12 Off The Beaten Path California Towns
Beyond the well-trodden paths and concrete jungles of San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles, there exists a different California. This hidden side of the Golden State is home to 12 charming, offbeat towns situated in the scenic landscapes of the Eastern Sierras, Northern forests, and Southern shores. These towns offer a serene escape from the urban hustle, each with its own unique character and stories.
In the Eastern Sierras, Bishop stands as a serene outpost, contrasting sharply with city life. To the south, towns like Mecca showcase the understated beauty of California's quieter regions. From quaint, historic downtowns to stunning natural backdrops, these towns present a refreshing view of California.
Bishop
While many often focus their vacation activities in the Bay Area or Los Angeles, the Eastern Sierra is a whole different ball game. This region plays host to many of the Sierra’s scintillating views, complete with massive peaks and lush expansive valleys. Keough's Hot Springs, the largest natural hot springs pool in the Eastern Sierra, is just 8 miles south of downtown Bishop.
If you want to fill your lungs with fresh air, and your eyes with some of the most beautiful views in the world, the area around Lake Sabrina is worth every penny. Besides, Owens River Gorge, which is about a 20-minute drive from town, is world-famous for rock climbing and bouldering and is the state’s most concentrated sport-climbing area. Before these adventures, however, an hour or two at Erick Schat's Bakkery will be among the highlights of your trip.
Eureka
Welcome to California’s North Coast area, one of the most criminally underrated regions in the United States. While Big Sur hogs all the limelight (and gets all the crowds), the area around Eureka is just as scenic but welcomes much fewer crowds. Although it is far — nearly five hours by road from San Francisco — a visit here is quite rewarding. Among Eureka’s most noticeable features is its Victorian architecture. Hillsdale Street and the surrounding neighborhoods particularly pack a punch and often feel like stepping back in time.
Also, reputed to be among the finest examples of Queen Anne style, the William Carson Mansion, located in Old Town, is arguably the most photographed Victorian in the Golden State. For some specialty craft beer or a quick bite, many consider Redwood Curtain Brewing Company as the holy grail of the West Coast breweries.
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo may be small, with just about 48,800 residents, but it is nearly always full of life. The hikes around the town are often of interest — as are the unbelievably pretty beaches, most of which are 10 to 20 minutes from the town. The iconic Pismo Beach, one of the state's best strips of coastline for magical sunsets, is just 12 miles from town. The “Enchanted Hill,” as Hearst Castle is known, is a short 45-minute drive from town. However, the Steynberg Gallery, while much smaller, is within the town and worth checking out, if only for their delectable burritos.
Set against a serene backdrop featuring rolling green hills, SLO, as this charmer is affectionately known, is famous for its Spanish architecture. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, for instance, the fifth of California's 21 historic missions, is among the town’s defining landmarks. Built between 1792 and 1794, it is now more than two hundred years old.
Morro Bay
While certainly off the beaten path, Morro Bay is conveniently located right off scenic Highway 1, about 230 miles from San Francisco. One of Morro Bay’s claims to fame is that it hosts Morro Rock, which many people call the “Gibraltar of the Pacific,” in reference to the monolithic promontory. According to legend, it was one of the two traditional Pillars of Hercules. For a history buff, seeing Morro Rock (climbing is not permitted), which once served as an important navigational aid for mariners for over three centuries, will be quite an evocative experience.
A birder’s paradise, the area around Morro Rock is home to impressive numbers of peregrine falcons. People come from every corner of the nation to see the world's fastest bird and animal. That said, beach enthusiasts will not be left behind. Several options, including Morro Rock Beach, which is among the most heart-melting locations on the Pacific Coast Highway, are worth checking out.
Bridgeport
Tucked away in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, Bridgeport is another off-the-beaten-path gem any California adventurer should consider visiting. Water enthusiasts will find a world of adventure at Bridgeport Reservoir, a scenic man-made lake also famous for trout fishing. Numerous other lakes are within an hour’s drive from downtown Bridgeport. These include Mammoth Lakes and the hauntingly beautiful Mono Lake, which is just about 23 miles from town and reputed to be one of the oldest lakes in the Western hemisphere.
The ghost town of Bodie, once the most lawless in California, should merit a detour. But if you want to stop and soak, Travertine Hot Spring, just two miles from downtown Bridgeport, features many pools and is as magnificent as a hot spring can be.
Avila Beach
Home to just about 1,500 residents, Avila Beach is a quaint, little getaway perfect for winding down and enjoying a slower pace. One of this town’s culinary attractions is Avila Valley Barn, a food lover’s paradise that serves the freshest fruit and vegetables — all grown locally. Their sweet and savory restaurant offers a wide range of delicacies, including fresh, roasted corn, incredibly delicious pies, and chicken sandwiches. If traveling with family, kids can enjoy a pony ride or feed farm animals, especially goats.
Also, while Pismo Beach is famous and attracts large crowds, the beaches here are often much less crowded. The beach is about half a mile long and comes with desirable amenities, including bathrooms and showers. Plus, both Olde Port Beach and Fisherman’s Beach are within walking distance. If done lounging on the beaches, Blue Moon Over Avila, though hidden, feels very local — and is an excellent place for a sunset dinner.
