Tuolumne County

Sonora

The Heart of the Mother Lode

~4,900 1,825 ft

Sonora is the vibrant county seat of Tuolumne County, blending Gold Rush heritage with modern-day charm. Its historic downtown is lined with unique boutiques, farm-to-table restaurants, and cultural venues. Surrounded by towering pines and rolling foothills, Sonora serves as the gateway to Yosemite and the Sierra Nevada.

Things to Do

Gold panning at Woods Creek

Try your luck finding real gold in this historic creek

Wine tasting along Hwy 108

Visit boutique wineries in the Sierra foothills

Hiking Dragoon Gulch

3-mile loop through wildflowers and oak canopy

Explore Railtown 1897

Ride vintage steam trains just minutes away in Jamestown

Local Attractions

Sierra Repertory Theatre

Award-winning professional theater with year-round performances

Sonora Pass

Scenic highway through stunning Sierra Nevada mountain landscapes

Dragoon Gulch Trail

Beautiful nature trail winding through oak woodlands

Historic Downtown

Walkable streets with Gold Rush-era architecture and local shops

Where to Stay

Historic Hotel

The Gunn House Hotel

Beautifully restored 1850s hotel in the heart of downtown

Hotel

Sonora Days Inn

Comfortable accommodations with pool and mountain views

Bed & Breakfast

Bradford Place Inn

Victorian charm with gourmet breakfast and garden

Where to Eat

  • Diamondback Grill
  • The Peppery
  • Talulah's
  • Ember Restaurant

Where to Shop

  • Legends Books & Antiques
  • Sierra Gourmet
  • Mountain Bookshop
  • The Hive

Activities & Destinations

Sunday Services