Sonora (pop. ~5,000) is a lively Gold Rush–era Sierra foothill town with a compact historic downtown full of restaurants, breweries, galleries and easy access to hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding—perfect for multi‑week stays that balance relaxed small‑town living with steady activities and local events.
Within about an hour’s drive you can reach Modesto (~52 miles) and Stockton (~62 miles) for bigger-city amenities, plus Yosemite National Park for day trips and major outdoor adventures, so you won’t be stuck with nothing to do.