Fodor's Expert Review General Vallejo's Home

General Mariano G. Vallejo commissioned this 1852 Victorian Gothic home situated on several serene acres a few blocks west of Sonoma Plaza. It's a great place to picnic amid enormous cacti and learn about one of the region's early VIPs. The home blends Mexican and American styles and has opulent furnishings, including white-marble fireplaces and a French rosewood piano, one of the first pianos brought to California. Another building holds a small museum. Occasional weekend tours are conducted by docents.