20 Fun Things To Do In Sonoma California

The Sonoma Valley is one of the main Sonoma things to see. Sonoma is one of those small towns nested inside the valley.

Starting your journey from downtown Sonoma you can explore various historical sites and landmarks that have been a significant part of the region's history. Traveling across you can get a glimpse into other nearby towns like Glen Ellen, Kenwood, and others.

Driving through the valley is another perfect way to experience the Sonoma Valley's beauty. Every turn you take offers a unique yet stunning views. Along the way, you will find places like Jack London State Historic Park and multiple wineries where you can stop by.

The Sonoma Plaza was established in the early 1800s. It is located in the heart of downtown Sonoma and is considered the largest historical plaza in California. The plaza is full of shops and restaurants operating inside historic buildings.

The plaza itself is a peaceful park with beautiful gardens, duck ponds, and plenty of space to relax. A rich historical connection is what makes the place more special. Beyond shops and gardens, the Sonoma Plaza is also home to the Bear Flag Monument and other historical landmarks.

Visiting these places you can learn about the area's Mexican and American history. To visit more memorable, picnic spots and local farmers markets around the park can be some of the great places to explore.

Tasting local wine at Gundlach Bundschu Winery is more than just a wonderful experience. As a family-owned winery, established in 1858, this place has seen centuries of history which makes it more special than other wineries around.

The winery is renowned for its high-quality productions and cozy atmosphere. It offers visitors memorable wine-tasting opportunities in a scenic landscape. When you visit, the first things they offer you are their special wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot.

Its relaxed atmosphere and large outdoor spaces are other main highlights of the Gundlach Bundschu Winery. These spaces can be utilized for enjoying outdoor wine tasting, planning a picnic or simply strolling around along the stunning views of the area and surroundings.

If you are a person who loves adventure, then this place is surely for you. Filled with excitement, the Sonoma Raceway is the place where the thrill of speed and the beauty of Northern California come together. It is an iconic race trace, that offers a perfect getaway from the nonadventurous and messy daily life.

The atmosphere of the raceway is charged with adrenaline created from the roaring sound of modified cars. Each race is a unique experience that takes you on an intense journey keeping you on the edge of your seat. During peak seasons, the crowd inside adds more vibrance to the environment.

The Olive Press Farm is a delightful place that has been in oil manufacturing since 1996. This place lets you dive into the art of olive oil making. Known for producing some of the finest extra virgin olive oils, a visit here allows you to see the entire process.

Inside, you can tour the mill, and learn about how olives are harvested and pressed to create award-winning oils. After the tour, you can enjoy tasting sessions to sample a variety of freshly pressed olive oils. While returning, you can purchase a bottle or two of freshly produced oils to bring back home.

Covered with different landscapes, the Sonoma Valley is a perfect place to enjoy some outdoor activities. The valley has multiple trails that range from easy ones to difficult ones. You can choose from hiking, biking or horseriding in these trails.

The trails of the Sonoma Valley take you through the region's stunning landscapes. When you embark on your journey, you will cross multiple vineyards, rolling hills, and ancient oak trees.

If you choose to ride a horse on this trail, the rhythm of the horse and quiet surroundings make the experience more pleasant. However, bike rides and hiking are equally mesmerizing. Along the way, you can stop by at different spots and perhaps enjoy a picnic with friends.

Another place on the list is Bartholomew Park. If you are tired and bored of all the adventures and city crowds, then this is the place for you to unwind. Surrounded by natural beauty, this park is an ideal place to learn about the ecology of Sonoma.

Bartholomew Park is free to visit a place that features well-maintained grounds. Spread in a land area of 375 acres, it features hiking trails that let you enjoy nature in peaceful surroundings. Strolling around the park, local animals enjoying the environment continue to appear.

To spend a family day outdoors, various picnic areas scattered throughout the park can be a perfect choice.

Located a short drive from downtown Sonoma, The General M.G. Vallejo Home is a historic site. The home was built in 1851 and was once the residence of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo. Since his death, the home has been preserved to remember his contributions to California.

Following an ancient design, the M.G. Vallejo Home gives you a sense of what life was like during the 19th century. Featured inside the home are rooms filled with period furniture and artifacts.

Each of these artifacts tells the story of Vallejo's everyday life. The outside of the house is as beautiful as the inside. It is surrounded by gardens which adds extra charm to the entire place.

The Vella Cheese Company is popular for its artisanal cheese. Producing high-quality cheese since 1931, this place is an ideal destination to learn about the local cheese industry. A family-owned business, this company is where you will get a closer look at high-quality cheese and its production process.

A tour of the facility takes you close to the skilled cheesemakers who have been creating a variety of cheese for a very long time. The Dry Jack cheese is the most popular product of the Vella Cheese Company which you shouldn't miss to try. For a deeper dive into the history of the facility, you can take a guided tour.

After a few adventures and sightseeing, the Sebastiani Theatre is a fantastic place that you should pay a visit to. The historic theatre, dating back to 1933, hosts a wide array of events. They showcase classic films, contemporary movies, live performances, and special events that keep you entertained throughout your visit.

The experience of watching a show at this theatre becomes more memorable with its classic Deco design and original decor. The Sebastiani Theatre offers a great way to connect with talented local artists and Sonoma's cultural history.

