Location: Sonora
Top Things to do in Sonora
Top 10 Things to do in Sonora, United States
Sonora is the county seat of Tuolumne County, California. The city population was 4,804 during the 2010 Census, up from 4,804 during the 2000 Census. Sonora is the only incorporated community in Tuolumne County.
Restaurants in Sonora
1. Columbia State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
This historic Gold Rush town was made a state park in 1945. Between the 1850s and 1870s over one-half billion dollars in gold (at today's value) was mined in the area.
Reviewed By ChicagoTravelingNow - Chicago
A friend and I visited Columbia State Historic Park without much background on the area or the park, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Several of the buildings provide educational information that was really illuminating. But I think what we enjoyed most was the overall atmosphere. You really feel transported back to a different time with the buildings, folks in costume, and activities. I would highly recommend a visit. I also think this is a great activity for multi-generational groups because the park has something to offer for everyone.
2. Sierra Repertory Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 126 reviews
Sierra Repertory Theatre produced professional theatrical performances at two venues in the Sonora area. Our original theatre is located in East Sonora, and the Historic Fallon House Theatre is in Columbia State Park. Musicals, dramas, comedies, all with actors from Actor's Equity and other professional actors.
Reviewed By Pakelikia - Sonora, California
We have seen many, many plays at the Sierra Repertory Theatre over the years. They deliver consistently good performances that are enjoyable and highly entertaining.It really is amazing that a small town like Sonora can have such a first-rate theatre.
3. Gold Prospecting Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 113 reviews
As seen on every major network including Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, Discovery and History Channels, Tokyo TV, CBS and read about in the New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, the Shock Family has some of the most experienced and knowledgeable prospectors in all of Gold Country. We will open doors for the novice to the professional that you may have not known existed. You may lose your pictures but you will never forget the memories. Come have a blast into the past finding gold and learning the art of prospecting on the historic Woods Creek. The surest way to ensure the future is by touching the past.
Reviewed By Sara H - Florida, United States
Table Top Terry taught us the ropes on panning and sluicing for gold in the creek bed. Terry was very patient with my 9 year son who was having a hard time getting the jist of the panning. It was nice to work at our own pace and we were able to take breaks out of the river when needed. We learned so much and even found a bit of gold! It's a lot of work, but super fun! I recommend Gold Prospecting Adventures to anyone who travels to the area. So glad we booked it. Definitely an experience our family won't forget!
4. Zephyr Whitewater Expeditions
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
Zephyr Whitewater is one of the most popular and experienced outfitters in California. We offer river rafting trips near Yosemite on the Merced, Kings, and Tuolumne rivers. Family and group rates, and internet special discounts are available. Our trips range in length from 1/2 to 3-days. On the Merced river, the closest river to Yosemite, we offer both morning and afternoon 11 mile 1/2 day trips, plus full day trips every day. Many guests have said their rafting trip on the Merced river near Yosemite was the highlight of their Yosemite Vacation. Join us and see why!
Reviewed By markpardon32
We were extremely impressed by the friendly, relaxed but competent manner all the Zephyr team demonstrated throughout our half day trip. Maggie our raft skipper was first class, filling us with confidence regarding what was ahead and what we needed to do. Maggie also shared...MoreHi Mark, thanks for taking the time to give us such a nice review! Your positive feedback will be shared with Maggie. We're so pleased to have played a memorable role in your Yosemite experience.
5. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
A working railroad since the 1890's, this park is now run by the California State Railroad Museum. It offers visitors self-guided tours.
Reviewed By bobolan92 - Orlando, Florida
Railtown offers a small but interesting collection of steam engines and period railroad cars. Perhaps the most interesting thing is the historic roundhouse (one of only a few still in existence). We arrived late so there were no tours and the engines were not running. I think a tour would have added a lot to our experience.
6. Indigeny Reserve
Overall Ratings
5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Dan R
A pretty drive from Sonora, making your way through the hills and even some apple orchards, you get to Indigeny Reserve. Make sure you ask to try their vodka as well. They have a small gift store. It was probably 100 degrees when we got there, but the hard cider was so refeshing. We could not even tell it was alcohol.
7. California Gold Panning
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Come have fun learning to pan & sluice on our claim on the historic Woods Creek. Keep all of the gold that you find! Our private claim has not been mined by the public in many years. We are only a 5 mile detour on your way to or from Yosemite! This is a must on your Bucket List!
Reviewed By Les7h - Odessa, Texas
I arrived 30 minutes early to find Gary already there & ready to start - we got the equipment set up & started working Gary worked right along beside me the whole time & told me all about the history of the area & the Gold Mines on the property- VERY EDUCATIONAL - a real pleasure to spend time with Gary & we found GOLD
Les7h
8. Black Oak Casino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By greenham01 - San Jose, California
This review is for the cafe at the bowling alley - very good food for a "bowling alley cafe"!
We had their pound for pound steak, delicious, the meat was super fresh, and they had so many sides that came with it too! Our friends had chicken salad, and walnut salad, both were excellent. Unfortunately the draft beer was kind of flat for a draft.
Service was ok - our server forgot a couple of our orders but she made up for them quickly.
Large TVs showing basketball/footlball. Restaurant is clean and airy, comfortable.
9. Columbia Candy Kitchen
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We went to Columbia Candy Kitchen when we were visiting Columbia State Park. They have a good assortment of candies, chocolates, non sugar candies, and more. Its a fun place to go and the atmosphere fits in well with the historic area of Columbia State Park.
10. Veterans Memorial Hall & Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By ChanEvan - Memphis, Tennessee
I was disappointed to find a "Closed for Renovations" note on the door of the Veterans Memorial Hall & Military Museum, though the website said "Open Today."
This is a meaningful tribute to the men & women who served our country during the wars.
Opened in 1933, the museum preserved historical records, antique guns, uniforms, portraits, etc.
Plaques listing the names of locals who gave their lives in the wars, statues such as a large anti-aircraft gun, & memorials outside were interesting.
Wish I could have seen the military artifacts inside & heard the stories from the docent.
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