7 Towns in Northern California That Transport You to the Past
California is the mecca of states in the US. It is home to nearly 40 million people with bustling cities of glamour and fame, miles of beautiful Pacific coast shoreline, and versatile inland that ranges from the desert of Death Valley to the towering pines of the Redwoods. Historical in its Gold Rush era and massive migration, California is a phenomenal state to explore as a history enthusiast. These seven towns in the Northern part of the state will transport you to the past and dazzle any traveler looking to strike gold on vacation.
Nevada City
Part of Gold Country and established in 1849, Nevada City is rich in Gold Rush history. Nevada City is situated just 60 miles northeast of Sacramento and along the western edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. The entire downtown area of Nevada City is declared a national historic landmark and has been well preserved over time. It features the Nevada Theatre, which was built in 1865; the Firehouse No. 1 Museum; and the Miners Foundry Cultural Center. Visitors can stay at the vibrantly adorned National Exchange Hotel, established in 1856, which boasts a rustic history and modern design. Spring visits should include a stop at Crystal Hermitage Gardens, which are peaceful gardens with thousands of tulip blooms.
Grass Valley
Only six short minutes down the road from Nevada City, Grass Valley is another town with established roots from the Gold Rush. Downtown Grass Valley features the Golden Gate Saloon, located in the Holbrooke Hotel, with an astounding food menu and timeless bar design. The Del Oro Theatre, established in 1942, is a tourist favorite with inviting, nostalgic décor. Italian food fans will love Cirino’s at Main Street, which has been a family-owned business since 1983. It has gorgeous pastas and inventive flavors with various risottos. Empire Mine State Historic Park, the site of one of the biggest gold mines in California, offers daily tours of the gold mine and garden of roses and other blooms.
Eureka
Within the heart of the Redwoods, Eureka is famous for its Victorian architecture, with its Old Town district containing 150 buildings protected in the US National Register of Historic Places. Visitors to the Old Town district can step into the Clarke Memorial Museum to view extensive historic artifacts from local Native American tribes and then marvel at the Carson Mansion and The Pink Lady (both elaborate examples of Victorian architecture). Eureka Visitors Center offers guided tours of town along with tips and directional guidance. Eureka is also home to many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including the Forest Moon Festival, Friday Night Markets, and Redwood Coast Music Festival.
Mendocino
Magic is real, according to the small coastal town of Mendocino, and it’s easy to believe with Mendocino’s enchanting landscapes in the ancient Redwoods. Mendocino was established in the 1850s and has been the setting of many movies and TV shows, the most popular being Murder, She Wrote, which aired from 1984 to1996. Visitors to Mendocino can witness one of the oldest Chinese temples in California, the Temple of Kwan Tai, established in the 1800s, or jump on the Skunk Train, a century-old train that takes riders through redwoods and into the Noyo River Canyon.
Auburn
On the west side of the Sierra Nevada and 30 minutes away from Sacramento, Auburn was established in 1849 and was a supply point for gold miners in the Sierra foothills. Travelers to Auburn can visit Old Town's Placer County Museum or Bernhard Museum, which dates back to the 1850s. Many of Old Town's buildings are now occupied by specialty shops and restaurants like Old Town Pizza. Visitors will love an overnight stay in Park Victorian, a beautiful Victorian mansion that was built in 1874 and is modernly restored. The town is home to the historically challenging 100-mile trail running race, Western States, and is also a popular area for hiking and mountain biking in the Auburn State Recreation area.
Calistoga
Originally inhabited by the Wappo tribe after discovering a natural volcanic hot spring near Mt. Helena, Calistoga gained popularity after American settlers started to arrive and inhabit nearby communities. By 1862, the Hot Springs of Calistoga was a popular destination for travelers, and the Hot Springs Hotel was established along with the original Napa Valley Wine Train. These days, visitors come from all over the world to experience Calistoga’s healing waters. Platypus Wine Tours is a frequent part of any visitor itinerary, with full-day Napa Valley winery tours and lunch included. Calistoga Spa Hot Springs Hotel is a perfect way for travelers to get the full effect of Calistoga with spa services like mud baths in volcanic ash and proximity to downtown and Sharpsteen Museum.
Ferndale
The historic heart of the California Redwoods, Ferndale is a Victorian Village full of classic Americana charm and modern twists. It was originally sought out as a lush land for farming in 1852. It became a desired home base for dairy farmers and drew in many settlers, eventually becoming a crucial transportation center within Humboldt County by the late 19th century. Travelers can catch a concert at The Old Steeple, a 115-year-old Methodist Church renovated into a venue, wander through Ferndale’s iconic cemetery, or stop in the Ferndale Museum that features many of Ferndale’s antique farming and dairy equipment. A stay at the Victorian Inn, a boutique hotel built in 1890, is a visitor favorite with its vintage furnishings and Victorian style.
Northern California's lengthy history of big dreams and migration is one of grit, aspiration, and interesting tales. These seven towns were foundational in the state’s identity, and it is evident in the care and preservation taken of each historic building and landmark. The landscapes of Northern California are truly majestic, from the ancient Redwoods to the rocky Pacific coast. A journey to any one of these towns is a delightful glimpse into the past and tenacious spirit of its original settlers.
