12 Small Towns in California With Big Charm
California is a beautiful state with well-known cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are also smaller towns that are notable for their history and quaint atmosphere. The charming atmosphere is a combination of natural beauty and interesting sites to explore.
These towns offer everything from sophisticated dining to rural areas in the mountains. What these towns have in common is that they welcome guests to discover the charm that their town offers. Before you plan your next trip to California, check out these 12 small towns with big charm.
Avalon
Avalon is the only incorporated town on beautiful Catalina Island and 50 of its 75 square miles is coastline. The historic resort town has attracted celebrities, US Presidents, and dignitaries for over a century. The downtown is considered one of the most walkable downtowns in the United States. Avalon is only accessible by boat or plane but the charming allure of this island community makes the commute well worth it.
Crescent Avenue, or Front Street to residents, is the main street and is adorned with beautiful architecture like the Wrigley Fountain and the Serpentine Wall, both made from distinctive Catalina tile. Other points of interest include the Catalina Casino, Catalina Island Museum For Art and History, and the Wrigley Botanical Gardens. Though small, Avalon has several inns and hotels. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the ferry boats are not so crowded and the weather is cool.
Bishop
Bishop is a small mountain time in Northern California at the northern end of the Owens Valley. The town is at an elevation just above 4,500 feet, which means it receives a slight blanket of snow during the winter, making it accessible during all four seasons. Bishop is renowned for its stunning outdoor views and activities like rock climbing, fishing, and camping.
Although Bishop is small, it is the only incorporated town in Inyo County. What makes the town unique is the small community atmosphere that it has always had. Attractions other than the natural scenery include the City Park, Laws Railroad Museum and HIstorical Site, and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center.
Murphys
The quaint village of Murphys is in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Dubbed the "Queen of the Sierras", the town grew to prominence during the California Gold Rush but has transformed into a modern hub of art galleries, live theatre, and eclectic shops while retaining its small town atmosphere.
The Murphys Historic Hotel and Lodge is a prime place to stay the night and has hosted such famous figures as Mark Twain, Ulysses Grant, and Horatio Alger. The most charming thing about Murphys is that it has retained its Wild West aesthetic while relabeling itself as a sophisticated culinary and wine-tasting destination. There are over 20 wine tasting rooms. Main Street is home to numerous world class vintners and winemakers and they are happy to answer any questions from guests in what is locally known as a "snob-free zone".
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a Central Coast town known for Morro Rock at the end of Morro Rock Beach. The rock is an ancient volcanic mound that sits in Morro Bay State Park which, in turn, is packed with trails, lagoons, and stunning ocean views. The town has more Eucalyptus trees than palm trees and the commercial fishing boats tied to the pier and the sailboats on Morro Bay add to the ambiance of this quaint little fishing community.
The town is a natural harbor that provides unparalleled views of marine life like sea lions and otters and also is home to Peregrine Falcons, which nest on Morro Rock. Naturally, there is a great waterfront boardwalk that runs through the waterfront area called the Embarcadero which offers visitors panoramic views of the bay along with fine dining options, hotels, and museums.
Carmel By The Sea
Carmel By The Sea is a quirky and charming town on the Monterey Peninsula. Known for its museums and library of the famous Carmel Mission, the charming storybook cottages and architecture that make up the community give it a quaint Spanish flare. The art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and boutiques lend sophistication to the downtown area, but the town is also warm and welcoming without being pretentious.
The first thing people notice is the lack of sidewalks, mailboxes, or even addresses on the houses and cottages. This is because the founding fathers did not wish to see their community "citified" so today the only sidewalks are found in the downtown commercial area. Downtown is sprinkled with 41 secret passages and courtyards which were added in the 1920s, each with their personal and unique touches that all combine to make this one of the most charming towns in California.
Sausalito
Sausalito is a trendy town directly across the Golden Gate Strait from San Francisco. The town is known for its bohemian culture and art scene, evidenced by the houseboat enclave built by artist squatters after World War Two. One of the most charming things to do is to take a stroll over the Bridgeway Promenade. From the Promenade you can view the city skyline, San Francisco Bay, and Tiburon.
Most visitors end up at one of the numerous art galleries in town like Studio 333 or The Studio Shop but there are other attractions, both commercial and natural that make this town unique. The Bay Model Visitor Center is an educational experience that teaches about the diverse ecosystems in San Francisco Bay. Sausalito is considered a must-see destination when in the Bay area for its vibrant scene and natural beauty but the welcoming atmosphere of the town is also a good reason to go.
