8 Best Downtowns In California
California has a permanent spot in the American imagination as a land of plenty and beauty, and it’s easy to see why. You’ve got the towering Sierra Nevada, the stark drama of Death Valley and Joshua Tree, and the state’s moody coastal side, where sunny heat gives way to fog, forests, and seaside charm. The towns on this list span that full range, each with its own energy, history, and specialty, but they share one thing: a downtown built for wandering. Communities like Solvang and Nevada City put unique architecture and charm at the forefront, while Laguna Beach, Monterey, and Capitola provide incredible waterfronts and gorgeous ocean views.
These downtowns will have people wandering their streets for hours on end, mesmerized by their warm, welcoming restaurants, theaters, shops, hotels, and museums. While some have lush parks perfect for community events, as seen in Ojai, Healdsburg, and Eureka, others provide something different throughout, from cultural outlets to local landmarks that draw interest, whether for a weekend adventure, a day trip, or a date night out.
Solvang
The town of Solvang is a curiosity in California, owing to its Danish heritage, which is expressed clearly in the town's layout and architecture, making it feel like a village in Denmark. Downtown is alluring and delightful, featuring iconic windmills that add to the town's charm. Alisal Road and Copenhagen Drive are two of the main streets in the city, lined with unique shops, businesses, and restaurants. The Solvang Restaurant offers delicious Danish-inspired dishes, such as Danish sausage, jams, and German bratwurst, served in a European-like setting. Further down the street is the Solvang Amber Museum, a sister museum to the Copenhagen Amber Museum in Denmark, which showcases the history of amber and displays numerous artifacts for visitors to enjoy.
The Mirabelle Inn is an adorable hotel to spend the night or weekend in town, offering guests quality rooms and suites, is within walking distance of all the quaint shops and restaurants downtown, and has a restaurant of its own in the lobby, which also has a lovely patio for outdoor dining. Up the street is the Solvang Theaterfest, where visitors and residents can enjoy local plays, musicals, and concerts in a 700-seat outdoor amphitheater, making people feel like they're enjoying a local play in Europe.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is regarded as one of the most iconic coastal cities in the state, thanks to its vibrant beaches stretching from top to bottom, incredible museums and hotels, and year-round summer vibes. The Main Beach is right in downtown, where beachgoers can enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, play beach volleyball, play basketball on half basketball courts, and enjoy the natural landscapes around. The Las Laguna Art Gallery is nearby, where its visitors can view the artwork created by local artists and attend shows at the gallery.
A gorgeous place to spend the weekend in downtown is the Casa Loma Beach Hotel, where guests can enjoy the elegant views of the beach and ocean, dine outdoors, swim in an outdoor pool, and enjoy a weekend in luxury. A hidden gem to dine in downtown is the Deck, where patrons can enjoy freshly prepared seafood with glamorous views of the beach and ocean, and can host private events for a quality night out on the town.
Nevada City
Deep in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is the historic mining city of Nevada City, where people can gaze upon Victorian-style buildings in a historic downtown. On Broad Street is the National Exchange Hotel, where guests are welcomed to a luxurious escape from larger cities, with its landmark rooms, romantic dinners at the Lola Restaurant in the lobby, and it is a perfect place to gather for weddings and events, thanks to the Empire Room and the Grand Lounge. Up the street is the Nevada Theatre, which is the oldest established theatre venue on the West Coast, and hosts various plays, musicals, a film series on Sunday nights, and events for the community to enjoy.
Down the street from the National Exchange Hotel is the Nevada City Winery, which is the oldest operating winery in Nevada County, serving incredible wines, like the 2016 Dolcetto and the 2021 Reserve Chardonnay, and hosting wine tastings, live musical performances, and other local events. Just up the block is the Patra Modern Mediterranean Restaurant, serving the community with homemade Mediterranean-style dishes from gyros to chef-crafted bowls made with locally sourced ingredients.
Monterey
Just north of Big Sur is the coastal city of Monterey, where visitors are treated to glorious views of the bay, marine life, and scenic attractions. Just near the docks and bay is the Monterey History and Art Museum at Stanton Center, where people can explore exhibits honoring people who made historical contributions to the city and its cultural landscape. Visitors can see photographs, paintings, sculptures, and much more. At Old Fisherman's Wharf is Café Fina, where patrons are not only served delicious homemade seafood and Italian food, but are also treated to stunning views of the bay.
The Portola Hotel and Spa at Monterey Bay is an alluring hotel to spend the night or weekend in the city, as guests can enjoy gorgeous coastal views, luxurious suites and rooms, a spa, pool, fitness center, and much more. The hotel also hosts various events and weddings, making for a spectacular weekend in the city, especially with the Monterey Conference Center just next door. Just on the edge of downtown is Friendly Plaza, a lush and historic green space surrounded by monuments, trees, and museums, like the Colton Hall Museum and Jail. The museum showcases where the first constitution of the state was first drafted in 1849, and see what the old city jail was like.
Eureka
Eureka is one of the northernmost cities in the state, renowned for its scenic seaport, vibrant charm, and historic downtown. The North Coast Repertory Theatre is right on the intersection of D Street and Fifth Street (U.S. Route 101), showcasing local plays, musical performances, and concerts housed in a historic Spanish Revival-style building. Across the street is Amigas Burritos Mexican Restaurant, where patrons can enjoy homemade and authentic tacos, burritos, carne asada, and much more, in a calm and relaxing setting.
Just near the waterfront is the Inn at 2nd and C, where its guests can enjoy and relax in a historic Victorian-style Inn. The Inn has magnificent rooms and suites to unwind and recharge in, a stunning lobby full of history and charm, welcoming guests from far and wide, and has the Theater Ballroom, with stained glass ceilings and a wrap-around balcony. The Eureka Boardwalk may be a simple walk, but it provides people with elegant views of the ocean, a place for fishermen to cast their lines, and is next to the C Street Market Square (recently called Madaket Plaza), where summer concerts take place.
Healdsburg
In the heart of the state's wine country is the city of Healdsburg, which has an incredibly walkable downtown, first-class dining, and showcases a luxurious lifestyle. In the center of town is Healdsburg Plaza, a calm and friendly green space with a gazebo in the center, which offers people access to all of the incredible restaurants, shops, and hotels in its vicinity, and is the place to be for local community events and concerts. The Healdsburg Bed and Breakfast, where guests can enjoy inviting rooms, has signature wine hours, freshly prepared breakfasts, and dog-friendly rooms for guests wanting to bring their furry friends.
The Hand Fan Museum of Healdsburg provides people with a place to enjoy a diverse collection of hand fans, ranging from animal-shaped fans, nature and landscape fans, and much more. Just west of the museum is Williamson Wines, which offers wine and cheese tastings on-site or at the vineyard, and can host and cater for various events on-site, around town, or on the vineyard, making for an incredible time.
Capitola
Just east of Santa Cruz is the coastal city of Capitola, which is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beach, restaurants, and hotels for people to visit and enjoy. The Capitola Beach is right in downtown, where people can enjoy the glorious sand, gather for a game of beach volleyball, go fishing at the pier, and go kayaking in the cove. Zelda's on the Beach provides patrons with outdoor seating to enjoy the stunning views, serves incredible seafood, and can host public and private events for an enjoyable weekend.
On the western end of downtown is Capitola Beach Suites, providing its guests with breathtaking views of the beach, the cove, and scenery all around the city. There are outdoor patios to further enjoy the views, rooms and suites are satisfying for all, and kitchens are provided in the suites, making people feel like they're at home. The Tony Pagliaro Gallery in town has elegant and lovely photos and paintings to see and purchase. The Gallery is also within walking distance of incredible local shops and restaurants like BrewTopia, a beer garden serving locally crafted drinks that hosts live music on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Ojai
Deep in Ventura County is the city of Ojai, which is renowned for the diveristy of local shops and restaurants in its downtown, Spanish Colonial revival architecture found throughout the community, and a bursting art scene. The Ojai Valley Museum showcases the art and history of the city and region, with artifacts, art, and paper ephemera in exhibits throughout, and has been housed in what used to be the St. Thomas Aquinas Church since 1996. Across from the museum is Hotel El Roblar, where guests can enjoy comfortable rooms with their own private terraces and patios, enjoy a European-style breakfast each morning, a swimming pool, a bar, a la cocina, and a ballroom for unforgettable events.
In the heart of downtown is Libbey Park, a lush green space that has playgrounds, a gazebo, benches to relax on, tennis courts, and hosts the annual Ojai Music Festival every June and the Ojai Tennis Tournament every April. Just down the street is the Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room, where patrons can try over 300 flavors of locally crafted wine and host private events for a more intimate experience with friends and loved ones.
Amazing downtowns to explore in California
California has incredible cities and towns with beautiful downtowns throughout the state. From places like Ojai with lively local events, Monterey with its stunning waterfront, Nevada City with its mining history and small-town charm, and Laguna Beach with its famous beaches, these destinations attract visitors from all over. Overall, these communities offer a more authentic and interesting experience when exploring their alluring downtowns, creating memorable stories about their history, amenities, or the warm, welcoming atmosphere visitors enjoy.
