It’s a little-known fact that California’s state flag—the Bear Flag depicting a now-extinct California grizzly bear—first came to be in the tiny rural Mission town of Sonoma.
To commemorate this historic beginning, the Bear Flag Monument (Sonoma Plaza at E. Spain St. and 1st St. E.) was erected. Visit the Monument as you stroll the Plaza or explore the various sites that comprise the Sonoma State Historic Park.