Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas is the charming town of Sonora, California. Just under a three hour drive from San Francisco, it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway. Tuolumne County brings you back to a time where it’s okay to get dust on your boots and to experience life slowly and savor it. Sonora, California attractions offer all the old, historic charm of yesteryear minus the old, historic ways.

If you’re looking for a gold-rush-chic escape, these things to do in Sonora, California should be topping your list.

Stroll through historic downtown Sonora

After grabbing an espresso tonic (don’t question– just do!) from Revive Coffee, meander into downtown for some antique shopping at the underground mineshaft bookstore, Legends, to explore their stacks of used (and sometimes rare) books. Inside, you’ll find a refurbished 26-foot bar that now operates as an old-fashioned soda fountain. Grab an ice cream there or better yet, head to The Candy Vault to satiate your sweet tooth and nostalgia for retro-candies.

Once your fill of antiques (and dust) has hit its quota, you’re going to want to stop inside Addictions Boutique– an über-aesthetic shop for all things pretty. And if you’re not feeling ~glowy~ enough from the Northern California sun, book an organic spray tan with them to achieve ultimate sun-kissed gold status.

If your feet haven’t tired from shopping (or if you are a die-hard morning jogger even when on vacay), venture to the Dragoon Gulch Trail. With just over three miles of natural trails, visitors can stroll through the Mother Lode’s oak woodlands along a babbling (albeit seasonal, TY California drought season) creek. The Woods Creek Trailhead access can be found at 680 Woods Creek Dr. while The Alpine Trailhead, which has ADA access, is located off of Alpine Lane.

Have your fill of charm and cider

The Indigeny Reserve is a cider works and distillery that cannot be missed. It’s full of history, as some of their apple trees date all the way back to the early 1900s, and it’s full of delicious hard-ciders, aged apple brandy, and fruit infused vodka. The distillery offers tastings daily, and by special request, they can accommodate weekend tours of the barrel room.

From farm, to table, to family

Emberz restaurant is full of life, from the laughter that emanates from the table guests to the organic, locally grown ingredients served up on its dishes. With wood-fired foods, it’s a unique experience not offered by other nearby restaurants. 

The best restaurants in Sonora offer a plethora of drinks to pair with every meal. Sonora Brewing Company is a family style restaurant loaded with hearty meals and often hosts events that bring together music and the community– with a side of barbequed oysters! Just outside the city in a renovated pickering lumber office is The Standard Pour, a place of excellent draft beers and unique wines. It’s casual, but anything but ordinary– the space oozes quiet elegance and a comfortable atmosphere.

Where you’re going to want to stay

Bed and breakfasts are quintessential quaint– a perfect pairing for an enchanting town. Bradford Place Inn & Gardens is located downtown making walking to all the best restaurants and shops a breeze, and each room has its own special attributes– like a room with its own private patio or one with a luxurious soaking tub for two. Talk about relaxing!

Besides little B&B’s, renting an Airbnb is a wonderful way to discover Sonora from behind-the-scenes. From modern farmhouses to barn lofts, this type of accommodation lets you live out your farm girl fantasies (that doesn’t include all the dirty work).

Take a plunge into nature

When it’s time to leave the charm behind and replace it with a keen sense of adventure, drive to Pinecrest Lake. Located 30 miles east of Sonora, this gorgeous national forest has the trifecta of outdoor activity: camping, hiking, and swimming. There’s a 4-mile hiking trail circling the lake, and a day-use area to swim and picnic. And if you are fishing or boating, there’s no fee to launch a boat.

A shorter 2-mile hike that will lead you to breath-taking limestone caverns is the Natural Bridges Trail in Calaveras County. Some might find swimming in a cave claustrophobic, but the experience is truly magical. Sadly, dogs must stay behind for this adventure as the terrain is not accommodating to our furry friends. Hot tip: the best time to visit this popular place is midweek, as there is limited on-site paid parking, and parking along Parrots Ferry Road is prohibited.

