6 of the Most Walkable Towns in Northern California
Summer is in full swing and thriving as the sun blazes radiantly while the days stretch longer. There's no better time than now to embrace your adventurous side and seize the moment. Northern California, also known as NorCal, features numerous walkable towns with interconnected streets, offering flexibility to uncover endless hidden gems and tourist attractions. In this article, we will uncover NorCal's six most walkable towns.
Healdsburg
Starting off is the quaint town of Healdsburg. Known for its historic landmarks, picturesque slopes, and vineyards, the list of attractions to explore here is endless. Start your quest on Center Street, where you can delve into numerous eateries, including a local favorite cafe known as Flakey Cream-Do-Nuts & Coffee Shop, in addition to El Taco Grande, and Willi's Seafood & Raw Bar. And located just 0.2 miles away is the Hand Fan Museum of Healdsburg, a specialty museum with exotic artifacts related to nature and landscape, animals, transportation, and commerce. To cool off from the sun and beat the heat, Russian River Adventures awaits a short 16-minute walk away. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing self-guided canoe trip down the scenic river, while being surrounded by lush trees.
Sonoma
Sonoma is home to Sonoma Plaza, the largest plaza in the entire state of California. While virtually every town has a plaza, Sonoma's is different and not just in size—this plaza features a 19th-century building and is surrounded by eateries, boutique shops, and a mesmerizing hiking area. Also worth noting, the architecture was built all the way back in 1835 and was designed by Mariano Guadalupe, the city's founder. As you embark on your journey, consider treating your tastebuds to the Sunflower Caffé, a brunch restaurant adorned with art, while offering seasonal menus made from locally sourced ingredients. A brisk four-minute walk away lies the Sonoma State Historic Park, where you can explore a museum, Sonama Barracks, and more. Finally, a 12-minute walk away is the Sonoma Overlook Trail, offering spectacular views of the city from 500 feet in the air. Furthermore, the trail takes roughly an hour to complete and is ideal for spotting small wildlife, like birds and other animals.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
If this town's name sounds familiar, you may have already come across it after it was named among the 13 prettiest towns in the United States earlier this year. Carmel boasts several landmarks, attracting millions of visitors a year. Whether it's the stunning white sands at Carmel Beach, one of California's most iconic points of interest that landed Carmel on the prestigious list of "One of America's Top Beach Towns," or the more than 100 art galleries around, there is something for everyone to discover. What's more, Carmel is one of few towns in the nation where all eateries must be authentic. In other words, you will not find any McDonald's or Burger King locations here—only the finest restaurants, bistros, coffeehouses, and bakeries.
Arcata
Like Carmel, Arcata is also a coastal town. Known as "Hippie Haven," Arcata is home to the jaw-dropping Humbolt Beach, Arcata Bird Sanctuary, and the Arcata Community Forest, a tranquil park known for its extensive trails and California's beloved redwood trees, which can tower and grow to 250 feet. Additionally, Arcata flaunts a vibrant and walkable downtown, where you can visit the Natural History Museum and see a reconstruction of extinct mollusk fossils that roamed the planet 65 million years ago, as well as informational redwood exhibitions. Just minutes away, Arcata Plaza offers a serene congregation spot with all the green space you need to unwind, while being within proximity to endless establishments and restaurants, including the esteemed Salt FishHouse and Mazzotti's Italian Restaurant.
Sausalito
Sausalito was once a prominent shipping hub during World War II. Since then, it has reinvented itself as an artistic community while becoming a popular tourist town. Kickstart your trip at the Sausalito Boardwalk, a prominent tourist attraction offering magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean. After you're done, a six-minute walk north takes you to Viña del Mar Park, one of the most photographed areas in the area thanks to its lavish sculptures. From here, you're free to embark on anything and everything your mind pleases—immerse yourself in the local art scene, with 10 galleries to explore like the Sausalito Center for the Arts or Studio 333 Downtown. The latter sells meticulously handcrafted collections and jewelry from over 40 artists. Alternatively, dine in for some fresh seafood at The Spinnaker, an exquisite restaurant that offers panoramic views of the ocean. The possibilities in this town are endless, no matter your artistic appetite or culinary desires.
Placerville
Capping off the list is the small but mighty town of Placerville. Despite its miniature size, Placerville possesses an impressive amount of tourist attractions. Launch your journey at the El Dorado County Historical Museum, an educational center dedicated to collecting artifacts on the town's storied history. Exhibitions include the Gold Rush era collections, mining items, and Native American history. Less than 10 minutes away, the Placerville Speedway hosts weekly races featuring mini trucks and sprint cars, among other vehicles. Wrap up your trip at the Imagination Theater, and see prize-winning live performances related to drama, humor, musical theater, and additional genres— the establishment is celebrating its 25th year and offering discounted tickets to celebrate the occasion.
In summary, Norcal's six most walkable towns offer a wide array of attractions, enabling you to enjoy all the sunshine summer can offer, while exploring timeless historic landmarks, picturesque trails, art scenes, and delectable eateries.
