Sonoma Plaza

Located in the center of town, Sonoma Plaza covers eight park-like acres that have been designated as a National Historic Landmark. It endures as a remnant of Sonoma's Mexican colonial past, featuring sprawling shade trees and a perimeter of charming shops, restaurants, and carefully preserved adobe buildings. It is the largest central plaza of its kind in California.

Sonoma Plaza was the site of several important events in state history. The Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma was founded here in 1824. The Pueblo at Sonoma was established by the Mexican government in 1835. And settlers proclaimed a "Republic of California" and raised the Bear Flag when they occupied Sonoma Plaza in 1846 the so-called "Bear Revolt." A monument to this historic event now stands on the Plaza grounds.

Dedicated in 1908, Sonoma's City Hall occupies the center of the Plaza. A novel aspect of the basalt-stone structure is its four identical façades, designed to allow neighboring merchants to say that their businesses faced City Hall. The building is still in use today and home to the City Council and administrative offices. Sonoma Plaza is located at 363 3rd Street West, Sonoma, California 95476. It is open daily from 10am to 5pm.