Exploring Sonora, California:
The Best Things to Do in the Area
Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Sonora is a charming city where you can take advantage of a plethora of outdoor activities. From shopping and dining to exploring historic sites and trails, there's something for everyone in Sonora. In this blog post, we'll cover some of the best things to do in the area. Read on to find out more!
Columbia State Historic Park
Columbia State Historical Park is an excellent place for those interested in history. This park is home to some of Tuolumne County's most famous Gold Rush towns, including Columbia—one of the largest mining towns during the California Gold Rush era. Visitors can explore old shops and buildings and learn about this part of California's history through informative signs throughout the park.
Dragoon Gulch Trailhead
Dragoon Gulch Trailhead is an excellent option if you're looking for an outdoor adventure a bit closer to town. Located just outside Sonora city limits, this trail offers hikers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's also relatively easy—making it perfect for families—and only takes about an hour or two round trips, depending on your pace.
Sonora Tap Room
Tuolumne County has a great craft drink scene. Visitors can find local wineries, breweries, and cider distilleries within this county's boundaries. While we couldn't visit every recommended winery and brewery during our weekend vacation, we did stop by the Sonora Tap Room to try a few local favorites. The taproom offers something for everyone, with over 30 beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and more! We especially enjoyed their rotating selection of sour beers, which were surprisingly tasty! The cozy and inviting atmosphere made for a pleasant experience overall.
Indigeny Reserve
One of the biggest attractions in this area is the Indigeny Reserve, a beautiful apple orchard 10 minutes east of Sonora. Visitors can take guided tours around the orchard to learn how apples are grown and harvested. There's also an onsite distillery where visitors can sample delicious hard cider made from apples on the property. This region has a few famous wineries, but seeing a cider distillery as the main highlight is very rare, so it piqued our interest. We had already booked an Airbnb nearby, so spending a day at the Indigeny Reserve was an easy decision for us!
New Melones Lake
One of the most popular attractions in the area is New Melones Lake. This large reservoir lake has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors since it opened in 1979. From fishing, boating, and swimming to camping, picnicking, and hiking trails with stunning views - there is something here for everyone! Even several marinas on the lake offer boat rentals if you need your own vessel.
Moaning Caverns Tour
Take a Moaning Caverns tour just 20 minutes north of Sonora for something more unique. Moaning Caverns are an incredible network of underground cave systems stretching for miles beneath Calaveras County's surface. Take an educational guided tour deep into these caves and learn about their fascinating history and fun facts about geology and rock formations!
Sonora has so much to offer locals and visitors alike! Whether you want to experience history first-hand with a trip through Dragoon Gulch Trailhead or hike through Columbia State Historical Park, there's something for everyone here in this beautiful mountain town. If you're looking for a unique place to call home or have fun on vacation, consider visiting Sonora – you won't regret it!