A botanical garden, a historic district and a market with set visiting hours give you specific starting points for planning a trip to Occidental. Western Hills Garden showcases rare plants, while the Historic District and railroad depot highlight different aspects of the town’s history. Nature outings also vary in their trails and access requirements, and there are local dining options to explore.
Garden Visits and Local History
Western Hills Garden is a three-acre botanical sanctuary in Occidental. It is home to rare plant species, many of which are nearly extinct in the wild. Visits are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. Walk-ins are welcome, though appointments are strongly recommended. If you include the garden in your day’s plans, keep the weather dependency in mind and try to make an appointment.
Options include self-guided daytime visits, guided tours, workshops and classes. This offers everything from independent visits to guided activities. Whether you prefer to explore on your own or take part in a guided tour, workshop or class will help you decide how to focus your garden visit.
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 points of historical interest: the designation of the Historic District and the depot’s former name.
Nature Trails and Landscapes
The Grove of Old Trees covers 33 acres of old-growth coastal redwoods and has easy trails. Some trails are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
Nearby, Bohemia Ecological Preserve offers views of expansive coastal prairie, old-growth Douglas firs, hardwood riparian forests, chaparral and oak woodlands. Access to the preserve is only available through guided hikes and volunteer activities. This is an important difference when choosing a nature outing: at the Grove, the trails and the suitability of some trails are the focus, while access to the preserve is limited to guided hikes or volunteer activities.
The Market and Local Cuisine
The Occidental Community Farmers Market takes place downtown on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., on Main Street between First Street and Third Street. It brings together local organic farmers, bakers and chefs. The vendors may vary by season, so check the seasonal schedule before your trip.
Howard Station Café serves American classics and California cuisine in Occidental’s old train station. The café and the market offer different culinary experiences: the market brings together a variety of vendors, while the café serves American classics and California cuisine.
The days of the week also offer different options: the market is scheduled for Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., and the garden is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting. You can choose your visiting days based on whether you want to focus on the market or the garden, keeping in mind the market’s seasonal schedule and the recommendation to make an appointment for the garden.
Discover more destinations: Guerneville, Healdsburg, Annapolis, Valley Ford, Petaluma, Bodega Bay, Cotati, Graton
For the broader travel overview: Sonoma.
