10 Adorable Small Towns In Northern California
Northern California brims with wonder, with its many small towns showing their adorable faces, from the stunning coastline to the Sierra gold rush nuggets and peaking through the stately redwoods of the national parks. Stumble into vineyards and other memorable places, like pastures by the sea, in the misty ocean breeze.
Choose a town, each a fantastic destination year-round with warm summers and relatively mild winters, to explore the boundless nature. Discover the unique NorCal culture in cute downtowns, the little hubs of the region's history and culture, along with the modern local lifestyle in a slower-paced atmosphere and your favorite down-to-earth pastimes.
Arcata
Arcata, with its exciting downtown scene and expansive forestland, combines some of NorCal's best in one adorable little town setting. It is hard to miss the colorful streets sprawling along the northern stretch of Humboldt Bay, across from Eureka. Enjoy minutes-access between the two, each with different personalities and attractions for all. Arcata's humble beginning as "Union," a shipping and supply center for the Trinity River miners during the gold rush town, is clearly visible amid its laid-back style and uniqueness.
Cal Poly Humboldt dominates the town from a hillside, with stroll-worthy grounds and an air of youthful creativity and intellectual ambiance. Come to the Plaza, Arcata's social and commercial hub, to soak up local culture while mingling around lawns and flowers. From delightful shops with local handcrafts to sports equipment for the surrounding outdoors, the plentiful boutiques and restaurants keep the studious occupied post-class, along with a handful of must-visit bookstores and interesting cafes.
Calistoga
This adorable town with down-to-earth charm steals hearts with its many sides, which you will have fun discovering in and around Calistoga. Both rustic and refined, Calistoga features sprawling acres of vineyards at its northernmost tip corner in the Napa Valley for your delightful strolls and tastings during one easygoing, unforgettable getaway. Slow down to the local pace along the streets, with its mineral-rich waters and natural geothermal pools largely responsible for the relaxed vibe around town.
From a number of spas to soak in benefits to Lincoln Avenue's main thoroughfare, you will never run out of family-friendly pastimes in between some quality eateries. Explore Calistoga on foot or by bike, including vineyard visits and exploring Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The town awaits hungry and tired venturers with relaxing and rejuvenating baths as well as thrilling natural hot springs.
Dunsmuir
Dunsmuir, a NorCal hidden gem, is a dream come true for avid outdoorsy types. This small hub for year-round activities is your go-to for some of the state's best fishing, skiing, climbing, and sightseeing hikes. Visit the gorgeous Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens to reconnect with nature and relax amid the sereneness in a scenically charged atmosphere with sensual scents. With numerous walking trails and various sections, each unique garden is more impressive than the last.
The adorable town extends itself through natural beauty onto the Mossbrae Falls, a must-see 52-foot-tall waterfall with a jaw-dropping cascade and surrounding nature as it flows smoothly to the Sacramento River. Visit the unmissable collection of other natural attractions for all levels of activity, including Hedge Creek Falls, the Sacred Well, Tauhindauli Park, and Wagon Creek Bridge.
Ferndale
The charming town of Ferndale is unlike any other in Northern California, viciously underrated and beloved by those who stumble upon this pretty spot on the state's map. Vividly beautiful, Ferndale strikes through the heart with picturesque scenery you must see to believe. Experience all the seaside town's glory with verdant dairy cow pastures in the misty air and a salty breeze from the waters—incredible.
The charming town is laid out in Victorian-style galore for architecture fans, romantic getaways, and family-friendly strolls. Find outdoor ventures for every taste, with art, history, shopping, and foodie heaven awaiting in the atmospheric downtown afterward. Browse through local antique stores and shops and score a stay at the cute Gingerbread Mansion Inn, a bed and breakfast near hotspots and farm-to-table restaurants.
Fort Bragg
This unique town is ruggedly beautiful and home to the famous Glass Beach—a destination to remember. With deep roots dating back over a century as a military garrison and a gritty lumber town, Fort Bragg retains a humble vibe with a buffed-up image and something new to see and do among its long-standing attractions. Take a ride through the redwoods along the Skunk Train inland to the town of Willits, or aim the other way with deep-water whale-watching tours and fishing charters from the rustic Noyo Harbor.
The evolved Company Store building at Redwood and Main, once selling basic provisions for the town's lumberjacks, is now galore for boutique shopping and gallery visits in between unique restaurants. There's always an event nearby unraveling local culture, along with Mendocino County dairies and wineries offering a taste of the region with artisanal cheeses and Pinot Noir from the locals. Gorgeous and peaceful, Fort Bragg lets you really disconnect from nature, with beaches far from the closest cell town. Score a charming B&B to explore it all until sunset strolls along the working harbor.
Fortuna
No wonder locals refer to this town as Sunny Fortuna—the perfect place to visit along the North Coast for a summertime redwood adventure. The adorable small town with quintessential attractions and local friendliness, centrally located in Humboldt County, is a perfect getaway for any taste, anytime, and any length. Some five hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area, the remote feel combines your favorite pursuits of quality dining and shopping while also being steps away from the magnificent outdoors.
