Sonoma Valley guide

The best things to do in Sonoma Valley

By the Everything Sonoma editors · Fact-checked October 16, 2026 · Sources

The short answerStart on the Sonoma Plaza, California's largest town plaza, and walk to the Mission San Francisco Solano. Then pick two or three: taste wine at a historic winery like Buena Vista, ride between wineries on a guided bike tour, explore Jack London's ranch in Glen Ellen, hike Sugarloaf Ridge above Kenwood, or watch a race at Sonoma Raceway. Book tastings ahead and plan a driver.

1. Walk the Sonoma Plaza

The Plaza is the heart of the town of Sonoma and the largest town plaza in California. It was laid out in 1835 by Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, and it is where the Bear Flag Revolt began in 1846. Today it is a shady park ringed by tasting rooms, restaurants, shops and historic buildings, with City Hall (dedicated in 1908) in the middle. It is a National Historic Landmark District. Read our Sonoma Plaza guide for a walking plan.

2. Visit the Mission and Sonoma State Historic Park

Mission San Francisco Solano, on the corner of the Plaza, was founded in 1823 and is the northernmost and last of California's 21 missions. It is one of several historic sites that make up Sonoma State Historic Park, along with the Sonoma Barracks and General Vallejo's home, Lachryma Montis. The park is open daily 10am to 5pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day), and there's free public parking behind the Barracks off First Street West.

3. Taste wine where California wine history happened

Sonoma Valley has dozens of wineries within a short drive of the Plaza. Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857 by Agoston Haraszthy just east of town, still pours on its original grounds, and its old hand-dug caves are open to visitors again. Nearby, Gundlach Bundschu and Bartholomew Estate sit in the hills on the east side of town. New to tasting? Start with our first-timer's guide.

4. See the valley by bike

The valley floor between Sonoma and Glen Ellen is gentle enough for a relaxed ride. Sonoma Adventures, on Broadway a few blocks from the Plaza, runs guided half-day and full-day bike tours that visit wineries and include lunch, plus e-bike tours and rentals delivered to local hotels. More in Biking Sonoma Valley.

5. Explore Jack London's Beauty Ranch

Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen covers about 1,400 acres of the author's ranch, with his cottage, the House of Happy Walls museum, the ruins of Wolf House (which burned in 1913) and more than 26 miles of trails. It's about a 20-minute drive north of Sonoma. London's novel The Valley of the Moon gave the valley its nickname.

6. Hike, or look at the stars, at Sugarloaf Ridge

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park above Kenwood has about 25 miles of trails, the headwaters of Sonoma Creek, a seasonal 25-foot waterfall and, from the top of Bald Mountain on a clear day, views as far as the Sierra Nevada and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Robert Ferguson Observatory inside the park runs public astronomy programs. See Hiking trails near Sonoma.

7. Feel the speed at Sonoma Raceway

At the south end of the valley, Sonoma Raceway hosts a NASCAR Cup Series weekend every June and the NHRA Sonoma Nationals drag races in July, plus track days and evening drags for street-legal cars. The Karting Center runs courses for drivers 13 and up. Details in our raceway visitor guide.

8. Spend an afternoon in Glen Ellen and Kenwood

Up valley, Glen Ellen and Kenwood are small and unhurried, with wineries, a few excellent places to eat and big parks close by. Our Glen Ellen and Kenwood day trip strings it together.

9. Picnic in a regional park

Sonoma Valley Regional Park near Glen Ellen has a grassy picnic area under big oaks, a paved, 1.2-mile trail through oak woodland, and a fenced off-leash dog park. Parking is $8 (free for members); the park is open 7am to sunset.

Questions

What is Sonoma Valley best known for?

Wine, history and an easygoing small-town feel. The town of Sonoma has California's largest plaza and the last of the state's 21 missions, and the valley is lined with wineries from Carneros in the south to Kenwood in the north.

How many days do you need in Sonoma Valley?

One full day covers the Plaza, the Mission and a couple of wineries. Two or three days lets you add Glen Ellen, Jack London's ranch, a hike or a bike tour without rushing.

Can you visit Sonoma without drinking wine?

Yes. The Plaza, the State Historic Park, Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf Ridge, the regional parks, the museums and Sonoma Raceway are all good reasons to come.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on October 16, 2026 against these sources. Hours, prices and rules change, so confirm with the business or park before you go.

About this guide

Everything Sonoma is an independent guide to Sonoma Valley. We don't accept payment for coverage in guides; featured listings are always labeled. Spot something out of date? Email [email protected] or send a correction. Read how we choose listings.