Sonora CaliforniaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sonora, California.
1. Sierra Repertory Theatre
PROFESSIONAL THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES
Sierra Repertory Theatre produces professional theatrical performances at two venues in the Sonora area. The original theatre is located in East Sonora, while the Historic Fallon House Theatre is their second venue. With a three-decade history of professionally produced musicals and dramas, this highly-rated attraction is a must-visit for theater lovers.
2. Indigeny Reserve
CIDER TASTING DESTINATION
Indigeny Reserve is a popular distillery featuring fabulous grounds and great-tasting cider in many flavors. Visitors enjoy cheerful, friendly service while exploring this beautiful property. The Reserve offers a perfect opportunity to sample local craft beverages in a picturesque setting.
3. Tuolumne County Museum
LOCAL GOLD RUSH HISTORY
The Tuolumne County Museum and History Center is housed in an old jail that dates back to 1866. It offers a great historical tour of the gold rush and Tuolumne area with impressive exhibits. This museum is a must for anyone interested in local Gold Rush and Native American history.
4. Veterans Memorial Hall & Military Museum
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
Veterans Memorial Hall & Military Museum displays a broad range of military items honoring the sacrifices of local veterans. The museum features excellent docents who enhance the visitor experience with their knowledge. Street parking can be challenging, but the historical value of this institution makes it worth the visit.
5. Llamas of Circle Home
UNIQUE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER
Llamas of Circle Home offers visitors a unique nature and wildlife experience in Sonora. This highly-rated attraction provides memorable encounters that visitors frequently recommend to family and friends. The experience is so enjoyable that many visitors plan return trips whenever they're in the Sonora area.
6. Dragoon Gulch Trail
SCENIC HIKING EXPERIENCE
Dragoon Gulch Trail features a beautiful matrix of trails for outdoor enthusiasts. The trailhead is a short walk from the street parking area, making it accessible for most visitors. This dog-friendly hiking destination provides a refreshing natural escape within close proximity to downtown Sonora.
7. Sonora Opera Hall
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
Sonora's historic Opera Hall, located on South Washington Street, was built from the ruins of the Star Flouring Mill in 1885. The beautifully preserved 1885 structure still hosts an array of local events and remains a cultural centerpiece of the community. This landmark is included in the Downtown Sonora Walking Tour, which highlights 21 historic locations along a one-mile route.
8. Downtown Sonora
HISTORIC SHOPPING DISTRICT
Downtown Sonora's historic district, known locally as 'Where It All Happens,' is home to charming shops, restaurants, and fascinating museums. The area features stalwart brick structures and graceful church steeples that rise above streets lined with Gold Rush-era architecture. Visitors can explore the area's rich history through the Downtown Sonora Walking Tour, which details stories of 21 landmarks along a one-mile route centered on Washington Street.
9. Sonora Fire Museum
FIREFIGHTING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Sonora Fire Museum displays vintage equipment and artifacts that tell the story of the ongoing battle to protect Sonora from wildfires. Located in the historic downtown area, this museum preserves an important aspect of local history. Visitors gain insight into the challenges faced by firefighters in this wildfire-prone region of California.
10. Coffill Park
SUMMER CONCERT VENUE
Coffill Park hosts a popular summer concert series from June through October on the second Saturday of each month. This outdoor venue provides a perfect setting for enjoying live music in the heart of Sonora. The park contributes to Sonora's vibrant cultural scene, offering entertainment for both locals and visitors.
11. Sonora Chinatown Memorial
GOLD RUSH CULTURAL HERITAGE
The Sonora Chinatown Memorial commemorates the Chinese community that thrived in Sonora during the Gold Rush era. This historical marker is included in the Downtown Sonora Walking Tour, highlighting an important aspect of the area's diverse heritage. The memorial serves as a reminder of the significant contributions made by Chinese immigrants to the development of Sonora and the Gold Country.
12. Aloft Art Gallery at Baer's
LOCAL ARTISTS SHOWCASE
Aloft Art Gallery at Baer's showcases the work of talented local artists in downtown Sonora. The gallery frequently participates in the 2nd Saturday Art Nights when downtown comes alive with musical performances and other activities. This cultural venue contributes to Sonora's thriving arts scene and provides visitors with an opportunity to appreciate and purchase locally created artwork.
13. Courthouse Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Sonora's stately Courthouse Square serves as a central landmark in the historic downtown area. The square is included as a significant stop on the Downtown Sonora Walking Tour, representing the civic heart of the community. With its impressive architecture and central location, the Courthouse Square provides a glimpse into Sonora's importance as a county seat and historic Gold Country town.
14. Woods Creek Rotary Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Woods Creek Rotary Park offers recreational facilities for families and visitors in Sonora. The park provides a peaceful setting for picnics, relaxation, and outdoor activities. This green space serves as a community gathering place and adds to Sonora's appeal as a destination with diverse attractions.
15. Yosemite National Park
ICONIC NATURAL WONDER
Yosemite National Park is one of the most magnificent natural destinations in the world, located near Sonora which serves as one of the closest gateway cities. The park features dramatic waterfalls, clear streams, granite cliffs, and biological diversity spanning 1,200 square miles. Visitors from Sonora can easily access Yosemite's breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect day trip or extended adventure from this Gold Country base camp.