Sonoma Plaza Tours

Sonoma Plaza showing flowers, heritage elements and a park
Sonoma Plaza showing heritage elements
Sonoma Plaza which includes shopping
Sonoma Plaza which includes a park
Sonoma Plaza featuring heritage elements


Attend the markets and explore the fascinating sites decorating the flanks of this large plaza for a glimpse into Sonoma’s intricate past.

Sonoma Plaza is a historic square in the heart of the town of Sonoma. Several of the region’s most iconic and intriguing structures overlook the plaza, including the early 20th-century City Hall and the Mission San Francisco Solano. Meet friends and family at this fascinating gathering point, before exploring the architectural gems around it.

Admire the old-fashioned adobe façades of the stores that flank the plaza. Try the range of restaurants, shops and cafés. The plaza also has easy access to artisan boutiques, art galleries and wine-tasting salons.

Relax on the verdant centerpiece of the plaza and read a book. Purchase fresh cheese and other ingredients for a picnic on the lawn or attend the various cultural events staged here. These include film festivals and a Fourth of July parade. Inspect the Bear Flag Monument in the northeast corner of the square. It is a reminder of the temporary Bear Flag Republic from the 1800s.

On the northeastern corner of the plaza is the Mission San Francisco Solano, which was built after Mexico won independence from Spain. Admire its elegant whitewashed façade and timber features. Make your way through the small Sonoma State Historic Park, which holds the mission, La Casa Grande and the Blue Wing Inn among other buildings.

Attend the farmers market held here on Tuesdays in the summer. Consider the square’s rich history, having served as a Mexican military outpost and Spanish Mission village. Head north for a few blocks to the green hills of the Montini Open Space Preserve. Follow the preserve trails and enjoy the serenity of the quiet space.

Sonoma Plaza is the nucleus of the city, around which Sonoma and its highlights have grown. Take one of the many bus lines to this spot and get around the charming area on foot or bicycle. See nearby attractions, such as the Vallejo Home State Historical Monument, the Sonoma Overlook Trail and the Mountain Cemetery.

Plan a trip to see Sonoma Plaza

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Cinnamon Bear Creekside Inn
Claremont Resort & Club
Zegarra Estate

Browse tours and tickets to explore Sonoma Plaza

Tours & day trips

See all 71 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 34 activities

History & culture

See all 18 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 5 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities

Reviews of Sonoma Plaza

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
359
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
250
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
49
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Mimi's restaurant

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A'Roma Roasters Coffee and Tea is a must. Next to the plaza across from Hotel La Rose.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

the general store has a great breakfast!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great downtown area.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Lots of excellent restaurants.

4/5 - Good

GoodLocation

A bit expensive!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

3 out of 5
550 2Nd Street W, Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Valley Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

4 out of 5
100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma, CA
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
El Dorado Hotel

El Dorado Hotel

3.5 out of 5
405 First Street West, Sonoma, CA
El Dorado Hotel
Inn At Sonoma - A Four Sisters Inn

Inn At Sonoma - A Four Sisters Inn

3.5 out of 5
630 Broadway, Sonoma, CA
Inn At Sonoma - A Four Sisters Inn
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa

4 out of 5
29 E MacArthur St., Sonoma, CA
MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa
Sonoma Hotel

Sonoma Hotel

3.5 out of 5
110 West Spain Street, Sonoma, CA
Sonoma Hotel
Ledson Hotel

Ledson Hotel

3.5 out of 5
480 First Street East, Sonoma, CA
Ledson Hotel
Cottage Inn & Spa

Cottage Inn & Spa

3.5 out of 5
310 1st St E, Sonoma, CA
Cottage Inn & Spa
Rare Find Overlooking The Sonoma Plaza

Rare Find Overlooking The Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma
Rare Find Overlooking The Sonoma Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Plaza offers a delightful mix of activities for visitors, including vibrant entertainment, unique shopping experiences, and engaging tours. You can explore local excursions that showcase the region's rich history and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a quintessential California experience.

Shopping

The shopping experience in Sonoma Plaza is delightful. You can find unique gifts and souvenirs at local shops. If you're up for a drive, visit the Oxbow Public Market for a vibrant atmosphere or the Napa Premium Outlets for a wider selection of brands.

Recreation

Oakmont Golf Club offers a premier golfing experience with stunning views and a vibrant outdoor atmosphere, just 12 miles from Sonoma Plaza. For a more relaxing vibe, Sonoma Valley Regional Park provides serene trails and peaceful surroundings only 6 miles away. Los Arroyos Golf Course, located 3 miles away, combines sports with scenic beauty.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Sonoma Raceway, located 9 miles from Sonoma Plaza, where adrenaline meets speed. For a breathtaking view, take a scenic flight with Balloons Above the Valley, just 8 miles away, or challenge yourself with climbing at Rockzilla, also 9 miles from the plaza.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Sonoma Plaza. Catch a romantic film at Sebastiani Theatre, enjoy family entertainment at the nearby Uptown Theater, or gaze at the stars at the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Each venue offers a unique atmosphere for an unforgettable evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Sonoma Plaza

Sonoma Plaza offers a delightful mix of attractions for every traveler, including national parks, historic rail sites, and modern universities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the area’s rich culture and enjoy outdoor activities perfect for families. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic Sonoma Plaza, capture stunning photos, and experience the charm of the historic Sonoma Square. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, Sonoma Plaza has something to offer for everyone.

  • Napa Valley Wine Train: Experience a unique dining adventure aboard this historic train, offering scenic views of the stunning Napa Valley vineyards. Enjoy gourmet meals paired with exquisite local wines as you glide through picturesque landscapes, immersing yourself in the rich culture and heritage of wine country.
  • Sonoma TrainTown Railroad: Perfect for families, this charming amusement park features a miniature train ride through beautifully landscaped gardens and whimsical attractions. With outdoor play areas and fun rides, it’s an adventure-filled day for visitors of all ages, making it a memorable stop for kids and adults alike.
  • Mission San Francisco Solano: Step back in time at this historic church, the last of the California missions. Discover its beautiful architecture and learn about its significance in California’s history, all within a short walk from Sonoma Plaza, providing a rich cultural experience.

Best time to go to Sonoma Plaza

The best time to visit Sonoma Plaza can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sonoma Plaza falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Sonoma Plaza falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April55.6°F (13.1°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May60.1°F (15.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
June65.8°F (18.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July67.3°F (19.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August67.5°F (19.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
September66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October61.9°F (16.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sonoma Plaza

To save money on your visit to Sonoma Plaza, plan your trip between December and February, when hotel prices are lower. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find eco-friendly accommodations and arrange your search by price. Consider package deals for flights and hotels for additional savings, and join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Also, look for beverage and minute deals to maximize your budget while enjoying your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sonoma Plaza are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sonoma Plaza is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Sonoma Plaza is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Sonoma Plaza hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia