sonora tourism

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Mexico’s second-largest state (neighboring Chihuahua is first) has remarkable cultural and ecological diversity within its 180,000 sq km. It boasts miles and miles of gorgeous beaches, desert moonscapes in El Pinacate Reserve, near Puerto Peñasco, and everything in between. It's still undiscovered by mass tourism, but the word is definitely getting out for Mexican travelers – beach towns like San Carlos and Bahía de Kino get packed with weekend warriors from Hermosillo and beyond – and those near the US border get a steady stream of American 'snowbirds' (retired North American citizens who head south for winter). Even so, Sonora sees far fewer travelers, especially foreigners, than its myriad attractions and drop-dead beauty would suggest. But hey, who’s complaining?

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar

About 30km from Puerto Peñasco are the lunar landscapes of El Pinacate, one of the driest places on earth. This remote, spectacular 7145-sq-km reserve is…

Isla San Jorge

Also known as Bird Island, Isla San Jorge is one of the best boat excursions in northern Mexico. This rocky island 40km southeast of Peñasco is home to…

Playa Los Algodones

Named for the cotton-ball-like dunes on the south end of the beach, Playa Los Algodones is arguably the most beautiful beach in northern Mexico. The sand…

Parque la Colorada

Created by an eco-minded group of residents back in 2014, this lush reserve encompasses some 112 hectares of pristine tropical deciduous forest. Well…

Isla del Tiburón

Bahía de Kino

This mountainous island, Mexico's largest, lies 3km off the coast from Punta Chueca. It was once a Seri homeland, but was depopulated when the island was…

CEDO is a wonderful place to learn about Rocky Point’s fascinating desert-meets-sea ecosystem. Dedicated to the conservation of the upper Gulf of…

Mirador San Carlos

The magnificent views from this overlook shouldn't be missed on a visit to San Carlos. From a lofty perch 200m over the crashing waves, you can take in…

Isla San Pedro Nolasco

A popular spot for snorkeling and dive excursions 28km west of San Carlos, Isla San Pedro Nolasco is a rocky island nature reserve that's home to a large…

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Best Things to Do in Sonora, CA, The Hub of Tuolumne County

Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range, Sonora is a charming historic town and the county seat of Tuolumne County. The town was founded by Mexican miners back in 1848 during the California Gold Rush. It’s gone through its growth and decline and is now home to just under 5,000 residents. 

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This historic Gold Rush town is surrounded by scenic beauty, including the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sustainable-minded travelers. 

We spent a few days in Sonora during our recent visit to the Yosemite region and found the town to be a real gem offering a small-town charm with a wide range of fun things to do for visitors of all ages.  

We had the opportunity to explore the town’s vibrant downtown area, filled with unique shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants, go hiking in the area, check out a number of small local businesses, and, of course, visit the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. 

More on all of that and plenty of other great things to do in Sonora, CA, below!

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or planning to explore the surrounding area of Yosemite National Park and nearby cities, Sonora is a great base for your adventure. 

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Best Time to Visit Sonora, CA 

Thanks to its beautiful location in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sonora, California, is a destination that can be visited year-round. Each season brings a different set of attractions in Sonora and the nearby region. 

We visited in April but have put together a little season-by-season guide below. 

Spring (March–May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Sonora. Its hills bloom with wildflowers, and the weather is great for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.  Spring is also a great time to visit local wineries and try new vintages.

Summer (June – August) . Summer is Sonora’s peak season. It’s pleasant and sunny and outdoor activities are in full swing. You can swim, boat, fish, and attend local festivities on adjacent lakes and rivers. Summer is the biggest season, so expect crowds and increased rates.

Fall (September – November). Cooler weather and fall foliage are the biggest draws of visiting Sonora in the fall. Changing fall colours make everything more picturesque during this time of the year. Harvest time means that fresh produce and local wines are widely available. 

Winter (December – February) Sonora becomes a winter wonderland with colder temperatures and snowfall from December through February. Visitors can ski and snowboard at surrounding resorts, explore the beautiful downtown, and shop at local galleries. Winter is a nice time to relax with a hot drink by the fire.

If you want to be mindful of the impact tourism has on destinations, consider visiting Sonora and the nearby Yosemite region during the shoulder season to spread visitations and help support the local economy outside of the peak season.  

How to Get to Sonora, CA

Sonora, CA, is located in the center of California Gold Country and is easily accessible by car, train, bus, and plane.

By plane: Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) are located 2 hours drive from Sonora and serve as the best arrival point for international visitors. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) , though farther away, is another option for arrival in the area. You can pick up a rental car from either airport and drive yourself to Sonora and the greater Yosemite region from there. 

If you plan on renting a car to explore the Sonora region, we highly recommend an electric vehicle like Tesla. It’s a great way to reduce your CO2 impact while traveling, but can also be a way to save on gas, especially if you can find free charging. We drove a Tesla during our visit to the region and found that many hotels and lots of attractions in the area still offer free charging and premium parking spots for electric vehicles. Plus, driving around the windy roads of Yosemite region in a Tesla is just so fun – the car is so powerful and nimble that it makes navigating those windy mountainous roads really fun! Hertz and Enterprise have the biggest fleet of electric cars, but more and more providers are now offering EVs in their lineups, so be sure to inquire. 

By car: For those who plan on driving, there are several routes available to Sonora. Highways 108, 49, and 120 are the 3 highways leading into the town and connect Sonora with Northern California and Central Coast. By car, San Francisco is a 2-2.5-hour journey, whereas Sacramento is just 1.5-2 hours.

By train: If you prefer travelling by train, Modesto, 45 minutes from Sonora, is the nearest Amtrak station. From there, you can rent a car and drive or take a shuttle to Sonora.

By Bus: Greyhound buses run daily from San Francisco and Sacramento to Sonora. Once in Sonora, you can use Yosemite Area Regional Transportation System ( YARTS ) to explore the area. The  YARTS runs frequent buses to/from Yosemite National Park and around the region and is a great environmentally friendly way to get around. 

Once you’ve made it to Sonora, settle in and get ready to explore, the region offers plenty of fun things to do. Sonora is one of the 3 big hubs for visitors coming to the area to explore Yosemite National Park. But it’s worth noting that aside from the park itself, Sonora and the region of Tuolumne County have plenty to offer. So be sure to spend a few extra days to take it all in and spread the economic impact of your visit to broader areas. 

Let’s jump into our top recommendations!

Best Things to Do in Sonora, CA

Explore the historic downtown sonora.

Exploring the historic town of Sonora is a must-do for anyone visiting this California town. To be honest, you can’t really miss it, as everything in Sonora tends to happen in the downtown core. 

The California Gold Rush-era downtown has charming boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Stroll down Washington St to check out local shops, restaurants and soak up the vibe of the town.

You’ll find that the walkable downtown has several attractions. If it’s your first time in the area, start with a visit to the Sonora Visitor Center first. Maps and area activities and attractions are available here, and the staff can offer great local advice on the best things to do in Sonora.

Check out the 1898 Tuolumne County Courthouse, now a museum. Free tours of the courthouse offer a peak into local history. The Sonora Opera Hall and Community Centre is another notable spot in town. The event venue hosts concerts, dances, and plays. 

And finally, there is the Veterans Memorial Hall , a cool Military Museum with lots of donated items and historical artifacts dating back to World War I. 

Downtown also has several restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a fantastic place to eat or drink. Many eateries have outside seating, so you can enjoy beautiful California weather. 

READ NEXT: Things To Do In Yosemite | A Comprehensive Guide 

Relax at Amala Detox and Tea Lounge

Sonora’s Amala Detox and Tea Lounge is a must-visit for any tea lover. A unique concept, this part tea shop, part foot spa in downtown Sonora provides ionic foot soaks, herbal tea blends, and more.

Here you can grab a tea from their extensive tea menu and enjoy an ionic foot soak. The procedure uses free ions to relax and eliminate toxins from your body. The ionic foot bath is only $35 for a 30 min treatment.

Sample Hard Cider at Indigeny Reserve

If you love hard cider or want a unique Sonora, California experience, don’t miss a visit to Indigeny Reserve. This family-owned sustainable operation is set on a 160-acre apple orchard just 10 mins outside of Sonora that has become a popular hang-out spot for locals and visitors in the area. 

