The Sonoma Valley, locally known as The Valley of the Moon, is a pristine hollow flanked by the Mayacama and Sonoma Mountains. The weather is unsurpassed with magical microclimates that create superb conditions for some of the oldest vineyards in the state. Sonoma is historically significant for several reasons, but it is well known as the birthplace of California, where the first Bear Flag rose. The towns that dot this area from the quintessential town square up-valley through Glen Ellen and on to Kenwood maintain deep roots for this heritage while also maintaining individual personalities all of their own.
City of Sonoma (Plaza Core, East Side, In-Town)
The Ranch at Sonoma
Montini / Overlook Area
Sonoma Mountain Heights (Grove Extension)
Carriger Road and Corridor
Agua Caliente
Boyes Hot Springs
El Verano
Fetters Hot Springs
Glen Ellen
Kenwood
Schellville
Temelec
Sonoma Valley’s dining scene is rooted in wine country living. Around the historic Sonoma Plaza and up the valley in Glen Ellen and Kenwood, you’ll find cozy cafés, wood-fired kitchens, and refined tasting menus, many paired with wines grown just down the road. Seasonal ingredients from local farms show up on menus throughout the valley.
The shops around the historic Sonoma Plaza make for an easy afternoon stroll. Browse locally owned boutiques, home décor and garden shops, fair trade goods, antiques, and an old-fashioned five and dime, all within a few walkable blocks of the town square.
Sonoma Valley offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Hike the trails at Jack London State Historic Park, take in valley views from the Sonoma Overlook Trail, or explore the hills on horseback. Families love the miniature trains and rides at Train Town, and with world-class wineries throughout the valley, there’s always a beautiful spot to relax.
Tucked between the Mayacamas Mountains and Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley enjoys warm, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. Afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay help cool the southern end of the valley, while towns farther north like Glen Ellen and Kenwood tend to run a little warmer. These microclimates are a big reason the valley is home to some of California’s oldest vineyards.
From the city of Sonoma, the drive to San Francisco usually takes about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes via Highway 121 or Highway 37 to Highway 101, depending on traffic. The nearest SMART train stations are in Petaluma, about 30 minutes away, with service south to the Larkspur ferry for a connection into the city. Sonoma County Transit buses also link the valley to Santa Rosa and Petaluma.
Families in Sonoma Valley are served by the Sonoma Valley Unified School District, including Sonoma Valley High School. The area also offers charter options like Sonoma Charter School and Woodland Star Charter School, along with private schools such as St. Francis Solano School, giving families a range of choices in a close-knit community setting.