The lovely town, with roughly 12,500 residents, sits along the Eel River and the Pacific Ocean. Visit now for the imminent annual Redwood AutoXpo, pristine beaches, and fishing, or plan a fall getaway with plentiful fine lodging options and cozy B&Bs to immerse yourself in the magical foliage through redwood parks with hiking trails. Discover Fortuna, the Spanish word for fortune, along with its historic points of interest and in the footsteps of the fortunate settlers amid this glorious land with surrounding forests.
Lakeport
This brilliant lakeside town along the western shores of the crystal Clear Lake is a NorCal highlight, featuring the state's largest natural freshwater lake amid undulating natural beauty. Home to just 5,200 locals, Lakeport embraces you with adorable sights where everything embodies small-town living, like the lovely downtown area with a worthy assortment of charming shops, restaurants, and breweries.
The atmosphere inspires everyone to find something engaging, scenic, and nostalgic about the town and the beautiful nature around it. Enjoy family trips to this gorgeous locale in Northern California for days by the lake, hiking, and scenic drives to the nearby lake communities for more discoveries. The humble feel of such a beautiful place in a small-town atmosphere astounds new visitors, winning the hearts of every group in search of an easy, scenic getaway.
Murphys
Murphys, the Queen of the Sierra, continuously wins the hearts of the few who stumble upon this real nugget in the gold rush country of California. Enjoy the intimate, mountainous embrace of the central Sierra Nevada foothills. Tucked in Calaveras County, between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, this thriving and vibrant village is a joy to discover on a stroll through art galleries, eclectic shops, and fine restaurants. Choose from a number of charming hotels or B&Bs for a multitude of outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities nearby, like the region's most scenic trails for biking, hiking, and sightseeing.
Return anytime for on-the-town browsing with the unmissable Spice Tin's beautiful interior, featuring a fantastic selection of aromatic spices and herbs to elevate your culinary game at home. Murphy's charms are endless, from plentiful adorable shops for exquisite gifts like handmade candles to live theater, foodie delights, wintertime skiing, and outdoor natural beauty that knows no bounds.
St. Helena
St. Helena welcomes visitors into the heart of Napa Valley as a Main Street town that doesn't take more than a few steps to fall head over heels. The most stroll-worthy thoroughfare is strewn with unique shops, galleries, and restaurants to waste away any afternoon, but visit the Beringer and Charles Krug, the landmark wineries just off the Main. St. Helena's quaint beauty, complete with small-town charm and big experiences, is unmissable for families, couples, and wine junkies looking for a steal of their favorite bottle and unwinding on a porch with views.
Take up the opportunity to taste and feast your eyes at the Culinary Institute of America, orchestrating some drool-worthy creations. This renowned restaurant in Greystone hosts various cooking demonstrations and tours in the building that was once home to the Christian Brothers Winery in the early 1900s. The nearby Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park offers outstanding nature and heritage demonstrations like the mighty 36-foot water wheel and a 19th-century grist mill.
Tiburon
The waterside town of Tiburon is a real treasure trove for scenic activities and relaxation in a sunny NorCal atmosphere along the verdant slopes. Visit this part of the Bay Area anytime, with some 9,000 locals happy to share their giving nature with tourists. The adorable town packs a punch with its renowned Tiburon International Film Festival, which features world-wide-produced motion pictures and some of the best wine-tasting opportunities at Windsor Vineyards. Translating as "shark" from Spanish, Tiburon is that unforgettable escape from the daily hustle into surrounding waters, hikes like the world-famous Tiburon Historical Trail, and downtown to soak up the unique culture of this NorCal slice.
Shop along the elegant Ark Row of boutiques under a leafy canopy encasing historical floating arks turned charming shops and great restaurants steps away from Main Street. The nautically inclined enjoy Corinthian Yacht Club's Friday Night Races on the Bay, where dozens of sails take off in a hallmark spectacle of the Bay Area lifestyle. Enjoy easy ferry access from San Francisco and venture to the nearby Angel Island State Parks with views of the city at the dock. The strung pearls of parks along the waterline include Blackie's Pasture, a start to multiple trails for hikes and bike rides.
Bonus Entry: Yountville
This wonderful little town is a dream come true for all wine connoisseurs, and no NorCal list is complete without it! With an intimate feel and family-friendly atmosphere, find fascinating things for all to do beyond tasting sessions. Come for the Art Walk's magnificent collection of outdoor sculptures, with pieces from internationally acclaimed artists among local works you can admire and buy. Take a quintessential hot air balloon ride—a romantic and intriguing pursuit for couples and friends looking for adventure above the ground, overlooking the scenic Napa Valley with its most spectacular views at sunrise.
The adorable town in the Napa Valley, Yountville, was named after the very first vineyard owner in the area. Slow down to the relaxed local pace on a leisurely browse through the marketplace to hunt for cultural sights and many unusual keepsakes like jewelry, arts, and housewares. Moreover, Yountville is the place for foodies, with some of the best NorCal cuisine right here, served paired with complementing wines.
The northern part of the Sunshine State is a dreamy place to visit in any season. From hikes through the renowned redwoods and state parks with wildlife to the rugged coastline, the scenically charged atmosphere inspires new faces and boasts loyal followers who like to play it cool.
Enjoy the pleasant summertime ventures in the sea breeze and nearby skiing in the alpine country along the Sierra in the winter. Visit the Napa Valley to stock up on the finest wines. Choose one of the small towns to explore all this and more, each with adorable character and an atmospheric downtown area to sightsee, shop, and eat your way through.
