These Towns in Northern California Have The Best Main Streets
Like the rest of the “Golden State”, Northern California is home to a very rich backdrop of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, iconic landmarks, and unique cultural awe. Full of exciting adventures, tasty dining options, and special cultural attractions, the towns of Northern California are wonderful places to experience firsthand. Here some of the very best of the State can be found always welcoming visitors with an assured memorable and charming time.
Mendocino
Founded in the 1850s, the charming and fascinating town of Mendocino boasts a population of just 932 residents! Still this coastal town is a cannot miss for passing travellers, and indeed much of the town itself is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Known as an artists’ colony, a stroll through Mendocino’s streets offers not only some wonderful seaside views but a plethora of Victorian houses and other 19th century era buildings. In addition the great Mendocino Headlands State Park (which surrounds the town on three sides) offers further stunning views of the Pacific Ocean all while framed by a most unique historical setting.
Half Moon Bay
Only 45 minutes south from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay is another beautifully picturesque coastal town, with several miles of stunning beach areas. Home to a population of just under 12,000 residents, the charming downtown area offers a variety of great local shops, tasty restaurant spots, museums, and landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition golf lovers will not want to miss an opportunity for some ocean side courses, while activities like sailing, swimming, and surfing are always popular. And of course sightseeing for mighty Redwood Trees will prove to be a true highlight of any excursion.
Capitola
Capitola is California’s oldest seaside resort and can trace its foundational history back to the mid 1850s. Home to a population of just under 10,000 inhabitants, this town on Monterey Bay is full of wonderful beaches, restaurants, shops, and historic intrigue that attract thousands of annual tourists. In addition with its comfortable and warm weather, there is never a bad time to visit Capitola. Visit the Venetian Court neighborhood and its colorful summer homes, stroll through the Riverview Historic District, or relax by the Soquel Creek. And of course swimming and even fishing can be enjoyed in the pristine blue waters for an encounter with the outdoors unlike any other.
Arcata
Established in 1860, the town of Arcata is near the beautiful Humboldt Bay and is some 280 miles from San Francisco. With its cool summers and mild winters, this town of just under 19,000 residents is a great place to enjoy seaside breezes, charming beaches, and a variety of quaint shops, restaurants, and other cultural sites. Spend time at the Arcata Plaza where a number of cute small buildings meet with a charming green space or stroll through Main Street and marvel at a number of lovingly maintained Victorian houses. Meanwhile perhaps watching a movie at the historic Minor Theater (1914) may be just the right thing to do on an afternoon.
Davenport
With a population of just under 400 residents, the town of Davenport sits at an elevation of 259 feet above sea level. Indeed this Pacific Ocean locale offers wonderous vistas of dramatic cliffs, great surfing areas, and calm and secluded beaches. Settled in the 1860s, this once bustling whaling village is now a quiet place of reflection with plenty of small town charm and splendid natural surroundings. Visit such sites like the Davenport Jail Museum (established in 1914), the Davenport Beach and the most unique Shark Fin Cove. Indeed for a blend of local history and special raw nature, visiting Davenport will surely never disappoint the curious traveller.
Fort Bragg
Situated in Mendocino County, just under 7,000 people call Fort Bragg home. Right along the very scenic Shoreline Highway, the town is popular with tourists for its stunning beach views, public parks, and challenging hiking trails. In town itself a number of charming stores, restaurants, and local museums are always ready to greet visitors, while time spent at Glass Beach, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, and MacKerricher State Park always pleases. Indeed for a perfect mix of stunning natural ambience, quaint small town amenities, and pleasing weather, Fort Bragg is one of the best places to explore in Northern California.
Shelter Cove
Shelter Cove lies at an elevation of 138 feet, where just under 1,000 inhabitants reside. This peaceful and quaint community is situated right on the Lost Coast, where plenty of natural wonders are always waiting to greet residents and visitors alike. In town an assortment of cute restaurants and charming boutique shops dot the landscape, all along a most serene waterfront panorama. Meanwhile opportunities for leisurely walks and bike rides either in town or by the coastline, make Shelter Cove a place of splendid discovery.
Sausalito
From the Spanish for “Small Willow Grove”, the town of Sausalito is situated just some 6 miles from San Francisco. Home to a population of just over 7,000 residents, this splendid town in the North Bay offers all who visit an assortment of great shops, restaurants, galleries, and of course terrific vistas. Indeed even just a casual stroll through Sausalito’s city centre will surely create memories. Spend time at the harbor, enjoy the sea breezes, or browse around for that very special souvenir, Sausalito always delivers a pleasant experience.
Placerville
Seat of El Dorado County, the historic Placerville is a former gold mining town first established in the 1850s. Today with a population of nearly 11,000, visitors will find a bustling town with a great assortment of charming shops, galleries, and restaurants, many of which celebrate Placerville’s fascinating history. Stop by several landmarks on the National Register of Historic Places, learn more about the town’s “golden” past at several museums and historic markers, or take a leisurely walking tour organized by the El Dorado Historical Society.
Northern California and its towns are a rich source of historic wonder, natural beauty, and charming hospitality that is both unique to the region and typical of Americana. Here special landmarks, ocean views, eclectic dining options, and plenty of shopping outlets make spending time in these towns a most special excursion. From the pretty beaches of Arcata to the historic intrigue of Capitola, and more, travelling to these Northern California places will assuredly be one of the best decisions any tourist can choose to make.
