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It's a magical wonderland at Sonoma Plaza, where twinkling lights and shimmering stars transform the streets into a festive dream. Each glow invites you to embrace the magic of the season. And...Every path takes you to sips and eats. Sonoma magic! The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear--and illuminating the night with dazzling lights!
On special occasions or Holidays, like Independence Day, the plaza is an excellent place to that small town, hometown feeling, where people get together and enjoy the moment. The plaza has several nice restaurants and I'm always partial to Mary's. I have a lifetime of memories hanging out in the Sonoma Plaza and the park is a perfect place for kids.
This is a decent little city park. We were walking around near closing time for most businesses and it was a little deserted, but still nicely manicured. We'd been wine tasting earlier in the day and I was in need of a restroom so we walked over to see if the public park had any and they did - which was fantastic! The women's restroom was closed for cleaning, and the guy had JUST closed it, despite us walking up clearly in need. It was really disappointing that he couldn't wait 5 minutes to clean the restroom, but we ended up just using the mens since it was vacant, and went about our evening. The restrooms were just ok - it wouldn't be my preferred place to stop, but they were adequate for a park.
Th Sonoma Plaza Park is one of the most lovely parks in Sonoma. In the square you'll find a little bit of everything: - plenty of paths to walk and explore - picnic tables - kids area to play - lots of beautiful greenery - bike parking spaces - pond + ducks/turtles/little fishes - visitors center - bathrooms - stage with seating area (although, I wish to see it used more) When visiting you can also explore the shops, wineries, and restaurants around. During spring and summer, we like to grab a bottle of wine and picnic at the park. This is also the time of year, when the park hosts the Tuesday Night Farmers Market - which is definitely worth visiting. And during winter time, you get to enjoy a different charm to the plaza. The trees around the plaza are beautifully lit and you'll even find dangling stars in a section of the park. Grab a coat, warm drink, and walk around the plaza.
As a visitor from Oregon, we were only planning to stay as long as our visit with a relative. She has to go back to work, so we bum around by ourselves, and it was 81 degrees HOT, compared to S. Francisco's windy yesterday and cool, we were bundled up like an Eskimo! After browsing to some of the shops, we were heading to our car, but we needed cold drinks, as we spotted vendors setting up for Tuesday's Market. We stayed around, like the natives, until we were done with our Paella, oh yeah! That was the reason why we stayed around, one of the vendors was setting up for dinner, and there's a band setting up as well. The shops, many are open, there's also a mission that we visited, and I needed to use the restroom, a hotel nearby let me use theirs. There's a thrift store, City Hall, and businesses around the area plus wineries & bars.
A National Historic Landmark Designated in 1961 as a National Historic Landmark, the eight acre plaza is the largest of its kind in California. It was General Mariano Vallejo, the military commander and Director of the Northern Frontier for the Mexican government, who laid it out in 1835. The plaza is the location where in 1846 the Bear Flag Revolt , which led to the birth of the short lived Republic of California, took place. You can find the Bear Flag monument, a California Historical Landmark, on the North-Eastern corner of the plaza. Historic Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of the series of 21 historic California missions, is located diagonally across the street form the Bear Flag Monument. The Plaza also features four historic 19th-century hotels, including: 1) Swiss Hotel (1830) 2) El Dorado Hotel (1843) 3) Toscano Hotel (1850) 4) The Sonoma Hotel (1880) Almost at the center of the plaza is the Sonoma City Hall building which was laid out in February 24, 1906. Today the plaza is popular destination for all the visitors who come to enjoy the slow culture, good wine and delicious food. If you are visiting, you may want to make a short list of the historic sites I listed, and more, and take a stroll around the plaza before you settle down for some nourishment! You will not be disappointed.
Visited Sonoma Plaza Park on Memorial Day, on the way to Napa. A speck of vegetation surrounded on perimeter by cafes, restaurants and shops of the downtown Sonoma. Parking was relatively easy just across the street, scored a spot in the shade! Yay! During past visits, my focus has been on a venue to eat & drink at. This time, business-or-pleasure scale shifted towards pleasure:) No business (food), just pure enjoyment watching multiple families of ducks roam around. Watched parents take care of the little ducklings.. awe so much fun. There are picnic tables with benches, one of which was occupied by someone doing a live online video stream.. to twitch! People also sat on the grass enjoying warm weather and sun. We're finally emerging on the other, brighter side of the pandemic! Sonoma City Hall is located here at the park as well. Nice architecture of the stone-built building in contrast with trees and greenery seems well balanced. Small pond in front of the City Hall attracts the duckies. They teach their offspring how to get in and out of water. Cool to watch! Park is family friendly with children's playground. Not so much dog friendly though - dogs are not allowed. It feels weird to me. Everywhere else dogs and parks are synonymous. Dogs and downtown shops as well! Los Gatos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Carmel ! I wonder why not here? and if it's an outdated rule that requires revising. City Hall people? Anyone? 5/31/2021
This is why Sonoma continues to be a lunch and shopping destination for me. Love a town located on a Square! Shops and Restaurants come-and-go, but the Square remains. Something restful about a promenade of retail fondling and eating here. Perfect 1 day outing!
