Attractions and Places To See in Occidental - Top 10

Occidental is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. You can experience the majestic redwood forests at places like the LandPaths Grove of Old Trees or explore the coast at Shell Beach and Blind Beach. The Sonoma Coast State Park also offers rugged headlands and secluded coves. For a unique adventure, consider Sonoma Zipline Adventures, which takes you through ancient redwood forests.

Yes, Occidental has a rich history reflected in its buildings. You can visit the historic Occidental Union Hotel, established in 1879, or the Occidental Community Church, which dates back to 1876 and is the oldest building in town. The Howard Station Cafe is also housed in a fascinating former train station.

Beyond exploring the redwood forests and coastline, Occidental offers various outdoor activities. You can hike through the redwoods at Willow Creek, which leads to the Russian River Estuary. The nearby Russian River also provides opportunities for recreation. For an adrenaline rush, Sonoma Zipline Adventures offers tours with seven zip lines and sky bridges.

Occidental offers several options for families. Exploring the redwood forests, such as the LandPaths Grove of Old Trees, can be a wonderful experience for all ages. The nearby beaches like Shell Beach and Blind Beach are great for a day out. For a more adventurous family outing, Sonoma Zipline Adventures provides an exciting way to see the redwoods.

Downtown Occidental is a vibrant hub for local goods. The Occidental Community Farmers' Market, held weekly from May, is perfect for fresh produce, artisan crafts, and food. You can also visit The Altamont General Store for gourmet coffee, pastries, and locally sourced items, or browse unique boutiques like Hand Goods and Boho Bungalow Occidental.

Occidental has a thriving arts scene. The Occidental Center for the Arts hosts high-quality arts and cultural events, exhibitions, and education programs. The weekly Occidental Community Farmers' Market often features live music, adding to the local cultural experience.

Yes, the Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) is an 80-acre wildlands preserve and research center focusing on rare plants, offering guided tours from April through October. You can also stroll through Western Hills Garden or enjoy the breathtaking Zen Japanese Gardens at Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.

To truly experience the redwoods, you can visit the LandPaths Grove of Old Trees for a peaceful walk among ancient trees. For a more adventurous perspective, Sonoma Zipline Adventures allows you to 'fly through the California Redwoods' on a course that includes seven zip lines and sky bridges, even entering an old-growth forest.

Occidental boasts several popular dining spots. The historic Occidental Union Hotel is known for its Italian fare. Negri's Italian Dinners & Joe's Bar is another well-regarded Italian establishment. For lighter fare, The Altamont General Store offers gourmet coffee and food made with locally sourced produce, while Bohemian Market provides natural groceries and deli items perfect for picnics.

Beyond the main highlights, you might enjoy exploring Mammoth Rocks, a lovely green space in Occidental. The Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC) offers a unique blend of ecology and education. For a relaxing experience, the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary features beautiful Zen Japanese Gardens that are worth a visit even if not utilizing spa services.

The Sonoma Coast State Park is easily accessible from Occidental and features a dramatic coastline with long sandy beaches, rugged headlands, natural arches, and secluded coves. It stretches for miles between Jenner and Bodega Bay, offering numerous spots to enjoy the Pacific Ocean. You can find more information about California State Parks at parks.ca.gov.