7 Sierra Nevada Towns In California With Unforgettable Main Streets

A world-famous outdoor lover’s paradise, the California Sierra Nevada is where nature pours beauty in big, bubbly doses. From its towering sequoias to its tumbling rivers to the largest alpine lake in North America, every inch and space here hates to look average. Yet the region’s scintillating beauty is not sequestered in its outdoor scenery. California’s Sierra Nevada is dotted with several beautiful small towns, some of which have main streets that look like the setting of a Hollywood movie. Bring your Canon-level camera and, starting with Nevada City, discover what an unforgettable main street should look like.

Nevada City

Nevada City is one of the Sierra Nevada's loveliest Gold Rush towns. It is beautifully unique because the whole of its downtown district, a colorful, charming space peppered with handsomely preserved Victorian buildings, is a national historic landmark. Before yielding to the pull to visit the many fantastic outdoor spaces that ring the town, including the Tahoe National Forest, spend some time ambling through Main Street, a stretch that looks like a Gold Rush fairy tale. You can stay in the National Hotel, enjoy an evening movie at the Nevada Theater, one of the oldest continually running theaters in the Sierras, or get a wood-fired pizza at the iconic Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co., an 11-year-old establishment that whips up delicious meals in a fun, friendly atmosphere. Callanan Park, a tiny, tranquil space along Broad Street, is a fantastic place to people-watch.

Grass Valley

Grass Valley is in the western foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, about 57 miles northeast of Sacramento. The name itself conjures up a peaceful Neverland, where the pastures are clad in living 7green, and the breeze is soft and gentle. The town's historic downtown is centered on Mill Street, a lovely pedestrian promenade that feels like stepping straight into the 1850s. We are also talking about one of California’s 14 official cultural districts. Speaking of culture, the Del Oro Theatre has a history that dates back to the 1940s, while the Center for the Arts is a beautiful venue with comfortable seats, a full bar, and a nice layout. If you want an afternoon filled with fun and laughter, this delightful space more than fits the bill. Keep in mind that Bicycle Thief is not a place to rent a two-wheeler, but a cozy venue that serves some of the best pizzas in the world. Remember to pick some high-quality body jewelry at Tribal Weaver, a cherished name that has been in business for more than 30 years.

Truckee

You may want to pin it on its rustic Alpine charm or the shimmering allure of Donner Lake; however, whatever you attribute it to, there is no denying that Truckee will instantly steal your heart with its soft, quiet beauty. Its historic downtown, especially Donner Pass Road and Bridge Street, is speckled with inviting restaurants, many of which have sunny outside patios. Ambling through Commercial Row-Brickelltown Historic District, with its handsomely preserved 19th-century buildings, is a fantastic journey back in time. You will be torn between sampling the railroad-themed nicknacks at the Truckee Railroad Museum, exploring the pages of stories at Word After Word Books, and admiring the landscape paintings at the 5-star rated Gallery 5830. Do you know the secret that no one will tell you? The delicious veggie omelets at Squeeze In, a fun, intimate space that has been around since 1974.

Murphys

If you have been to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, you know its main street boasts a zesty, burgeoning wine scene, especially along Saryan Street. It is no surprise that Saryan Street has even been called the “wine street of Yerevan.” Murphys, a postcard town that reclines in the Sierra Nevada foothills, has one thing in common with Yerevan: A main street lined with a delicious lineup of tasting rooms. Talking of tasting rooms, Gossamer Cellars is homey, beautifully laid-back, and serves some of the best Rieslings in the world. Aria Bakery & Cafe, a small but lively place a few steps away, is the best place to go for a kickass sandwich. You can also head over to Serendipity, a two-story edifice that keeps an incredible selection of local artisan goods.

Sutter Creek

Sutter Creek’s Main Street is only a few blocks; however, it tastefully packs a lot of historical buildings so that one will feel like stepping straight into a time capsule. The downtown has all these cute shops and restaurants, but what will strike you as noticeably prevalent are the many beautiful antique stores. Sutter Creek Antiques, one of the best in Amador County, has been a staple of the town for more than 50 years. It is particularly known for its antique lighting, especially from the 1850s to the 1930s. Alternatively, Water Street Antiques & Interiors has beautiful furniture in solid oak, with excellent finishing and color schemes. That said, consider spending an afternoon at Simply Bubbles, moreso if you want your afternoon to be all about great champagne, sparkling wines, and local beer on tap. Thinking of a breakfast spot that any local will recommend in a heartbeat? It has to be Choc-O-Latte. From the decor to the vibe to the music, almost everything here is spot-on.

Sonora

Sonora is tucked away on the Western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and known for its exceptional culinary scene, thanks to the many local farms that hem the town, its wineries, and its expansive ranches. Other than being a foodie paradise, Sonora boasts a solid arts and theatre community. Washington Street, which acts as the town’s Main Street, has boatloads of attractions to sample and enjoy. There is the Tuolumne County Veterans Hall and Museum, right across the street from the Courthouse Square, which keeps a ton of military artifacts that date back to World War I. Legends Books, Antiques & Soda Fountain, which has a mini bar to enjoy a drink while reading, is a book lover’s paradise. The trick is to start with some flaky and fresh empanadas from Goodness Cafe, an inviting 5-star-rated establishment that knows every syllable in the word “quality.”

Placerville

When driving to Placerville on U.S. Highway 50, you will be greeted by a lovely welcome sign with some unsettling words: WELCOME TO PLACERVILLE, THE OLD HANGTOWN. These words find an eerie echo in the murals that give the town color and character and in several buildings in the downtown area. Its fascinating history aside, Placerville is today known, not for hanging suspects on a white oak tree at the center of town, but for its charming downtown, historic buildings, and heart-gripping beauty. Talking of buildings, you will find Cary House, an imposing red-brick and former gold exchange that once hosted presidents and movie stars. Sweetie Pie's, in a cute, pink Victorian house, whips up delicious French toast like its life depends on it. If you want a place that makes the history of the town come alive, the Fountain & Tallman Museum should be on your itinerary.

The Takeaway

You bump into a main street, and you instantly notice that it has a sense of place, it's handsomely laid out, and that it swings with character and personality. You turn your eyes to one side and see small, homey restaurants with sunny outside patios and artsy facades. On the other side, moss-draped oaks frame the sides of rooftop bars and rustic tasting rooms. A museum here, a mural there. The breeze is soft, soothing, and gentle. And the backdrop, with its terrifying beauty, elegantly complements the timeless look. You know what? Several towns in California’s Sierra Nevada have many of these features.