Julian
Julian is set in the Cuyamaca Mountains and visiting is like stepping back in time. This historic Gold Rush town is only an hour's drive from San Diego but it feels like worlds away. A self-guided tour will take you to such historic sites as the Santa Ysabel School at Witch Creek which was built in 1880 and the Pioneer Museum, originally a blacksmith shop built in 1890.
Along with the historic sites, Julian is also known for its apple orchards where guests can learn how to make apple cider or picnic under the centuries-old apple trees. The town is also part of the 1% of the US population that can see the Milky Way. Julian hosts multiple Dark Sky events throughout the year and is a romantic and charming way to pass the night.
Mendocino
Mendocino is a coastal town in Northern California that is known for its cliffside trails and the Mendocino Headlands State Park beaches. It is a picturesque town that has a comfortable mix of historic buildings like the Ford House and modern amenities like the oceanfront botanical gardens, the only ones in the US.
Some of the tallest redwoods in the world are here, which adds to Mendocino's natural beauty, and, with an average monthly temperature of 71 degrees, it is worth a visit any time of the year. The historic downtown has art centers, museums, and The Temple of Kwan Tai, a historic landmark celebrating the history of the Chinese community in Mendocino.
Solvang
Solvang, in Southern California, is known for its Danish architecture and numerous wineries. It is the Danish capital of America and, as you stroll down Copenhagen Drive, you will be greeted by a mashup of California wineries and European bakeries and shops. Downtown even has windmills to complete the aesthetic. The best way to explore the village is by catching a ride on the Solvang Trolley, pulled by two horses, which also provides guided or private tours.
You can start the day on Mission Drive, the town's main street, and soak in the Danish architecture and shops. There are several historic sites to discover including the Old Mission Santa Inés, an early 19th century Franciscan church, The Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, and The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art which celebrates the Danish culture through personal stories and art. Solvang has a distinctive Northern Europe feel to it and is like visiting Denmark without leaving the state.
Los Alamos
Los Alamos, like Solvang, is in Santa Barbara, in the Santa Ynez Valley. The main road through town, Bell Street, is only seven blocks long but has more Old West heritage than any town on the coast. Los Alamos is surrounded by ranches and vineyards and the look provides appeal to an already charming town.
To complete the experience, lodging is available at the historic 1880 Union Hotel, replete with Victorian architecture and six themed rooms. Or, for more of a retro vibe, visitors can stay at the Skyview Los Alamos, a funky 1950s motel that has undergone major renovations. Wine tasting tours are the biggest attraction here and the wineries can be found with a casual walk down Bell Street.
Healdsburg
Located in Sonoma County, the heart of wine country, Healdsburg is a culinary and wine epicenter. Downtown is centered around a 19th-century plaza that serves as a hub for fine dining, wine tasting rooms, and sophisticated shopping. Like a lot of charming towns in California, the upscale dining and wine tasting options are interspersed with quaint, older storefronts.
Healdsburg is surrounded by three wine valleys and the ultimate way to complete a wine tour is by cruising the wine tasting rooms like Banshee Wines, Thumbprint Cellars, or Furthurmore Wines. The Healdsburg Museum And Historical Society completes the experience of this quaint and charming town.
Three Rivers
Three Rivers is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada near San Joaquin Valley and is known for its natural beauty. Part of the natural appeal is that the village is the gateway to Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, home to the largest trees in the world. The Kaweah River has five branches and the town derived its name from the three biggest branches. One of the main draws of the river is the white water rafting adventures.
In town, there are several shops and diners to explore including Three Rivers Village Antiques which is in a cobblestone and wooden building with a cobblestone walkway. The Three Rivers Historical Museum is a great way to learn about the Sierra Nevada Mountains and includes artifacts from the first New World settlers and the old post office. Three Rivers is a rural town with a neat history that lets the natural surroundings provide the charming appeal of the town.
While California is home to some of the biggest cities and attractions in the world, it is fun to get off the main road and explore these charming towns. These towns are similar in some aspects but vastly different in terms of amenities and architecture. From a Dutch village to rural areas at the base of a mountain chain, California offers diversity that few, if any, other states can.
