10 Coziest California Towns to Visit in 2024
The state of California, on the Pacific Coast, is a traveler's wonderland. It is an adventure sports enthusiasts' dream with soaring mountains, desert landscapes, and world-renowned waves on the Pacific Ocean. The cozy towns provide a respite from the crowds of the bigger cities without lacking amenities or attractions.
The towns also cover a wide range of scenery, from classic surf towns to elegant wine-country villas. Exploring these towns is fun, whether discovering that perfect California wine, finding a new surf break, or exploring one of the many Old West towns where the architecture has changed little over the last century and a half. Here are ten of the coziest towns to visit in California in 2024.
Carmel by the Sea
Carmel by the Sea is a woodsy, picturesque town on the Monterrey Peninsula. Two notable facts highlight the town's character: Clint Eastwood was once the mayor and no buildings or houses have addresses in this roughly 1.0 square-mile paradise. The historic Camel Mission, built in the mission style in 1770, is significant to the community and one of the top attractions in the area. Then, there is the artistic influence and the famed courtyard.
The storybook town has been an artist's haven for over a century, including galleries such as Gallery North, Galerie Plein Aire, and Gallery Mar. The courtyards started in the 1920s, and today, there are 41 hidden passageways and courtyards, each with a different theme with boutiques and restaurants. It is stunning how much culture, beautiful architecture, and artistic flair is in a town of less than 5,000 residents, and every visit introduces something new.
Bishop
Bishop is a classic mountain town in the heart of the Eastern Sierra range. Known as the "Mule Capital" of the world, the town hosts Mule Days, a weekly event that attracts thousands of visitors annually. There are cultural points of interest like the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site. The 11-acre museum celebrates notable railway history with exhibits, including the 1883 depot and other historic buildings. The town is remarkable for its lodging and culinary offerings, too.
Eric Schatts Bakery serves homemade goods daily, while the Holy Smoke Texas Style BBQ serves mouth-watering barbecue. The historic Trees Motel is in the heart of town, two miles from the Paiute Palace Casino and a short drive from other attractions. Bishop provides a tranquil stay with unlimited outdoor adventures and a quaint village with modern and historic amenities.
Nevada City
Nevada City is a charming Old West town that became prominent during the mid-1800s Gold Rush. The downtown area has brick storefronts and a vibrant community spirit. The cozy town is also the gateway to Tahoe National Forest, a haven for fishing, kayaking, and camping. The abundance of outdoor adventure and downtown make this a great town to visit.
The historic Nevada Theatre hosts annual live events, including the Nevada City Film Festival. Other annual events include the Summer Nights Festival and the lovely Victorian Christmas celebration, making this one of the most unique California towns. A stay at the historic National Exchange Hotel places visitors in the middle of downtown, within walking distance of the attractions and shops.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a surfer's paradise, home of the monstrous Mavericks surf break and laidback charm. The coastal town is also known for its rolling hills and forested scenery. Alongside natural scenery, there is a historic downtown area, fine dining options along Main Street, and live events like Shakespeare in the Park and Night of Lights.
Historic walking tours are available downtown, and one of the stops is the first jail, now a museum. Half Moon Bay Jail was built in 1919 and operated as a holding cell. There is also an eclectic culinary scene, including Barterra Winery and Johnny's. Several elegant lodging options are downtown, such as Mill Rose Inn and the tremendous Nantucket Whale Inn. The natural sites, surf breaks, and charming coastal scenery make Half Moon Bay one of the coziest towns in California.
Sonoma
In the heart of Sonoma Valley wine country, historic Sonoma is known for its wineries, art galleries, and architecture. 19th-century adobe structures surround the Colonial-era Sonoma Plaza. Next to the plaza is the Sonoma State Historic Park, which includes the Mission San Francisco Solano and five historical structures around the downtown area.
Other historical structures include the Barracks, the Blue Wing Inn, and the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen. The latter was home to General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, a notable military commander during the 19th century who helped form California. Notable wineries include the Kenwood and the Healdsburg, among 250 others. Wine, walking, and kayak tours are available, including a luncheon and wine tasting, making Sonoma one of the loveliest towns in the state.
