Occidental is a tiny, quaint community in western Sonoma County, known for its renowned cultural attractions in its lovely downtown district. Though the city's Main Street only extends for two blocks, it is home to a wide variety of renowned attractions, including delicious dining experiences at acclaimed restaurants like the 1879 Union Hotel and Restaurant or the famed Negri's Italian Dinners and Joe's Bar, known for its Italian classics since the midcentury.

Art galleries, boutiques, and cafes also line the district, along with cultural organizations like the Occidental Center for the Arts. At the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, visitors can learn about gardening or explore a 70-acre wildlands preserve as part of guided tours. The city also serves as the starting point for the popular 10-mile Bohemian Highway drive, attracting cycling and car clubs throughout the Northern California region.

You can reach Occidental in 30 minutes from Santa Rosa.


Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Napa Valley Anderson Valley Ano Nuevo State Park Bodega Head Calaveras Big Trees State Park Folsom Fort Bragg Humboldt Redwood State Park Jenner Lake Tahoe Lassen Volcanic National Park The Mendocino Coast Mono Lake Muir Woods National Monument Occidental Point Reyes National Seashore Redwood National and State Parks Russian Gulch State Park San Francisco The Sierra Nevada Mountains Sonoma County Stinson Beach The Pacific Coast Highway Truckee Yosemite National Park

Explore more: California Day Trips > Day Trips in Northern California

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Go to travel reservations.