We arrived at Indigeny to find it buzzing with activity. Kids runnings around the orchard, families enjoying snacks and cider on the picnic tables, and no shortage of furry friends around. 

“Oh, yeah, that’s a typical day at the cidery,” told us Cassandra Hard, the Event Manager and our cider-tasting host. 

The property is popular for birthday parties, events, and other celebrations. There is disc golf on-site, biking trails and even food trucks on weekends from 12-5pm. Indigeny Reserve also organize lots of community events, like Easter Egg hunts or Halloween specials. The orchard and cidery are open year-round but become especially lively in the summer an fall with great weather and harvest. 

Hard cider tasting at Indigeny Reserve is a highlight. With 52 varieties of apples and some 30,000 trees, the cider is a true labour of love. The apples are organically farmed, hand-picked and processed on-site, with lots of sustainable practices in use to help minimize waste and reduce chemical use. 

Among 9 cider varieties, there is cider ranging from really dry to seriously sweet, with popular varieties.  Wild fermentation gives the cider a unique taste and unique blends add flavours like blackberry, pumpkin spice, and grapefruit. Don’t miss a chance also to sample their unique apple brandy. 

Go Wine Tasting

Tuolumne County is home to a handful of wineries within driving distance of downtown Sonora. Inner Sanctum Cellars makes Sierra Foothills-inspired wines and offers wine tasting in a beautiful outdoor setting. 

Gianelli Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in the region, having been in the business for nearly 90 years. The tasting room offers stunning views of the area.  

Wineries charge $5–$20 per person for wine tastings. Some vineyards provide complimentary sampling with a bottle purchase. 

Visit Columbia State Historic Park

Columbia State Historic Park offered the biggest surprise during our time in Sonora. We expected a boring museum-like park but found a living and breathing museum makes you feel like you’ve been teleported to the 19th century. This mid-19th-century gold rush village, situated just outside Sonora, has over 30 old buildings, shops, restaurants and traditional street signs.

Most businesses are actually in operation, so you can pop to do some souvenir shopping, or have a meal. Employees are dressed in 19th-century costumes and reenact the era to transport you back in time. It’s a great place to learn about the town’s history, pan for gold, and experience gold rush pioneer life.

Columbia State Historic Park features the historic Fallon House Theatre , which still produces live performances, and the Wells Fargo Express Office, which was the site of one of the major Wild West gold heists. The park has various museums and exhibits about gold rush-era residents.

Entrance to the Columbia State Historic Park is free, but some museums and exhibitions charge a nominal fee. You can self-explore the park or pay for a guided tour. To see the park’s historic buildings and exhibitions, allow at least a few hours. 

The park has various eateries and gift shops. Don’t miss Columbia Kate’s Teahouse for the best afternoon tea experience. You can sit in their outdoor garden, and people watch with a tea in hand. 

Hike the Westside Trail

When it comes time to get outside, we recommend an afternoon on the Westside Trail . This beautiful trail lies just 12 miles from Sonora and is suitable for skill levels. The 4.2 mile (6.km)  hike starts just off Buchanan Road and takes 2-3 hours to complete.

The trail is flat, easy and enjoyable. It’s more of a walk in a park than a hike with incredible views of the Middle Fork Tuolumne River. If you are hiking in the spring, as we did, you might get lucky with some beautiful wildflowers on the trail.  

Be mindful of the environment when hiking, and be sure to stay on the trails, especially during the wildflower season. Respect the environment around you, and be sure not to trample the beautiful flowers just for the sake of a few insta-worthy photos. 

The trail also features remnants of the Sierra Railway. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, this railway carried lumber, gold, and passengers through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to plan ahead for peak-season trailhead parking.

Hike in the Stanislaus National Forest

Stanislaus National Forest is a true gem of the region. The forest is home to 78 lakes, 800 miles of rivers and streams and more than 1,000 miles of trails. Campgrounds offer a chance to stay a while and fully immerse yourself in the environment. 

But if you are only able to pop in for a day trip, don’t fret. The breathtaking views and varied terrain attract hikers of all experience levels, with trails ranging from easy to difficult. 

Here are a couple of popular trails to consider. 

Pinecrest Lake Loop Walk: This 4-mile walk circles Pinecrest Lake from the marina. It’s an easy hike with gorgeous lake and mountain views. You can swim, paddleboard, or kayak on the lake as well.

Kennedy Meadows Trek: The Emigrant Wilderness is the setting for this 8-mile round-trip trek from Kennedy Meadows Resort. The Middle Fork Stanislaus River trail offers superb fishing. The moderate trail takes 4-5 hours.

Cherry Lake to Kibbie Ridge Trail: This 11-mile roundtrip trai l climbs Kibbie Ridge from Cherry Lake. It’s a hard 2,800-foot climb. However, the peak vistas are stunning and worth the effort.

Take a Scenic Drive

The Sonora Pass Scenic Byway (along Highway 108) is a 50-mile highway through the Sierra Nevada mountains and is one of Sonora’s most scenic trips. The two-hour drive begins outside Sonora. This byway overlooks rocky mountains, granite summits, gorgeous lakes, and alpine meadows. The Sierra Nevada wilderness makes this drive extra special.

Go skiing or snowboarding at Dodge Ridge Ski Resort

Dodge Ridge Ski Resort in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is a popular winter resort near Sonora, California.  Dodge Ridge is open December–April (weather permitting). 

The resort encompasses 862 skiable acres and offers 67 runs ranging from beginner to Black Diamond, 12 lifts, and three high-speed quad chairs. The ski resort rents skis and snowboards and offers lessons for all ages. There is also snowshoeing cross-country skiing, and snowboarding.

Dodge Ridge’s family-friendly ambiance is what makes this resort a favourite in the area. The resort offers food and accommodation options ranging from cozy cabins and more modern units.

Hike in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Hetch Hetchy is a hidden gem of Yosemite National Park that not many visitors know about. Located in Tuolumne County, about 1.5 hours from Sonora, Hetch Hetchy sits at a relatively low elevation compared to other Yosemite Park attractions and thus has one of the longest hiking seasons.  

The reservoir itself was built in 1938, by the same engineers that constructed the Hoover Dam. Today, Hetch Hetchy plays an essential resource role in California. It provides over 65% of San Francisco’s drinking water and 2-3% of its power, generated through turbines. 

Hetch Hetchy is a great destination for a hike in Yosemite. It’s much quieter than the rest of the park but offers the same striking mountain views that you’d expect from Yosemite Valley. 

We came out to Hetch Hetchy with ECHO Adventure Cooperative , a worker-owned cooperative offering socially and environmentally sustainable guided adventures in Yosemite National Park and throughout the Sierra. A great company with a solid environmental mission! 

Together with our guide, Bryant, we set off on a moderately challenging Wapama Falls hike. The 5-mile (8km) hike followed the trail around the reservoir to the famous Wapama Falls. While the falls were the main attraction of the hike, we were just as taken aback by the views of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River that opened up as we got closer to the waterfall. 

Along the way, Bryant shared a number of interesting facts about the reservoir, the trail and the vegetation on the trail. We saw bear scat along the trail but, unfortunately, didn’t see the bears that day. However, learned that the area is frequented by black bears. 

The hike to Wapama Falls was a perfect half day adventure for us, but a few other hikes are also available in the area. 

The 16-mile round trip trail to reach Smith Peak is a challenging ascend with 3,300 feet in elevation gain. It is the highest point on the Tuolumne side of the park and offers unparalleled views of the park.  

READ NEXT: On Wapama Falls Trail in Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Where to Eat & Drink: Best Restaurants in Sonora, CA

There are about 20 restaurants dotted around Sonora, offering a good mix of cuisine and setting. Many of the restaurants have sustainable practices, sourcing ingredients from local suppliers and keeping their menus seasonal. 

Since we only spent a few nights in Sonora, we didn’t get a chance to try them all. Here are the ones we did try. 

Sonora Armory was our favourite spot in town. This fun, lively restaurant gave us happy summer vibes with its spacious outdoor eating area. They have a good assortment of beers on tap and great pub cuisine. We had a delicious burger and wings, but it was their loaded nachos that stole the show. They have live music on weekends, making this a fun place to spend an afternoon. 

