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...
Find Things to Do in Occidental
Type
Displaying 11 - 20 of 32
Hand Goods is a locally owned gallery featuring hand crafted goods in downtown Occidental, CA. Established in 1970. Created by artists, for artists and lovers of handmade goods.
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.
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…
Housed in the oldest building in the town of Occidental, The Altamont General Store is a modern-day market and community meeting space for makers, bakers and caffeine appreciators.
Laurence Glass Works features fine art: almost all of it local, and quite a bit of it made by the store owner herself, Laurence.
The Occidental Lodge is a 28 room 1970's motor lodge nestled in the redwood mountain vista of Occidental on the famous Bohemian Highway corridor. We are centrally located within minutes of award…
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…
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…