7 Towns In Northern California With Vibrant Downtown Areas
Many come to Northern California to see its majestic wildlands—from the iconic state parks and national parks, like Yosemite in its interior, to the sandy beaches on its windswept Pacific coastline. However, this region's allure extends beyond its natural landmarks.
The upper half of the state has fewer major metro areas than its southern counterpart. San Francisco is by far the biggest city in northern California, having a population of just over 800,000 (but with a metro area nearing 4.6 million, to be fair, the 13th largest in the United States). This distinct region instead features a large number of smaller communities, many of which are home to quaint yet just as vibrant downtown areas that complement the other natural and historic attractions outside of them.
Join us as we further explore in detail what makes these seven small downtown areas in North Carolina worth checking out. Whether it's just a stop on a road trip or a way to fill up a whole day with activity, these notable downtowns cater to a large variety of interests.
Grass Valley
Grass Valley is one of many former gold rush towns in Northern California, settled at a time when huge deposits of gold were discovered in the mid-1800s, and a subsequent rush of people looking to strike it rich rushed to the newly formed state.
The heart of downtown Grass Valley is loaded with several historic buildings, some of which date back to the Victorian era. Visitors can explore the historic Holbrooke Hotel, which dates back to 1851 and offers an up-close look into the past, with its period-accurate decor and stories regarding famous guests. Grass Valley is also known for its community events, such as the annual Cornish Christmas, where the streets are decorated with festive lighting, and vendors set up shop at a central Christmas market.
The town’s proximity to more outdoor-oriented attractions, like the Empire Mine State Historic Park and the nearby Sierra Nevada foothills, makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to discover the beauty of this north-central region of the Golden State.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg sits in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, just a short drive north of the city of Santa Rosa. Centered around its historic plaza, Healdsburg's downtown is a fun collection of locally owned restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Many tasting rooms can be found here too, where you can sample some of the best wines this region has to offer. The Meeker Vineyard Tasting Room and Siduri Wine Bar and Tasting Lounge are just two of over a dozen popular options here.
The scenic Russian River flows just steps away from downtown Healdsburg. Kayaking, canoeing, and walking along its banks are popular activities here. Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach is an ideal boat launch and a nice place to kick back and relax.
Nevada City
Nevada City is among the best places to stay if you seek to explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This former mining town is now recognized for its beauty and plethora of attractions worth seeing, whether while passing through a road trip or if you are in town for a day or two.
Nevada City is home to the historic Nevada Theatre, California's oldest operating theater. The theater continues to host regularly scheduled performances, from plays to film screenings. The town's commitment to performance arts is also evident in events like the annual Nevada City Film Festival, which attracts filmmakers and audiences from across the country.
Surrounded by vast wildlands, Nevada City offers easy access to outdoor activities, including hiking and swimming at the nearby South Yuba River. Nevada City is also regarded as a gateway to the famous Tahoe National Forest.
Eureka
This town is located on the rugged, far northern coastline of California. With around 27,000 residents, Eureka is still one of the largest towns between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, a fact that displays just how sparsely populated this region of the country can sometimes be.
The town’s cultural scene is lively. The Morris Graves Museum of Art serves as a central hub for the arts, containing a rotation of exhibitions that highlight both local and nationally recognized artists. If learning more about Eureka and the surrounding area is more within your interests, the wonderfully curated Clarke Historical Museum is also nearby.
Eureka’s downtown is closely tied to its waterfront, where you can stroll along the boardwalk, explore the marina, or even take a historic boat tour on the Humboldt Bay Harbor Cruise.
Ferndale
Ferndale is often referred to as the “Cream City” due to its thriving dairy industry. The Ferndale Museum is one of the best spots to visit if you'd like to know more about this history and the many dairy farms that continue to operate here to this day. With a downtown core that is registered on the National Register of Historic Places, be sure to grab some locally made cheese, milk, or ice cream at longstanding establishments like The Milk House, housed in one of the many buildings here dating back to the 19th century.
Located a short drive from the Lost Coast, an undeveloped area featuring several parks and natural landmarks, Ferndale also serves as a good place to escape into California's pristine coastal wildlands. Here, you can relax on Black Sand Beach or hike to the original location of the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse which still gives its visitors an idyllic viewpoint over the surrounding oceanscapes and wildflower-covered hills.
Benicia
Benicia sits along the Carquinez Strait off of San Pablo Bay and is a historic town with a downtown area that still holds onto its significance as California’s former state capital from 1853 to 1854. This town's proximity to San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area makes it a popular escape for those looking to get away from big city life.
The Benicia Capitol State Historic Park, where the original state capitol building still stands, offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s important past.
Benicia’s waterfront is where one can find some natural beauty not far from the downtown core, with views of the Carquinez Strait and easy access to walking trails, parks, and the Benicia Marina. Make sure to catch a sunset at Pointe Benicia at the southern tip of town!
Weed
Weed rests at the base of Mount Shasta, the second-highest peak in the Cascade Range. Originally established as a logging town, Weed’s downtown continues to reflect its industrial roots while now serving as a top-notch tourist destination in Northern California.
The Weed Historic Lumber Town Museum, located downtown, contains exhibits and a collection of artifacts related to its logging industry and other human activity in the region. Several public art installations and murals that celebrate the town’s history can also be found. A walk around the downtown area will uncover these gems. A short drive north of town is the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden, another unique public piece of art that is a beautiful ode to veterans.
Mount Shasta is the biggest attraction (literally) for most that come here, and is also just a short drive away from downtown Weed Hiking, skiing, camping, and the ability to take in the breathtaking scenery from high above draw outdoor adventures year-round.
Find Your Ideal Downtown Area In Northern California
Northern California clearly stands on its own as a fantastic place to embark on a memorable trip, from its famous parklands to its many small towns that are full of warm charm. The vibrant downtown areas mentioned above are just some of the best places to stop in, whether you're staying for the night or just passing through. From the outdoor adventures that can be found in Weed to the coastal delights of Eureka, and the historic intrigue of Grass Valley, there truly is something for everyone here.