According to our tour operator, this is where California was born. The illegal immigrants from the United States raised a flag that is almost exactly what the state now has. They then went to the Mexican general and took him hostage. As the U.S. government became involved they saw what value the area had, and then brought the land into the growing country. This was the quick story we were told as we came into the square. With all the stores and restaurants here, you will surely find something that you like. The courthouse in the center is beautiful as it has the same facade on all sides. That way no one has to see the back side. The surrounding grounds are well kept and offer a nice place to have a picnic.
This is such a nice area! Beautiful plaza with lots of great restaurants and other stores. Make sure to come by and hang out if you are in the area. It was pitch-perfect except for the rowdy teens who were not wearing masks and being obnoxious.
Awesome downtown to walk around. Tons of shops around the outside of the plaza and the middle has lots of shade and trees around the historic building in the middle. Great place to spend a morning or afternoon exploring. read more
3 months ago
11 months ago
2 years ago
It's a magical wonderland at Sonoma Plaza, where twinkling lights and shimmering stars transform the streets into a festive dream. Each glow invites you to embrace the magic of the season. And...Every path takes you to sips and eats. Sonoma magic! The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear--and illuminating the night with dazzling lights! read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
On special occasions or Holidays, like Independence Day, the plaza is an excellent place to that small town, hometown feeling, where people get together and enjoy the moment. The plaza has several nice restaurants and I'm always partial to Mary's. I have a lifetime of memories hanging out in the Sonoma Plaza and the park is a perfect place for kids. read more
This is a decent little city park. We were walking around near closing time for most businesses and it was a little deserted, but still nicely manicured. We'd been wine tasting earlier in the day and I was in need of a restroom so we walked over to see if the public park had any and they did - which was fantastic! The women's restroom was closed for cleaning, and the guy had JUST closed it, despite us walking up clearly in need. It was really disappointing that he couldn't wait 5 minutes to clean the restroom, but we ended up just using the mens since it was vacant, and went about our evening. The restrooms were just ok - it wouldn't be my preferred place to stop, but they were adequate for a park. read more
4 years ago
Th Sonoma Plaza Park is one of the most lovely parks in Sonoma. In the square you'll find a little bit of everything: - plenty of paths to walk and explore - picnic tables - kids area to play - lots of beautiful greenery - bike parking spaces - pond + ducks/turtles/little fishes - visitors center - bathrooms - stage with seating area (although, I wish to see it used more) When visiting you can also explore the shops, wineries, and restaurants around. During spring and summer, we like to grab a bottle of wine and picnic at the park. This is also the time of year, when the park hosts the Tuesday Night Farmers Market - which is definitely worth visiting. And during winter time, you get to enjoy a different charm to the plaza. The trees around the plaza are beautifully lit and you'll even find dangling stars in a section of the park. Grab a coat, warm drink, and walk around the plaza. read more
2 years ago
As a visitor from Oregon, we were only planning to stay as long as our visit with a relative. She has to go back to work, so we bum around by ourselves, and it was 81 degrees HOT, compared to S. Francisco's windy yesterday and cool, we were bundled up like an Eskimo! After browsing to some of the shops, we were heading to our car, but we needed cold drinks, as we spotted vendors setting up for Tuesday's Market. We stayed around, like the natives, until we were done with our Paella, oh yeah! That was the reason why we stayed around, one of the vendors was setting up for dinner, and there's a band setting up as well. The shops, many are open, there's also a mission that we visited, and I needed to use the restroom, a hotel nearby let me use theirs. There's a thrift store, City Hall, and businesses around the area plus wineries & bars. read more
3 years ago
A National Historic Landmark Designated in 1961 as a National Historic Landmark, the eight acre plaza is the largest of its kind in California. It was General Mariano Vallejo, the military commander and Director of the Northern Frontier for the Mexican government, who laid it out in 1835. The plaza is the location where in 1846 the Bear Flag Revolt , which led to the birth of the short lived Republic of California, took place. You can find the Bear Flag monument, a California Historical Landmark, on the North-Eastern corner of the plaza. Historic Mission San Francisco Solano, the last of the series of 21 historic California missions, is located diagonally across the street form the Bear Flag Monument. The Plaza also features four historic 19th-century hotels, including: 1) Swiss Hotel (1830) 2) El Dorado Hotel (1843) 3) Toscano Hotel (1850) 4) The Sonoma Hotel (1880) Almost at the center of the plaza is the Sonoma City Hall building which was laid out in February 24, 1906. Today the plaza is popular destination for all the visitors who come to enjoy the slow culture, good wine and delicious food. If you are visiting, you may want to make a short list of the historic sites I listed, and more, and take a stroll around the plaza before you settle down for some nourishment! You will not be disappointed. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
