Sonoma’s historic plaza may get much of the top billing when it comes to downtown Sonoma, but the plaza is just the tip of the iceberg. Just walking down offshoot streets, into mercados and quiet nooks from the plaza, you’re sure to find exciting and surprising offerings beyond the plaza’s front-facing businesses. And you don’t have to go far to find the Broadway corridor.

Broadway is one of downtown Sonoma’s hidden gems. While often overlooked by visitors on their way to the plaza, Broadway is alive with charming hotels and inns, unique boutiques, interesting tasting rooms, memorable restaurants, a thought-provoking museum, and cozy coffee shops. In recent years, those offering have grown, making this street a bustling corridor of activity. See below to find some of the gems on your next roll down this historic boulevard.


CHARMING HOTELS & INNS

MacArthur Place Inn & Spa and The Lodge at Sonoma Resort are the stuff of luxury hotel heaven—MacArthur Place with its historic 6-acre estate, lush gardens, and brick pathways, and The Lodge with its beautiful grounds, and updated rooms and private cottages, each donning a fireplace.  Boutique charm, spa and fitness facilities, gorgeous pools, must-try restaurants, and dog-friendly amenities make each lodging option a relaxing getaway for visitors. Check in at the lobbies of to rent bicycles for an easy, accessible cruise around town.

If smaller inns are more your game, be sure to try the Inn at Sonoma, A Four Sisters Inn. While self-described as “California Casual,” don’t let the words deceive you; this elegant inn blends modern luxury and intimate lodging with sophisticated service. And it’s just two blocks from Sonoma Plaza.
 

UNIQUE BOUTIQUES

Sonoma’s small, family-owned boutiques are as unique as the shopkeepers are interactive. Best of all, that bespoke vibe we love about our local shops continues beyond the plaza and down Broadway, where you’ll find these three gems.

Shopkeeper Studio is an absolute must for anyone looking to buy local, artisan products. Whether you opt for some holiday gift baskets, corporate gifts or something special for yourself, you can rest assured that shopkeepers Therese Sueiro and James Rapant are committed to sourcing products that are sustainable, reusable and local. (Gifts with a low carbon footprint are soooo Sonoma!)

If home décor is your jam, look no further than Artefact Design & Salvage. There are salvage stores, and then there is Artefact—the best source for all things wine country! From mountable grape vines, unique wall panels and one-of-a-kind rustic objects, the statement pieces here are sure to infuse your home with wine country flair. And don’t worry if you didn’t drive to Sonoma—they ship, too.

Bossa Nova Clothing has all you need to find your classic wine country look—without the cliché trends. Owner Debbie Ratner has over 30 years in the clothing industry and has curated contemporary clothing and jewelry with a clean, modern edge that’s sure to bring stylish touches to your wardrobe, whether for work or play.
 

INTERESTING TASTING ROOMS

Nearly as soon as it opened in 2022, Pomme Cider Shop & Tap Room quickly became a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Proprietors Rick Tranchina & Jessie Ealy created a gorgeous bar and retail space that showcases some of the best hard ciders, craft beers, and grower champagnes you’ll ever try, sourced locally and from around the world. Their calendar of fun and interesting pop-ups features ramen, gourmet hot dogs, pizzas, and other delectable treats to enjoy alongside your drinks. And if you’re a real foodie, be sure to try their extensive collective of tinned fish.

Highway 12 Winery Tasting Room, affectionately known as “The Barn,” is situated in a small alley, just steps away from Broadway. A cozy, intimate and a sweet retreat from the pace of the plaza, Highway 12 excels at creating a fun and friendly venue for visitors to learn about their wines. Their approachable, value-minded reds and fresh whites hail from Sonoma and Carneros, making this tasting room an ideal place to learn about Sonoma Valley wines at a great price.
 

MEMORABLE RESTAURANTS

There’s something about walking into Layla, the restaurant at MacArthur Place Inn & Spa, that is utterly transporting. The dining room sings with sunlight, the garden patio the perfect shady spot to escape the sun, and the bar an intimate escape. And the food is transporting, too, balancing clean, California cuisine with total decadence. Open for breakfast and lunch daily and dinner on Wednesday through Sunday.

Hailing from celebrity chef Michael Minna, Wit & Wisdom balances rustic elegance with modern flair, creating the ultimate wine country tavern. Try their wood-fired dishes, handcrafted pizzas and hearty pasta dishes or sample their raw bar for fresh Hamachi, oysters-on-the-half shell, and more. Located inside The Lodge at Sonoma, Wit & Wisdom is open Tuesdays-Sundays for Happy Hour and dinner.

If rich, spicy flavors are what you crave with a bottle of Sonoma Valley wine, Namaste Broadway is your answer. Offering traditional cuisines of India with a big serving of warm hospitality, the Namaste experience is much like going home. With love, delicious food, and great ambiance, you can’t help but leave feeling complete. Serving classic dishes like Tikka Masala and Saag Paneer, the restaurant caters to vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike. Steep discounts available for military and vets—don’t be afraid to ask.
 

A THOUGHT-PROVOKING MUSEUM

Whether on a quiet weekday, in the dog days of summer, or on a rainy winter afternoon, there’s nothing quite like a visit to a museum—especially one as focused and accessible as the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. What SVMA lacks in square footage it makes up for in sophistication. Featuring seasonal exhibitions of contemporary and modern art—often by Californian artists—the SVVA is also dedicated to educational programming for adults and children. Each exhibit is extremely well-conceived and thought-provoking, leaving visitors like they’ve sampled something special. And no visit is complete without browsing their well-curated gift shop.
 

COZY COFFEE SHOPS

In the era of coffee chains, a great cup of coffee is hard to find—but not in Sonoma, and definitely not on Broadway.

Småstad Coffee Roasters takes it name from the Swedish word for “small town”—a name that couldn’t be more appropriate for Sonoma or its local population of Swedish expats. This cute and off-the-beaten-path location offers delicious house-made pastries for nearly every diet, memorable drinks from their own freshly roasted coffees, and sweets and nick-nacks from Sweden that will make you smile.  

Looking for a quiet place to start your day or to meet with a friend? The Porch at MacArthur Place Inn & Spa is one of Sonoma’s best kept secrets. From their coffee and tea bar to their house-made pastries and gift selections, the Porch is as understated as it is elegant. Grab your order and sit in MacArthur Place’s lobby, a veritable museum of interesting art and modern furnishings that’s sure to make you feel fancy before you’ve even had your first drop of caffeine. Now that’s saying something. Pro tip: park on the street to avoid valeting your car.

Sam’s General Store is the best one-stop sipping experience for your Sonoma Valley mornings. With a variety of juices, coffees, matchas, chais, and specialty lattes, and an extensive list of breakfast bites that you can take on the run or eat without worrying about table service or fanfare, Sam’s is an instant hit.