7 Most Charming Town Squares In California

California conjures up images of surfing, freedom, and road trips, at least in the minds of many road warriors. However, it has a unique history, gorgeous landscapes, and enough small towns to fill a travel calendar for at least a few years. The small towns embrace the best of California's diverse topography, quirkiness, and sophisticated offerings.

Towns range from mountainous to coastal, and everything in between. These town square areas define the region they are located in, and have no shortage of fun things to do and see. These are the best town squares in California, from communities where no one had a mailbox until recently to traditional mountain areas that pleasantly look like they are stuck in the past.

Carmel by the Sea

The charming town of Carmel by the Sea is one of California's best places to visit. It is filled with unique finds and a downtown district containing hidden passageways. Carmel has a tight-knit community and was once governed by Clint Eastwood. The compact town recently received house numbers, underscoring how tight-knit the community is.

The passageways lead to themed courtyards like the Pine Inn Courtyard. Built in 1903, the inn is lined by a red brick terrace and is home to the town's first central hotel. Another example is the Secret Garden Passageway, which connects Dolores Street to San Carlos Street. The path leads to the landmark Pilgrim's Way bookstore and garden, an ideal way to spend an afternoon.

Bishop

Rustic Bishop is a traditional mountain town in the Eastern Sierra region. Main Street is the biggest draw for many visitors, offering old-world charm with modern amenities, including the landmark Bishop Twin Theater. The theater is over 100 years old and celebrates its feat by showing classic movies at the price the films were originally.

A prime opportunity to visit downtown is during the annual Mule Days. Bishop is known as the "Mule Capital of the World" and holds a five-day festival honoring this fact with concerts every Memorial Day. Art lovers enjoy public murals like the Bishop Bakery, 1922. The dining scene in this mountain town is incredible, featuring high-end options like The Original Sheepherder Bakery and Whiskey Creek.

Ojai

Ojai's downtown does an excellent job of combining the natural scenery with modern amenities. Cluff Vista Park is at its entrance and features basalt columns like the West End Guardian Spirit. Another landmark is the Ojai Valley Museum Courtyard. The museum, a former Mission Revival church, opened in 1955 and features local history exhibits that tell the definitive story of the valley. Many other structures reflect the region's downtown character, which defines the town.

The Arcade Plaza is an artistic gem, with a fountain as its centerpiece that uses natural light to reflect Arcadian places inspired by nature. The downtown district is not only entertaining, but it also showcases the art and architecture that best illustrate this area. Self-guided tours are among the best ways to explore the district and experience what makes it unique.

Nevada City

Historic downtown Nevada City looks much as it did in the 19th century during the California Gold Rush. The brick storefronts have unique finds, art galleries, and charming bed and breakfast inns. The Emma Nevada House is mere steps from the district and a lovely example of a local inn. You can also book a room at the historic National Exchange Hotel.

The iconic Victorian inn, built in 1856 with luxurious rooms, is one of the reasons people flock to this downtown district. Galleries like Mowen Solinsky offer a prime example of sophisticated downtown offerings. The gallery is a local and visitor favorite, another shining opportunity for visitors to visit the town. After a day of sightseeing, stop at one of the many elegant restaurants, such as the Stonehouse Restaurant, which is named for its unique location in a cave dug into the hillside.

Sausalito

Picturesque Sausalito's downtown area is centered around Bridgeway, which is near the ferry. The compact roads are perfect for exploring on foot and soaking in the California scenery. On Saturdays, visitors can meet a docent at the Ice House Museum for a guided walking tour, exploring the fascinating history of this storybook town, including the foundation for William Randolph Hearst's castle.

Other bits of history include Saulsalito's rich musical heritage, which has seen many famous artists record albums in the area. Heath Ceramics is a local favorite business, still housed in its 1959 warehouse near the houseboats, offering Friday tours. The houseboats are in various states of repair and have become a small town staple.

Sonoma

Sonoma is perhaps most famous for its wine prominence, but it also has a lovely downtown centered around Sonoma Plaza. The plaza is the ideal introduction to Sonoma Valley, filled with elegant restaurants and wine tasting at places like the Highway 12 Winery Tasting Room. Restaurants include Oso Sonoma, which offers adventurous tapas that perfectly match the restaurant's wine list.

Another cultural attraction includes the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. The gallery features several exhibits from noteworthy artists and multimedia short-term exhibits. Rotating exhibits include fantastic photography of California from the 1930s. The photos represent how California looked during this time, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Pacific Grove

Downtown Pacific Grove is known for its Pacific Ocean views, bed and breakfast inns, and an incredible culinary scene. The Spotted Duck in the historic Holman Building is a fine example of elevated cuisine. Menu options include duck liver pate from renowned chef Jerry Regester. The area is also known for its romantic streak and quintessential California sunsets.

Cultural attractions include the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The family-friendly venue offers classes and exhibits interpreting the natural history of Monterey County. Interactive exhibits include tunnels for children to crawl through to learn about underwater animals, a unique way to explore nature. Pacific Grove is unbeatable if sunsets, fine dining, and cultural venues are on the list.

From historic Gold Rush history to charming boutiques and restaurants, these are among the best town squares in California. While the phrase is subjective, all these unique regions share the friendliness, attractions, and culture that make them so definitive. The hidden paths in Carmel and the rugged mountain regions of Bishop are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but each is interesting in their own right.

Spending a few days in these downtown districts promises an unforgettable visit and will have you planning the next trip before you leave. Whether looking for a sophisticated weekend filled with world-renowned wines or a historic visit to a mining town that still has Old West appeal, these seven town squares have it covered. If planning a trip to California, step off the beaten path and explore these downtown districts for an unforgettable time.