Visited Sonoma Plaza Park on Memorial Day, on the way to Napa. A speck of vegetation surrounded on perimeter by cafes, restaurants and shops of the downtown Sonoma. Parking was relatively easy just across the street, scored a spot in the shade! Yay! During past visits, my focus has been on a venue to eat & drink at. This time, business-or-pleasure scale shifted towards pleasure:) No business (food), just pure enjoyment watching multiple families of ducks roam around. Watched parents take care of the little ducklings.. awe so much fun. There are picnic tables with benches, one of which was occupied by someone doing a live online video stream.. to twitch! People also sat on the grass enjoying warm weather and sun. We're finally emerging on the other, brighter side of the pandemic! Sonoma City Hall is located here at the park as well. Nice architecture of the stone-built building in contrast with trees and greenery seems well balanced. Small pond in front of the City Hall attracts the duckies. They teach their offspring how to get in and out of water. Cool to watch! Park is family friendly with children's playground. Not so much dog friendly though - dogs are not allowed. It feels weird to me. Everywhere else dogs and parks are synonymous. Dogs and downtown shops as well! Los Gatos, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Carmel ! I wonder why not here? and if it's an outdated rule that requires revising. City Hall people? Anyone? 5/31/2021 read more
8 years ago
This is why Sonoma continues to be a lunch and shopping destination for me. Love a town located on a Square! Shops and Restaurants come-and-go, but the Square remains. Something restful about a promenade of retail fondling and eating here. Perfect 1 day outing! read more
8 years ago
According to our tour operator, this is where California was born. The illegal immigrants from the United States raised a flag that is almost exactly what the state now has. They then went to the Mexican general and took him hostage. As the U.S. government became involved they saw what value the area had, and then brought the land into the growing country. This was the quick story we were told as we came into the square. With all the stores and restaurants here, you will surely find something that you like. The courthouse in the center is beautiful as it has the same facade on all sides. That way no one has to see the back side. The surrounding grounds are well kept and offer a nice place to have a picnic. read more
This is such a nice area! Beautiful plaza with lots of great restaurants and other stores. Make sure to come by and hang out if you are in the area. It was pitch-perfect except for the rowdy teens who were not wearing masks and being obnoxious. read more
7 years ago
Review #328 - 2019 Christmas has always been my favorite holiday for as long as I can remember & now that I'm older, I actually enjoy taking my daughter to different cities to see which place has the best tree lighting ceremony. We showed up at around 6 PM on Saturday, November 16th. I had a pretty hard time finding parking. I actually didn't expect it to be so crowded since I thought it was out in the middle of nowhere. I guess I was wrong! They had the place nicely decorated. The lights were so pretty. The kids actually said the building looked like a mini Disneyland. They offered free cookies, hot chocolate and hot apple cider. So generous of them! My daughter even spent some time playing on the playground, even though the older kids bullied her off the slides. I wish it wasn't such a long drive out in the dark during winter so I can bring the kids back again next year. read more
7 years ago
10 years ago
This is a beautiful park located in the center of Sonoma. Parking can be found on the perimeter of the park, and it is free. Within the park sits Sonoma City Hall, a playground, a small outdoor concert center, and a monument dedicated to the fighters for California independence (early 1800's). There is plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors here. It is family friendly, and a relaxing place. I recommend walking through here if you find yourself in Sonoma. read more
Glad we kicked off our visit to Sonoma here as there's definitely a little something for everyone around Sonoma Plaza. Even though we got there around lunch time and it was pretty packed, we were able to find parking pretty easily, and it was a great way to get our steps in after our meal. Highlights included: - Lisa Kristine's Art Gallery: Some of the coolest photography I've ever seen. - Wine Country Chocolates: Chocolate tasting and yes..free samples! - City Hall: Cool Spanish influenced architecture with a nice park/pond in the center of the plaza - The Mission and the exhibits: Lots of cool artifacts to check out in the barracks. Similar to other missions, I found the exhibits to be a tad on the pro-imperialistic side, but I understand the importance of keeping the history and structures to educate. read more
