These Small Towns in Northern California Have the Best Historic Districts
You will be amazed by the rich and varied history that you can explore in Northern California. Here, you can explore some of the West Coast’s earliest established towns, from sacred Native American sites to the first Gold Rush settlements or early California Missions to the state’s first capital. Travel through this region and learn about the people and events that shaped California and the western United States into what you know today. As you travel through towering redwood forests, up sacred mountains, and along the beautiful coast, be sure to stop at some of the best historic districts in Northern California.
Marysville
This small town holds the title of the oldest town in California. Many traveled to this area during the Gold Rush in the 1800s. Located right at the meeting of the Yuba and Feather rivers, this was a key spot for the arriving settlers and local Native American people. At one time, Marysville was one of the largest towns in California and also boasted the second-largest Chinatown in the state. Today, you can visit the Chinese American Museum of Northern California and explore buildings and temples that date back to the 19th century. If you would like to explore some nature, take a walk along the Yubas Goldfield Trail.
Martinez
Less than an hour from San Francisco, you will arrive in Martinez. A must-see stop here is the John Muir National Historic Site. John Muir is often referred to as the Father of National Parks. His published works in the late 19th and early 20th century poetically advocated for the importance of experiencing and protecting nature. This led to him being a key player in the creation of Yosemite, Sequoia, Petrified Forest, Mount Rainer and Grand Canyon national parks. During your visit to Martinez, be sure to spend some time enjoying nature. Stroll through one of the over 15 public city parks including Waterfront Park, Mountain View Park, Rankin Park and Hidden Lakes Park.
Sonoma
As you head north into the famed wine region of Northern California, be sure to stop in Sonoma. Right in the heart of wine country, you will find that the perfect pairing for wine is rich, local history. Begin your tour through Sonoma at the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, originally built in 1842. Enjoy some delicious California wine while you look around at a variety of artifacts that date back to the 19th century.
Next, take a short walk to the Sonoma Plaza. This is the largest plaza of its kind in California and allows you to explore many buildings first built in the 1800s. This area is also considered the birthplace of California State Bear Flag! Travel north from Sonoma on the famous Wine Road and stop in at many historic wineries like Buena Vista Winery, California’s oldest winery.
Mendocino
As you continue travelling north and toward the coast you will reach the small town of Mendocino. Stroll through one of the best main streets in Northern California and enjoy the historic buildings, many protected by the National Register of Historic Places for you to enjoy. Mendocino has gone through many transformations over the years. What began as a logging area over 200 years ago has since shifted to a fishing town and more recently became a sanctuary for artists. Be sure to also spend some time in the Mendocino Headlands State Park just outside of town. Enjoy a hike as you take in the views of the Big River, cliffs and the ocean.
Eureka
Traveling further up the coast you will arrive in Eureka where you will marvel at the historic Victorian architecture. Begin your stay with a stop at the Clarke Museum where you can learn about the rich history of Northwestern California. Just a short walk from the Clarke Museum you can check out the first free library in the state. The former Carnegie Free Library is currently home to the Morris Graves Museum of Art.
A trip to Eureka is not complete without taking stroll through the towering redwoods in Sequoia Park. For an even more immersive experience, check out the Redwood Sky Walk where you can experience the history and nature 100 feet above the forest floor!
Crescent City
As you take a scenic drive through Redwood National and State Parks, continue north until you are just 20 miles from the Oregon border. Here you will find the small harbor town of Crescent City. A must-see while you are here is the Battery Point Lighthouse. Constructed in 1856, this is the northernmost lighthouse in California. To learn more about the lighthouse and the local maritime history, you can visit the Del Norte County Main Museum.
Next, take a walk along Crescent City’s waterfront. While this area is more modern compared to other parts of the town, it has a connection to the town’s history. Much of this area had to be completely rebuilt after the devastating 1964 tsunami.
Yreka
80 miles east of Crescent City is Yreka, one of the oldest founded towns in Northern California. Settlers travelled to this region during the Gold Rush in the 1850s to seek their fortune. Once you arrive, you can check out the Ley Station Fire Museum, Siskiyou County Museum and historic downtown Miner Street. There is also a Historic Homes Walking Tour that will guide you around over 70 houses that were built before the turn of the century.
A short drive from town is the stunning Mount Shasta. This mountain is seen as a very sacred place to local Native American people. There is a legend that this was the home of the creator, and it is believed that the water from this mountain has healing powers.
Monterey
Next, you will travel over 400 miles south to the other side of Northern California and arrive in Monterey. This town plays a large role in California’s history and was even the state’s original capital! Your first stop in Monterey should be the Old Custom House. Built in 1827, it was the first government building in California and the earliest government building on the west coast. In 1846, the American flag was raised here proclaiming California as a part of America for the first time. Your next stop will be Old Fisherman’s Wharf in downtown Monterey. It was built in 1845 for regular passenger and freight service and is known as the Monterey Bay Whale Watching Capital of the World.
San Juan Bautista
You will find San Juan Bautista less than an hour drive northeast of Monterey. The Ohlone tribe of Native American people noted that Spanish settlers first arrived in this area in the late 18th century. In 1797, these settlers set up what became the largest of the 21 California Missions and the town of San Juan Bautista was established in 1869. You can still visit the Mission, known as the Mission of Music, and surrounding historic buildings to learn more about Spanish-Mexican colonial architecture and culture. The historic Juan de Anza Trail, Fremont Peak State Park and Observatory, and St. Francis Retreat grounds are great places to enjoy natural landscapes surrounding San Juan Bautista, one of the most unique towns in Northern California.
Northern California holds some truly fascinating history! Tucked away within the stunning natural scenery, some of these towns make you feel like you have traveled back in time. With so much to explore, it is difficult for a history buff to choose their favorite spot. These towns helped to shape national parks, the state flag and the diverse culture of the people that call California home today.
