Discover Occidental: Local History, Gardens and the Farmers Market

Occidental offers several specific reasons to visit: historical connections, a botanical garden with rare plants, and a farmers market with set hours on certain days of the week. The ways to visit also differ—from self-guided day visits to guided tours and classes. If you’re looking for a hotel in Occidental, these differences can make planning easier: what matters is which topics interest you and whether they fit your visit dates.

Local History and Garden Visits

The Occidental Historic District was designated by the Sonoma County Landmarks Commission in 1980. Occidental’s railroad depot was originally known as Howards Station. These are two distinct historical points of reference: the designation of a district and the depot’s former name. If you’re interested in local history, these details help distinguish between the two.

Western Hills Garden is a three-acre botanical retreat in Occidental. Rare plant species grow there, many of which are nearly extinct in the wild. The garden is open for visits on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are strongly recommended. As hours may change, check visitor information before you arrive.

The program includes self-guided day visits, guided tours, workshops and classes. If you’d like to explore the garden independently, a self-guided day visit is a good option; tours and classes offer a guided or more learning-focused format. The different offerings give you several ways to engage with the garden’s botanical character.

Market, Food and Nature

The Occidental Community Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Occidental. It is located on Main Street between First Street and Third Street. Local organic farmers, bakers and cooks gather there; the mix of vendors may change seasonally. Check the seasonal schedule before your trip. Thursday evening offers a specific planning anchor, while visits to Western Hills Garden take place on weekends.

The Howard Station Café is located in Occidental’s old train station and serves American classics as well as California cuisine. Alongside the market, the café—with its two types of cuisine—is another place to visit in town.

The Grove of Old Trees covers 33 acres and features old-growth coast redwoods and easy trails. Some trails are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. If this suitability is important to your plans, check in advance which routes are suitable.

Nearby, the Bohemia Ecological Preserve offers views of extensive coastal prairie as well as stands of old-growth Douglas fir, hardwood riparian forests, chaparral and oak woodlands. Access is only available through guided hikes and volunteer activities. This differs from the self-guided day visits offered at Western Hills Garden.

Discover more destinations: Jenner, Petaluma, Sebastopol, Monte Rio, Rohnert Park, Bodega Bay, Vineburg, Geyserville

For the broader travel overview: Sonoma.