Welcome to Sonoma
A peaceful, centrally located, close-knit community
This charming and historic city is in the heart of wine country and has plenty to offer. It’s a peaceful, close-knit community centrally located in southern Sonoma County with a great mix of the old and new. The historic Sonoma Plaza is a vibrant town center surrounded by plenty of restaurants, shops, and wine tasting opportunities.
What to Love
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Friendly small-town atmosphere
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The Plaza – an architectural crown jewel
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Neighborhood parks with biking & hiking trails
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Just 1 hour northeast of San Francisco
Local Lifestyle
Sonoma’s colonial roots are still preserved downtown where there are historic 19th-century adobe buildings on the Plaza along with classic craftsman homes in established neighborhoods nearby. The Sonoma East Side is a chic, energetic, and walkable neighborhood with boutiques, wineries, and lively nightlife. Another desirable neighborhood is in Boyes Hot Springs where the vibe is hip and funky. There are California-style homes with tile roofs and arches as well as traditional single-family homes that blend in with the wooded hillsides.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Located on the historic Sonoma Plaza is the Girl & the Fig restaurant where only the freshest foods are served paired with the best wines available. The Swiss Hotel has been around for over 100 years and is a great place to eat and stay while enjoying the photographic history of Sonoma on its walls. Another great eatery on the Plaza is the Sunflower Caffe where they use locally sourced ingredients for their fresh menu.
There’s a wide array of shopping choices on the Sonoma Plaza, upscale boutiques, art galleries, jewelry, and home furnishings. For the fashion conscience, check out Bossa Nova and The Loop for the latest in women’s apparel. The Sonoma Court Shops are a lovely mix of retail, restaurants, and commercial and personal services. Its inviting Spanish-style courtyards are perfect for an afternoon stroll perusing their many shops.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the award-winning El Dorado Kitchen on their beautiful tree-lined patio. Located just off the plaza is the upscale Cafe La Haye where intimate fine dining can be enjoyed in their split-level property.
Established in 1998, LaSalette is a unique restaurant featuring “new Portuguese cuisine” utilizing California fresh ingredients ensuring diners a gourmet experience. The Plaza Bistro offers great Italian/Mediterranean cuisine located in another historic building on the Sonoma Plaza.
In the Boyes Spring area, there is a multitude of fine restaurants to choose from. Two great Mexican restaurants are El Molino and the colorful Taqueria La Hacienda. For a homestyle breakfast and lunch, the Creekside Cafe never disappoints with its casual atmosphere and great food.
For some nightlife, the Reel & Brand features the best burgers, tacos, and wings accompanied by plenty of live music and a comedy night. For a relaxing dining experience in the elegant Fairmont Hotel, Sante is outstanding. Kina’s Kitchen & Bar has a loaded menu and offers some awesome drink specials including a Tequila Tuesday.
Things to Do
The Sonoma Art Walk is held on the first Thursday of the month. Nearby businesses host local artists, displaying a variety of mediums like painting, ceramics, and photography. Besides art, there is music, poetry, and culinary specialties exhibited at this unique and inspiring event.
The Sonoma Raceway is host to a full schedule of Nascar-related events with something for everyone who loves racing. They also offer driving experiences and training events at their facility.
In the heart of wine country is the vintage Sonoma Golf Club which was established in 1928 and is a private course today. The clubhouse has beautiful classic Spanish-style courtyards and arches with stunning views and an in-house restaurant. Other amenities include a pool, tennis courts, fitness center, indoor/outdoor dining, and the best wine selection.
The Sonoma Valley Education Foundation hosts its annual fundraising event – The Red & White Ball. It’s a great time for the community to come together to support their schools and enjoy a picnic-style dinner in a festive atmosphere at the Sonoma Plaza.
Schools
Sonoma has many excellent public and private education choices that promote student learning. Schools of note include:
