11 Most Underrated Towns In Northern California
An underrated town is somewhere that people don't initially think of as a hotspot, but it typically offers some of the greatest hidden gems and experiences that make traveling there worthwhile. Northern California is home to many quaint, underrated towns that are a close proximity to some of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Home to California’s Gold Rush, redwoods and coastal shores, the small towns of Northern California mix historic experiences with modern, outdoor environments.
Ferndale
This Victorian village is an oasis of small town charm called Ferndale. Experience Humboldt County culture and old school Americana mixed with modern settings in this old dairy town. Experience the majestic natural environment and jaw dropping beauty of the Redwoods National Park with some of the tallest trees on earth. A fusion of small town scenic settings mixed with rugged forests with outdoor adventure makes for the perfect getaway. Shop in the olde shops down historic Main Street and have a bite to eat at one of the many diverse culinary experiences in Food Network star Guy Fieri’s hometown. Ferndale is a small town famous for its Victorian setting and relaxing, pastoral farm to table lifestyle making it one of the best places in Northern California to visit.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, in Northern California's Mendocino County, is a cozy town with a population of under 7,000. This charming city, located on the scenic Shoreline Highway, offers diverse outdoor activities. You can visit the iconic Glass Beach, explore the wetlands and dunes of MacKerricher State Park, or wander through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The city's climate is moderate throughout the year, making outdoor activities enjoyable regardless of the season. This picturesque destination is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and seek unique experiences.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay located on the San Mateo County Coastline is home to some of the most majestic coastlines and beaches in Northern California. Grab a surfboard or a sailboat and head to the biggest waves and go deep in the same waters as the thrilling gray whales. This small town harbor is a hidden gem for its water sport culture and diverse marine life. Take a walk down the historic Main Street which hosts a number of eateries, boutique shopping opportunities and exciting arts experiences. Throw on a bathing suit and walk through the entire town which is a must see for anyone visiting Northern California. Famous for its coastal waters and pristine beaches, Half Moon Bay is a small town with a rich history with a beach vibe making it one of the most relaxing, sunshine coast getaways available.
Eureka
Eureka in Northern California is the perfect vacation for anyone seeking a small town adventure. This small town is centered around the Old Town and waterfront which is one of the best preserved downtowns in all of California. The downtown is home to multiple unique restaurants, shops with passionate local owners and architecture with colorful and vibrant murals that reflect the history of the community. Take a cruise on the Madaket and take in the scenery of over 150 buildings from the Victorian era that appear frozen in time from the waterfront where visitors can fish for crab or seafood fresh off the boat. Eureka is one of the most captivating small towns in Northern California for its historic downtown and waterfront living topping the list of tourists as a must see experience for travelers to the West Coast.
Sonoma
Laid back living describes the Northern California small town of Sonoma. In the heart of Sonoma Valley, the town of Sonoma valley is accessed by two lane highways and local roads, kicking off the trip with a relaxing cruise with scenic views of luscious and abundant farmlands. Spend some time at the downtown plaza that is an oasis of shops and historic sites before hopping on the 1890s style cable car called the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which offers field trips to multiple wineries and landmarks across the town. Experience the relaxation of a welcoming small town environment and explore the great outdoors with farm to table goodness in Sonoma, one of the best California getaways available.
Capitola
The small town of Capitola began as a tent camp along Monterey Bay and eventually became a resort town tucked into the hillside along Soquel Creek. This small town has a romantic feel as it boasts colorful wood framed buildings and restaurants providing a true Santa Cruz experience. Sit in Esplanade Park before taking a dip in the sea on Capitola Beach before heading to the village which is filled with bright florals, colorful bungalows and vibrant murals. Grab a bathing suit and make a sandcastle on the beach or throw on your running shoes for a walk through one of the world's most historic villages. Palm trees, surfing, and beach life with the background of bright, vibrant coloured homes nestled along the coastline makes Capitola one of the greatest small towns to visit in Northern California.
Sierra City
Sierra City was developed as a direct result of the discovery and search for gold in Northern California. Today, the old mining town is known for its outdoor beauty, natural environments and epic wilderness. A hotspot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the area is famous for its mountains that brought many explorers to the area and became tunnels over time. Explore the history of this mining town at the Sierra Buttes Mine which was the second most successful gold mine in Sierra County and active for 80 years. The mine attracted individuals from far and wide and still brings visitors to the area for its interesting and captivating tours. Sierra City holds some of the most important history of California’s gold rush and is one of the greatest small town vacations to take in Northern California.
Grass Valley
Grass Valley is a small town that sits at the heart of the historic Gold Country in Northern California. The mines of Grass Valley makes it the richest of all the mining towns and one of the most interesting to explore. Empire Mine State Park was one of the richest hard rock mines in the entire state of California but this small town offers a whole lot more than a gold miners experience, it is steeped in old Nevada Americana style and harkens back to the Old West. This Western style getaway is great for horseback riding and outdoor experiences. Redwoods, wildlife and epic hikes along the mountaintops offer unmatchable views of the Nevada landscape of Northern California making Grass Valley one of the greatest places to vacation.
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is located in Siskiyou County and the Native Americans believe the mountain is one of the most sacred sites in the world as it is assumed to be home to the creator. It is a monolithic mountain with communities of new age beliefs surrounding it making it a magical place to visit. Check out the lenticular clouds which are unique to the area and caused by wind passing over the mountains. A small town with plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from, Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County is one of the most captivating and spiritually exhilarating experiences for any traveler. Get into the middle of the mystic mountains and check out the new age feel of this small town on a vacation to Mount Shasta in Northern California.
Auburn
Auburn is a small town on the west side of the Sierra Nevada that is home to the most challenging and iconic hike in the world, the 100-mile Western States trail running race. Auburn is famous for being a small town with glowing old American marquees across storefronts on the way to and from Lake Tahoe, but sticking around Auburn is worthwhile. Auburn is home to a bustling wine country, craft and microbreweries as well as a cute main street with tons of specialty boutiques. The area is one of the best for outdoor experiences with white water rafting the American River topping most tourists' bucket lists. One of the most unique places in the West Coast for its hiking trails and opportunities for white water rafting, Auburn is a small town spot that travelers to Northern California won’t want to miss.
Sutter Creek
Sutter Creek is a small mining town in Northern California known for being the location where the first Mother Lode of gold was discovered in 1848. The small town of Sutter Creek holds a rich history of mining along the creek and a modern experience where the mines are now wineries which have become famous for its red Zinfandels. Walk down Main Street with a homemade ice cream cone and check out the old architecture of the wild west. Visit the Sutter Creek Historic Knight Foundry, America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop. A true time warp, the tour through the foundry offers up close views of historic machinery and specialized equipment still in place from when it was established in 1873. Sutter Creek is one of Northern California’s greatest small towns to visit for its wineries, wild west architecture and historic landmarks like the machine shop Knight Foundry.
Conclusion
Northern California is home to many settlements from the Gold Rush and along the coastlines making for some of the most historic small towns across the United States. The small towns in Northern California offer everything from seaside surfing adventures to outdoor hiking among tall, California redwoods. Each city hosts a unique set of old West or Victorian architecture and the bed and breakfasts in the area are worth visiting for any tourist. Visiting these small towns in Northern California offer the best experiences for a friendly, small town ambiance filled with thrilling adventure.
