8 Towns in Northern California With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024
From the rugged shorelines of the Pacific Coast to the picturesque peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, Northern California boasts one of the United States’ most diverse natural landscapes. While most travelers come to experience the vibrant scenes in big cities like San Francisco and Sacramento, the region is home to pleasant little towns that remain grossly underexplored. What many don't realize is that these hidden gems genuinely harbor the heart and soul of the Golden State.
With captivating California Gold Rush heritage, dense Redwood wildernesses, and picturesque wine countries, they promise world-class experiences beyond bustling metro areas. The following beautiful towns in Northern California deserve exploring in 2024, particularly for their bustling downtown districts. From cozy coastal villages to Gold Country hamlets, each offers a glimpse into authentic Northern California and a taste of small-town livability amid natural wonder.
Sonoma
This quaint community in the Sonoma Valley region is known for its wine making heritage and is surrounded by sprawling vineyards. Sonoma has a historic downtown district anchored by the Sonoma Plaza, a picturesque colonial-era plaza with adobe structures dating to the 19th century. Strolling through the corridor exposes you to a rich mix of locally-owned businesses, with establishments like Buena Vista Winery inviting guests for remarkable wine tastings. Further exploration will lead you to Sonoma State Historic Park, which houses a rustic Franciscan mission from the early 1800s.
You can interact with Sonoma's arts community at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. This exciting venue exhibits a world-class collection of contemporary art pieces by local, regional, national, and even international artists.
Sausalito
This waterfront community in Marin County is a prime destination for travelers escaping the major metros in the Bay Area. From its bustling downtown, Sausalito offers panoramic vistas of the San Francisco Bay and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The region is full of art galleries, restaurants, gift shops, and other businesses, resulting in an upbeat atmosphere. Noteworthy venues like the Bay Area Museum present the ideal pursuit for visiting families, hosting interactive exhibits that delight the little ones.
The Sausalito Boardwalk is always teeming with tourists enjoying magical water views. The corridor is lined with eateries and shops, offering pleasant opportunities for good-natured interactions. Visitors can also check out Sausalito's famous floating homes at Waldo Point Harbor. The area features a cluster of historic houseboats built by artists after the Second World War.
Danville
This lovely town in the San Ramon Valley doesn't get as much fanfare as its more famous neighbor, Walnut Creek, but deserves exploration, especially the town’s site-rich downtown. Dotted with lovely nature spots, you'll find a nice mix of museums, galleries, and restaurants. Historians get a feel for local heritage at the Museum of the San Ramon Valleys, home to a quirky collection of exhibits in a restored railway depot. Danville's eclectic art scene shows through its numerous art centers, led by Village Theater & Art Gallery.
This historic venue invites visual and performance art enthusiasts for an immersive cultural experience. Meanwhile, one of the best times to visit downtown Danville is during the Danville Farmers' Market. This family-friendly gathering brings the district to life with cheerful interactions between local farmers and buyers.
Placerville
Steeped in mining heritage, Placerville has evolved into a bustling community of winemakers, known for its sprawling vineyards and wineries. This town’s lively downtown offers hints of its heritage with a mix of museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Touring the El Dorado County Historical Museum offers a glimpse into Pacerville's unique past as documented by artifacts and memorabilia. Wine-tasting for visitors in the Placerville experience, and oenophiles can sample some of the town's top offerings Boeger Winery.
Several entertainment venues help to maintain a jovial mood in downtown Placerville stretching into the afterhours. Those eager to sample local nightlife will love the atmosphere inside the Green Room Social Club. With live music playing in the background and an endless supply of craft beer and local wines, it has all the hallmarks of an unforgettable night.
Mendocino
Mendocino's rugged coastal shoreline and exquisite ocean vistas makes it one of the most picturesque towns in Northern California, but the town’s charm stretches further than the stunning outdoors. It has one of the most impressive downtown districts, clustered with historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Ford House Visitor Center & Museum along Main Street introduces guests to the mid-19th century abode of the town's founder, Jerome Ford. You can uncover more exciting history at the Kelley House Museum, which was built in 1861.
Mendocino boasts a bustling arts community, which you will encounter by catching a live show at the Mendocino Art Center. Besides the stage performances, the venue periodically hosts wonderful exhibitions showcasing local art. However, you can find permanent visual art exhibitions at the quaint Highlight Gallery.
Capitola
Capitola’s coastal location along the Monterey Bay endows it with breathtaking surroundings, punctuated by beautiful beach views. Further inland, the town’s vibrant downtown area entertains visitors with a rich mix of attractions, from museums and shopping outlets to restaurants. The Capitola Historical Museum displays a vast collection of old photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia telling Capitola's story. Shoppers can look forward to pleasant opportunities at Capitola Mall, a regional retail therapy hub housing over 80 specialty stores.
After hours of exploring the endless retailers at the Capitola Mall, tourists have numerous options to restock with a hearty meal. If you have a soft spot for Italian flavors, you can pop into Caruso's Tuscan Cuisine for traditional Italian fare.
Arcata
Arcata traces its beginnings to its establishment in 1858. This town has accumulated a colorful historical heritage over the years that comes to life when you stroll through the delightful historic district. Several Victorian-era landmarks and sites take visitors on journeys back in time, including the Phillips House Museum. Guests can tour the home's rustic interior, where period artifacts and furnishings offer a window into 19th-century Arcata. The area also exposes a rich art and theater scene, and enthusiasts can take advantage of an immersive cultural pursuit by watching a play or musical at the Arcata Playhouse.
Downtown Arcata is unmissable on Saturdays because of the Arcata Plaza Farmers' Market. This local spectacle brings together over 70 local crafters and growers, attracting hundreds of buyers looking to shop for the freshest produce and cutest handmade crafts. The atmosphere is infectiously vibrant, offering visitors a good reason to interact with locals.
Davenport
Small-town charm meets laidback beach vibes in this tiny coastal village of Santa Cruz County. Despite its modest profile, Davenport promises a fulfilling experience across its quaint downtown region. You can start exploring at the Davenport Jail Museum, a tiny, one-room landmark offering a glimpse into the past through the perspective of convicted offenders. Those who appreciate the intricate technique of glass blowing can witness seasoned pros ork their magic at the Chris Johnson Glass Studio, with the opportunity to buy fabulous glass art.
Davenport ensures visitors have somewhere to restock their energy reserves after exploring all the top sites in town. This is a credit to a decent mix of restaurants, such as Davenport Roadhouse. The food is great and the atmosphere cozy. You also listen to soothing music in the background while enjoying the hearty meal.
The Takeaway
If you are searching for the best small towns in Northern California to visit in your 2024 itinerary, the gems above standout for their attractive downtown districts. Conveniently walkable, they harbor a rich mix of attractions that immerse visitors in history, arts, entertainment and hospitality through the heart of each unique community. Exploring their well-preserved historic main streets, shops, parks, and cultural sites promises a memorable glimpse into regional charm. The captivating downtown atmospheres make each profiled town well worth adding to plans for discovering Northern California's rural allure.
