A few miles inland from Northern California’s wild Lost Coast, the tiny town of Ferndale rises out of the redwood mist like something from a storybook. Brilliantly painted Victorian homes, storefronts, and hotels line the streets, creating one of the most colorful and charming historic districts in the state. While San Francisco may get most of the Victorian fame, Ferndale feels like the real showstopper.
A recent visit only proved that point. What was supposed to be a brief detour from Humboldt-Redwoods State Park quickly turned into hours spent wandering Main Street and its side roads. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and with friendly locals, great restaurants, and vibrant architecture everywhere you turn, it is easy to see why people fall in love with the place.
Ferndale sits in an ideal location for outdoor lovers. Humboldt-Redwoods and Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park are both nearby, and Redwood National and State Parks are roughly an hour away. The town is also minutes from the coast and sits along scenic Francis Creek.
But Ferndale itself is the real attraction. A walk through town reveals its own Painted Ladies, and even film crews have taken notice—productions like Salem’s Lot used the town as a backdrop. Visitors can explore using printed or online maps and browse through local shops like Golden Gait Mercantile or The Farmer’s Daughter, which sells dairy products made by the family that runs it.
The Ferndale Museum offers a deep dive into the area’s dairy history and local heritage, making it a great stop on rainy days. Afterward, visitors can grab a bite at local favorites such as Poppa Joe’s, Tuyas, or Ferndale Pizza Company.
Overnight options range from redwood campgrounds to Victorian bed-and-breakfasts like the Gingerbread Mansion and Shaw House Inn. Ferndale also hosts events year-round, including a Halloween cemetery and the annual lighting of what is considered the largest living Christmas tree in the U.S.
Best of all, Ferndale remains peaceful and uncrowded. It is a slower, quieter way of life—and exactly the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.