Emberz Wood-Fired Foodz is another great spot and a local’s favourite. They are famous for their wood-fired pizzas but offer a good menu with other options, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Don’t miss their oven-baken Emberz cheese and stuffed jalapenos. 

Standard Pour is a hip and popular gastropub less than 10 mins outside of Sonora town. They have a great selection of crowd favourites, like their fried brussel sprouts, loaded fries, and salads. The setting is casual, the servers are friendly and the overall atmosphere is great. 

Sugar Shack is a cute little bakery and cafe about 20 mins outside of Sonora, on Hwy 108. The spot is another local favourite, famous for its breakfast burritos, baked goods, and good coffee, and tea. Convenient spot to grab some lunch to go if you are looking for picnic to take on your hike. 

Where to Stay in Sonora

We split our time in Tuolumne County between an eco-friendly AirBnB and the beautiful Evergreen Lodge . If you are looking for a place to stay in Sonora itself, there are also a couple of hotels, but we found this adorable country house to be the perfect spot to rest after our days of exploration. 

Sonora Eco-Friendly Straw Bale House

The Sonora Eco-Friendly Straw Bale House is a unique and environmentally conscious vacation rental located just a few minutes drive from downtown Sonora. This charming house was built using sustainable materials like straw bales, clay plaster, and reclaimed wood. It’s powered by solar panels and designed to be energy-efficient, making it a perfect retreat for eco-conscious travelers, like us. 

The house has 3 bedrooms and one bathroom, making it suitable for up to 6 guests. The interior of the house is cozy and welcoming, with a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living room, and a dining area. We loved their fully loaded game cabinet – there was every game you could think of, plenty to keep you and the whole family entertained for hours. If only we were traveling with family to take advantage of this! 

The house is set in a peaceful surrounding, with frogs singing just outside of your door and deer roaming in the area. There is an outdoor patio and grill. The property also has a garden and fruit trees. A perfect spot to call home during our time in Sonora! 

Have you been to Tuolumne County? What other things to do in Sonora, CA would you add to this list? 

Disclaimer: We visited Sonora as guests of Visit Tuolumne County , but, as always, all opinions expressed in this article are our own. 

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

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The Top Things to See and Do in Sonora, Mexico

Northern England Writer

Despite being Mexico ’s second-biggest state after neighboring Chihuahua, Sonora has avoided mass tourism to largely remain the secret of Arizonian and Mexican travelers. Spanning 70,000sqmi (180,000sqkm), activities here range from whale-watching and canyon hiking to exploring intact colonial towns, including two state-protected “pueblos mágicos.”

1. hit the beach at puerto peñasco.

Architectural Landmark

Puerto Peñasco, aka Rocky Point, is the best-known destination in Sonora – in fact, it’s so popular among landlocked US-border-state citizens that it’s colloquially known as Arizona Beach. And who can blame them for flocking here, with crystalline water that’s perfect for paddle-boarding, boat trips out to snorkel with sea lions, massages on the beach and fabulous bars such as Wrecked At The Reef.

2. See the landmarks of Hermosillo

The beach isn’t the only place where you’ll find a buzz. Head inland to Sonora’s capital Hermosillo, a lively city with colonial-era landmarks such as La Catedral, a white, early 20th-century structure built in a Neoclassical and Neo-Gothic design. This is also a city of artists: look out for murals of Frida Kahlo and Mexican wrestlers in the streets, see Sonoran art at the 54,000sqft (5,000sqm) Sonora Museum of Art (MUSAS) or check out the indigenous shows at Casa Hoeffer .

3. Get tickets to the Tecate Sonoro music festival

Park, Music Venue

The relatively new music festival of Tecate Sonoro has quickly gained traction – the last headline act was the iconic Scottish indie band, Franz Ferdinand. Over the two days in November, you’ll also see plenty of Mexican talent taking to the stage, particularly in the genre of Latin pop. So if you want to get au fait with the local musicians, this is the place to do it.

5. Try 'sobaqueras' street food

Restaurant, Mexican

Sonora’s distinctive food scene includes elaborate dogos (hot dogs) giant burros percherónes (burritos) and sobaqueras (paper-thin flour tortillas). The best place to try the latter is Tortillería San Ramón, a stand on a corner in Villa de Seris. Cooked in front of you on a hot comal (a rounded steel dome), each tortilla is folded up and served with up to three stews and refried beans.

6. Take the kids to La Laguna del Náinari

Natural Feature

The lake of Laguna del Náinari may be a manmade feature, but with a perimeter of 1.2mi (2km), it creates a natural-looking environment right in the middle of Obregón city. On the east side of the lake, you’ll find snack bars selling drinks out of coconuts, as well as a pier stretching 66ft (20m) out over the water. Look down and you might just spot one of the hundreds of terrapins that populate the lake.

7. Explore the 'magic town' of Álamos

Sonora has two pueblos mágicos – Mexican towns granted special status for cultural, historical, architectural or gastronomic reasons – which are Álamos and Magdalena de Kino. Álamos, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental, is one of the most intact colonial-era cities you’ll find in northern Mexico. Its cobblestone paths will take you past Spanish-built mansions, a reflection of its historic wealth as the country’s northernmost silver mining town.

8. Go hiking at Nacapule Canyon

Lace up your hiking boots and head to the Nacapule Canyon, near San Carlos . While it’s not as major of a destination as Chihuahua’s Copper Canyon, you can still make this a strenuous trek, following the narrow ravine path uphill for an hour until you reach a sweeping view. Scrambling over boulders, across loose ground and through tunnels adds to the sense of adventure, as does passing the giant prickly cacti and drinking from the freshwater springs.

9. Take in the view at Mirador San Carlos

A paved platform slightly overhanging a cliff, this spot has been voted as one of the world’s best ocean views. The expanse before you is the twin-peaked Tetakawi, behind the sapphire-blue ocean with wildlife moving in and out of the frame, including pods of dolphins, whale spouts and birds such as roseate spoonbills, pelicans and orioles. There are places to park along the road above the cliff, and a couple of souvenir and drinks stalls, too.

10. Visit the wildlife of Isla San Jorge

Eco Fun Adventures sets off from Puerto Peñasco to Isla San Jorge, also known as Bird Island. One of the most wildlife-rich destinations in Northern Mexico, you’ll have the chance to swim with its colony of 3,600 sea lions, spot dolphins leaping beside the boat and look out for whales (including gray, pilot and killer) between January and April. The island’s name comes from its 20 species of migratory birds, such as brown-footed boobies, pelicans and frigates.

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Top Things to Do in Sonora, Mexico

Places to visit in sonora, explore popular experiences, popular cities in sonora.

Ways to tour Sonora

Boating along the coastline of San Carlos with a Marine Biologist

San Carlos Tour departing from Hermosillo

Hiking to Desert Palm Oases of San Carlos with a Biologist

Snorkeling San Carlos with a Marine Biologist

Seascooter Tours & Underwater Explorations Mexico

Temazcal Heaven

Bahia de Kino tour departing from Hermosillo

City tour in Hermosillo

Top attractions in sonora.

Tours & Sightseeing

What travellers are saying.

• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 4.1 By plane
• 5 Get around

Sonora is a desert state in Northern Mexico . While it is not near the top of most people's travel plans, it is not without charm. Its main attractions are its beaches and its magnificent desert, which can be explored in El Pinacate biosphere reserve.

Cities [ edit ]

• 29.098889 -110.954167 1 Hermosillo — state capital and a bustling city of nearly a million people
• 31.325833 -109.548889 2 Agua Prieta — border town with Douglas, Arizona
• 27.0275 -108.94 3 Álamos — a fine colonial town
• 28.983333 -111.933333 4 Bahía de Kino — a small but nice beach community near Hermosillo with really nice beaches in a really calm environment
• 30.016667 -110.216667 5 Banámichi — a small pueblo on the Rio Sonora founded in 1639
• 27.493889 -109.938889 6 Ciudad Obregón — a pleasant city surrounded by scenic mountain views and the warm Sea of Cortez, it is a very popular year-round tourist destination
• 29.505 -112.395556 7 El Desemboque — one of the two largest settlements of the Seri tribe
• 27.918333 -110.898889 8 Guaymas — a fishing and resort city
• 31.353889 -110.939167 9 Nogales – a border town split between Sonora and Arizona, 50 minutes south of Tucson
• 31.316667 -113.536944 10 Puerto Peñasco — called "Rocky Point" by Americans, it is the nearest beach resort to Arizona
• 32.476667 -114.7625 11 San Luis Rio Colorado — on the United States border, opposite San Luis, Arizona

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 31.95 -114.14 1 Altar Desert — the desert spanning Sonora and Baja California
• 28.988889 -112.373056 2 Isla Tiburón — one of the premier wildlife refuges and sanctuaries in Mexico
• 32 -113.916667 3 El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar National Biosphere Reserve

Understand [ edit ]

Sonora's major tourist attraction is its beaches, especially San Carlos, Puerto Peñasco, Bahía Kino and the Gulf of Santa Clara in San Luis Río Colorado.

