11 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in California
When was the last time you took a vacation break? In the fast-paced world we are living in today, it is always a good idea to get some much-needed R&R. A study in Science Daily showed that going on vacation lowers biological processes related to stress. So if things feel overwhelming, take this as your sign to treat yourself to a trip!
If you are unsure where to go, perhaps the chill state of California might convince you. The Golden State has always been a favorite destination for relaxing. Lounging by the beach in Laguna Beach, eating al fresco in Carmel-By-The-Sea, and going on a meditation retreat in Ojai are just some of the excellent activities you can do. Read on to find the best small towns in California for your next de-stressing getaway!
Laguna Beach
California has no shortage of beach towns, but Laguna Beach tops the list of tranquil seaside cities where you can get some quality “me time” away from the hustle and bustle of life and partying beach folks. Two noteworthy secluded spots are the Fisherman’s Cove in North Laguna and Table Rock Beach to the south. The former feels like a private beach for mellow hangouts, while the latter has pretty rock formations that make it hidden.
A peaceful walk through Laurel Canyon Trail to put your thoughts in order will do you good, too. You will get to see a waterfall and the infamous Ghost Rock that sometimes has eagles perching inside it. For an inspiring panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, make the hike up to the Top of the World at Alta Laguna Park.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Within its one square mile, the tiny city of Carmel-By-The-Sea offers many relaxing pastimes—from mindful nature walks and slow al fresco brunches to spa retreats. Whether you are an artist looking for inspiration or simply a nature lover, the serene trails and scenery of Mission Trail Nature Preserve and Point Lobos State Natural Reserve will leave an impression on you.
After you have had your hiking fill, cool down and warm up at Refuge’s Nordic cool pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Recharge some lost calories and savor every meal at The Court of the Golden Bough, Carmel’s historic and first shopping courtyard. Portabella’s Italian and French fare and Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Co’s great brews and pastries are some of its al fresco spots where you can take your time eating, do some people-watching, and enjoy Carmel’s laid-back life.
Ojai
Ojai is a California town known for its penchant for wellness, spirituality, and the arts. A stroll downtown will rejuvenate your soul with sights like the Overlook Circle Fountain (representing the spiritual world) and the gallery of Ojai Valley Museum. For physical relaxation, there are many award-winning spas and wellness centers peppered around town, too.
Try Spa Ojai’s massage therapy and wellness classes, such as fitness walks and yoga, at Ojai Valley Inn. Or if you want something new, Meditation Mount’s full-moon meditation might reinvigorate your mindfulness. You can even spend your Ojai days reading books about philosophy and topics on esoteric wisdom through the Krotona Institute and Krishnamurti Center. Ojai knows that a relaxing holiday should be holistic for your mind, body, and soul.
Calistoga
Nothing says “laid-back vacation” than massages and skin-enriching mud baths, and luckily, Calistoga has that in spades! If you cannot get enough of California’s quality spas, make this Napa County city your next destination, specifically Calistoga Spa Hot Springs and the Roman Spa. The combination of the town’s mineral waters and mineral-rich volcanic ash results in a unique spa experience that promotes skin hydration and overall relaxation.
Once you feel pampered enough, see the sights around town, like the Old Faithful Geyser in California, the Sharpsteen Museum, and a wine tour at the Tuscan castle-inspired vineyard of Castello di Amorosa. Sip, spa, and melt your worries away in Calistoga!
Sonoma
If your picture-perfect image of an easygoing trip is sipping delectable wine in an old-fashioned California town, add Sonoma to your next California itinerary. Roughly an hour’s drive from San Francisco, Sonoma is a major part of California’s Wine Country and encapsulates what a true small-town California life feels like. Sonoma Plaza, a historic landmark and the hub of everyday Sonoma life, already has lots to offer. You can find the town hall, the local brunch spot of Sunflower Caffe, Obsidian’s tasting room, and the Sebastiani Theatre all at the heart of town.
You can even do a sip-and-stroll foodie and wine tour with friends via the Gourmet Food and Wine Tour! Other wineries to check out are Three Sticks Wines, the “bubble bar” of Sigh, and one of Sonoma’s oldest wineries: Sebastiani’s Vineyard and Winery. Sonoma welcomes anyone who wants to take life slowly through its gastronomic and wine delights, and for that, we raise a glass to its excellence.
