8 Best Hotels Within Walking Distance of Historic Sonoma Sites

Daniel Mangin | February 02, 2018

The 1823 Sonoma Mission (officially Mission San Francisco Solano) and related sites within the town of Sonoma's highly walkable downtown hark back to California’s era of Mexican rule. Luckily for both upscale and budget travelers, varied lodging options abound within walking distance. You could easily abandon your car for a day or two to explore Sonoma's attractions, taste wine, and sample first-rate Italian, Portuguese, and other cuisine.

Among the shops near the plaza are an update of the initial Williams-Sonoma store on its original 1956 site and the Vella Cheese Company, established in 1931. Beyond Vella an eminently walkable 2 miles (nearly all flat) is the legendary Buena Vista Winery. Started in 1857 less than a decade after California achieved statehood, Buena Vista is considered the birthplace of the state’s modern wine-making industry.

Tip: If you’re around on a Tuesday between May and October, the plaza’s evening farmers’ market, complete with food vendors and music, is like a big block party. An even more elaborate market takes place on Friday year-round a little north of the plaza.

Below are our top downtown Sonoma hotel picks, some of them historic properties themselves.

Related Ultimate Guide: 27 Ultimate Things to Do in Napa and Sonoma

#1

Inn at Sonoma

Why it made the list

Often a good value (look for online bargains from late fall into spring), the inn is a fine choice year-round for perks that include a full buffet breakfast, evening wine and cheese hours, and freshly baked cookies. The outdoor hot tub is an added bonus after a long day of touring, and the staff members go the extra mile to help guests plan winery excursions.

Little luxuries delight at this well-run inn ¼-mile south of Read More

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