Sonora Travel Guide

  Sutton County Courthouse
by Basaic
 
  • Sutton County Courthouse
      Sutton County Courthouse
    by Basaic
  • Historic District
      Historic District
    by Basaic
  • Sutton County Courthouse
      Sutton County Courthouse
    by Basaic
  • Sutton County Courthouse
      Sutton County Courthouse
    by Basaic
  • Historic Plaques
      Historic Plaques
    by Basaic
 

Explore Sonora

Things to Do  

Sutton County Courthouse

Sutton County Courthouse, Sonora

 Basaic Says:  The Sutton County Courthouse was built in 1891, and looks like a cross between a traditional Texas Courthouse and the home from the Addam’s Family. It is one of the more interesting courthouses in the state. There were several Veteran's Monuments, and historical plaques on... 

Wildlife (not nightlife)

Wildlife (not nightlife), Sonora

 EatonHill Says:  I am a local and my favorite place to visit (really a tie with the Caverns) is the wildlife sanctuary. Eaton Hill was barely started when the last tips were written. Pretty much untouched by grazing critters, the Hill has native vegetation undisturbed by commerce. There are... 

Wildlife (not nightlife)

Wildlife (not nightlife), Sonora

 EatonHill Says:  I am a local and my favorite place to visit (really a tie with the Caverns) is the wildlife sanctuary. Eaton Hill was barely started when the last tips were written. Pretty much untouched by grazing critters, the Hill has native vegetation undisturbed by commerce. There are... 

Caverns of Sonora..

Caverns of Sonora.., Sonora

 KimberlyAnn Says:  Caverns of Sonora is a wonderful cave, and I love caves! We love caves so much that we took 5 of the cave tours offered when we visited Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. Now you will find that the Caverns of the Sonora is not a large cave, as you will only wind though about a... 

Caverns of Sonora

Caverns of Sonora, Sonora

 texasjld64 Says:  These caverns are very interesting, if you're into that sort of thing. There are very interesting formations, and while I wasn't impressed with the guide we had that cold day in February, I liked the tour in general. Now, what did I do with those pictures??? 

Exit

Exit, Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  The early explorers of the cavern used arrows to clearly mark the quickest route out of the cave. Most of this arrows are clearly visible today. So for those of you who are claustrophobic (person with a morbid fear of being closed in a confined space) you can rest assure... 

Popcorn formations

Popcorn formations, Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  I don't know if I was hungry by now or what, but after a while it looked like popcorn was coming out of the cavern walls. Take a look and judge for yourself :). 

Is it a vase or a couple...

Is it a vase or a couple..., Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  Is it a vase or a couple kissing?If anything, this tour is about opening your mind and expanding your imagination. So look at all the rocks and formations and try to link a common picture to what you're seeing. On this particular picture, I was reminded to the imfamous... 

Coral formations

Coral formations, Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  At the start of the tour, you will walk through several impresive cavern rooms with corral and popcorn like formations on the wall. More on the popcorn formations later, but for now, take a look at this amazing pic. It almost looks like the coral one encounters while scuba... 

Inside a whale's mouth :).

Inside a whale's mouth :)., Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  Oh what would a kid give to see the inside of a whale... not the true whales, but the ones in cartoons and stories. Imagine Moby Dick, then enter the last segment of the tour. The white coated walls are amazing! 

Hotels  

Comfort Inn Sonora

 50 Opinions

Restaurants  

Sutton County Steakhouse: The nicest folks hang out here!
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texasjld64 2 reviews

This place looks like it would be right in the middle of cattle country... wait, it IS! It has a typical rustic look, with cattle brands burned into the walls and nostalgic wallpaper. The food was excellent and the staff (and other patrons) were very friendly. In fact, as we were leaving, the place had filled up, and the lady trying to ring everyone up was frantically trying to get everyone squared away. The phone was ringing, and a customer from one of the tables got up and answered it for her. He was obviously a local, because he told her who was holding on the phone, and she thanked him by his first name. The food was simple - no haute cuisine here! But, if you like steak and typical southern fare, this is THE place to go.

Favorite Dish: They cook a mean steak! Their chicken fried steak was wonderful, too, and more than I could put away at one sitting.

Written Jul 27, 2006

Address: 1306 North Service Road, Sonora, TX 76950

Phone: (325) 387-3833

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Road Trip

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Nightlife  

Covered Wagon Dinner Theatre: Cowboy/western show
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2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

KimberlyAnn 1076 reviews

We were not at the cave in the summer, but on Saturdays from mid-June to mid-August a cowboy/western show is presented around 6:30 in a covered wagon dinner theater. Having not seen it, I don’t know if it is entertaining or not.

Dress Code: Casual everyday wear.

Updated Oct 13, 2002

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Transportation  

The Caverns are located about...
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

darthmilmo 1920 reviews

The Caverns are located about 15 minutes away from the town of Sonora, Texas. The easiest way to access the road to the caverns is by driving along I-10 and taking exit # 392. If coming form San Antonio, head West on I-10. However, if coming from El Paso, head East on I-10

Note: To visit the town of Sonora, Texas, get back on I-10 and take exit # 400. Thanks for pointing that Nat (b1bob).

Written Oct 5, 2002

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Warnings and Dangers  

Caverns of Sonora - ask about trail demands!

Caverns of Sonora - ask about trail demands!, Sonora

 redpondranch Says:  There is a section of one tour called "Windy Tunnel". The reason it's called that is because of all the gasping and puffing tour groups are doing after climbing a fairly demanding set of stairs. If you have any issues that might limit your mobility, it's best to ask about... 

As if the hands of the teacher...

As if the hands of the teacher..., Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  As if the hands of the teacher wasn't enough, the cavern has a 'Watch Dog' awaiting those bad kids that destroy its domain. Ironic, I know, since the watchdog was partly made out of a neglect in the contruction of the tour's path. 

And, for those kids who are...

And, for those kids who are..., Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  And, for those kids who are totally out of control, the cavern has created the 'Machete,' which will be used to cut the hands and legs of those guilty of destroying this natural treasure. Ok, a bit graphic, but it does put an emphasis on presserving the cavern. 

DO NOT TOUCH the formations!...

DO NOT TOUCH the formations!..., Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  DO NOT TOUCH the formations! The Cavern of Sonora is 90% active, alive and growing. Please do not touch anything. Do not bring food, drinks, or anything organic into the cave. Even a copper penny can harm the formations that took hundreds or thousands of years to form. Just... 

What to Pack  

Packing List
KimberlyAnn profile photo

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

KimberlyAnn 1076 reviews

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: This is another warm Texas cave. (see my San Antonio page’s “Off the Beaten Path” for another cave suggestion.) At 70 degrees you won’t need a jacket. Wear comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles.

Updated Jan 24, 2004

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Favorites  

Before the texan hills...

Before the texan hills..., Sonora

 Bela_LUng Says:  Sonara, when heading eastwards, is one of the last large cities on the I-10 before San Antonio. I've often had problems finding a place to sleep when driving through Texas late at night. Sonara has about 6 hotels to choose from making an ideal late night stop. 

Well, I can't say much about...

Well, I can't say much about..., Sonora

 darthmilmo Says:  Well, I can't say much about the town of Sonora. It's just your average Texan town. However, about 15 minutes away lie one of the greatest treasures of North America: the amazing Caverns of Sonora. Since you made it this far, don't leave town without seeing them. There are 3... 

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Map of Sonora