These Towns in California Have The Best Main Streets
Whenever you hear California, it immediately evokes thoughts of sunny beaches, Hollywood hills, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Still, the state has a minimalistic and peaceful element that very few discuss.
California is the largest American state by population and, therefore by default, is the most abundant, offering a broad range of experiences and beautiful sites to see. Its small towns showcase diversity and cultural richness without emphasizing the American dream as much as its big cities do. This list of the best towns in California includes all modern and historical destinations that escape the luxurious and expensive big city lifestyle.
Solvang
A sunkissed city with Danish cultural heritage in everything from its buildings to local cuisines and arts. The town was founded by Danish immigrants in 1911 and made almost every list of the cutest towns in California. Over 1 million visitors head out to see the unique blend of cultures annually, featuring over 30 restaurants, bakeries, and distinctive Dansih-themed architecture that brings the European experience to America. Solvang's main street is Mission Drive, and it features everything from Danish pastries and treats to local mom-and-pop restaurants in adorable little wooden buildings. The perfect family destination for a weekend holiday or chill out for a European cultural adventure without leaving America.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo is a popular weekend escape for Californians, famous for accentuating Spanish culture, Mediterranean weather, and historic architecture. Higuera Street is considered the small county’s main street covered in beautiful trees, featuring cute bookshops, restaurants, many locally owned boutiques, and the contemporary San Luis Obispo Museum of Art. Aside from what its welcoming main street offers, visitors can go on hiking adventures, visit the weekly farmer's market hosted every Thursday, and enjoy a bike ride with friends on the county's many trails. San Luis Obispo is surrounded by green landscapes and less than 10 mi from famous beaches.
Balboa Island
Marine Ave on balboa island is a hub for small local businesses and locally owned restaurants. The island is the size of a small town and is surrounded by boat docs and yacht clubs while being tightly packed with small residential buildings. Balboa Island is part of Newport beach city and is accessible via ferry or bridge. Enjoy a beautiful sunset near the island’s dock, take a bike rental to browse the main street, or walk around the whole 0.2 sq mi island to embrace its unique take on the Cali lifestyle. From apparel and candy to art and souvenirs, visitors must visit the shops on the Marine Ave Boardwalk whenever in town. Each store showcases a unique personality and eclectic flair with its unique offerings.
Ojai
Located 82.8 mi from Los Angeles, Ojai is a relaxing getaway for LA locals to enjoy the small-town experience by shopping from its farmer’s markets, browsing its small local fashion shops, and enjoying outdoor activities in the area. The town's beauty lies within the unique sense of a tight caring community, differentiating it from surrounding cities. The main street of Ojai offers panoramic views of the Topa Topa mountains while inheriting some of LA’s Spanish-inspired culture of palm tree-decorated streets and Mediterranean architecture. While most downtowns are bustling with traffic and pedestrians, Ojai's small business district comprises mainly family-owned businesses that add their unique touch to the small town.
Laguna Beach
A small tourist city in Orange County, California, Laguna Beach is a Seaside resort destination with over 6 million annual visitors. The town enjoys exceptional summer climates and offers everything from art galleries to restaurants and locally-owned fashion shops. The city's main street sits across from Main Beach, embellished with palm trees and elegant historic architecture. Experience the clear waters of the north pacific ocean and indulge in the city’s diverse culture by visiting its many beachfront attractions. Residential buildings on its hills surround the main beach areas making the small city best described as a small American version of some of the best Spanish summer destinations, such as Malaga and Granada.
Placerville
Escaping the popular beach vibes of California is Pacerville in Eldorado County and its historic main street that embraces modernization and old-school aesthetics. This retail and service area offers a unique blend of specialty shops, restaurants, and special events. Downtown festivals and events celebrate Placerville’s local history, agriculture, and community. Aside from the small city’s historical heritage and unique shopping destinations, Placerville is now known to be a hub for vineyards and local wine productions. Besides its main street, some of the most popular destinations for visitors in Placerville include Gold Bug Park, the El Dorado County Historical Museum, and various wine-tasting rooms.
San Clemente
Finally, the last sunkissed beach town on this list of the best main streets in California, Avenida Del Mar street in San Clemente, inherits the classiness of Beverly Hills, offering immersive Cali culture. San Clemente is known for its beaches and Spanish Colonial architecture and is nicknamed the village by the sea. Find local fashion boutiques in uniquely designed buildings, San Clemente is Located along the North Atlantic shorelines. Enjoy a whale-watching trip when visiting, and take a locally guided tour in its historic downtown district. Stroll down Del Mar and its many shopping boutiques, or check out Casa Romantica, a historical tourist attraction with heavenly gardens when in town.
Ultimately, California State and its small towns offer a unique, distinctive experience thanks to its Spanish-inspired culture of unique buildings, cuisines, and agriculture. Anyone that visits these small breathtaking towns and beaches is fascinated by how different the state is from the rest of America.
Yet the best thing about small-town Cali main streets is that they all have a range of real-estate offices conveniently located for you to buy in after feeling the “California Love” in its welcoming, diverse communities.