San Carlos has a large variety of sea life off its shores, making it popular for sports fishing and scuba diving. One of its main attractions is the Playa de los Algodones, called such because its sand dunes look like cotton balls. On one of hills behind it, there is a lookout point which allows for views of the area. A number of Yaquis, Seris and Guaimas on and around the Tetakawi Hill, making a living from fishing.

Puerto Peñasco has experienced large-scale development along its 110 km (68 mi) of beaches, which have calm seas. It is in the extreme northwest of the state. Some of the available activities include jet skiing, boating, sailing, sports fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. It is near El Pinacate biosphere reserve. There is also an aquarium called the Acuario de Cer-Mar, which is a research center open to the public. The aquarium has a number of species such as marine turtles, octopuses, seahorses and many varieties of fish.

Bahía Kino is named after the Jesuit missionary, who visited the area in the 17th century. In the 1930s, a group of fishermen established a village in what is now known as Kino Viejo. This bay's beaches have white sand, with warm calm waters off of them. For this reason, Kino Viejo calls itself la perla del Mar de Cortés (the pearl of the Gulf of California). Available activities include horseback riding, scuba diving and sports fishing.

The Isla Tiburón is 28 km (17 mi) from Bahia Kino in the Gulf of California. It is the largest island of Mexico. It has been declared an ecological reserve to protect its flora and fauna, such as the wild rams and deer that live here.

To enhance tourism in areas away from the primary beaches, the state of Sonora has set up several tourist routes for promotion as well as gained "Pueblo Mágico" status for one of its smaller cities.

• The Ruta de las Missiones ("Missions Route") covers the principle stops of Jesuit missionary Eusebio Kino, as the worked to establish the many religious institutions which are part of the state's identity. These include the churches and missions in Caborca, Pitiquito, Oquitoa, Átil, Tubutama, Imuris, Cucurpe and Magdalena. In Magdalena, Father Kino remains are at the Padre Kino mausoleum.
• The Ruta del Río (River Route) follows a seriers of villages and towns along the Sonora River. The state recommends this route in the fall when the chili pepper and peanut harvest occurs. The route includes the settlements of Ures, Baviácora, Aconchi, San Felipe de Jesús, Huépac, Banámichi, Arizpe, Bacoachi and Cananea.
• The Ruta de la Sierra Alta ("High Mountain Route") winds its way through the highlands of the Sierra Madre Occidental to see the significant peaks and towns of the area. Destinations include the towns Moctezuma, Villa Hidalgo, Huásabas, Granados, Huachinera, Bavispe, Nácori Chico, Fronteras, Nacozari and Cumpas, which have other attractions such as old haciendas, streams, forests and other forms of nature.
• The Ruta Sierra Mar ("Mountain Sea Route") is located in the south of the state among the towns around Álamos, Navojoa and Huatabampo, which contain many colonial-era constructions. Attractions include the above-mentioned cities along with the Adolfo Ruiz Cortínez, Tetajiosa and El Venadito dams and the town of Etchojoa, which are surrounded by areas of desert and areas with tropical vegetation, around the Mayo River. The route begins in the mountains of Álamos and ends at the beaches of Huatabampo. Travelers can engage in a number of activities such as hunting, birdwatching, boating, kayaking and photography.
• The Ruta Yécora (Yécora Route) leaves from Hermosillo and makes its way to the town of Yécora, which is one of the highest communities in the mountains of the state. The Yécora area is known for its hunting and the area contains species that can only be found in this part of the state. From Hermosillo to Yécora, there are 280 km (170 mi) of highway, which pass through a number of towns and natural vistas. These include La Colorado mine, San José de Pima on the Mátape River, Tecoripa, San Javier which is surrounded by various hills, Tónichi, Ónavas, Tepoca, San Nicolás and the Mesa de Campanero forest.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Hermosillo's International Airport (General Ignacio Pesqueira Garcia HMO  IATA ) receives flights from several domestic destinations and from Phoenix in the U.S.

By car [ edit ]

From the south from the state of Sinaloa you can access the Federal Highway 15, which is a toll road.

From the north, the state can be accessed through the border with Arizona, through the following points:

• through the city of Nogales towards Federal Highway 15.
• through the city of San Luis Río Colorado towards Federal Highway 2 or also along the coastal highway (it reaches Puerto Peñasco).
• through the city of Sonoyta through the Lukeville AZ border crossing and onto Federal Highway 2 and highway to Puerto Peñasco and the Pinacate Reserve.
• through the town of Naco towards Cananea or Agua Prieta.
• by Agua Prieta through the Douglas AZ border crossing towards Cananea and Naco or south towards the Sierra and the Bavispe River.

From Chihuahua you can access from:

• the highway that comes from Janos and Cd. Juárez goes directly to Agua Prieta.
• the highway that comes from the City of Chihuahua reaches the town of Yécora in Sonora and continues to Hermosillo and Bahía de Kino.

Through Baja California you reach San Luis Río Colorado from Mexicali, and continue along Federal Highway 2 and also to the coastal highway direct to Puerto Peñasco.

Get around [ edit ]

Sonora is a big state with long distances between towns. A car is the best way to get around the state. Long distance buses serve larger population centers. The hub of bus transportation in the state is in Hermosillo.

See [ edit ]

The Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California — a UNESCO World Heritage site , shared with three other Mexican states.

Sonora has one Pueblo Mágico, which is Álamos , which was called Ostimuri by the native population. This town was founded in 1683, when a mineral deposit by the name of La Europea was discovered. The silver found here made it one of the richest towns in the region. The mines gave out in the 19th century and the town declined. Today, many of the old mansions and other buildings have been restored.

Do [ edit ]

The Sonora Desert is a wonderfully calm place. There are also a number of natural reserve areas that are open to visitors and promoted for tourism. These include El Pinacate in the Altar Desert and the Colorado Delta and Upper Gulf of California biosphere reserve. Both of these are near the major resort area of Puerto Peñasco and are some of the driest areas of Mexico.

The Pinacate Nature Reserve , just south of the U.S. border, a stunning example of desert landscape.

Eat [ edit ]

• If you are a meat eater, you must look out for carne asada tacos . The residents of the region are justifiably proud of their beef industry.
• In Hermosillo you can have lots of different "night food", ranging from tacos de carne asada, sonoran style hotdogs, burro percheron (a burrito on steroids, by this meaning huge), traditional "fondas" and even sushi wagons in some places.
• In Ciudad Obregón everybody should try "tacos cebositos", one of the city's specialties or having a coconut by "la laguna del Nainari" as well as Horchata de coco.

Drink [ edit ]

• The local brandy is cheap and good.
• Just like Jalisco has Tequila, Sonora has Bacanora, another drink made out of the distillation of agave. It's a quite famous drink among the northwest of Mexico. It is produced mainly on the Bacanora region on the Sierra region of Sonora

Sleep [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ].

• Mexicali , Baja California
• Chihuahua (state)
• Arizona and New Mexico in the United States of America

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Navigation menu

Top 20 Experiences

As a result of a constant study emerged the identification of the Top 20 Experiences in Sonora, the favorite options for adventure, nature and cultural tourism recreation.

These are: Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and the Great Altar Desert, San Carlos and port of Guaymas, Alamos Magico, Sierra Alta, Kino Bay and Seri Nation, Puerto Peñasco, Sierra Baja, Cocorit and Yaqui villages, Sonora River Route, desert archeology, Missions Route, Sierra Route 17, Sierra Mar Route, Yécora Valley and forests, Magdalena de Kino, Navojoa and Mayo River, El Novillo, Cananea, Ciudad Obregón and Hermosillo.