The Sonoma Plaza was stop #3 on our self guided Bottle Shock tour. The plaza is busy but cheerful. The architecture is fascinating. This plaza is surrounded by many historical buildings, including the Mission San Francisco Solano, Captain Salvador Vallejo's Casa Grande, the Presidio of Sonoma, the Blue Wing Inn, and the Toscano Hotel. Located on the north side of the square, the Toscano Hotel is seen in the background as the Vintners bring their wine to Spurrier. In the middle of the plaza, Sonoma's early 20th-century city hall, at the plaza's center and still in use, was designed and built with four identical sides in order not to offend the merchants on any one side of the plaza. Stop by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau during your visit to pick up special "2-for-1" Wine-Tasting Coupons, brochures, maps, books, and more. Wear the "I love Sonoma Valley" stick-on label during your visit to Sonoma and get discounts and freebies at participating locations. On the south side of the square and a bit west on East Napa Street, you will find Della Santina's Trattoria. Della Santina served as the store front for Spurrier's wine shop and Maurice Cantavale's limo service/travel agency next door. read more
Beautiful park in the heart of Sonoma. There is a pond complete with water features, water fowl, a picturesque bridge and trees all around. There is a small rose garden with benches and places to sit and breathe in the rosy perfume and relax in the beauty. There is a town hall which adds a touch of gravitas to the park and architectural interest. There is a playground for the kids and lots of well maintained grass to play on. The Park is surrounded by unique shops and restaurants and is worthy of a leisure stroll and afternoon window shopping. There is plenty of parking available around the park and in a lot a block away. Worth a stop when traveling along Rte 12 through wine country. read more
Visit on 11-04-12 Having taken a lap around the Plaza, my little boy was still bouncing around with energy that needed to be let loose. Attention parents: Sonoma Plaza Park is just the spot for that, so we head over. The Sonoma Plaza Park is located smack dab in the middle of the Sonoma Plaza. The park features a long slide, a few swings, and sandlot for the kids to run around in. It is a great time and guaranteed fun for the little ones. There is lots of grass area to layout and picnic and the park also features historical statues to look at. (+++) No dogs allowed--I'm a dog loving guy, but it's scary to see your little one get bomb rushed by a canine, no matter how small your dog is. (+) great location; perfect for picnics; plenty of park benches to relax at. read more
6 years ago
STAYCATION IN SONOMA: February 19-20, 2011 For the President's Day Weekend, my fiance and I decided to run away and leave the craziness of the city behind. Original plan was Tahoe but had to cancel because of the blizzard. Not having much expectations, we found Sonoma to be a great place for staycation. Everything was within walking distance around the plaza--tastings, restaurants, chic boutiques, art galleries, etc. Sonoma is Napa Valley's less grandiose sister. Sonoma might pale in comparison to the grandeur and glory of Napa but she is charming, more affordable and has lots to offer whether you are a foodie, history buff, shopper, wine connoisseur or just a tired soul looking for some place to relax. 1.QUENCH OUR THIRST: Unlike Napa's $35 price tab for tastings, Sonoma's tastings are either free or affordable for about $5 for 6 tastings. And Sonoma offers good bottles of vino for much less Napa Valley wineries sell theirs. This was my perfect excuse to sample Sonoma's finest! 2. FEED OUR TUMMY: Sonoma is for foodies. We loaded up on random deli food from the Cheese Factory including picnic gadgets. Had a romantic dinner at Girl and the Fig. Started making plans to try the steak at Saddles next time. Mapped out which Parisian-style bistro we will have our brunch on our next visit.. Bought chocolates from almost every chocolate store we visited. 3. INDULGE OUR WHIMS: Aside from wine-tasting, shops offer free chocolate tastings and olive oil tastings. So we did all of the above: wine-tasting, chocolate tasting and olive oil tastings. And shopped/window-shopped until we dropped at chic boutiques all over!!!!! 4. KNOW OUR HISTORY: We visited the Sonoma Mission (Mission San Francisco Solano) and the barracks. There you will see and learn about the history of California, see how the Mexican soldiers and folks from the old days used to live. Admire the sturdy adobe buildings. Learn that the Bear flag (California flag) was first raised in Sonoma. All these learnings for a mere $3 per person entrance fee. 5. BE CULTURE VULTURES: We visited art galleries for free. Admired the work of the 19th century artist who travelled and painted the missions across California. His works are on display at Mission Sonoma. . 