11 Standout Main Streets In California's Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada region in California is one of the more ruggedly beautiful regions of the state, filled with incredible mountains, lakes, and deserts to explore. Numerous small towns dot the area and add to the rural charm of the region, attracting visitors from far and wide, thanks in part to their unique downtowns, history, and tourist attractions that bring their communities to life. Many of these towns have warm and welcoming Main Streets to keep daytime activities going strong into the evening. Visitors and residents can take their pick of unique shops and restaurants, and journey back in time to explore the state's role in the Gold Rush era.
Nevada City
About 60 miles northeast of Sacramento is the charming mountainous city of Nevada City. Marking your way to the Main Street named Broad Street, adventurers will find themselves in the midst of incredible hotels, restaurants, and shops. The Seven Stars Gallery is an excellent place to visit for local events, and it focuses its attention on local artists and their incredible artwork for all to enjoy. Surrounding the Gallery are numerous restaurants and shops, including the Mine Shaft, which offers great local drinks and souvenirs, and the Nevada City Chocolate Shoppe, specializing in homemade artisanal chocolate and fudge, not found in major retailers. Yum!
Just down the street is the National Exchange Hotel, where guests are treated to an incredibly charming and luxurious hotel built in 1856 during the Gold Rush era. The hotel has amazing amenities like Lola Dining for a relaxing dinner, and Victorian-style rooms that keep guests comfortable throughout their stay. The National Exchange also hosts weddings and other various events, adding to the incredible charm of the community, and is a walk away from Calanan Park, a great spot to enjoy the downtown atmosphere, eat lunch. The park features relics from Nevada City's rich mining past.
South Lake Tahoe
On the southern banks of Lake Tahoe is the iconic resort city of South Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe Boulevard (which also has U.S. Route 50 running through it) is considered the Main Street in the city. The boulevard boasts an endless array of hotels, restaurants, and shops to explore, including the likes of the Tahoe Beach and Ski Club. The resort sits on a private lakeside beach and overlooks iconic Lake Tahoe, offering amazing amenities such as a pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and a sports center with tennis courts.
Small businesses, restaurants, and shops on the Boulevard include Heidi's Pancake House, which serves wonderful and tasty pancakes, homemade omelets, and coffee to begin the morning on a happy note. Visitors to town can also access the Boathouse on the Pier, which gives its patrons glorious views of the lake, and enjoy some New American cuisine for the afternoon or evening.
Grass Valley
About 57 to 69 miles north of Sacramento is the city of Grass Valley, a historic Gold Rush city situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. One of the first things visitors will see off Main Street is the walkable Mill Street, which is filled with historic architecture, restaurants, shops, and residential buildings. Back on Main Street is the Holbrooke Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the state, which offers its guests charming amenities like the Tinsel Tavern for some refreshing drinks and relaxing rustic-style rooms to enjoy.
A lovely restaurant to dine in across the street from the Holbrooke is Cirino's at Main Street, which serves appetizing Italian dishes for patrons to enjoy. Just east of downtown is the Grass Valley Brewing Company, which serves locally crafted beers and IPAs like the Gold Pan Pale and the Nevada County Strong. The Brewery also serves amazing food and hosts events like open mic nights and karaoke nights, keeping the afternoon and evening alive.
Sutter Creek
Nicknamed the "Jewel of the Mother Lode," is the city of Sutter Creek. Main Street in the heart of downtown has historic Gold Rush era buildings, unique restaurants, hotels, and shops throughout. The Brinnwood Bed and Breakfast, set in a building built in the 1850s, has seen numerous changes throughout the decades and serves its guests with six large bedrooms and plenty of other charming amenities like a freshly prepared breakfast every day.
Next to and across from Brinnwood are wineries and wine tasting rooms from the likes of Scott Harvey Wines Tasting Room, the Raven's Reach Winery, and Baiocchi Wines Tasting Room. The Scott Harvey Wines Tasting Room has a warm welcome for its patrons, while Baiocchi is in a historic home and has a rustic setting. Raven's Reach serves bold and flavorful wines for patrons to enjoy. Further down the street is the Sutter Creek Theatre, where visitors and residents can enjoy live and local musical performances in the community.
Sonora
Just east of New Melones Lake is the city of Sonora, which is also a gateway to Yosemite National Park. The Main Street in town is Washington Street, which is full of wonderful restaurants, shops, hotels, and businesses. The Sonora Inn, which was established in 1896, is a beautiful Spanish-style hotel in town that has hosted a couple of celebrities and has charming amenities. Right across the street is Emberz Wood-Fired Foodz, serving the community tasty pizzas and burgers.
Just south of Emberz and the Sonora Inn is the Sonora Opera Hall and Community Center, where visitors and residents can enjoy events, weddings, art shows, and much more, in a historic building that used to be a flour mill. Just across from the Opera Hall is Yiannis Greek Grill, which serves the community exquisite Greek-style meals six days a week.
Murphys
About 17 to 23 miles north of Sonora is the village of Murphys, which used to be called Murphys New Diggings and Murphy's Camp back in the day. Right on Main Street, visitors to the community can spend the night or weekend at the Murphy's Historic Hotel. The hotel is considered one of the oldest hotels in the state, which is filled with rich history, incredible amenities, and is within walking distance of local restaurants and shops.
