Traveling through California feels like wandering through an entire world of cities and cultures, from whole towns inspired that are a mini version of another country or just a single street. In many ways, the Golden State is a living patchwork of ethnicities, eras, and styles, and this place is no exception.
Up in Northern California, with its colorful fronts and elaborate ornamentation, this town feels like an open-air museum preserving a style that first bloomed in the United Kingdom.
From charming town to “cream city”
Recognized by World Atlas as one of California’s cutest small towns, Ferndale grew from a modest frontier settlement into a thriving dairy hub. The town was founded in 1852 in the fertile Eel River Valley by settlers including Danish and Italian immigrants, who were drawn by the region’s rich pastures and favorable climate, Humboldt History explains.
By the late 1800s, Ferndale’s economy revolved around dairy farming. Local creameries produced high-quality butter, milk, and cheese that were shipped throughout NoCal. The town’s prosperity earned it the nickname “Cream City”, a nod to both its abundant dairy output and the wealth it generated.
A Victorian village in Humboldt
Ferndale is known for its exceptionally well-preserved 19th-century buildings. The Ferndale Main Street Historic District covers 46 acres and includes 39 contributing structures, highlighting the town’s architectural cohesion and historical significance.
The town’s architectural styles draw mainly from Victorian, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne influences. Common features include steeply pitched roofs, corner towers, carved wooden trims (“gingerbread”), bay windows, and decorative cornices with brackets.
Things to do in Ferndale
The best way to start exploring Ferndale is on foot. Simply walking around downtown lets you see all the Victorian buildings up close, admire the intricate woodwork, and get a feel for the town’s charm. To dive deeper into the town’s past, with artifacts, photographs, and detailed stories, a stop at the Ferndale Museum is a must. After that, enjoy some window-shopping and gallery browsing, then grab a bite at one of the local eateries.
For unique finds, check out The Haunt Shop for spooky gifts or Golden Gait Mercantile for vintage-style souvenirs, and if you want some outdoor adventure, explore the coastal hiking trails nearby. The ambitious 25-mile Lost Coast Trail takes you from Mattole to Black Sands Beach, where you can spit the eerie Punta Gorda Lighthouse along the way…