A visit to the California Missions Museum at Cline Cellars Winery is a unique way to dive into the history of California's missions. The museum is located 6 miles from downtown Sonoma and has been in operation since 1989.

Housed inside the museum are collections of artifacts and exhibits related to the state's historic missions. These artifacts showcase the art, culture, and daily life of the mission era. Items like tools, artworks, and historical documents dating back to the era can be found inside.

Meanwhile, the location of the museum at the Cline Cellars Winery offers various additional opportunities. You can explore a renowned vineyard as well as taste a few local wines which will eventually turn out to be the major highlight of the visit.

This is a must-visit place if you want to step back from the rush of daily life and have a peaceful time. The Sonoma Botanical Garden is a well-maintained ground founded in 1994. It is known for its collection of rare and native plants.

All of these plants are arranged in themed gardens where you can wander around. You can explore sections like Asian Gardne and California Native Garden to learn about the plants from East Asia and California.

The winding paths and serene ponds inside the Sonoma Botanical Garden create a peaceful environment. In these areas, you can relax and enjoy the surroundings.

As a city full of parks, another great park where you can spend time in Sonoma is the Field of Dreams. Situated next to the General Vallejo's Home, you can visit this place after a trip to the General Vallejo's Home. 

It is a picturesque park that offers a serene escape into nature. The area of the park is great for leisure walks, picnics, and some outdoor fun. Open green spaces and walking trails are the main highlights of the park.

Furthermore, the Field of Dreams is also a popular place for community events and gatherings. So, look out for these events to add more fun to your visit and to create lasting memories.

Sonoma Valley Museum of Arts is the closest place you can visit while in Downtown Sonoma. It is a perfect starting point for your journey in Sonoma.

Showcasing a diverse range of contemporary and modern arts, the exhibits inside the museum feature work from both local and national artists. These exhibits are operated on a rotational basis and keep changing every few weeks.

This idea of the museum lets visitors see a unique piece every time they visit. The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art also hosts various events like artist talks, workshops, and community activities.

If your friend or family member thinks they are better at golf, then visit the Sonoma Golf Club with them. Here you can enjoy a friendly competition to find out who is the real champion.

Located near Altimira Middle School, this course is surrounded by the natural beauty of Sonoma Valley. Famous for manicured greens and fairways, the course has continued to entertain visitors since 1928.

The thoughtfully designed layout of strategic hazards along the stunning views of the hills enhances the overall experience. To end your day with extra fun, you can also stop by at the clubhouse. Here you can try local food, shop for golf equipment, or just sit and relax.

If you are into train stuff, then this spot can be a perfect choice for you. Offering an educational journey, stopping by here, you can learn about the history of trains and their impact on the region.

The museum is located in the historic train depot. Exhibits in here showcase vintage locomotives, railway artifacts, and memorabilia from the golden age of rail travel. The Depot Park Museum's collections include detailed models, photographs, and historical documents.

To learn about the evolution of rail transportation, these collections are an ideal source. Moreover, education programs and special events are also a regular thing in the museum which you can attend for a deeper dive into the world of trains.

While visiting a new city, learning about the local wild animals is a must for nature lovers. And for that experience in Sonoma, the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge is the place you should explore.

This place can be reached through a road trip of around 15 miles from downtown Sonoma to San Pablo Bay. The refuge holds different habitats like wetlands, mudflats, and tidal marshes that are suitable for multiple animals and birds.

Visiting this place you can also learn about the conservation efforts and importance of all the habitats in our ecosystem. To add a bit of adventure, several trails found inside the refuge offer you outdoor opportunities like hiking and biking.

Reachable through a short walk from downtown Sonoma, the Mountain Cemetery is a unique area that reflects local history and heritage. This cemetery is the resting place of various influential figures from the city's past.

The cemetery is located on a hillside and features beautifully preserved graves and monuments. With every step, you come across intricate headstones and plaques commemorating the lives of early settlers.

The location of Mountain Cemetery itself is a serene hillside setting that offers stunning views of the surrounding Sonoma Valley. Overall, this cemetery is a great location for both sightseeing and remembering the contributions of those buried underneath. 

As we are getting closer to the end of the list, another must-experience thing in Sonoma is shopping at the Whole Foods Market. It is a rewarding experience with high-quality, natural, and organic products.

Sellers of fresh produce like meats, dairy products, and bakery items are found inside this market. Specialty items like gourmet cheese and artisan bread accompany a wide array of health-conscious snacks.

Located next to the Whole Foods Market are boutiques and shops offering unique gift items and souvenirs. With an opportunity to discover a priced possession, exploring these shops offers another great shopping experience.

If you are still reading the article, you must have felt a lack of adventure. Don't worry, we have saved the best one for the last. The Sonoma Overlook Trail is the perfect place to get done with your hunger for adventure.

It is a popular hiking route that rewards you with various Sonoma things to see. It is a moderately challenging trail that winds through scenic oak woodlands and grasslands. The Sonoma Overlook Trial takes you to the top spot from where a view of the whole city can be seen.

While traveling across the well-marked trails, you will also have an opportunity to explore some of the unsettled parts of the region. With a rewarding adventure, hiking this trail is a perfect way to end your trip and get back home with a sack full of memories.