12 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Northern California You Should Visit
Referred to by those in the know as “NorCal,” Northern California has a lot going for it. Stretching from the state border with Oregon all the way to the Pacific Ocean, this beautiful part of the USA’s West Coast region boasts everything from dramatic coastal scenery to those immense redwood trees we’ve all seen photos of.
And while there’s no shortage of large urban areas to visit, such as San Francisco and San Jose, NorCal is also home to no end of small towns to explore. In fact, here you’ll find countless quaint communities steeped in history and framed by natural beauty, whether perched cliffside overlooking the ocean, huddled in a forest, or surrounded by lush vineyards.
Delve into our list of 12 of the most captivating small towns in NorCal and draw inspiration for your next California getaway.
Sausalito
Set across the bay from San Francisco, Sausalito’s 7,200 residents have the pleasure of gazing at one of California’s most famous landmarks every time they venture out. Located just a few miles north of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito’s winding streets are dotted with quaint boutiques as well as art studios and galleries.
The most scenic routes lead down to the waterfront where the town’s colorful community of houseboats reflect the town’s unique bohemian spirit. To learn more about the region’s maritime history, pay a visit to the Bay Model Visitor Center for a look at the massive scale model of the region.
Mendocino
Dramatically set atop a series of rugged cliffs, Mendocino boasts no end of incredible views of the mighty Pacific Ocean. Once a bustling logging town and now home to just over 700 souls, “Mendo” has transformed itself into an artist's haven, with many creators setting up galleries and studios in the old Victorian-era homes lining its quaint streets.
Mendocino Headlands State Park envelops the town, offering coastal trails and remnants of its logging past to discover. In recent years, the town and the surrounding region have earned a reputation for the quality of its cannabis, a recreational substance that’s legal here.
Nevada City
Curious to learn more about the American West? Then Nevada City’s a great place to visit. Tapping into the nostalgia for the Gold Rush era, Nevada City's picturesque old streets resonate with stories of a bygone era when prospectors and cowboys frequented the town’s bars, barbers, and brothels. While these darker elements of the Old West are long gone, the architecture and historic buildings remain, many put to new use as antique and boutique shops.
Notable landmarks include the famous Nevada Theatre, California's oldest theater and still a popular venue. In addition to Western-themed festivals and events, be sure to check out the Nevada City Living History Museum for its fascinating collection of Old West artifacts and stories.
Sonoma
Home to just over 10,000 people, Sonoma is so much more than a wine enthusiast's paradise. When not visiting the endless acres of surrounding vineyards, spend time exploring this pretty community’s downtown core. Start your adventure wandering the historic colonial-era plaza, especially fun to vibist on market day.
The heart and soul of Sonoma, here you’ll find streets lined with boutique shops and eateries, as well as Mission San Francisco Solano, the stop in the once-important mission chain. You’ll find out more about this scenic landmark with its well-preserved 19th-century buildings at Sonoma State Historic Park.
Ferndale
Marketing itself as the “Victorian village of Ferndale” was a no-brainer for the residents of this charming small town in Northern California. In fact, visiting Ferndale feels a little like stepping back in time, with many of the original buildings constructed in the 1850s when the town was first founded still seen today.
To find out more about the community and the surrounding area make your first stop at the Ferndale Museum. This informative attraction chronicles tales of the town’s dairy farming and lumber heritage, providing insights into its foundational years and the lives of the first townsfolk.
Murphys
A scenic 30-minute drive north of Sonora, the population of Murphys, just 1940 people, are quite rightly proud of their community. So much so, in fact, that they’ve come to call this Gold Rush-era town the "Queen of the Sierra". You can best see this unique blend of history and stunning scenery along Main Street. Along with its 19th-century iron-front buildings, you’ll find wine-tasting rooms showcasing the region's rich viticulture, along with many great excuses to indulge in some retail therapy.
History enthusiast? Then delve into exciting tales of the early gold miners who staked their claims in and around the area.
Truckee
Here’s one for all you fans of the great outdoors. The mid-sized town of Truckee, population of just over 17,000 residents, is a great place to visit for adventurous types, especially for its proximity to Lake Tahoe, 15 miles to the south. In addition to the surrounding natural beauty, the town itself offers no end of good reasons to want to stroll Truckee’s streets.
You’ll find evidence of Truckee’s rich railroad history, from architecture dating back to the 1860s when it served as the eastern staging point for the Central Pacific Railroad's eastward expansion. Check out the Old Truckee Jail Museum with its displays relating to the town’s Wild West past, while the Donner Memorial State Park offers poignant insights into pioneer stories.
Dunsmuir
Built up around the fast-flowing Sacramento River, pretty Dunsmuir is undoubtedly one of the most scenic small towns in Northern California. It’s here you’ll find two of the state’s most photo-worthy waterfalls: the spectacular Hedge Creek Falls and Mossbrae Falls. Both are easy to access from the downtown area, with fun hiking trails taking you to the best views.
Other highlights include the town’s attractive botanical gardens, while the Dunsmuir Railroad Display reveals a fascinating look at its locomotive legacy. Check out nearby Castle Crags State Park to the south with its rugged rock formations, some as tall as 6,500 feet.
St. Helena
Established in the heart of Napa Valley in 1855, St. Helena is the town you’ll want to visit to sample the rich wine culture that has sprung up around this part of the “Golden State.” In fact, St. Helena is home to the American Viticultural Area (AVA), a vast region of over 14 square miles, and is also home to over 400 vineyards. If you can only visit one, make it the historic Beringer Vineyards where you’ll learn about the evolution of winemaking.
It’s also where you’ll find the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. This esteemed organization has cemented the town’s reputation as Napa Valley’s culinary center.
Point Reyes Station
Despite being home to only 210 full-time residents, Point Reyes Station is well worth a visit if you’re looking to experience some of California’s most dramatic coastline. It’s here you’ll find the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore, a stretch of protected coastline that’s just waiting to be explored. In addition to its many beautiful beaches, including popular Wildcat Beach, you’ll want to visit the park’s Alamere Falls, a unique “tidefall" that drops straight into the ocean.
Other notable highlights include Point Reyes Lighthouse. Built in 1870, this imposing structure offers spectacular ocean views as well as whale-watching opportunities.
Pacific Grove
Often overlooked due to its proximity to nearby Monterey and Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove is certainly worth exploring. Founded in 1874 as a seaside resort for Methodist Christians, these days you’ll find visitors enjoying not just the beautiful beaches here but also Pacific Grove’s leafy streets with their attractive old Victorian homes.
A highlight of a visit is seeing Point Pinos Lighthouse. Built in 1855 at the northernmost tip of the Monterey Peninsula, it’s officially the West Coast's oldest lighthouse and makes for a perfect selfie. The area is also well-known as a stop for monarch butterflies as they migrate south.
Auburn
Our last stop, Auburn, is another NorCal town made famous for its connection to California’s Gold Rush. Founded in 1851, you can explore the city’s role in this interesting period of American history at a number of attractions including the Placer County Museum, Old Town Auburn, and Gold Country Fairgrounds. In addition to their well-preserved heritage buildings and exhibits, these fun places to visit serve as a backdrop for a number of local festivals and events.
Take a stroll around Downtown Auburn. You’ll be rewarded with a good sense of what the town must have been like during the Gold Rush.
The Final Word
From a rugged coastline shaped by the mighty Pacific Ocean to its sun-soaked valleys and vineyards, NorCal has plenty of fun things for adventurous travellers to see and do. For ideas and inspiration, read our list of 12 of the most beautiful small towns in Northern California you must visit.
