7 Towns In Northern California With The Best, Most Lively Main Streets

We love a lively main street– especially when it’s walkable. There are a lot of lively downtowns in Northern California. We chose the best ones that are walkable, have restaurants and cafes, as well as places to shop. Bonus points if it has historic buildings!

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Historic Main Street in this former gold mining town has tons of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Stop to look at all the historical plaques sprinkled throughout the downtown. Take a self-guided walking tour provided by the El Dorado Historical Society.

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Petaluma is a great mix of wine country and farm country. There is a lot to explore in this beautiful downtown– art galleries, coffee shops, and breweries. Have a drink and a meal at one of the many restaurants on the Petaluma River.

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One of the most popular places in wine country also has a happening downtown. Sonoma Plaza, at the center, is surrounded by 19th century buildings that have been converted into restaurants and bars. There is no shortage of wineries, all within walking distance.

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Downtown Sausalito is a well-loved and highly trafficked area in the North Bay. Located across from the Golden Gate Strait, this bay-front area has a lot to see and do. Have lunch on a terrace overlooking the bay, explore the shops, and watch local fishermen reel in their catches along the waterfront.

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This Northern California university town has a ton of fun bars and restaurants. The cute downtown is lined with trees and many Craftsman style homes. Visit the US Davis Arboretum to see beautiful gardens and hummingbirds.

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This beautiful town in the East Bay doesn’t get as much attention as neighboring Walnut Creek but it’s worth the trip. Check out the Museum of the San Ramon Valley then walk around the main street, and choose a place to have a meal. A lot of the places have al fresco seating so you can enjoy the fresh air and people watch.

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A short drive east of Sacramento is the city of Folsom. The small, historical district is a happening place with lots to do. With a great farmers market, cute boutiques, and some great restaurants, this destination makes for a fun day.

Have you visited any of these cities’ downtowns? What did you do there? Tell us in the comments.