Murphys
Forget about its handsome stone-walled buildings, many of which date back to the mid-19th century, Murphys is renowned for its vineyards and wines. Walking along Main Street, one will easily lose count of the tasting rooms in this town. For the sparkling wine enthusiast, Pop The Bubbly, a town favorite featuring both outdoor and indoor seating, is arguably the most diverse, not just in town, but for many miles around.
Still, nothing can prepare you for the experience at Ironstone Vineyards. But be warned: this is not just a vineyard. Ironstone features a Heritage Museum, a huge amphitheater, and even a lakeside park. As an added bonus, this impressive property is just down the road from the main drag. And Mercer Caverns, unique for its maze-like series of chambers, is within walking distance.
Shelter Cove
Known for its scenic hiking trails available throughout the year, Shelter Cove is another off-the-beaten-path California town that should be on the bucket list of every adventurer. Shelter Cove is in Northern California, a driving distance of about 228 miles from San Francisco. It sits on California’s famed Lost Coast, a region known for its remoteness and inaccessibility. Here, crowds are sparse and phone network coverage is erratic. However, these are the very features of a truly secluded getaway.
Black Sands Beach, just north of town, is known for its pristine black sand and stunning coastal views. On the other hand, Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, which overlooks the once treacherous waters of the Pacific, is one of the town’s most sought-after attractions. Book a room at the dog-friendly Inn of the Lost Coast — and enjoy a peaceful stay amid the sound of singing waves and the feel of cool breezes.
Jenner
Nestled near the mouth of the Russian River about 77 miles from San Francisco, Jenner — and the area around — is more known for its wild, untrammeled terrain than its streets, skyscrapers, or chain restaurants. You have no choice but to take it slow here, whether lounging on the sand watching a colony of sea lions or hiking the rugged but picturesque trails.
Alternatively, you may want to proceed a little further to Fort Ross State Historic Park and discover a surprising chapter in the Golden State’s history. This fort was established to preserve the southernmost Russian settlement in North America. Back in the day, Russians lived here alongside native Siberians, Alaskans, Hawaiians, and European settlers. Also, at the 6,000-acre Salt Point State Park, a breathtaking, rocky coastline awaits, in addition to 20 miles of hiking trails.
Avalon
It doesn't get more off the beaten path than Avalon, the only incorporated city on Catalina Island, one of the best diving venues in California. Situated off the coast of Southern California, this seaside town has historically drawn both the famous and the not-so-famous. Marilyn Monroe, for instance, then known as Norma Jean Dougherty, lived here as a young, relatively obscure bride. There is a photograph of her posing on one of the island’s beaches at the Catalina Island Museum, which is a piece of Catalina’s history every first-time visitor should check out.
Winston Churchill, the British wartime prime minister known for his mischievous sense of wit, is said to have fished at the harbor and caught an unlucky marlin. And the Catalina Island Casino, known for its Art Deco style, is a must-see. But again, a trip here can never be complete without a visit to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, whose diversity of plants is nothing short of astounding.
Mecca
For a town its size, Mecca packs a punch and is as offbeat as any town can be. If coming from the City of Angels, one has to cover about 140 miles. But the drive is often worth it. The landscape here is forlorn, yet intriguing, and has a mystical allure that many will find captivating. The Salton Sea, where scientists in 2023 discovered massive deposits of lithium, is the largest lake in California — and perhaps the most unique. Known to be saltier than the ocean, this lake boasts lithium deposits, among the largest in the world, that could supply batteries for more than 375 million electric vehicles. Its fascinating history as an accidental man-made lake is as intriguing as the otherworldly terrain that encircles it.
Nearby, the International Banana Museum, though still temporarily closed, boasts the largest collection devoted to a single fruit in the world. And just about 17 miles from Mecca, the groves of native California fan palms at Dos Palmas and San Andreas Springs are quite a sight to behold.
Alturas
For those seeking something out of the ordinary, Alturas, translated as "High Valley," can be an excellent choice. This town is tucked away in the northeast corner of the state, where lush forests and awe-inspiring mountain ranges define the terrain. Niles Hotel, a gathering place for cattlemen and railroad workers since 1912, has been a staple of the town. This property is homey and cozy, boasting features, including bathrooms, reflective of the building's age.
Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, with its shimmering lakes, heart-melting views, walking trails, and diverse wildlife, is a spellbinding area that defies superlatives. Animals here include bald eagles, cranes, deer, otters, and owls, to name a few. Nearby, the Modoc National Forest is a hidden world of serenity and peace.
The Takehome
California is associated with palm trees, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities. However, in many people’s minds, the Golden State is often just the area around the Bay Area or Los Angeles. The desertscapes of the Mojave, a terrain that seems plucked straight from a lunar landscape, among many of California’s otherworldly sceneries, still exist more as an idea than as a reality. To those intimately acquainted with the state, however, California plays host to several off-the-beaten-path towns. For those looking for specific recommendations, towns such as Bishop, Eureka, San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, and Bridgeport readily come to mind — and would make for an exceptional trip.
