Sonora is a charismatic city with a dazzling Gold Rush past. Admire beautifully restored buildings in the historic downtown district and work your way through boutiques, galleries and museums. Explore local trails in Tuolumne County or use the city as a launchpad to larger-than-life Yosemite National Park.
Things to do in Sonora
Relive the excitement of the California Gold Rush at the Tuolumne County Museum. The museum is housed in a 19th-century jail and features exhibits on the city’s heyday. See shimmering gold nuggets and original tools used to extract the precious metal from slabs of quartz.
Shop, dine and enjoy the Gold Rush charm in Downtown Sonora. Many of the city’s heritage buildings are beautifully restored and reimagined as trendy cafes and friendly diners. Sip local IPAs at the craft brewery and stock up on farm-fresh produce at the weekend market.
Enjoy spectacular views over the city and Sierra Nevada Mountains on the Dragoon Gulch Trail. The trail winds through oak woodlands and follows the path of a natural creek. You’ll eventually reach a lookout with a bird’s eye view over the city. Rehydrate and take a breather on the bench before heading back down.
Sonora is a launchpad to Yosemite National Park, where you can discover some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. The city is an easy drive from the famous Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate framed by towering Sequoia trees. Further into the park, you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Wawona Tunnel, El Capitan and thundering Yosemite Falls.
Getting around Sonora
Downtown Sonora is compact and easy to get around on foot. The city is in Tuolumne County, a two-hour drive from Fresno and 2.5 hours from San Francisco. A rental car is the best way to visit Sonora and explore California’s Gold Country at your own pace. San Francisco International Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.