Sonoma State Historic Park, located in the heart of Sonoma, California, stands as a living testament to California’s dynamic history. It embraces its role as home to the northernmost mission and the Bear Flag Revolt. The park also features Governor Vallejo’s elegant estates. It is set within a charming downtown plaza framed by vineyards and rolling hills.
What Makes This Park Unique
The park is comprised of six distinct historic sites. The sites are Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma Barracks, and Blue Wing Inn. They also include La Casa Grande, Vallejo’s Lachryma Montis estate, and the Toscano Hotel. This park uniquely weaves together California’s Spanish, Mexican, and early American chapters. From mission cloister walls to Vallejo family home furnishings, each location offers an intimate window into the people, politics, and architecture that shaped early Sonoma Valley.
Top Activities and Amenities
Guided & Self-Guided Tours
The park offers both self-guided visits and docent-led tours. Explore at your own pace using informative displays. You can also join free guided tours on weekends. These tours take you through landmarks like the Mission, Barracks, Vallejo Home, and Toscano Hotel. These immersive experiences bring to life themes such as California’s path to statehood and early civic life.
Historic Buildings & Exhibits
Step inside preserved structures filled with period furnishings, regional artifacts, and interpretive exhibits. Discover the Mission’s colonial legacy, Vallejo’s refined taste at Lachryma Montis, and the spirited hospitality of the Gold Rush era at the Blue Wing Inn.
Picnic & Group Facilities
A quiet courtyard behind the Barracks forms a peaceful picnic retreat. It is shaded by oaks and perfect for reading. It’s suitable for small gatherings or a restful break from touring. The park also offers historic venues available for weddings, receptions, and small festivals—including spaces like the Mission Chapel, Barracks Courtyard, and Vallejo’s garden.
Gift Shop & Visitor Services
The Barracks house a charming gift shop filled with locally themed souvenirs, books, and handcrafted items. Guests will also find clean restrooms, free on-site parking behind the Barracks, and helpful visitor center amenities at the Mission.
Photography, Events & Education
The elegant architecture and lush gardens make Sonoma State Historic Park a favorite among photographers and culture seekers alike. Seasonal interpretive programs, family-friendly events, and school tour offerings enrich the park’s educational outreach and provide year-round engagement.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
- Day-use admission is $3 for adults, $2 for youth (ages 6–17), and free for children under 6.
- Guided tours on weekends are free; online registration usually includes a modest service fee.
- Free parking is available behind the Barracks—arrive early on weekends or during events.
- Pets are not allowed—keep animals at home to preserve exhibits and visitor comfort.
- Bring a light jacket—though indoors spaces are climate controlled, outdoor courtyards may be breezy.
- Advance booking is advised for private events and group tours to ensure availability.
Local insight: Plan to arrive mid-afternoon. You’ll catch the golden light drifting across the Mission courtyard. Its adobe walls take on a warm glow that’s both nostalgic and profound. In spring or summer, stroll over from the plaza for a guided tour, then linger with a glass of local Pinot around the Barracks courtyard. For a peaceful finale, pause in Vallejo’s garden at twilight—vine-scented air and century-old porch lanterns transform history into something wholly alive.