Just across the street from the hotel is the Art on Main gallery, which promotes local artists in town and the Calaveras County region, displaying oil paintings, water paintings, jewelry, textiles, and much more. Next door to the gallery is Murphy's Wine Bar and Beer Garden, where residents and visitors can enjoy crisp wines, local beers, and incredible food in a charming and welcoming atmosphere.
Placerville
Just east of Sacramento is the charming Gold Rush town of Placerville. Along Main Street, visitors can stay overnight or for the weekend at the Historic Cary House Hotel, nicknamed the "Jewel of Placerville," a charming spot with relaxing amenities and historic 19th-century decor. Across the street is The Green Room Social Club, a music venue with a full bar, which hosts karaoke nights on Mondays and hosts local musical talent for everyone to enjoy.
Charming shops to explore on Main Street in the heart of downtown include Romans Jewelry, a family-owned jewelry store selling charming rings, necklaces, and much more, and the Thrifted Cat, where people can find vintage clothing and hidden treasures never found in major retailers. A true Placerville staple to grab a drink and to enjoy a sporting event with friends and family is Powell's Steamer Co. and Pub, which has 12 craft beers on tap and serves freshly made seafood.
Mariposa
In the southern part of the Sierra Nevada region is the historic mining town of Mariposa. The Main Street in town is known as the Central Yosemite Highway and California Route 140. The Mariposa Lodge is a great place in town to spend the night and weekend while exploring the region. The small hotel has a rustic feel to it and has a pool and other relaxing amenities. Just down the street is the Hideout Saloon Pub and Grub, which is set in an 1850s-style saloon, serving incredible food, drinks, and local musical talent performing, keeping patrons entertained.
Further up the street is the Yosemite Climbing Museum, which explores the history of rock-climbing in the region to the present day. Historical gear and artifacts are on display for visitors, and the museum offers guided and private tours. Down the street is the Mariposa County Arts Park, which features various sculptures created by local artists and a stage for musical performances and speeches. The park hosts concerts on Fridays and Saturdays from June to August.
Mammoth Lakes
On the eastern side of Mammoth Mountain is the town of Mammoth Lakes, renowned for its year-round outdoor recreation. The Empeiria High Sierra Hotel is right on Main Street and is a nice place to spend the night or weekend in the resort town. The hotel is located less than two miles from Mammoth Mountain and 34 miles from Yosemite National Park, and it gives its guests incredible amenities like an indoor pool and hot tub. Right on the premises of the hotel is Skadi Restaurant, which serves wonderful dishes for patrons and guests of the hotel.
Right across the street from the hotel are outdoor shops for people looking to go on hiking, skiing, or snowboarding adventures. The Wave Rave Snowboard Shop has the latest snowboards for sale or for rent, while Get Outdoors 365 is next door and also sells skis and snowboards, along with outerwear, footwear, and much more to make the experience on the mountains and the region a memorable one.
Groveland
About 24 to 26 miles south of Sonora is the mountainous town of Groveland, which offers people a mix of history and outdoor activities to enjoy with a small-town atmosphere. Hotel Charlotte is one of a couple of charming and relaxing hotels found on Main Street, otherwise known as State Highway Route 120, as it offers its guests incredible amenities like the on-site restaurant Gateway Tapas and Spirits, access to the backyard Beer Garden, and select dog-friendly rooms. Next door is the Caffè Dolce Vita, where people can have a freshly prepared local coffee to get the morning started.
Right up the street from the hotel is the Groveland Yosemite Gateway Museum, focusing on the town's connection to the Yosemite National Park. The museum has exhibits dedicated to the Gold Rush, Native American history, and the history of brown bears. On the western end of town is the Around The Horn Brewing Company, serving the community incredible local craft beers like the Big Oat Frat and the Tip Top Smoothie Pop, and delicious snacks and appetizers.
Tahoe City
On the northern side of Lake Tahoe is the charming resort city of Tahoe City. The Main Street in town is considered North Lake Boulevard, which is sprawling with hotels, restaurants, and shops for residents and visitors to enjoy. Just across from the shops and restaurants is the Tahoe City Commons Beach, which allows its visitors to enjoy the scenic views of the lake, sunbathing, swimming, and have picnics. The beach also hosts summer concerts, making for a memorable experience, and is next to Heritage Plaza Park, which is calm, relaxing, very scenic, and the home of the Penny Bear sculpture.
Across from the beach is Mother Nature's Inn, a charming hotel that gives its guests incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the scenic landscape. The hotel is also pet-friendly for those wanting to adventure with their furry companions. Local shops for outdoor activities on the Boulevard include the Tahoe City Kayak and Paddleboat Shop, which sells and offers people rental kayaks and paddleboats for those wanting to explore the waters, and BlueZone Sports, which sells skis, snowboards, camping and hiking gear, and much more for a memorable outdoor experience.
Main Streets in the Sierra Nevada Region are where the Adventures Begin
Each of these amazing small towns in the Sierra Nevada region gives visitors and residents something different, with access to the mountains and scenic lakes, with the main streets being the hubs that bring these communities to life. The hotels, restaurants, businesses, museums, galleries, and shops paint how life operates in the towns, and give visitors from larger cities a warm-welcoming experience, while residents enjoy the hidden gems within these communities. You can almost hear the call of Yosemite Sam, “There’s gold in them there hills!”