Solvang
The Danish Capital of America, Solvang, is a quaint Dutch-inspired village in the Ynez Village. Copenhagen Drive is the main thoroughfare, leading past a classic windmill, Dutch bakeries, and quaint wineries. European bakeries like Birkholme's, Danish Mill, and Mortensen's intermingle with charming boutiques and a downtown area like no other in California.
There is always something to do in Solvang, and festivals, museums, and other cultural attractions abound. Wine tasting is available at several vineyards, like Cali Love. The elegant Elverhoj Museum of History Art is in a handcrafted building and showcases the town's history through exhibits and photographs. It provides a great opportunity to learn how Solvang is as unique as it is.
Laguna Beach
The coastal town of Laguna Beach is known for its scenery, galleries, and tidal pools. Main Beach has tidal pools and a beautiful boardwalk that winds past gardens at Heisler Park. The beach is the largest in town, including many amenities and the landmark white lifeguard chair. Along this seven-mile coastline are 22,000 acres of pristine land with hiking trails and other natural wonders.
The town is a haven for artists and includes several museums, like the Laguna Art Museum. It has an expansive collection with more than 3,600 paintings from the 19th century to modern works. Other points of interest include Crystal Cove State Park. The 2,400-acre park is off the famed Pacific Coast Highway and has 3.2 miles of coastline and docents hosting seminars. Cozy Laguna Beach has many other sites and attractions, making it an ideal travel destination.
Calistoga
Beautiful Calistoga is famous for its mud baths and sophisticated Napa Valley wine region vineyards. One winery, the Castello Di Amorosa, is set in a 14th-century styled Tuscan castle. The elegant surroundings include a refined dining experience where reservations are required. There are many notable spas like the Calistoga Spa Hot Springs and Solage.
Calistoga offers a variety of cultural attractions, museums, and live events. Upstage Napa Valley is an intimate live performance theatre that hosts the annual Playfest, ten-minute performances by aspiring playwrights and actors. The Sharpsteen Museum details local history from its founding through World War l. Calistoga has many cultivated attractions and is one of the prettiest towns in wine country.
Mendocino
Mendocino is famous for its natural scenery, including groves of some of the oldest Redwoods in the world. It also boasts the only oceanfront botanical garden in the US. Among the natural beauty are elegant cottages and hotels like the Stanford Inn and Cottages at Little River Cottage. The town offers several live theatre and musical performances.
Gloriana Opera Company hosts "Center Stage" productions and children's choirs. The Sequoia Room offers live Jazz on Fridays and Saturdays in a quaint brewery setting. Mendocino is an artistic place, and several galleries, such as Prentice and the Mendocino Art Center, showcase local works. There are also elegant restaurants like Flow, which offers a superb menu and an ocean view.
St. Helena
Set in the immaculate Napa Valley, St. Helana is notable for its vineyards, spas, and sophisticated lifestyle. Wine tasting is a favorite pastime at many locations, such as Elizabeth Spencer Winery and JCB, and also offer exceptional menus. Plenty of outdoor points of interest, like the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. The park was built in 1846 and includes a restored water-powered grist mill and numerous other features. Crane Park is another option, and it has several tennis courts, a playground, and sports fields.
Crane Park is also home to the St. Helena Farmer's Market, which has been open since 1986 and offers a strong sense of community and locally farmed produce. The award-winning culinary scene is just one more reason to visit this beautiful town. One such restaurant, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, offers American cuisine with a chef-inspired menu in a close setting. The culinary delights, refined wineries, and natural beauty of St. Helena promise an unforgettable experience.
California is one of the best states to visit for its wide array of attractions, cultural sites, and vibrant downtown areas. Enchanting Carmel by the Sea is one of the best walking towns, with tucked-away pathways and an extraordinary downtown area. Nevada City has a whole other atmosphere, one that is steeped in Old West mystique but every bit as fun to explore.
Yet again, classic mountain towns like Bishop provide a different aesthetic and appeal, and watching the mind-blowing surf break at Mavericks can be a transformative experience. Visiting California is perhaps like visiting nowhere else. A short road trip drastically changes the scenery, but the towns meld together seamlessly. These cozy towns are worth visiting to discover the best of what California has to offer.
