SONORA, CALIFORNIA
Nestled in the heart of California’s Yosemite Gold Country, near Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest, Sonora is a historic gold mining town and the county seat of Tuolumne County.
A great place to start your Tuolumne County vacation, Sonora boasts a charming historic downtown district and a more commercial and modern shopping district to the east of the downtown. Known as ‘The Queen of the Southern Mines’, Sonora was named after the miners from Sonora, Mexico, who settled the City in 1848. The city is vibrant with boutique shops, restaurants and cafes, art galleries, theater and live entertainment, museums, and a fabulous farmer’s market. Sonora embraces the farm-to-fork movement and there are a variety of dining establishments to experience local food and wine. Lodging options range from hotels and inns to furnished apartment rentals. Home to the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, a beautiful downtown and other event venues, Sonora is also host to a full calendar of special events including fairs, festivals, art & craft shows, and parades.
Local Highlights include: Sierra Repertory Theatre, Stage 3 Theatre Co., Dragoon Gulch Trail, Sonora Fire Museum, Tuolumne County Museum & History Center, Veterans Memorial Hall & Museum, Sonora Farmers Market, Columbia State Historic Park, and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park.
Regional Highlights include: Calaveras Big Trees State Park (approx. 35 miles), Yosemite National Park (approx. 45 miles), Stanislaus National Forest (approx. 45 miles), Pinnacles National Park (approx. 165 miles), Kings Canyon National Park (approx. 165 miles), and Sequoia National Park (approx. 190 miles).
Nearby Towns & Cities include: Columbia (approx. 5 miles), Jamestown (approx. 4 miles), Soulsbyville (approx. 9 miles), Tuolumne City (approx. 10 miles), Chinese Camp (approx. 10 miles), Twain Harte (approx. 12 miles), Angels Camp (approx. 15 miles), Mi Wuk Village (approx. 15 miles), Sierra Village (approx. 20 miles), Long Barn (approx. 20 miles), Strawberry (approx. 30 miles), Pinecrest (approx. 30 miles), Groveland (approx. 25 miles), Jackson (approx. 45 miles), Modesto (approx. 50 miles), Manteca (approx. 55 miles), Mariposa (approx. 55 miles), Merced (approx. 60 miles), Stockton (approx. 65 miles), Oakhurst (approx. 90 miles), Sacramento (approx. 100 miles), Fresno (approx. 115 miles), San Jose (approx. 130 miles), San Francisco (approx. 135 miles).
Nearby Airports: Columbia Airport (approx. 4 miles), Merced Regional Airport (approx. 60 miles), Stockton Metropolitan Airport (approx. 65 miles), Sacramento International Airport (approx. 105 miles), Mineta San José International Airport (approx. 130 miles), San Francisco International Airport (approx. 135 miles).