Yountville
Life is easy-breezy when you have good food at your fingertips, as shown by Yountville’s impressive culinary scene. Another Napa County town worth visiting, drop by to indulge in Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry—twice dubbed the "best restaurant in the world," and the French-style fare of Bouchon Bistro. The town is proud of its “Culinary Capital” title and has compiled all its dining options that visitors can check out.
Once you have had your epicurean fill, it is time to feed your eyes with a gorgeous aerial look of the whole town. Get the boutique balloon tours of Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides to cap off your Yountville trip with a memorable experience. Cheers to good food and good views!
Avalon
Tired of your car-centric city? Head over to Avalon, the only California city that regulates the number of cars allowed on its streets. In fact, walking is a much preferred mode of transportation in town, which can be relaxing and a good excuse to do some cardio. Stretch your legs to see the seaside park of Old Ben, the over 60-year-old Catalina Museum, and the adorable mini golf location of Golf Gardens. If you are up for more hiking, challenge yourself with the 38.5-mile trek of the Trans-Catalina Trail that takes you to several camping grounds and pristine beach spots.
If you would rather have a comfortable tour around town, you can always rent golf carts with Island Rentals or pedal your way with Brown’s Bikes’ electric bicycles. A sightseeing tour on a motor coach or open-air tram via Catalina Island Tours is also an option. Avalon is a great destination to unplug yourself from your stuffy, car-focused way of life.
Solvang
No need to go through a stressful, multiple-hours-long trip to enjoy a European vacation—just unwind in the Danish-inspired city of Solvang! A simple walk downtown will already show you wooden windmills, the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the town’s Little Mermaid statue, and authentic mouth-watering Danish pastries from Birkholm’s and Solvang Bakery.
The town’s heritage comes from the Danish Americans who settled in the early 1900s, and the town has kept its Danish culture and traditions since. Visit on the third week of September to experience Danish Days—a three-day festival that is filled to the brim with Danish treats, parades, LEGO building, and more! There is nothing more peaceful than watching everyone in a festive mood while stuffing yourself with delectable Aebleskiver.
St. Helena
St. Helena’s greatest charm lies in its historic downtown, which is dotted with lovely restaurants, galleries, and shops to leisurely while away your afternoon. Take your pick to explore: the landmark winery of Beringer Vineyards, Christopher Hill Gallery, and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) are some of its Main Street highlights. CIA even has cooking demonstrations and is not too far from Beringer, so you can dine and wine at the very best St. Helena spots.
Like other Napa Valley towns, St. Helena loves its wine. Learn more about it at the 1881 Napa Wine History Museum, housed in one of the oldest Victorian abodes in the area. Or, if you want to merge your love for trains and wine, take the Napa Valley Wine Train and relive the glory days of Napa Valley train travel while sipping and savoring quality vino. Now, that is some hands-on wine lesson!
Julian
With its love for apple pies, a trip to Julian is sweet and carefree! Formerly a mining town before becoming a renowned apple-growing community, taste a slice of its sugary charm by trying its renowned American-style apple pies at Julian Cafe and Bakery and celebrating its Apple Days Festival during fall. Want to stomp on some grapes? The Julian Grape Stomp Festa lets you try the old-world tradition of squishing grapes beneath your toes!
Outside its bountiful farms and dessert treats, Julian has not completely forgotten its mining days. It honors its heritage through the Julian Pioneer Museum, the Eagle Mining Co. (you can pan for gold), and the old days-style Miner’s Diner.
Truckee
If your idea of chillaxing is to cycle while sightseeing, you cannot go wrong with Truckee, one of California’s top biking spots in the Sierra Nevada. Not only does the town support cycling as a lifestyle through its convenient e-bike rental service, but it also has 26 miles of scenic paved trails via the Truckee River Legacy Trail. Add in its inclusive biking program, the Trails for EveryBODY project, and it is a great biking destination that is chill and welcoming for all!
After some strenuous albeit rejuvenating cycling, Truckee has an array of mountain restaurants, beer gardens, and a thriving music scene in which to unwind. Try the Good Wolf’s unique forest beer, the historic watering hole of the Bar of America, and live music at Moody’s Bistro Bar and Beats. Three cheers for this chill cycling city!
There is more to the Golden State than just being a party beach location during spring break. While its beach towns are usually crowded and hectic, you can still find some peaceful enclaves in some of the small towns in California.
Life can slow down while you are in the almost car-free town of Avalon, you can loosen up with Calistoga and Sonoma’s wine tours, and you can add some Zen to your life through Ojai. Whether you are in NorCal or SoCal, one thing is clear: California knows how to chill!