Any of these destinations is a guarantee of an unparalleled experience, where visitors can enjoy the benefits and wonders that Sonora has to offer. There is something for everyone! We explain them below:

Download Experiences

Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar

The sensation that is reached when in 360 degrees of vision there is only sand is indescribable, even more intense when exploring you imagine how was the life of the first inhabitants who walked from the hill to the sea by the infinite soil of calcining sands that move with the wind.

To arrive by car at the visitors' explanatory center, walk up the dune to the top to catch a glimpse of the sea, then walk along paths of lava and ash to reach the steep edge of the craters that emerged from explosions and collapses of the earth in the middle of the desert is a worldwide experience because there is nothing like it. Sea, sand, volcanic zone, flora and fauna in a sensitive harmony making balance in the most radical extremes of climate, sometimes during the same day, are impacts that impress every visitor. But if you want to feel something more, the invitation is to spend the night in the darkness of the night with the brightness of the galaxy as a reference of how small we are and how great the universe is.

The first astronauts who went to the moon practiced in El Pinacate, in its dimensions distances are lost, the hours pass and time seems to be stopped in the ancient sahuaros that jealously guard the intruder. Expert guides, knowledgeable and with vocation of park rangers can take you, accompany you, take care of you and make your visit an experience of emotions and knowledge that will fill you with satisfaction.

The distances are great, the weather extreme, and the experience exciting.

San Carlos and Puerto de Guaymas

From the heights to the depths. Desert, mountain and sea adventure. A land and sea adventure package for an entire vacation in San Carlos, Guaymas, on the coast of Sonora, 350 miles from the U.S. border.

Kayaking at sunrise or biking along the coastline in the sea breeze and bright sunshine can be the start of a weekend. Beyond, the mountains with their tropical nooks and crannies that hide the Aguaje mountain range full of secrets and life.

Climbing to the top of Tetakawi hill is an indescribable experience or spending a day fishing in the Sea of Cortez, trolling for marlin or dorado fish has no comparison, as the natural scenery of the coastline and the richness of the sea are unparalleled. If you are a diver or snorkeler, the underwater life of the world's aquarium has worldwide distinction and for a different underwater adventure, the artificial reef is full of life and becomes a novel experience that attracts visitors from other continents.

In this seaside town, with all the services and excellent gastronomic options, there are also unique local attractions such as the Dolphinarium and the Estero.

Álamos Mágico

The City of the Portals, birthplace of María Félix. The magic of Alamos, a colonial town of mining origin, begins its history with its exciting chapters of silver wealth, the Mint, the capital of the Western State, the regional bishopric and its economic and political power.

Beautiful colonial town nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Los Frailes and crossed by two streams, is from its origins, and officially labeled in 2005, Magical Town of Sonora. To describe it would be endless as are the emotions of those who visit it, enjoy it or take it as a starting point to travel through southern Sonora, from the foothills of the Sierra Madre to the seashore.

Unique spaces in its protected natural areas of the Cuchujaqui River and Sierra de Alamos preserve its biodiversity and landscape along with the climate that feels tropical in the summers when the jungle closes in and the roads narrow.

Costumbrista Museum, temple, Maria Felix's house, Municipal Palace, market, the old cemetery and dozens of preserved buildings harmonize the landscape of this town of narrow cobblestone streets where you can enjoy cultural events and festivals, sports rallies, biodiversity explorations, native cuisine and also first-world international fusion. Its rural, urban and boutique hotel accommodations and lodging, make the visitor always want to stay longer enjoying every minute and every space of this well-kept piece of the Sonora of more than three centuries ago, today functional and hospitable as one of the most significant tourist destinations in Sonora.

Sierra Alta

Towns with stories and legends in a natural world for adventure. In the extreme northeast of Sonora, right in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental, the panorama imposes itself with the contrasts of the high mountains and the valleys on the banks of the river. There, in the few spaces with agricultural vocation, the Jesuit missionaries founded in 1600 a series of mission towns and colonies that for more than four centuries remained intact, oblivious to modernity and autonomous in many respects.

The cattle ranching in the whole of Sonora is a very important part of the region.

Cattle ranching throughout the vastness of the land, rainfed agriculture and in irrigable spaces by the river have been, since the arrival of the Spaniards, the productive activities, in addition to subway and gambusinos mining, now exploited with modern techniques.

Villages that, each on the banks of its river, coincide in their customs, their origin, religiosity, cheerful atmosphere and friendly hospitality. The missionary temple, the plaza and the building or mansion of the municipal authority as a civic and cultural center in each town show evidence of the power structure that gave them origin.

All around them, in all of them, the clean streets and daily order show healthy, neat and hard-working people. Each town is the center of an extraordinary and unique rural region, where the landscapes and the whims of nature offer the opportunity to find the spaces for adventure, recreation and contact with the land.

Rivers, waterfalls, lakes, walls, waterfalls, ranches, hills ranging from mesquite to oak and pine in the high peaks. An enviable and pristine biodiversity worthy of admiration and care make up the tourist treasures of the towns of the high sierra.

Bahía Kino and Nación Seri

On the coast of Hermosillo The capital city of Sonora is the head of a large municipality that reaches more than 100 kilometers of coastline in front of Shark Island, the largest island in Mexico in the Sea of Cortez.

At only 100 km from the urban center, Bahía de Kino is a natural sun and beach destination with its very original beauty and its own unique attractions and options for visitor entertainment.

In addition to beach and offshore water sports such as fishing and diving, tourists can schedule a visit to San Nicolas and feel the vertigo of sliding down the dune on a sand board. Bahía de Kino has its fishing village and its typical beach gastronomic offer, in addition to lodging services and beach inns to spend the day.

The Seri or Comcáac Nation, the original people of this region, preserves and shares, from Kino Bay to its coastal towns such as Punta Chueca and Desemboque, its handicrafts and cultural heritage of dances, ceremonies, customs and tourist services such as transfers and guided tours to Shark Island, which is part of their nation and territory.

A visit to the Seris Museum in Bahia de Kino shows the history, origin and life of the Comcaac, this ethnic group with ancestral memories and unknown origin. Excellent gastronomy and lodging, camping, RV and glamping options are offered in the coastal region of Hermosillo. Consult your operator.

Puerto Peñasco

Plenty to do on land and sea Sun, endless beach, water sports, fishing, diving, golf and party atmosphere in a first-world international atmosphere make Puerto Peñasco the most visited and most international beach resort destination in Sonora.

A seaside town and port that now offers comfort and attractions, services and experiences to international tourists and continues to extend its recreational spaces to its southeastern beaches.

Great resorts like the Mayan and Las Palomas, integrated complexes like Encántame Towers point to a world-class future; its location near the protected natural reserves of the Gran Desierto de Altar, Alto Golfo and El Pinacate Biosphere, a World Heritage Site, offer the great opportunity to live one of the best experiences in the natural space of Sonora.

Go fishing, take a trip to San Jorge Island or simply walk and enjoy the beach, ride an ATV on the dune, go wind surfing, kayaking or paddle boarding, take an evening "Margarita sunset" cruise, go jet skiing or go for a ride on a jet sky, take a ride on a jet ski or go banana or paragliding and even fly in a microlight to feel the freedom, to finish off on the boardwalk and its bars set on the aisles full of souvenirs, souvenirs and handicrafts, only in Puerto Peñasco!

Of course, you can spend all day on the quiet balcony of the oceanfront apartment of your choice in the condo complexes that offer everything for a happy family stay and full vacation by the sea.

Sierra Baja

Bacanora Route, a round trip through the center of Sonora. Because of its position on the map, it has been named low but in itself, it is high, steep and full of natural values. The route is via El Novillo, Bacanora, Sahuaripa, Arivechi and other picturesque towns such as Tacupeto Valley and Güisamopa.

This route also takes us to Yécora, giving us the option of reaching Ónavas, Suaqui Grande, San Javier and passing through Tecoripa and La Colorada. It is a circuit that should be done in at least two days.

