Visitors - City of Sonoma

Sonoma's unique history, bucolic scenery, and world-class wines are among the many reasons it is a favorite destination for visitors from around the world. In fact, Sonoma was recently named the "Best Small Town to Visit in the USA". Welcome!

The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau can assist with planning your trip, and their friendly staff will welcome you at the Plaza Visitors Center on 1st St. East. Listings of local businesses are available on their website, as well as on the website of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce, which also provides resources for those looking to relocate their home or business to Sonoma.

In addition to being a visitor destination, Sonoma is a small-town, family-oriented community. Please remember to drive safely, drink responsibly, and choose overnight lodging that has been licensed by the City or County. Thanks and enjoy your visit!

Are dogs allowed in the Plaza?

Dogs are not allowed in the Sonoma Plaza park, with the exception of service animals. There is a small dog park located near the Community Meeting Room (175 First St. West). You can find listings of dog-friendly parks and open space areas using the online Community Parks & Recreation Directory.

The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau can provide information on other dog-friendly facilities and businesses in the area.

Can I drink in the Plaza park?

From 11:30 a.m. until sunset, consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in the Sonoma Plaza park.

Is public parking available downtown?

Downtown parking is available at two public parking lots, at no charge. The largest is the Casa Grande lot, located behind the historic Barracks just north of the Plaza, with an entrance off First St. East. There is a smaller public parking lot behind Sebastiani Theatre, with an entrance off East Napa St. This lot includes designated parking for electric vehicles with charging stations. Follow the signs around the Plaza.

Parking around the Sonoma Plaza

Street parking in the Plaza area is free, but is limited to 3 hours between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday; there are no time limits on Sundays.

On-Street Parking

On-street parking in Sonoma is also free, but some areas have time limits or residential permit requirements, so look for signage.

To take your time and avoid a ticket, park in the public lots whenever possible.

What are Sonoma’s smoking laws and how are they enforced?

In 2016, Sonoma voters approved Measure W, which expanded the City’s existing regulations on smoking and tobacco product use.

No smoking is allowed in the following areas:

Public places such as parks, paths, streets and sidewalks;
Public events such as festivals, fairs, farmers markets and concerts;
Dining areas such as restaurants and bars;
Service areas such as ATM or ticket lines, bus stops, etc.
Multi-unit residences including indoor common areas such as apartments, hotels, and motels.

Smoking is permitted a minimum of 25 feet from areas where smoking is prohibited and in private residences without shared walls. A “designated smoking area” may be created if it meets criteria established in the ordinance. Details can be found on our smoking ordinance page.

For Enforcement, contact the City of Sonoma Code Enforcement office, codeenforcement@sonomacity.org, phone: (707) 867-2796

When and where is the Farmers’ Market?

Sonoma’s Tuesday Night Market (STNM) is presented by City of Sonoma in partnership with Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce in the “Horseshoe” in front of Sonoma City Hall from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm starting on May 18th.

Additional local markets include the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers Market (Fridays year-round, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., in the Arnold Field parking lot at 241 First St. W.), and the Saturday Harvest Market at the Sonoma Garden Park.

Where are the City’s bike paths and lanes located?

Bike paths and lanes are shown on the City’s Bicycle Map.

The existing bicycle network in Sonoma consists of Class I pathways and Class II bike lanes, and Class III bike routes. The City’s longest Class I pathway is the Sonoma City Trail, which generally runs east-west and extends for approximately 1.5 miles across northern Sonoma. The Nathanson Creek Trail extends north-south along Nathanson Creek in the City’s southeast quadrant connecting local neighborhoods and Sonoma Valley High School and Adele Harrison Middle School.

The Madera Park Trail extends north-south along Fryer Creek from Leveroni Road at the southwestern city limit and connects to 3rd Street West. It includes several short spur connections including the KT Carter Trail and the Hertenstein Park Trail. The Sonoma Creek Trail, located on the western edge of the City south of Napa Road is located on the eastern bank of Sonoma Creek, and provides connections to Oregon Street, Studley Street, and West Napa Street and includes a bridge over Napa Creek to Riverside Drive. Class II bike lanes are provided on Studley Street, Oregon Street and Dewell Drive along with a few other short segments. Class III bike routes are provided on Second Street East, Third Street West, Oregon Street, and Curtin Lane.

Learn more about bicycling in Sonoma.

Where can I find a charging station for my electric vehicle?

The City of Sonoma encourages the use of Electric Vehicles (EVs) as part of our progress towards becoming a low carbon community. There are public DC fast chargers located at the Bank of America parking lot and Tier 2 chargers located in the public parking lot at 152 East Napa Street (enter from East Napa Street near First Street East). A ChargePoint Card or phone app works best to activate the charging station. If using a Visa, Discover, American Express, or paypass card please contact 1-888-758-4389 and the charging station will be unlocked remotely.

The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau provides information on electric vehicle charging stations at local hotels and other locations in Sonoma Valley, and Sonoma County Tourism provides information on locations of EV charging stations in other areas of Sonoma County.

Where can I park my bike on the Plaza?

If you’re biking to the Plaza, you can find bike parking at several locations as outlined on our Plaza Bike Parking Map, including the “hitching post” across from the Barracks and Toscano Hotel and at the bike parking sculpture along the horseshoe driveway in front of City Hall, among other spots. Please note that bike riding in the Plaza park is not allowed, so park your bike when you arrive.

Where is the nearest hospital?

Sonoma Valley Hospital is located at 347 Andrieux St. in Sonoma. It includes an emergency room and an intensive care unit.

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