Sonoma
California
Valley of the Moon • California’s Historic Plaza Town • Birthplace of Wine Country
From Spanish mission to Bear Flag Republic to wine capital of the world — the 8-acre Sonoma Plaza has been the stage for California history itself. A stroll around it covers two centuries in an afternoon. — Sonoma, California • Founded 1835 by General Mariano Vallejo
At the center of downtown Sonoma stands the 8-acre Sonoma Plaza — California’s largest town square, and one of its oldest. Adobe storefronts, sun-dappled courtyards, meandering alleyways, and a fountain at the heart of it all create the kind of intimate, walkable scene that most California towns only dream about.
Sonoma is both the birthplace of California winemaking — where grapes were first planted in 1825 — and the site of the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846, where the California Republic was declared. General Mariano Vallejo founded this town, and his presence is felt at every turn: in the mission, the barracks, and his beautifully preserved home just blocks from the plaza.
◆ ◆ ◆Use this directory to discover Sonoma’s local businesses, tasting rooms, restaurants, parks, historic sites, and the community life that makes the Valley of the Moon one of the most cherished small towns in all of Northern California.
Sonoma Plaza
The Sonoma Plaza is not just the center of town — it is the center of California history. Ranked the #1 attraction in Sonoma, the 8-acre square has served as a Mexican military outpost, the site of the Bear Flag Republic declaration, and now the beating heart of one of America’s premier wine destinations.
The plaza is ringed with over 100 shops, two dozen wine tasting rooms, farm-to-table restaurants, the historic City Hall, and landmark adobe storefronts unchanged in silhouette for 150 years. Walk it at your own pace. Sit at the fountain. Order something local.
Mission San Francisco Solano
The last of California’s 21 Spanish missions, founded in 1823. Features a museum, beautiful gardens, and original adobe walls. Part of Sonoma State Historic Park.
Est. 1823General Vallejo’s Home
Lachryma Montis — the preserved Victorian estate of General Mariano Vallejo, founder of Sonoma. Tour the original adobe home and outbuildings surrounded by pear orchards.
Sonoma State ParkBear Flag Monument
The granite marker where the California Bear Flag was raised on June 14, 1846 — the moment American settlers declared independence from Mexico and the California Republic was born.
Bear Flag Revolt 1846Sonoma Barracks
The two-story adobe that served as the command post for the California Republic. Now displays historic artifacts including a preserved cannon from the era.
National RegisterSonoma History Museum
Housed in a 1910 Carnegie Library building at 132 Matheson Street. Showcases regional history from Miwok Indians through the Gold Rush era. Tue–Sat, 12–5 PM. Free admission.
Free AdmissionToscano Hotel
One of the oldest surviving buildings on the plaza, dating to the 1850s. Walk through rooms furnished to reflect the town’s Italian immigrant era and Gold Rush history.
Historic AdobeGeneral Vallejo & The Bear Flag Republic
Lieutenant Colonel Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo founded the Pueblo de Sonoma in 1835, laying out the plaza and streets according to traditional Spanish Laws of the Indies. He was both the commander of California’s frontier forces and the town’s most prominent citizen — until June 14, 1846.
That morning, a small party of American settlers rode into Sonoma, seized Vallejo from his home, and declared the California Republic — raising a crude flag stitched with a grizzly bear and the words “California Republic.” The Bear Flag flew for just 25 days before the United States annexed California, but it became the model for the state flag flown today.
Buena Vista Winery
California’s oldest commercial winery, founded in 1857 by Hungarian count Agoston Haraszthy. Historic stone cellars, cave tastings, and a remarkable legacy at the end of Old Winery Road.
Est. 1857Gundlach Bundschu
California’s oldest family winery, farming the same Sonoma Valley land since 1858. Open-air Pinzgauer vineyard tours, wine cave tastings, and stunning valley views on the estate.
Oldest Family WinerySebastiani Vineyards
Sonoma County icon producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay just blocks from the mission. An approachable tasting room with a long local pedigree.
Plaza AdjacentThree Sticks Wines
Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay poured in a historic adobe tasting room steps from Sonoma Plaza. Intimate, appointment-preferred sessions for the serious wine traveler.
Historic AdobeSigh Sparkling Wine Bar
Champagne and sparkling wine bar on the plaza. A specialist in a town of reds — compare bubbles from across Sonoma County and beyond by the glass or flight.
Sparkling SpecialistPlaza Tasting Circuit
Over 24 tasting rooms within walking distance of the fountain. The most walkable wine town in California — no car, no shuttle, no reservation required at most locations.
24+ RoomsCafe La Haye
Michelin Bib Gourmand. Intimate farm-to-table dining in a warmly lit, 50-seat room just off the plaza. The menu changes with the seasons and the farms of the valley floor.
Michelin Bib GourmandEl Molino Central
Michelin Bib Gourmand. Celebrated Mexican kitchen sourcing from family farms in the Sonoma Valley. Traditional techniques, outstanding tortillas, and flavors rooted in the land.
Michelin Bib GourmandBasque Boulangerie
The plaza’s beloved breakfast anchor. Fresh croissants, pastries, and coffee on an outdoor patio overlooking the square. The best way to start a morning in Sonoma.
Plaza BreakfastThe Girl & The Fig
Provençal-inspired cuisine in a relaxed, sun-filled dining room. A Sonoma institution known for its fig-focused menu, excellent wine program, and weekend brunch.
Sonoma InstitutionFairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Iconic resort with ancient natural hot spring pools, the award-winning Santé restaurant, a world-class spa, and golf — all anchored in old California mission style.
Hot Springs SpaSonoma Cheese Factory
A plaza institution offering artisan cheeses, charcuterie, local wines, and made-to-order sandwiches. The ideal spot to build a picnic for the plaza lawn.
Artisan CheeseSugarloaf Ridge State Park
Nearly 4,000 acres and 25 miles of hiking trails in the Mayacamas Mountains. Sweeping views, wildflower meadows, and one of Sonoma Valley’s finest trail systems.
25 mi of TrailsJack London State Park
The former ranch and home of author Jack London in the Valley of the Moon above Glen Ellen. Hiking, horseback riding, and the ruins of Wolf House among oak-canopied trails.
Glen EllenVeterans Memorial Beach
Sonoma Creek Regional Park with a sandy river beach, lifeguards in summer, and shaded picnic areas. A beloved local escape five minutes from the plaza.
SwimmingSonoma Valley Bike Trails
Cycle through vineyards and country lanes connecting Sonoma to Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Bike tours depart from the plaza for a guided wine country ride.
Vineyard RoutesSonoma Raceway
World-class road course 12 miles south of downtown hosting NASCAR, MotoGP, and major motorsport events throughout the year on a spectacular hillside circuit.
NASCAR & MotoGPBoyes Hot Springs
Ancient natural geothermal hot springs drawing visitors to the Sonoma Valley for over a century. Accessible today through the Fairmont Mission Inn and surrounding resorts.
Geothermal SpringsSonoma Plaza — heart of downtown Sonoma, California • 65 miles north of San Francisco via US-101
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