The historical chronicle of the towns on this route is very interesting and the natural attractions very diverse, in addition to the infinite mountain panorama that forces you to make stops along the way to enjoy the El Novillo and Cajón de Onapa dams and the distant towns almost all on the banks of its river.

Visiting Bacanora and its museum, partying in Sahuaripa on the banks of the river, climbing Tarachi, El Trigo, La Iglesia or reaching Nátora there on the Mulatos River along with the Aros is an exciting rural vacation. Continuing south through the valley that extends to Arivechi, going up to its hot springs, visiting the towns of El Valle de Tacupeto, then arriving at Suaqui Grande to round off the circuit returning to Hermosillo through La Colorada is quite an experience.

Cócorit y Pueblos Yaquis

Head of the missions on the Yaqui River, Cócorit is a charming town that keeps alive the magic of its mix of cultures and moments of its historical evolution.

It is the old town of modern Ciudad Obregón, which evokes in its colonial atmosphere the atmosphere of the nineteenth century with the heritage of the original culture of the Yaqui ethnic group and the mission established in 1617 by the Jesuit missionaries. It is one of the eight Yaqui towns and one of the first colonies in Sonora.

With urban services and lodging in Cd. Obregón, the visitor can enjoy Cócorit and the entire banks of the Yaqui River that extends from the El Oviachic Dam and promenade to the west, through farm fields on the banks of the river and the irrigation channels of the famed Yaqui Valley, full of rural communities that share experiences of native cuisine, unique rural landscapes, centuries-old poplar groves, customs, folklore and crafts of the Yaqui ethnic group that to this day rigorously reserves its rituals and ceremonies.

Hornos, Bácum, Potam, Vícam and other towns are nearby and accessible on the route. In recent years, Cócorit has become the cultural space of the region and the manifestations of plastic arts decorate and make the environment more recreational.

Ruta Río Sonora

From Hermosillo to the border It is 300 kilometers of scenic route that goes from town to town through one of the most significant regions of Sonora. Mountains and valleys open up on the horizon, revealing the farm fields that give depth to the panorama, giving way to the temple towers of each town as part of its own identity.

The river, with little flow in between seasons, is seen as a shining mirror at the bottom of the canyon in Mazocahui, and then spreads out to give way to producing valleys and cattle ranches with a chain of mountains on either side, parallel to the river and the road.

They are towns founded in the 17th century by Jesuit missionaries who accompanied the colonizers who raided these lands in search of mineral wealth. The legacy of evangelization is present in the customs and festivities of each town, as well as in their original social structure. Eminently cattle ranchers, these towns live from their natural resources among which are also agriculture and mining.

The experience of traveling along this route and visiting its towns takes us beyond its boundaries to see ranches, riverside spots, sporting and festive environments such as jaripeo, local baseball leagues and frequent road and mountain bike rides.

Patron saint festivals, civic dates and the religious calendar govern the rhythm of life, production, harvest and celebration. Bacanora maguey plantations, rural distilleries, wine cellar, operating mines and mountain corners are places to visit, including the hot springs of El Bacerán and Agua Caliente.

Summer environment is safe at river crossings over the highway at Cañón de Evans, Bacoachi, Tahuichopa, Chinapa and also under bridges when there is flow at Banámichi, San Pedro el Saucito and other stream crossings. All the temples are living museums that silently show the deep roots that gave origin to this harmonious chain of towns through which you can travel from the capital to the northern border of Sonora.

Arqueología del Desierto

Caborca and Trincheras preserve testimonies of earlier times. In this archaeological route in the vicinity of the desert, the evidences present give account of gatherers, semi-nomadic settlers who left their traces in the rocks of the region.

The Cerro de las Trincheras shows the importance of a civilization that built stone walls on the hillside that the Spaniards confused with protective trenches that form terraces with different uses, from ceremonial to agricultural.

To visit the town of Trincheras is also to know its visitor center that exposes in its museography a detailed vision of the origins, the monumentality of the site and how was the life of its inhabitants. Following the same course, kilometers further to the west, on the outskirts of Caborca, the hills of La Proveedora in the Puerto Blanco ranch, concentrate the largest amount of petroglyphs in America.

With a great variety of motifs, from animals, human figures, fretwork and labyrinths, the engravings made on the millenary varnish of the stone are attributed to the same culture called trincheras and date from more than 13 thousand years ago. In these two sites, the visitor is attended by certified guides and experts in the subject and can admire the endemic flora of the Sonoran desert, along with the engraved stones. Visits are recommended at sunrise and sunset.

Ruta de las Misiones

Following in the footsteps of Father Eusebio Kino along the Atar River. This region nestled in what Bolton called "The Confines of Christendom" offers a sensitive route for those who understand the evangelizing tasks that the Jesuits carried out in these remote areas far from the center of the country.

Populated by hardy natives, the lands bordering the Altar River yielded to the Christian faith and flourished organized in the missions established in 1670 by the Italian-born missionary father Eusebio Francisco Kino, who chose these lands for his missionary apostolate.

The tour of the temples, which preserve the images, altarpieces and altars of more than three centuries, is impressive and full of mysticism. The route by road can also be done by the rural road, also visiting the Cuauhtémoc dam and following downstream from town to town until you reach Altar to continue to Pitiquito and Caborca, all founded as a chain of missions by Father Kino.

Small, festive, industrious and productive towns that by their location define very well their working hours and the time of year of their most traditional festivals. Surrounded by hills and plains carpeted with mesquites, saguaros, paloverdes and choyas, they receive the splendor of the tapestries of flowers in each spring turning the desert into the most flowery garden on the planet; in the summer, the weather is harsh and aggressive, but comes the time of the most intense downpour that fills the streams, greens the countryside and changes the color of the surrounding hills.

Sierra Ruta 17

From Montezuma to the border through mining towns, land of Indians and dinosaurs. See the saddle and leather goods factory, visit the statue of El Moro de Cumpas and travel through old mine roads and also the most modern in Mexico; visit the historic center of Nacozari, the monument to Jesus Garcia and the great mansions of the Moctezuma Copper Co. and Mr Douglas.

Divide one of the world's largest smokestacks at the Esqueda Smelter and the Esqueda Smelter in Esqueda.

Diving one of the world's largest chimneys at the Esqueda Smelter and stopping at its plazas to go on the dinosaur trail is an interesting family experience with great and memorable historical events.

This region is the copper mining belt and corridors of the Geronimo Indian, the land of Captain de Anza, settler of San Francisco, CA. USA. With access to the Cuquiárachi and La Angostura dams following the Moctazuma and Fronteras rivers you reach Agua Prieta, bordering Douglas, Arizona, at the edge of the Old West.

Landscapes, ranches, century-old haciendas and proper places for camping, riding, and biking are found with your hosts and guides. Perfect weather and festive atmosphere always!

Ruta Sierra Mar

From the mountains to the sea In the extreme south of Sonora, the most diverse experiences are combined, ranging from the peaks of the mountains to the sea and from the pine and oak forests to the desert and pitayal.

In a journey of less than 160 kilometers, the visitor finds, depending on the season, the lush rainforest with its streams and wooded slopes of the high mountains of the Sierra Madre and the Sierra de Los Frailes, passing through the colorful amapas that bloom every January and gradually disperse to give way to the diverse cacti that surround the indigenous communities of the Mayo ethnic group in Masiaca.

From there, continue into the sunset through the largest pitayal forest in America that through dusty alleys leads us to the paradise by the sea, Las Bocas beach, Camahuiroa or the wonderful biological station Navopatia next to the mangrove, the island and the channel full of migratory birds and dolphins chacoteando in its clear waters.

Incidentally, the gastronomic experience in the ramadas tasting the stews with nopal, tamales and birria in Masiaca in the middle of the world of the Mayos, their culture and folklore or the seafood in the vacation beach palapa complete the experience with a drink of bachomojaqui mezcal, distilled by hand from a variety of regional agave.

Yecora Bosques y Valle

Access through Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregón Traveling to one of the highest towns in Sonora is an adventure that shows you the diversity of this great state. These roads ascend from the desert and coastal valley to plateaus more than 2,400 meters above sea level.

On the way, taking either route, you travel through picturesque towns and around one of Sonora's largest dams. The winding roads that meander past the endless horizon of mountain ranges are the first attraction for those who haven't felt the distance, the altitude and the contrasting change of climate in a single drive, particularly in the lush, humid but chilly highland summer of July and August.

