous Union Hotel Restaurant. Close proximity to the Bodega Bay & Russian River.Family Style DiningThe red and white checkered tablecloths of the Union Hotel’s Dining Room, with its walls…
Hinterland is a women owned and operated screen printing, design and US-made apparel collective.
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…
Spend the night in the Redwoods! Be swayed to sleep in the fresh embrace of the tallest trees in the world. This one of a kind overnight Tree House stay and eco tour includes fourteen zip-lines…
Both spacious and cozy, this two-bedroom vacation rental at Inn at Occidental is the best of both worlds. Sonoma Cottage is private, yet still convenient to the inn, just 38 feet away. Offering guests…
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.…
Stay among the redwoods and farm animals. Enjoy peace & quiet in nature, farm fresh eggs, organic veggies, herb garden and gorgeous views
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…
Our goal is to expand learning opportunities about wild cats and increase awareness of the impact of human behavior on the habitat and survival of these rare species. Spend 2 1/2 hours touring our…