This plaza has shops and restaurants around it that feature wine-tasting, chocolate tasting and cheese-tasting. It has a Mexican tint to it, since I guess there was a Mexican influence in this area many years ago. There is also an old mission right off the square. The wine-tasting relates to the many wineries there are in the area.
There is something for everyone at the Sonoma Plaza. There are many shops for the wife and a few bars and restaurants for the hubby. Also, the plaza is filled with families enjoying the playground and grass areas. Instead of homeless drifters, like many of the parks in most cities.
OK, so I live here, I may be a bit jaded. But listen, what a wonderful plaza. I believe, I may be incorrect, that it is one of the largest plazas in Ca. And, we can legally drink while having our picnics on the plaza. Yes! More Sonoma Valley Wine please! Big mature trees offer shade in the warm summer. The plaza is surrounded by the local businesses and restaurants. Stroll through and enjoy the day or evening. Farmers Market with music on Tuesday evenings in the summer. Ducks in the pond and a nice play area for children. But leave your dogs at home please, no dogs allowed in the plaza. They are happier sleeping away at home anyway.
A beautiful park-plaza surrounded by historic buildings in which you will find interesting shops that dont sell the typical tourist junk. There are any of a dozen restaurants but even in a sandwich shop you'll find the waiter suggesting which local wine will pair well with your ham and cheese on rye.
No trip to the California Wine Country would be complete without spending a half day or more on the Plaza in downtown Sonoma. Great bars, small shops, and a multitude of eating establishments, from $ to $$$$.
and plan to spend the day admiring California history and joining the locals enjoying the beautiful Plaza. The site of the raising of the California Bear Flag, the Plaza is a destination for local 4th graders and history buffs. Linger under the lovely trees and gardens with playgrounds. Have a picnic! Shop, dine in one of the many delicious restaurants. Something for everyone- all ages.GO!
My wife and I didn't get to spend enough time in Sonoma Plaza since we didn't get there until about 6PM. Many places were closed but we did get to hit a couple wine bars and Burgers & Vine. Sonoma Plaza is very pretty and has great shops, wine bars, etc. We will return when we have more time.
This is a great square to walk around. There are the historic missions on one side and all of the shopping and eating you could imagine. There are also plenty of places to try and buy wine! We loved walking around and sitting in the square!
This is very typical of the old west in terms of how the town square is laid out with shops, restaurants, antique stores and hotels around it. It is worth a visit if you are nearby or on the way to the wine country. If you don't want to eat in a restaurant, you can buy wine, cheese and French bread on the square and have lunch in the square which is now a park. Fun for adults and children alike.
The Sonoma Plaza is the historic square in downtown Sonoma. It is surrounded by historic structures, including the mission San Francisco Solano, as well as contemporary restaurants, wine tasting rooms and shopping. It is a perfect destination to spend all or a part of your day.