Charlie Chaplin’s bowler hat, vintage automobiles, artisan ice cream, and LEGO displays… Fremont’s historic Niles District is a lot more than a Silicon Valley suburbs. A mere fifteen minutes from the gigantic Tesla factory, this charming enclave offers a glimpse into California’s forgotten film history, writes Vansh Gupta.

Known for its affluent suburbs, Tesla, and being titled the happiest city in the U.S., Fremont, Calif., serves as the central hub between Bay Area tech offices. It’s like being in the eye of the hurricane. Riddled with commute traffic during weekdays, Fremont transforms into quiet small-town vibes on weekends. Nestled in this suburb is the grandfather of what we know today as Hollywood.

Before Hollywood was Hollywood, Fremont’s historic Niles district was home to Charlie Chaplin’s expressive reels (not the Instagram short videos). Niles gives off vibes of those quaint old-school American towns you see in movies.

From Tesla to Time Travel

Entering Niles Boulevard from Mission Blvd, the whole scene shifts – you’re trampolined back to 1960s America. Vintage cars, trains, old-school gas stations, and classic eateries line tree-lined streets. Hints of Charlie Chaplin and old-school films appear throughout this forgotten neighborhood. From the welcome sign to the human-like Charlie Chaplin statue at the local bar, we’re reminded that Niles walked so Hollywood could run. There’s even a discount version of the Hollywood sign in the hills overshadowing Niles.

LEGO Wonderland to Antique Treasures

I started wandering Your Next Brick Idea – a true paradise for the 8-year-old at heart. The immersive LEGO displays are genuinely impressive: detailed WALL-E robot, Mickey Mouse recreations, vintage camera models, plus Concorde and Boeing 787 replicas for aviation enthusiasts and supercars for automotive lovers.

Beyond the LEGO wonderland, antique and novelty shops offer unique treasures. I’ve spotted original Nintendo N64s and vintage Nikons up for grabs.

Small-Town Culinary Punch

Brunch game, local coffee culture, gourmet pizza, ice cream, and small-town bars – Niles has it all. Often overlooked by foodie guides focused on San Francisco or Napa, this small district packs serious Western culinary punch.

Skilletz serves Instagram-worthy waffles with chocolate chips and whipped cream that make you forget you’re in suburbia. Their lattes come in mason jars – pure sugar heaven.

Billy Bronco’s Pizza offers both comfort food and inventive pies. A Vietnamese-owned café serves desserts and sandwiches. There’s Joe’s for traditional American fare, plus an Afternoon Tea spot for the English at heart.

My personal favorite? The upscale Devout Coffee delivers expertly crafted brews with divine mochas that make you question corporate coffee chains.

For the finale? Ice cream! Niles Ice Cream delivers classic American flavors in traditional parlor setting, while Nature’s brings Indian-inspired flavors that cater to our inner Desi soul.

The Bottom Line

Niles District is more than a footnote in film history. This charming enclave offers authentic small-town vibes, excellent food, and preserved character that makes you forget you’re in one of America’s most expensive regions. Home to novelties, antiques, dueling ice cream shops, and remnants of Charlie Chaplin’s genius, even a full day wasn’t enough to fully appreciate this hidden gem.

 

All photos: Vansh A. Gupta and Janam Gupta/Siliconeer