Historic Sonoma Plaza, resplendent with Spanish Colonial flavor, is about a 45-minute drive from Central Marin, and it’s a day adventure that doesn’t disappoint. Lush green space surrounds City Hall on all sides and provides a shaded area for picnics and a much-needed rest from the summer sun. Unlike the cooler coastal areas in Marin, Sonoma feels more like Southern California in the hotter months, with temps regularly reaching the mid-90s. Luckily, the plaza offers a respite with its tasting rooms aplenty, stylish cafes, great restaurants and fashion boutiques that ooze easy California style.
497 First Street West
The newest addition to the Sonoma Plaza family, this restaurant-meets–artisanal market (with a rumored speakeasy) even has a takeaway window for grab-and-go goodies to enjoy while you shop.
158 West Napa Street
The obvious choice for an extended stay, newly opened one- and two-bedroom bungalows offer gourmet kitchens, luxurious furnishings, an on-call concierge service and a short walk to everything the plaza has to offer.
107 West Napa Street
707.721.1041
Muted tones, market bags, boho jewelry and natural skin care are a few of the lust-worthy finds at this women’s fashion boutique. It’s nearly impossible to leave without buying a “souvenir.”
4. G’s: A Modern General Store
19 West Napa Street
A can’t-miss modern-day take on the beloved general store. You’ll find a curated selection of infinitely shoppable clothing, home decor, bedding and children’s items.
405 First Street West
An ideal spot for an overnight stay, the contemporary hotel embodies the wine country spirit, while the El Dorado Kitchen boasts the Jean-Georges-trained chef Armando Navarro, who is known for his creative take on simple, seasonal ingredients.
120 West Napa Street
In a town filled with wine, sometimes a glass of bubbly and a locally sourced cheese board is just what the doctor ordered. The list of California sparkling wines is brief, but inspired.
461 First Street West
A chic, airy women’s boutique offering a high-end selection of casual favorites. We love the pared-down color palette and quality investment pieces including cashmere duster cardigans and leather handbags.
122 West Napa Street
A lively European-style eatery where Portuguese chef Manuel Azevedo serves fresh, colorful tapas inspired by his homeland. Order lots of small plates to share and keep the wine flowing.
9. Lake Sonoma Winery Tasting Room
134 Church Street
A stylish tasting room set back just off the square. Give them 24 hour’s notice and they can arrange a tasting of their sought-after wines paired with a French country–inspired picnic from the girl & the fig.
35 East Napa Street
Here, in a historic building in the heart of the square, the vibe is industrial chic and decidedly unpretentious. The wine flights and small bites are a delicious precursor to dinner and the atmosphere is as lively as the wine selection.