Unique sensations in the Sierra Madre that are not attributed to Sonora contrast with the hot, dry desert climate and panorama in the west of the same state. Yécora, originally a mission, as a destination has many attractions nestled in an atmosphere of nature rich in biodiversity and conducive to all kinds of adventures.

Magdalena de Kino

Magical and missionary San Francisco Javier brings thousands of pilgrims to Magdalena every October 4th and throughout the year. Its temple and plaza are also linked to its founder, Father Eusebio Francisco Kino, whose crypt with his remains is part of the central set of its monumental plaza.

It was declared a Magical Town in 2012 and is, the land and resting place of the remains of Luis Donaldo Colosio Murrieta, candidate for the presidency of Mexico assassinated in 1994. Located 120 km from the border with the United States and with excellent weather all year round, Magdalena de Kino also has rural attractions for every visitor.

Livestock ranches with comfortable accommodations, orchards and outdoor adventure spaces and many attractions of those that give identity to Sonora as the sahuaros forest, the royal road to San Ignacio and Imuris, two missions established along with Magdalena in 1680, Nearby are also the mission of Cocóspera and Aribabi ranch, a private nature reserve protected on the hillside and valley north of the Sierra Azul.

The autumn festivities of San Francisco in Magdalena bring together pilgrims and visitors who, on foot, on horseback and by all means, come from all directions and make it one of the most significant festivals in Sonora. Yaqui, Pápagos, Mayos and other international ethnic groups offer penances, dances, tributes and musical performances throughout the town in honor of the saint.

The spring Kino Festival and other memorable civic festivals keep the atmosphere going year-round. This hospitable town shares traditional cuisine, beef famous for its quality and cooking, quince ates, chile colorado stews and the incomparable wheat flour tortillas.

Navojoa y Río Mayo

Upstream and downstream towns. Authentic and unique paintings decorate the urban landscape of the pearl of the Mayo. Horse-drawn carts gather fresh vegetables from the fields and orchards along the riverbank for sale in the market.

In the picture is also a modern city that combines the traditions of the Mayan Indians with the agricultural and commercial development achieved in its little more than a hundred years of foundation.

Located on the banks of the Mayo River, it is the city that serves the largest number of rural communities in Sonora, the dispersion of its inhabitants reaches the entire municipality between agricultural fields and ranches located on the banks of the Mayo River where there are native populations that preserve original and religious traditions and customs that give rise to festivals, campaigns and pilgrimages such as the festivities of San Juan, those of Holy Week and other events of mystical significance to which visitors are always welcome.

The customs here are different from the rest of Sonora and are a product of the almost tropical climate and the deep rootedness to the land and its original inhabitants. The first city on the south-to-north route, it is the confluence point of the roads that cross southern Sonora and its natural diversity along the riverbank and its rural spaces gives rise to a myriad of experiences ranging from mountain explorations in colonial Alamos, to the warm sands of its dunes and beaches in the neighboring municipality of Huatabampo.

The visit to Navojoa invites you to visit the archaeological zone and site museum of Tehuelibampo with its testimonies engraved in stone that show the indigenous life of more than 2,500 years ago. Natural diversity, mestizo culture and religiosity are evident in the place and throughout the journey to know this sacred place of its inhabitants, ancestors of the Mayans.

On all the routes and roads of the Mayan River region, the bicycle as a sport and also as a means of transportation is part of the scenery. Handicrafts and crafts made of leather, reeds, palm and wicker are offered by residents.

To the north: San Pedro de la Cueva; to the south: from the dam curtain to Soyopa. The rural adventure is combined with different experiences at the ends of the El Novillo or Plutarco Elías Calles dam: in the north, a picturesque town on the banks of the mouth of the river at the dam, reached by a comfortable road with attractions along the way that can be via Ures or Pueblo de Álamos, Mátape, San Pedro de la Cueva or direct from Hermosillo to Mazatán without going around Ures.

Tour operators have access to hidden nooks and crannies along the way such as the dry waterfall, a limestone conformation that has remained for centuries evidencing times of abundant rain and tropical forests. There are also stops at cattle ranches and bacanora and regional cheese producers that can be visited.

San Pedro de la Cueva is the destination at this end of the dam and attractions combine on land and water, from climbing the cave hill to experiences in bass and tilapia fishing, and visiting the ruins of villages sacrificed for the sake of progress, flooded to reach the dam's water storage.

At the southern end of the dam, which is more than 60 km away by boat directly from San Pedro de la Cueva, the attractions are different; the curtain of the dam wedged between the hills and steep walls recreate in summer a tropical space different from the rest of Sonora.

Road access to the curtain and power generation facilities is off Mazatán on the road to Sahuaripa. The visit to El Novillo by the curtain takes us first to the town of La Estrella, established at the time of the dam's construction. Many stories are told of what happened in the 50's and 60's when the concrete mass rose to stop the river.

The scenery at El Novillo is most spectacular in the summer months. The rural experience is combined with the option of kayaking downriver to Soyopa, a town located 20 km downriver. This tour has its magic and is totally different in every season of the year. Consult your local guide or tour operators.

A city with great attributes and natural beauty. Cabins on the mountainside, beautiful views of its cattle ranches and a historic center typical of a 19th century mining town are part of the presentation of Cananea to its visitors who have much to enjoy in this region with great natural, cultural and service attributes.

With history and deep roots, and a great international influence in its cultural and social aspects, Cananea has attractions for those who can stay for a long time: the famous Cananea Jail converted into the Museum of the Workers' Struggle, the House of William Cornell Green, now headquarters of the National Institute of Optical and Electronic Astrophysics, its original shopping center El Ronquillo, Cananea Vieja, Mesa Sur and original neighborhoods that contrast with the Tamosura Park and its modern services of cinema, hotel, bowling, and shopping plaza.

On the outskirts of the urban area, Cananea has cattle ranches with lodging and natural attractions, mountain ranges with panoramic views and campgrounds, as well as cabins. To visit Cananea is also to visit the facilities of Grupo Mexico's Animal Management Unit (UMA), which exhibits species in rescue programs such as the Gouldian turkey, gray wolf, jaguar and brown bear, as well as birds and other small mammals. Already being in the outskirts, you must schedule a visit to the Uvas de Altura vineyard that produces excellent wines of the 4S brand.

The experience of climbing the Sierra La Mariquita mountain range and visiting the Astronomical Observatory, or the option of climbing to the ranger's cabin in the Sierra de Los Ajos Protected Natural Reserve and entering into its natural streams or taking a guided tour of the Buenavista del Cobre mine facilities can be other great experiences, some of which require paperwork and only on certain dates. Cananea has three mountain ranges, three river basins and is only 50 km from the border with the United States in the North American Old West.

Ciudad Obregón

City and agricultural valley Nestled in the center of a green mosaic of many shades, in which irrigation canals meander glittering, stands a new, dynamic and productive city that gives Mexico international fame for its agricultural production and commercial development derived from the countryside.

In Ciudad Obregón, the cultures of the Yaqui ethnic group and the settlers, who contribute high technology and knowledge to make this region the agricultural emporium that has been called the granary of Mexico, coincide and grow in harmony.

Of geometric outline, wide streets, wooded and clean, the city has its own attractions such as the recreational and family space of the Náinari Lagoon and the many rural destinations in the valley that reach the beaches on the coast with the Sea of Cortez.

Ciudad Obregón is the commercial center of the southern part of the state of Sonora and with its international airport and highway and railroad hub, it is the international connection point for travelers from all over the region.

Baseball stadium and Los Yaquis team, fishing sports clubs at El Oviachic dam, golf course and many rural spots to visit, including agricultural fields to the west and cattle ranches to the east with successful seasons for adventure tourism and also hunting organizers with excellent service and facilities for dove hunting and other species.

There is much to comment on the gastronomy, but in short, it is the experience of experts who combine the original cuisine of the tribe, the abundance of the sea and the wealth of beef and pork that Sonora is famous for.

Geographic and business center Here is where the culture of carne asada, large tortillas, coyotas and bacanora come together to welcome visitors who for many reasons come to the capital city of the state of Sonora.

