Overview

Sonora, California is located in the foothills of the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains. A former mining town, Sonora still holds much of its 19th century charm. Quaint buildings made of stone and brick, many still with their old shutters in place, make the town a fun place just to walk through.

Location

The town of Sonora, California is located off state highway 49, approximately 70 miles north of Yosemite and 2.5 hours from San Francisco.

Services/Amenities

Downtown is chock-full of activities and entertainment, from galleries to museums and live theater. Many festivals take place in Sonora throughout the year as well. HistoricWashington Street, with its quaint buildings and beautiful gardens, offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes as well.

Hotels are available year-round, but the bed and breakfasts are particularly popular in the summer months, as people are looking to get away from the coastal heat.

Activities

Many visitors simply enjoy walking the streets of the old mining town. Each turn seems to reveal another shop, museum or historical storefront that has its own unique charm.

While visiting, be sure to enjoy the hiking, biking, snowshoeing, or whatever your favorite way to get into the outdoors. There are forests and protected areas with trail networks running throughout them.

Attractions

The museums and many historic buildings are key attractions, but many people also come for the quaint coffee shops, restaurants and shopping. There are a healthy number of art galleries supporting local and state-wide artists.

The Sonora Opera Hall is a must-see attraction, with its long past as a flour mill, then town event center and, after passing through many hands, returning to the city, which holds events of all types there.

Getting Here

To get to Yosemite from Sonora, CA, head south on State Highway 49, which joins Highway 120 after 10 miles. This highway leads directly to the park for a total drive time under two hours.