Title: Visit Sonora: 2026 Travel Guide for Sonora, Mexico | Expedia.com [Sonora Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Sonora.d11194.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Sonora](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Sonora.d11194.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Sonora Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Sonora.d11194.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Sonora](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-Sonora.d11194.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in Sonora](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-Sonora.d11194.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Sonora Vacations](https://expedia.com/Sonora.d11194.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Sonora ## Mexico ![Puerto Penasco showing general coastal views and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9456/5ccf06a2-cd71-4f74-9d90-69c49fb7a989.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Puerto Penasco showing general coastal views and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9456/5ccf06a2-cd71-4f74-9d90-69c49fb7a989.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hermosillo which includes a square or plaza, a city and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1485/a6f2e1ff-082d-4879-91b3-7bd4927000e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hermosillo which includes a sunset and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1485/e7dc86c7-bf93-4b02-8edd-6e95661f9f6d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hermosillo which includes heritage architecture and a sunset](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1485/d376a2ea-69a6-4287-bd7c-bb4da1d7c97f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### Indigenous culture, Baroque architecture, long stretches of untouched coastline and pretty colonial villages await in this sprawling Mexican state. Sonora offers the best of everything the country is known for. Find stunning palm-fringed beaches, azure seas, cactus-dotted desert, Spanish colonial towns and indigenous culture. Head for beachfront San Carlos to swim, sunbathe and sip cocktails in relaxed bars. With an idyllic setting between the mountains and the shimmering Sea of Cortez, it’s obvious why this area has become a magnet for visitors and expats. Laze on sandy beaches or scuba dive off the coast during the day and enjoy fine dining and live music in the evening. If you’re feeling competitive, enter one of many fishing tournaments or visit the 18-hole championship golf course. Rent a car and enjoy a leisurely drive along the Rio Sonora. This route leads north from the state capital, [Hermosillo](https://www.expedia.com/Hermosillo.d1485.Destination-Travel-Guides), and gives a taste of old Mexico, with its rustic farms and ranches, colonial buildings and rural scenery. Stop overnight in one of many friendly villages such as Ures or Arizpe, and embark on a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) hike along the bumpy road out of Aconchi to the hot springs, perfect for a relaxing soak. Spanish Baroque architecture, culture and history await in pretty Alamos. Make the most of the usually mild weather and walk through narrow cobbled streets, wandering beneath majestic arches and towers, absorbing the laid-back atmosphere of the town. Visit the National Customs Museum to learn about proud local traditions. The attractive town of Magdalena de Kino, to the north, offers opportunities to taste regional cuisine, visit historic buildings and join in colorful festivals. Inhabited by Pima Alto Indians, the town is sprinkled with churches and religious sites, and has a small corridor of shops selling local handicrafts. Don’t miss the lush garden at the house of Miguel Latz which, legend has it, conceals underground passages. Sonora is Mexico’s second-largest state after Chihuahua and its size means you need at least a week to take everything in. Fly into Hermosillo, a modern transport hub that most visitors to the region pass through. Whichever route you take and however long you stay, Sonora’s beauty and culture is sure to leave a lasting impression. ### Popular cities in Sonora [Puerto Peñasco Known for Beaches, Sea and Sunsets ](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Penasco.dx9456) Enjoy sunset cruises and watersports on crystal-clear waters, golf and a vibrant nightlife scene at Rocky Point, a popular beach resort in north Mexico. ## Reasons to visit - El Malecón - Encanto Beach - Bonita Beach [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Penasco.dx9456)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Puerto-Penasco-Hotels.d9456.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [San Carlos Known for Beaches, Sea and Relaxing ](https://expedia.com/San-Carlos.dx10834) Experience relaxing San Carlos: its fishing, beaches, bars, and more! ## Reasons to visit - Los Algodones - San Francisco Beach - Cerro Tetakawi [Explore City](https://expedia.com/San-Carlos.dx10834)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/San-Carlos-Hotels.d10834.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Hermosillo Known for Dining, Shopping and Festivals ](https://expedia.com/Hermosillo.dx1485) The bustling capital of Mexico’s Sonora state is famous for its colonial architecture and museums, baseball and steak. ## Reasons to visit - Government Center - Metropolitan Cathedral of Hermosillo [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Hermosillo.dx1485)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Hermosillo-Hotels.d1485.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Guaymas Known for Beaches, Family-friendly and Sea ](https://expedia.com/Guaymas.dx1416) One of Mexico's busiest port cities in southwest Sonora has a pearl and shrimp industry, scenic beaches, monumental Mexican plazas and a massive annual street party. ## Reasons to visit - San Fernando Cathedral - The Fisherman [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Guaymas.dx1416)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Guaymas-Hotels.d1416.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Cananea Known for Excursions, Shopping and Family-friendly ](https://expedia.com/Cananea.dx6317712) Experience the opera, sports, and local cuisine in Cananea! [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Cananea.dx6317712)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Cananea-Hotels.d6317712.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Nogales Known for Dining, Shopping and Festivals ](https://expedia.com/Nogales.dx6205) Quaint Nogales awaits: its festivals, cafes, opera, and more! [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Nogales.dx6205)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Nogales-Hotels.d6205.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ## Cities in Sonora ![Puerto Penasco showing general coastal views and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9456/5ccf06a2-cd71-4f74-9d90-69c49fb7a989.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Puerto Peñasco Enjoy sunset cruises and watersports on crystal-clear waters, golf and a vibrant nightlife scene at Rocky Point, a popular beach resort in north Mexico. ![Mexico featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1485/b1270abb-6f04-419e-a2eb-1d7a194a2073.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Hermosillo The bustling capital of Mexico’s Sonora state is famous for its colonial architecture and museums, baseball and steak. ![The Fisherman showing a coastal town](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6247035/047ebd7f-aae8-48e8-91f0-7ec4d7b4e980.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Guaymas One of Mexico's busiest port cities in southwest Sonora has a pearl and shrimp industry, scenic beaches, monumental Mexican plazas and a massive annual street party. ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Lodging - Packages - Cars - [Ures Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Ures-Hotels.d553248635640699900.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Mazatán Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Mazatan-Hotels.d553248635640667347.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Baviácora Hotels ](https://www.expedia.com/Baviacora-Hotels.d553248635640643517.Travel-Guide-Hotels) - [Cheap Hotels in Ures ](https://www.expedia.com/Ures-Hotels-Cheap-Hotels.0-0-d553248635640699900-tCheapHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) - [Visit Ures ](https://www.expedia.com/Ures.dx553248635640699900) - [Alamo Rent A Car Rental Cars in Ures ](https://www.expedia.com/Alamo-Rent-A-Car-Car-Rentals-In-Ures.d553248635640699900-c6.Car-Rental-Guide-Suppliers) - [Car rentals near Ures ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Ures.d553248635640699900.Car-Rental-Guide) - [Car rentals near Baviácora ](https://www.expedia.com/Car-Rentals-In-Baviacora.d553248635640643517.Car-Rental-Guide) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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