With simple and hardworking people, the city lives in a productive dynamism because here also converge the interests of all the activities that make this state important in northwestern Mexico, the second largest in Mexico, the second largest in the world.

With simple and hardworking people, the city lives in a productive dynamism because here also converge the interests of all the activities that make important this state in northwestern Mexico, the second largest in the republic.

A center of agricultural, livestock, industrial and mining businesses, government, education and advanced medicine, Hermosillo is the destination with the highest number of flights in the region and the most commercial activity and services. Just 360 km from the U.S. border at Nogales, it is also home to major manufacturing industries and the Ford automobile assembly plant and many of its supplier plants.

To visit Hermosillo is also to attend the Expogan in early May, baseball in the September to February season, and the Fiestas del Pitic in late May. It is also to enjoy the beach 90 km away in Bahia de Kino and a whole adventure in the world of the Seri ethnic group, or to take from here the routes that connect the entire state, from the sea and the coast, to the high mountains and their diversity of climate and landscape.

A multifaceted city that shares with visitors the nostalgia of its historic center, captured in the murals of the government palace and displayed in the exhibitions of its Regional Museum of History and Popular Cultures. Festive, cheerful, sincere and hospitable, Hermosillo invites you to get to know the capital city and, from here, the entire great state of Sonora.

These are: Pinacate Biosphere Reserve and Gran Desierto de Altar, San Carlos and port of Guaymas, Alamos Magico, Sierra Alta, Kino Bay and Seri Nation, Puerto Peñasco, Sierra Baja, Cocorit and Yaqui villages, Sonora River Route, desert archeology, Missions Route, Sierra Route 17, Sierra Mar Route, Yécora Valley and forests, Magdalena de Kino, Navojoa and Mayo River, El Novillo, Cananea, Ciudad Obregón and Hermosillo.

These are: Sonora River Route, desert archeology, Missions Route, Sierra Route 17, Sierra Mar Route, Yécora Valley and forests, Magdalena de Kino, Navojoa and Mayo River, El Novillo, Cananea, Ciudad Obregón and Hermosillo.

Plan Your Trip to Sonora: Best of Sonora Tourism

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Essential Sonora

Sonora Is Great For

The great outdoors

7 Things To Do In Sonora

While Sonora  is one of the closest cities to Yosemite National Park, it's also a popular destination in its own right. Sonora was founded in 1850 by miners from Mexico, who named the city after the Mexican state of the same name. Also, known as the “Queen of the Southern Mines,” this historic Gold Rush town is filled with character and plenty to see and do. Here are seven things that must be experienced on any visit to Sonora. 

1. Explore and Shop in Historic Downtown

One of the best ways to experience the history of a town is strolling through the historic downtown region. Many shops and restaurants are located in historic buildings that line Washington Street (Highway 49) and the surrounding blocks, and frequently interiors are left to show the architecture of 150 years ago. Browse art galleries, boutiques of all kinds, sporting goods stores, and more at your own pace. Be on the lookout for iconic buildings, historical markers, and fascinating murals along the way. Stop by the Visitors Center at 193 S Washington Street for maps and brochures, and chat with friendly team members who can answer your questions about the area.

2. Immerse Yourself in History

As one would expect of a city with so much history, Sonora has amazing museums that keep the stories of the town at the forefront.

The Tuolumne County Museum & History Center was created more than 60 years ago to protect and preserve the history of the region. Overseen by the Tuolumne County Historical Society, the museum features exhibits about local Native American culture, the Gold Rush, law and justice, railroads, and the ways of life of the diverse population of the 1800s and early 1900s. Not only does the museum house history, it is historical in its own right; the Museum served as the county jail from 1866 until 1960. Take a look in some of the cells that the bad guys stayed in while you're there.

For a unique take on a specific aspect of the region's history, visit the Sonora Fire Museum & Senior Lounge . While concern about fire hasn't changed over time, the gear and methodology used to combat it have. The museum showcases a wide array of equipment and apparatus that crews used to protect Sonora and its residents for the past century. 

The Veterans Memorial Military Museum honors residents who protected the community and the country. Inside and outside, you will find uniforms, equipment, medals, and even weaponry used by the men and women of Sonora who served in the armed forces.

3. Quench Your Thirst

What would a Gold Rush town be without drinking establishments? Not to worry, Sonora's got it covered.

While downtown, step into the Sonora Brewing Company, the first brewery in the Sonora city limits since 1907. They offer 12 delicious in-house brewed beers on tap, brewed weekly, plus an extensive dining menu.

The Sonora Tap Room, also downtown, is a small tap room featuring 20 different beers on tap, a wide variety of cans and bottles, and a great selection of red and white wines in a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere.

A visit to Sonora isn’t complete without taking the short drive to Indigeny Reserve. Indigeny Reserve’s organic hard apple cider does not disappoint! Distilled carefully with pride and love on the family-owned and operated property, the cider pairs perfectly with a relaxing picnic on their spacious, beautiful grounds or on a nice hike around the orchards. Not only do they produce hard ciders, they also have their own vodka and brandy creations. The outdoor spaces are dog-friendly, and there is a mountain biking trail and disc golf course on the property.

Tip to Thirsty Adventurers: Sign up for the Tuolumne County Craft Beverage Trail to find discounts at local wineries, breweries, and cider distillery and earn points toward prizes as you explore Tuolumne County.

4. Enjoy A Great Meal

Traveling and exploring will always make you hungry. Sonora has a wide array of unique food options and distinctive eateries that will make dining a memorable part of your trip. Take a look at the options here.

Or, stop by one or both of Sonora's seasonal farmers' markets, May through October. The Peaceful Valley Farmers' Market is open on Friday nights in East Sonora and the Sonora Certified Farmers' Market is open on Saturday mornings in downtown Sonora. Both offer fresh, sustainable produce and other prepared food items.

5. Find the Art Scene

Sonora  has it all when it comes to arts and entertainment. From art galleries and studios to superior live performances and concerts, there's something to please the artistic tastes and amusement of everyone.

For those interested in live performances, Sierra Repertory Theatre is an exceptional professional theatre working with Equity actors from across the country as well as local talent to provide regional theatre at its finest. The East Sonora theater recently underwent a massive renovation, creating a very comfortable and modern venue where you can take in classic shows, musicals, and dance performances. Shows are also held at the historic Fallon House Theatre, which dates back to the Gold Rush as a performance venue in nearby Columbia State Historic Park.

Two art associations, Mother Lode Art Association and Tuolumne County Arts support a diverse network of local artists whose creativity is deeply rooted in Tuolumne County. Their works can be found in (and on) numerous galleries and specialty shops in town, such as Aloft Art Gallery at Baer's .

6. Experience 2nd Saturday Art Night

Try to time your visit to include the second Saturday of the month - any month - throughout the year. The merchants in Sonora's historic downtown stay open late and open their doors to local musicians and artists for all to enjoy during 2nd Saturday Art Night , presented by the Sonora Chamber of Commerce. In the summer and early fall months, Art Night is followed by Concerts in Coffill Park, which are free and begin at 8:00pm.

7. Enjoy the Outdoors

Sonora has plenty of things to do for the outdoors enthusiast.

The Dragoon Gulch Trail winds up a pretty oak and manzanita-covered hillside and offers more than three miles of maintained trails of varying difficulty. There's options for someone looking for a peaceful morning stroll or the serious hiker or biker seeking a challenge. The views of Sonora  and surrounding hills are worth the effort of those difficult choices, and although it may be classified as an urban trail, you'll have no idea you're in town. Bring your dog on a leash; they'll love it. 

Now it's time to find a place to stay . From Victorian B&Bs to modern hotels, there are several lodging options to choose from. By the way, Sonora  is a great basecamp for more Tuolumne County explorations.

Upcoming Events Near Sonora

Step onto the Sonora Selfie Trail, and take a memorable journey to explore cultural and historical treasures, natural gems, and unique artistry that graces the town. As you visit each location, check-in on your phone and snap a selfie. Every time you check in, you’ll earn points, and every five points equals one entry in the grand prize drawing from Visit Tuolumne County.

Trips and Tours to Sonora, Mexico

Annual Events in Sonora

Sonora ecotourism, sonora ecotourism organizations, sonora tourism organizations.