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Depot Park: A Sonoma Valley Historical Hub

Explore Sonoma's past and present at Depot Park: History museum, recreation, and community events near Sonoma Plaza.

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Depot Park in Sonoma, California, blends recreation with local history. The 4.6-acre park features a playground, picnic areas, and sports courts, along with the Sonoma Valley History Museum, housed in a rebuilt Northwestern Pacific Railroad depot. It's a community space where visitors can relax, play, and learn about the region's past.

A brief summary to Depot Park

  • Monday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-9 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the Sonoma Valley History Museum when it reopens in 2025 to learn about the area's rich history.
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's picnic tables.
  • Take a stroll or bike ride along the adjacent Sonoma City Trail.
  • Check the City of Sonoma's Special Events Calendar for events happening at Depot Park.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Depot Park is located one block north of Sonoma Plaza. From the Plaza, walk north on First Street West. The park will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    Sonoma County Transit Route 32, the Sonoma Shuttle, provides local service in Sonoma and Sonoma Valley. All Sonoma Shuttle trips serve the Plaza in downtown Sonoma. From the Plaza, Depot Park is a short walk north on First Street West. The Sonoma Shuttle is fare-free. Intercity services connect Sonoma with other locations such as Santa Rosa, Petaluma and San Rafael, with fares varying between $1.50 and $3.00. Youth ride free through June 2025.

  • Driving

    From Highway 12, follow signs to Sonoma Plaza. Depot Park is located one block north of the Plaza. Two public parking lots are available downtown at no charge. The largest is the Casa Grande lot, located behind the historic Barracks just north of the Plaza, with an entrance off First St. East. A smaller public parking lot is behind Sebastiani Theatre, with an entrance off East Napa St. This lot includes designated parking for electric vehicles with charging stations.

Unlock the Best of Depot Park

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Discover more about Depot Park

Depot Park, a 4.6-acre community park in Sonoma, California, offers a unique blend of recreational amenities and historical significance. Situated a block from the historic Sonoma Plaza, the park's location is on 270-284 First Street West. The park is adjacent to the scenic Sonoma City Trail, a Class I bike path. Depot Park is home to the Sonoma Valley History Museum, which is housed in a rebuilt Northwestern Pacific Railroad depot. The original depot was acquired by the City of Sonoma in 1968 after the last train came to Sonoma, with the intention of preserving the historic site. A fire destroyed the depot in 1975, but the community rallied to rebuild it as a museum. The museum is currently closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2025. Once reopened, visitors can explore exhibits that trace the local history of Sonoma Valley from pre-contact Native American times to post-American statehood. Beyond the museum, Depot Park provides a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, a children's playground, volleyball and bocce ball courts. The park also features public restrooms and a historic train car. Sections of the park can be reserved for special events.

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