12 Most Beautiful Small Towns In California You Should Visit
The truth is that California has, for a long time, swept visitors off their feet. "You can travel the world," observed award-winning American actress Kate Perry, "but nothing comes close to the Golden Coast." If you want a fairytale landscape where you can dream your troubles away; an expanse that features spots that are untamed, aloof, prehistoric, ensure the Golden State is on your travel bucket list. And when you finally visit, check out the following 12 small towns because we believe they are hands-down the most beautiful in California.
Jamestown
One of California’s original Gold Rush towns, Jamestown, named after a well-heeled San Francisco attorney, is a charming California treasure that is known to have served as the setting for Back to the Future Part III, the final installment of the Back to the Future trilogy. With its beautiful old buildings and historical landmarks — as well as places you can still wade into, especially around the shallows of the South Fork of the American River, and chance on real gold, — a visit to Jamestown is a step back in time.
Jamestown Hotel and Restaurant is a beautiful, historic hotel with both preserved and new amenities. Expect an amazing ambiance here, unbelievable friendliness, authentic decor, and spotlessly clean rooms. The downtown area is known for its impressive array of antique stores, including Time Travelers, known for its awesome selection and unique finds. Also, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park features restored old locomotives and is a nice place to take a train ride with family.
Quincy
About 147 miles north of Sacramento, Quincy features a sumptuous backdrop defined by the enchanting aloofness of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the serenity of the picturesque Plumas National Forest. Though boasting a population of less than 2,000, this cute little gem punches above its weight when it comes to its breathtaking scenery and abundance of natural attractions. Its quaint downtown area, lined with cute shops and cafes — as well as beautiful Victorian-era buildings — is quite a pleasure to stroll through. The town’s courthouse, featuring a three-story white marble staircase, is nothing less than breathtaking and will arrest the attention of first-timers. The Plumas County Museum tells the story of Quincy through informative exhibits and displays. For outdoor enthusiasts, the scenic Sierra Buttes Trail is right at the town’s doorstep and hosts some of the best mountain biking trails in California. Wait for the most exciting part: Quincy is rarely crowded.
Julian
If you enjoy the distinctive flavor of apple pie — with just the correct scale of tartness — pack your bags. Julian has long been known for its apple pies and could just be the Apple Capital of California. Yet, interestingly, apples starred a bit late in Julian’s story, and somewhat as a silver cloud. Founded by ex-Confederate soldiers in the years following the end of the Civil War, Julian started out as a gold rush town. But the mines, about 60 of them, soon dried up — and refused to yield their treasure. The town was faced with one prospect: death. But the enterprising residents soon found a way out. They remembered that in 1893, their apples had won first place at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. Today, the sweet-smelling aroma of apple pie is among the first things visitors encounter. And there are numerous spots to enjoy this delicacy, including at the Julian Gold Rush Hotel in the historic district, the oldest operating hotel in Southern California.
Solvang
About 33 miles from Santa Barbara, and hence, a driving distance of less than 45 minutes, lies the town of Solvang — in the photogenic Santa Ynez Valley. For starters, this region is among the most renowned wine regions in Central California and features more than 100 wineries. Often referred to as the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang’s architectural landscape speaks to its European heritage. It has a street called “Copenhagen Street,” its downtown area features interesting Danish-themed souvenirs, its bakeries, and restaurants serve traditional Danish fare such as aebleskiver, while its tasting rooms delight visitors with Burgundian and Bordeaux-style wines. Where else can you find Europe right inside California? Budding artists will get a blast at the Wildling Museum — while wine aficionados will be well taken care of at the Cordon of Santa Barbara. The latter is a cute tasting room with a nice outdoor patio.
Port Reyes Station
When it comes to heart-melting natural beauty, the Bay Area of California is a well-known treasure chest. Well, the beloved town of Port Reyes — plays a role in that well-deserved reputation. Port Reyes Station might be the windiest place on the Pacific Coast, but it occupies a spot whose incredible beauty will be etched in your memory for a long time. Conveniently close to San Fransisco, just about 42 miles away, Port Reyes Station is best known as the gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore whose massive sea waves, forested ridges, and rugged headlands, often attract visitors in droves. The town’s historic lighthouse and the trail that leads to it, provide some of the best water-looking views in the area. Besides, Drakes Estero, the only marine Wilderness on the west coast of the Continental United States — is home to harbor seals, leopard sharks, and numerous species of birds. For some homemade fermented sodas or local cheese, check out the brand new West Marin Culture Shop.