One of California’s swimming secrets (well, not so secret these days) is God’s Bath Swimming Hole, just 50 minutes east of Sonora on the Clavey River. This area is a wonderful place to cool down in the hot-hot summers, as the water is cold frigid snow run-off. If you’re feeling brave (and are 100% comfortable in your swim-ability), jump off the waterfall-cliff and swim under the underwater granite bridge back into the main swimming hole.

Make it a boujee trip

If at any point you feel your trip has turned more history-lesson-than-gold-rush-flavor, find yourself a seat and a laaarge glass at Inner Sanctum Cellars. With a wine tasting room and patio, a beer tap room, and a sprinkling of free concerts, you won’t lack for enjoyment here. No reservations are needed, but don’t show up on a Monday or Tuesday because you will be knocking on a closed door. 

To continue the journey of things to do around Sonora, California that don’t involve any large amounts of dust or Mark Twain-y individuals, the Teleli Golf Club has a scenic 18-hole course designed by the infamous Robert Muir Graves. It’s now a resort amenity to the Black Oak Casino, a place of plush accommodation, titillating entertainment (psst gambling), and fine dining. If you are looking for more free things to do in Sonora, the Willow Creek Lounge at the casino offers free shows.

For the romantics in Sonora

From watching a beautiful sunset in Mi-Wuk Village to catching a show at the Fallon House Theatre, there are many romantic things to do in Sonora. The Sonora Farmers Market is a fun place to hold your partner’s hand as you mosey through the stalls of fresh fruits, hand-crafted trinkets, and flowers. It’s open seasonally every Saturday morning from 7:30am to 11:30am. So pack up your boo and get away for the weekend.

Travel back in time

Being in Sonora is like stepping into a western movie, but instead of gun show-downs and bank robberies (I’m keeping the cute cowboys- thank yew), you get to experience real history. The Columbia State Historic Park has preserved nearly 30 original buildings constructed during the height of the California Gold Rush, and it is thee perfect place to don your new poplin dress and riding boots to snap a picture for the ‘gram. Feeling spooky? Book a ghost tour at the park and maybe come across your long, long lost relative… in ghost form.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Tuolumne County Museum. It’s well endowed with rich United States history from the Tuolumne Gold Rush to modern times. Visitors are welcome to this jail-turned-museum from Tuesday to Saturday.

If you love military history, the Veterans Memorial Military Museum is free and open to visitors Monday through Friday. The Veterans Memorial Hall displays artifacts like uniforms and weapons from several wars and is generally focused on local war heroes.

There’s never an off-season

Even come winter, Sonora is a popular destination. The charm turns cozy during the holiday season– you can experience the splendor of the town decked to the halls in wintery, festive fun at their Annual Christmas Parade. One way to fight off the cold is to see a show presented by the Sierra Repertory Theatre. Or for my fellow snow bunnies, plow into the snow drift at the Dodge Ridge Ski Resort.

In the spring, beautiful flowers bloom along the hiking trails and of course, the summer is not just for outdoor adventures, but also the Mother Lode Fair where you can– and should– fill your face with fried dough until you pop.

Things to do in Tuolumne County this weekend

If your family is even a smidgen similar to mine, going for a “country drive” is all the rage. Good thing is, Wards Ferry Road that connects Sonora to Groveland has something unique to see– a graffiti covered bridge. While in most cases, we don't want to see human markings in nature, this bridge is a wonderfully colorful contrast to the tan terrain.

Visit the llamas– yes, I said llamas– at the Llamas of Circle Home. These cuddly and saliva-ejecting four legged creatures are cute and therapeutic to those who connect with the ~llama energy~. Plan ahead by booking a time to visit their 31 llamas.

Tuolumne County truly holds something special that much of America has given up. When you find yourself at a historical landmark or clinking a glass of cider with a local, close your eyes and savor the moment. 

Have any questions about creating the perfect itinerary for your trip to Sonora? Drop a comment below and we’d be happy to help.