City Parks, Trails & Trees

With almost 80 acres of City parks as well as scenic open space and an extensive bicycle network, outdoor opportunities abound in Sonoma.

The Plaza Park is the cherished "crown jewel" of Sonoma. With its central location and tree-shaded lawns, ampitheatre, and playgrounds, the Plaza Park is home to many special events and is popular with both locals and visitors.  The City's parks system also include scenic hiking and biking trails, a variety of neighborhood parks, and unique reflections of our agricultural heritage such as the Sonoma Garden Park and the Tex Juen community vineyard.

The Public Works Department maintains most of these parks along with the City’s bicycle trails, and also manages park improvements such as the recent Fryer Creek Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge project and the upcoming Olsen Park Improvement Project. Several City-owned parks and trails are operated in partnership with community organizations such as the Valley of the Moon Garden Club which helps maintain the plaza's rose garden and the Sonoma Ecology Center which manages the Montini-Overlook Preserve and Sonoma Garden Park, among others.

In addition, local residents and visitors are fortunate to have nearby access to a wide range of parks, trails, and historical sites owned/operated by the County, State, and regional nonprofit organizations. Visit our online community Recreation & Parks Directory to learn more about all of the recreational opportunities in Sonoma Valley.

Dogs are not allowed in City parks, with the exception of service animals.  There is a small dog park located near the Community Meeting Room (175 First St. West).  You can locate dog parks in the Valley using the Community Parks & Recreation Directory, and the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau can provide information on  local businesses that welcome four-legged friends. Learn more about the City's other Park Rules and Frequently Asked Questions.

Most of the City's parks are available to groups on a first come-first serve basis unless the park has been reserved in advance for a special event. For details on planning an event please contact Lisa Janson.

"Dreamlike Trail" by Julia Lindsay, Earth Day Photo Contest

Overlook and Montini Trail Map

Sonoma Bicycle Route Map

Plaza Bicycle Parking Map

Adopt a bike path

Honor a loved one with a Memorial Bench

Celebrate Trees at the annual Arbor Day event

The new Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission (PROS) will advise the City Council on matters related to the preservation and enhancement of parks, recreational facilities, open space and the natural environment, with input from the ad hoc Community Recreation & Parks Task Force. For current and upcoming capital improvement projects, visit our Infrastructure Projects page.

Funding sources for Park improvements include the countywide voter-approved Measure M - Parks for All sales tax and the California Parks & Water Bond Act of 2018 (Prop 68).