Auburn
Among the first gold rush towns in California, Auburn reclines on the west side of the Sierra Nevada about 33 miles northeast of Sacramento and at the crossroads of I-80 and historic Highway 49. It occupies an area well known for its rich and fascinating history, numerous brooks and rivers, breweries, and old but grossly underrated wineries. One of Auburn’s claims to fame is the fact it marks the end of the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run — reputed to be among the most challenging enduring sports events on the globe — and the oldest 100-mile trail race on Earth. Beer connoisseurs should particularly start making travel arrangements — if just to have some real taste of heaven at Auburn Alehouse, a go-to brewery that also serves what could be the best pickle chips in the world.
Trinidad
Trinidad's awesome downtown area, plus its pretty beach, earns it a spot among the most beautiful small towns in the Golden State. A town that rests on a bluff, which, in turn, overlooks a stunning harbor is going to plant a smile on the face of a first-time visitor. You may want to take a leisurely stroll to the top of Trinidad Head to get up and close with the world's largest animal, or, better still , go to Humboldt State University Marine Lab to drink delicious coastal views in an area reputed to be among the most pristine in California. Alternatively, Trinidad Pier, California's northernmost pier along the ocean, is a beautiful stretch to stroll through — and features inviting restaurants such as Seascape Restaurant — whose clam chowder is some of the finest in that corner of the state.
Boulder Creek
If Boulder Creek did not possess any shade of beauty, it would still be among the most sought-after small towns in the United States. This is because Boulder Creek is the gateway to Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Featuring more than 80 miles of picturesque trails, Big Basin Redwoods is not your average state park. We are talking about the oldest state park in California — and the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods south of San Francisco. This California charmer reclines immediately below the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains near Silicon Valley. With its collection of turn-of-the-century buildings, including Mac's 100-Year-Old Place, a treasure house of an antique store visitors enjoy traipsing through, Boulder Creek strikes first-time visitors as a town frozen in time.
Guerneville
Great wineries. Nice, casual restaurants. And then the Russian River. A heart-ravishing California natural jewel, Guerneville is tucked away about 90 miles north of San Francisco — and is renowned for its delectable dining scene. Farm-to-table bistros such as Boon eat + drink, serve seasonal menus flavored with locally sourced ingredients — and steak so tender it melts in the mouth. Yet, Guerneville is not just about food, even if it scores highly on that front. Its downtown area features convivial taverns, one-of-a-kind art galleries, and an eclectic mix of souvenir shops displaying a delightful variety of unique and thoughtful items. Here is what to do. Book a room at Stavrand, formerly Applewood Inn, and have the time of your life at Guerneville.
Avalon, Catalina Island
Those familiar with the tourist landscape in Southern California can agree that Avalon, a small, pretty town on a rustic, sumptuous island, is among the region's crown jewels. This stunning town, featuring a downtown area that is among the most walkable in the country, is about 26 miles across the sea from Long Beach. Avalon boasts many enticing draws, including its spectacular seaside vistas, authentic feel, and slow-paced vibes. Antonio's Pizzerias has long been known to serve some kick-ass pizzas and is a must-do for pizza connoisseurs. Besides, the Glass Bottom Boat Tours open to view a spellbinding underwater world and often make for a lifetime experience. While some enjoy the sight and bustle of the town's golf carts, Two Harbors on the Isthmus of the island provides a quieter experience — and is an ideal option for those craving seclusion.
San Juan Bautista
Boasting a bucolic background that features rolling hills and peaceful farmlands, San Juan Bautista, a tasty eye candy that hosts just about 2,000 residents, serves first-time visitors with sites and attractions that are hard to beat anywhere else in California. The picturesque Old Mission San Juan Bautista, one of the town's most well-known landmarks, boasts an uninterrupted pastoral service that goes back 1787. It also features California's only original Spanish plaza still remaining. Then again, the town's charming Main Street plays host to several original Adobes that date back 200 years — and is a time capsule that often arrests the enchanted gaze of first-time visitors. If you are into collectables and vintage items, Fools Gold Antique is certainly what you have in mind.
Ferndale
A first-time visit to this Northern California gem, located about a 30-minute drive from the state's Redwood parks, will make you feel you have chanced on a well-kept secret. Ferndale is in California's photogenic Humboldt County and was once known for its prosperous dairy industry. This would spawn the construction of luxurious ornate buildings — known today as "Butterfat Palaces." Authentic Victorian-style buildings — such as Gingerbread Mansion —define Ferndale's Main Street, most of which date back to the 19th century. Then again, this town is among a special class whose entire Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cemetery provides panoramic vistas of the town while the 1320-foot-long Fernbridge, has been a feature of the town since 1911.
The Take-home
California is so vast, so packed with jaw-dropping beauty, that picking the most beautiful small towns in the state would be quite a formidable challenge. But it is possible. Some of these small towns are well-kept secrets. Some, however, have long lured tourists from America and beyond. In our view, small California towns that make the cut include Jamestown, Quincy, Julian, and Solvang. The last one is best known as the "Danish Capital of America."