6. STAY FOR AWHILE: Most hotels offer rooms with fireplace and jacuzzi, and free wine tastings at the hotel. There are lots of B&B and cute cottages where you can stay. We stayed at a hotel with fireplace in the room. 7. FEED OUR SOUL: The drive to Sonoma was so beautiful. We passed by vineyards and farmlands. Perfect for cruising on a beautiful sunny day. We hungout at the Sonoma plaza to watch the kids play, listen to the street musician or just be quiet -- just for once. 8. FALL IN LOVE: Sonoma plaza is romantic at night. It has lots of nooks and crannies--each will surprise you and lead you to new restaurants, chocolate shops or just a pretty corner with flowing fountains. The corners and alleyways of Downtown Sonoma reminded me of my trip to Italy years ago--with its ancient history and old buildings. And do not write off Sonoma in the rain. We just grabbed our umbrella. We went for a stroll and went exploring. We found it more cozy and less crowded than during the daytime. VISIT SOON AND ENJOY! (Individual reviews of each place to follow.) read more
When I'm not having lunch at the grounds of General Sonoma's house, then I'm at the square enjoying the shade tree's, the families on the green and the kids on the playground. There are lots of picnic tables, but they go quickly. You can always spread out on a blanket, or do like me, I bring a collapsable table and my own chairs. Pictures of Sonoma: http://www.flickr.com/groups/sonomacounty/ In additon to the park grounds, they offer: City Hall Visitors Bureau Duck pond Fish pond Children's playground Tot lot Grinstead Amphitheater Rose Garden Fountain Bear Flag Memorial Picnic tables Benches Public Restrooms And you can rent the facilities for parties and events! read more
Sonoma Plaza is a wonderful place to spend a day. It is essentially one big square with a huge green area as a park in the middle and a fantastic Clock tower as the centerpiece. There are at least 15 wine tasting rooms, several restaurants, plenty of shopping and parks for all ages. Sometimes you have to circle a couple times for parking, but it is free! read more
What a beautiful downtown area! Variety of shops, excess of wine tasting rooms, and a pretty green in the middle of it all. We stopped at many of the offerings here and we were pleasantly surprised by them all. The sonoma cheese factory was cute with delicious samples, envolve winery had wonderful service & wines, and we loved our time at el dorado kitchen which had the most amazing truffle frites and cocktails. We will definitely be back on our next trip! read more
13 years ago
I've wanted to visit Sonoma for some time - years actually. For someone not from the area, it always seemed like sort of a mystery place. People would say they were to visit Napa and then someone presumably in the know would, if they felt a confident you mightn't blab about it, respond with "Oh, you should visit Sonoma...its better." I'm not here to pass judgment. I ended up in Sonoma Plaza Park early in the morning on a beautiful autumn day. The park surrounds Sonoma City Hall, so I presume the attitude and ambiance of this place is representative of what Sonoma founders and residents believe themselves to be, and aspire to become. Plaza Park and its central City Hall are viewable from the front from far away down Broadway Street. The giant palm in the middle of the esplanade only adds to the post-card quality of the scene. Once you're in the park, its quiet, even with some traffic moving around the outer perimeter of the square. There are benches and fountains and little ponds and trees and to my great delight, a rose garden. Whenever I come across a garden like this it slows me down and makes me stop and think. I mostly think I need to slow down, stop and smell the roses, and so I do. I wonder about people who grew up in such gentile surroundings. Even the sundial in the rose garden points to a different direction when it proclaims: COUNT NONE BUT THE SUNNY HOURS. People from Sonoma must grow up thinking this is how life is. It has to be a terrific shock when the leave valley pleasant and find out not everywhere is quite this way. But perhaps, in a marvelous twist, they carry some of the ideal with them and show it to the rest of us from time to time - as an example of how it could be like this elsewhere, because it is like this somewhere. read more
12 years ago
This is a place made me think about Santa Fe. I like Santa Fe a lot, but I like Sonoma Plaza even more. I think I'll come back again with my family. You can get a map from visitor center, or download online. It helps a lot. http://www.sonomavalley.com/home/svvb/maps/sonoma_plaza_map.pdf read more
Well, in short, I spent the entire afternoon at this park. So needless to say, I'm a fan! The bf and I picked up lunch at the nearby Whole Foods and then strolled over and plopped down on a blanket. We set up a little picnic table and enjoyed an afternoon of sunshine, watching a family of ducks walking around, and playing games. The park has such a great vibe, plenty of space, and (very important) clean bathrooms. Free parking, cute shops, and great restaurants and wine rooms are located all around the park. You don't need to go anywhere else. read more
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453 1st St E
Sonoma, CA 95476
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How far is roche winery to the park?
Super close. Roche is right across from the plaza.
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