7 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Northern California
When travelling to a new place, visiting somewhere with a lively, beautiful Main Street makes for a memorable experience. Northern California is best known for Yosemite and the Redwoods, but it’s also home to several charming small towns with beautiful Main Streets, offering everything from historic buildings to stunning beachfront views. We have compiled a list of seven of Northern California's most picture-perfect streets. Each offers enough charm to make you linger.
Capitola
Capitola Avenue connects different shops and restaurants in Capitola. Zelda's on the Beach is a local favorite renowned for its beachfront views and outdoor patio. This is a great spot to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening cocktail. Capitola Village is a stunning section with colorful Venetian cottages and murals. This section of Capitola Avenue even has preserved historical elements near Capitola Wharf. Built in 1857, it has some of the best views in town and even hosts community events featuring live music, food, and beverages. Next to Capitola Avenue is Capitola Beach, ideal for a picnic or a scenic waterfront walk.
Placerville
A former mining town, Placerville is full of historic architecture and cute shops. Known as Historic Main Street, it has many historic buildings from the Gold Rush era. Stop at the bell tower, which dates back to the 1860s.
Learn more about Placerville's history at the El Dorado County Historical Museum. Housed in one of Placerville’s oldest buildings, the museum traces how the Gold Rush shaped the region. Grateful Threads is a quirky store to go to for vintage finds. For a bite to eat, head over to Enchanted Forest Dining Experience. The menu has something for everyone, from the Hobbit House Salad to the Irish Gold Miner's Pasty Pie.
Sausalito
A lively bay-front town, it is no wonder Sausalito has a lovely, vibrant downtown. Called Bridgeway, Sausalito's Main Street boasts stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and features a promenade, making it a pleasure to walk along. The 0.4-mile promenade links several waterfront restaurants and viewing spots.
Barrel House Tavern is one of the restaurants overlooking the Bay. The restaurant is also in a historic building and was once the first ferry terminal to and from San Francisco before the Golden Gate Bridge was built. There are also many galleries on Bridgeway, offering a great opportunity to see local artwork. The Daniel Merrium Gallery shows the work of surrealist artist Daniel Merrium. His work spans multiple media, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. Another gallery is Hanson Gallery Fine Art, which showcases work from a diverse range of artists.
Arcata
Known as Arcata Plaza, Arcata's Main Street is the heart of the town, hosting several annual events. These include the Arcata Bay Oyster Festival and the North Country Fair. The Arcata Bay Oyster Festival always takes place on the 2nd Saturday of June and has been a beloved tradition for over three decades. The festival has everything from an oyster shucking competition to live music. Every Saturday, Arcata Plaza also comes alive for the weekly farmers' market. It’s a chance to sample regional produce and handmade goods. Besides the festivities, there are also local shops and entertainment venues to enjoy. Check out Arcata Playhouse for some afternoon entertainment and see a live performance. Jacoby's Storehouse is an excellent spot for some shopping and dining. The historic building houses a variety of local shops and restaurants.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is a small coastal town with a welcoming Main Street lined with cafes, shops, and art galleries. Cobalt Gallery is a community art space to visit. They host workshops and exhibit work from unique local artists. Some of the unique shops include Todd Farmhouse Antiques and Museum. This is a great spot to hunt for antiques and see some of the area's historic items. Before exploring the area, grab a coffee or breakfast from Cafe Jaavy. This café blends American and Mexican flavors for a distinctive breakfast menu. Glass Beach is also nearby and is a great place for a scenic walk along the coast.
Half Moon Bay
This stunning downtown area is located near Half Moon Bay State Beach and features a series of sandy beaches offering an ocean view, making it ideal for a picnic or afternoon swim. Being so close to downtown, these beaches are easily accessible.
The nearby California Coastal Trail offers a scenic route for hiking or cycling along the coast. Every year, the town also hosts annual festivities, including the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and Main Street Night of Lights.
Sonoma
Known as Sonoma Plaza, Sonoma's Main Street is lined with historic 19th-century buildings that now house restaurants and wineries. A couple of local favorite restaurants include the girl and the fig, and El Dorado Kitchen. The Girl and the Fig features an antique bar and specializes in French aperitifs and craft cocktails. They describe their seasonal menu as "Country food with a French passion," combining rural California with exquisite French cuisine. El Dorado Kitchen is located in the vibrant El Dorado Hotel and features cuisine sourced from local Sonoma County farmers.
There are numerous wineries near Sonoma Plaza, and the nice thing is that they are all within walking distance. La Prenda Tasting Room is nearby and offers a cozy environment, along with a wine tasting menu featuring varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. During your tasting, learn about the local vineyards and winemaking process!
Visiting Northern California
Overall, these Northern California Main Streets have something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re drawn to ocean views or small-town downtowns filled with local shops, these downtown areas have you covered. Next time the ocean calls to you, consider heading to one of these Northern California towns. Many of them are right next to the ocean, making for convenient access for a stroll on a sandy beach.
