California is an extremely large as well as diverse state with many, many small towns. But no matter where you are vacationing, it always feels like home. If you’re spending your summer in California, here are the 15 small town you MUST visit for a full California experience!
15 Beautiful Small Town You Must Visit in California for Vacation
1. Ojai
Ojai is a beautiful small town that has been home to pioneers, writers and artists alike. The town’s main feature is Hubbard’s Oak Tree, a 1,200-year-old oak tree that stands more than 80 feet tall. The Ojai Valley was first settled in 1868 when the new railroad offered the perfect opportunity for health seekers and summer residents from Los Angeles to have a stunning getaway with moderate summer temperatures. While many visitors are attracted to the town for its natural beauty, others go here hoping to improve their health, or simply find inner peace.
2. Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small coastal town with a population of about 2000 people. The entire city is designated as a National Historic District and been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. Known for its Victorian Era cottages, this town has an iconic charm that can’t be found anywhere else.
3. Solvang
A Danish colonial town founded around 1911, Solvang has many small, family-owned tourist attractions such as bakeries, import stores and museums.
Solvang sits among rolling hills with views of the California coast, Danish steeples and crosses, bright roses blossoming in window boxes – it couldn’t be more enchanting.
4. Avalon
Avalon is a small town in Northern California, between Saint Helena and Morro Bay. There are plenty of shops fans, and fun little coves that make for great photo opportunities. Residents there even dress up for Comic Con when it comes to town!
5. St. Helena
Saint Helena is a quaint little town nestled in Russian River Valley. Its population is only 3,225 inhabitants and boasting of brown, gold, and red soils situated at the base of Mount Saint Helena, it’s safe to say that Saint Helena still stands with plenty of small-town charm. While building “points” for your B&B stay forecast as budget-friendly, anything but bothersome as there are plenty of notable spots not to be missed for tourists who visit this historic little town.
6. Sonoma
Once known as the “Valley of Musical Fruits”, the city of Sonoma is now known for its wines. There are many tasting opportunities and some excellent dining, wine bars and nightclubs in the city. It is also one of the cities most easily accessible by bus.
Musicians like Bonnie Raitt, Hunter Hayes, George Clinton and Bonnie Whitmore have called Sonoma home or stopped through on tour. Guests who love such sights will appreciate the exterior of Mission San Francisco Solano Franciscan Church at 320 West Spain Street and the Reverend Edmund A. Walsh Sr. House Museum
7. Tahoe City
Tahoe City is a small ski town that is only about 8 miles away from Lake Tahoe. It has the best views of both the lake and snow-covered mountains. There are plenty of casinos, restaurants, and other great things to do in the town. It’s also a great place to go cross-country skiing during the winter while feeling like it’s summer all year long.
8. Sausalito
When looking at places to stay, be sure to take advantage of the San Francisco bay area by staying in Sausalito. Though it’s a city and not a town, its history is intriguing. Walking around the waterfront on Bridgeway will bring you to shops and restaurants. The bicycle-friendly streets rule this roost – cars are only allowed in the very center of Sausalito, so you’ll need one if you want to explore!
9. Nevada City
Nevada City is a small town made-up of two towns, the larger American portion and the Mexican section. It’s in California Northeastern region. This is a quaint and artsy place that epitomizes what small town America should be like and host many festivals like the Danish Festival as well as hosting an amazing chili cook off. 10. Yellowstone. Yellowstone is well known as one of the greatest national park in America, famous for its geysers and hiking trails, waterfalls and wild life this is the place to be if you are looking for a camping/ nature type of adventure.
10. Arcata
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path and find your own small California town, then Arcata is perfect. It’s best to enter from State Route 299, where there are countless lovely wineries waiting for you to explore.
11. Cambria
Cambria is a sleepy little town that not too many people know about. Established in 1880 by John Cambrian, the town has a population of just over 2,000 people. The main attraction for visitors are the natural wonders of the area like Hearst Castle and quaint shops with views of ocean as well as what locals refer to as Bungalow Row. The restaurants excel at fresh seafood dishes and excellent dinning experiences are just waiting to be discovered when visitors head to this majestic small town overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
12. Los Alamos
Los Alamos is a small town located in the Santa Barbara region. It is known for its pine trees, beautiful bike trails, and sizeable resident population of artists. This creates a very relaxed atmosphere that most is difficult to find in California. The serenity found in Los Alamos contrasts with the nonstop activity in nearby cities and towns such as Malibu. If you like nature, peace and quiet, or art then Los Alamos should definitely be one of your California destinations.
13. Idyllwild
Located in the Riverside County mountain ranges near San Diego in southern California, Idyllwild is perched on an elevation of 6,000 feet. Nestled between Mt. San Jacinto and the Santa Rosa Plateau, the 2,700-person town offers a natural beauty to serve as a backdrop for golfing, horseback riding and hiking. Littered with rustic cabins scattered among hay fields and apple orchards, the small town has not been open to development or industry—highlighting a place where high-powered real estate companies are not part of this pastoral setting. Its resort status provides rich amenities such as zip lines, bouldering walls and swimming lakes that put Idyllwild on the map—thanks to its high-elevation climate that keeps it cool year-round.
14. Pioneer Town
Pioneer Town is a recreated 1800s frontier town in California. This small town offers entertainment for the whole family, and includes gold panning, seltzer making, blacksmithing, farming, and gunfighter shows. Browse the shops and galleries while enjoying the attractions. This re-creation of a 19th century western town is located in only 3 hours from San Diego. Make plans to spend a day or two at Pioneer Town in July, October, and Easter time. Western artisans, merchants, staff, and volunteers make this place come alive with its eclectic arts and crafts exhibits, gift stores, food vendors, shoot-outs for entertainment; it’s a gold mine of treasures for all ages.
15. La Jolla
La Jolla, CA is situated in North County, San Diego County, California. Known as the Jewel by the Sea, La Jolla is a place where all sorts of people can enjoy themselves no matter their age or interest. Situated at the corner to the Pacific Ocean and its private sheltered beaches and granite cliffs, la Jolla boasts everything from a black pearl shop to excellent tennis.
California is an extremely large as well as diverse state with many, many small towns. But no matter where you are vacationing, it always feels like home. If you’re spending your summer in California, here are the 15 small town you MUST visit for a full California experience!
