Slow Things Down in Sonoma

Sometimes the best things are right under your nose—or, in this case, right off Sonoma’s historic plaza. Enjoy a 2.5-mile (round-trip) sunset hike on Sonoma’s Overlook Trail. Locals have long enjoyed this backyard park, which offers expansive panoramas of Sonoma Valley and its cascading green hills and vineyards.

There’s no need to drive to the trailhead (though you certainly can): The hike starts and ends just a few blocks off Sonoma’s town square. The trail gently ascends through blue oaks, manzanitas, and madrones. In winter, the oaks stand out, and the afternoon sun—sitting low—soothes the hillsides with its golden warmth. In spring, these same hills are decorated with buttercups, mule ears, sky lupine, and royal larkspur. On hot days, oak-shaded benches make for a nice break spot.

You’ll wind your way up Schocken Hill, with views of Mount Tamalpais, San Pablo Bay, and even San Francisco on a clear day. Sunset-watching here is sublime from the stone bench marking the top of the hill. Finish the loop and take the five-minute stroll back to the Plaza.

BONUS: If you go on a Friday, be sure to visit the Sonoma Valley Certified Farmers’ Market (9am to 12:30pm, every Friday), located at Depot Park, just a few short blocks from downtown Sonoma’s historic plaza. The trailhead for the Overlook Trail is just one block north, so you can pick up provisions to take with you on your hike. Or visit the market post-hike for some fresh and hearty refueling. Check it out, and stop by The Bejkr for artisan bread made with fresh-from-Sonoma ingredients.

To reach the trailhead from the Sonoma Plaza, head north on First Street West. Find the staging area just beyond the Veterans Memorial Building on the right side of the street. Follow the signs for the Overlook Trail’s Upper Loop Trail. There’s a small parking lot at the trailhead. No dogs.