Ready to hit the road and fall in love with California one charming main street at a time?
We’re talking colorful buildings, cute shops, homemade pie, old-timey saloons, and the kind of sidewalk strolling that makes you want to slow way down.
From tiny mountain towns to beachy downtowns and even a surprise windmill or two, this road trip takes you to nine of the cutest and totally unforgettable main streets in the whole state.
If you like street performers, gold rush history, and pastries bigger than your face, you’re in the right place.
Let’s get rolling!
1. Main Street, Ferndale
Main Street in Ferndale looks like something straight out of the 1800s, with rows of perfectly preserved Victorian buildings that now hold gift shops, cafés and old-school general stores.
This tiny town in Humboldt County is known as “The Victorian Village,” and its main drag is packed with colorful storefronts, gingerbread trim, and hand-painted signs.
It genuinely feels like a walk through history!
You can grab a fresh scone, snap pics in front of the ornate Ferndale Meat Co. building (built around 1903!), and even catch cows casually wandering just a few blocks from all the cuteness.
2. Broad Street, Nevada City
5 hours southeast, Broad Street in Nevada City brings Gold Rush history to life with a ton of energy and a whole lot of character.
This lively stretch in the Sierra Nevada foothills is lined with brick saloons, bookstores, art galleries, and the historic Nevada Theatre—California’s oldest still-running theater, built in 1865.
Swing by the nearby Three Forks Bakery for pastries and coffee, pop into Kitkitdizzi for handcrafted gifts, and don’t be surprised if a street performer or a spontaneous parade shows up while you’re at it.
3. Main Street, Sutter Creek
Next up, Main Street in Sutter Creek feels like stepping into a postcard from the Gold Country.
It comes complete with cute-as-can-be wooden storefronts, old-timey lamp posts, and rolling hills in every direction.
This little Amador County gem is packed with antique shops, tasting rooms from nearby wineries, and the historic Hotel Sutter, which has been around since the 1850s.
You can sip Zinfandel at Bella Grace Vineyards and search for treasures at Tomorrow’s Heirlooms, all without leaving the main drag.
4. Santa Cruz Avenue, Los Gatos
Then there’s Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos, where redwood trees meet designer boutiques and the downtown scene is both chill and chic.
This stylish Silicon Valley spot has a walkable main street full of sidewalk cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and fancy shops tucked into old brick buildings.
Grab a pastry from Icing on the Cake and don’t miss relaxing under the tall, shady oak trees at nearby Town Plaza Park when your feet need a break.
5. Main Street, Cambria
Cruising down the coast, Main Street in Cambria is all about coastal charm but with artist vibes and sea breeze in the air.
Tucked between pine-covered hills and the Pacific Ocean, this mellow Central Coast town has a main street filled with fairy-tale cottages, local art studios, and spots selling everything from olive oil to vintage books.
Stop for a slice of olallieberry pie at Linn’s and check out the latest art at the Vault Gallery.
6. Mission Drive, Solvang
Swing inland to Mission Drive in Solvang, where suddenly it feels like you’ve landed in a tiny Danish village, complete with windmills, half-timbered buildings, and more pastries than you can count.
This Central Coast main street is bursting with Danish bakeries, quirky museums like the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and shops filled with clogs, Christmas ornaments, and Scandinavian treats.
Grab an aebleskiver (that’s a fluffy Danish pancake ball!) at Solvang Restaurant or snap a photo in front of the big red windmill.
7. State Street, Santa Barbara
Next comes State Street in Santa Barbara, where palm trees line the sidewalks and Spanish-style buildings glow white under the sun like something out of a beachy daydream.
This breezy stretch runs all the way from the foothills to the ocean, packed with outdoor patios, surf shops, and the stunning Santa Barbara County Courthouse with its red tile roof and 85-foot clock tower.
You can rent a bike and cruise the waterfront, sip iced lattes at Dune Coffee Roasters, and wander through Paseo Nuevo mall where even the shopping feels fancy.
8. Main Street, Ventura
Just down the coast, Main Street in Ventura is all laid-back vibes, salty air, and cool vintage style that makes you want to hang out all day.
This walkable downtown strip is packed with thrift shops, surf gear stores, taco joints, and the historic Mission San Buenaventura that’s been standing since 1782.
Grab a breakfast burrito at Pete’s Breakfast House, check out the retro record selection at Grady’s, and end your stroll at the Ventura Pier for sunset views that hit just right.
9. Main Street, Julian
Last but not least, Main Street in Julian is all about mountain air, gold rush roots, and the sweet smell of fresh apple pie drifting from every corner.
This tiny town in the Cuyamaca Mountains has an old-school wooden boardwalk, frontier-style buildings, and shops selling everything from homemade cider to handmade soaps.
You can tour a real gold mine at Eagle Mining Co., sip fresh-pressed apple cider from Julian Cider Mill, and definitely save room for a giant slice of pie from Mom’s—it’s kind of a local law.
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