The town of Sonoma is located in Sonoma Valley, the birth place of California’s wine industry and the closest to San Francisco – just 45 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. Sonoma holds an important place in US history, as it was the site of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt, an event that propelled California into independence from Mexico and then statehood. Today, the California state flag depicts a grizzly bear, star and the words “California Republic,” in honor of the original 1846 bear flag. The Bear Flag Monument stands in Sonoma Plaza to memorialize this important moment in California’s history. 

Below are our recommendations for things to do and see in Sonoma. Whether you’re in town for the upcoming Sonoma Music Festival or planning a fabulous weekend in Wine Country in the future, we hope these tips will make your stay that much better! And remember, a trip to Sonoma is not complete without a visit to B.R. Cohn Winery to sample their award-winning wines, estate olive oils and vinegars.

Sonoma by foot:

Rent a bike from Wine Country Cyclery and explore the back roads of Sonoma.

Order a Monster Mimosa with breakfast or lunch at Sunflower Caffe.

Grab a drink at one of our locals’ favorite dive bars: Town Square, Steiner’s, Jack London Saloon.

Catch a matinee at the historic Sebastiani Theatre. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with made-in-house chocolates from The Chocolate Cow.

Learn the history of California at the Sonoma Barracks.

Browse fair trade gifts at Global Heart Fair Trade.

Enjoy a bottle of wine with a picnic and feed the ducks on the historic Sonoma Plaza.

Grab a pre-concert Glarifee on the Swiss Hotel’s front patio like a local.

Pick out handmade cheeses from Vella Cheese Company.

Find farm-fresh fruits and veggies at Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market, open 9am to 12:30pm.

Enjoy a margarita at La Casa Restaurant.

Sonoma by car: 

Drive fast (legally!) at Sonoma Raceway with the Audi Sportscar Experience. 

Discover rare finds at Bon Marche Thrift Store.

Participate in the bathing ritual, get a massage and spend the day by the pool at the beautiful Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.

Eat a bacon cheeseburger from Happy Dog (remember: cash only!).

Explore the garden and shops at Cornerstone Sonoma.

Learn the art of glassblowing at Bacchus Glass from master glass blower Frank Cavaz.

Get your 18 holes in at Oakmont Golf Club.

Hike the same trails Jack London did at Jack London State Park.

Hit La Bamba Taco Truck post-concert for authentic late-night Mexican Food (open until 3AM!).

Enjoy a handcrafted cold one at Sonoma Springs Brewing Company.

See Sonoma from above with an aerial tour from Coastal Air Tours.