14 Small Towns in Northern California were Ranked Among US Favorites
In Northern California's craggy embrace, towns of historical depth and modern stand tall. Wandering through Mendocino's cliffside views, Sausalito's waterfront charm and Carmel-By-The-Sea's artistic streets will take you on a journey through tales of yesteryears blending seamlessly with today's artistry.
Alongside redwood giants and waterfalls, these towns pulse with melodies, artisanal displays, and the scents of cuisine wafting from intimate diners. Here, an adventure awaits, echoing NoCal's invitation for a cherished escape.
Calistoga
Napa Valley is not an unknown name in the traveling globe, and its charming town of Calistoga is a treasure chest for its soothing natural hot springs and laid-back wine country vibe. Travelers flock here to experience the healing waters of its renowned Calistoga Spa. After a pampering session, make your way to Castello di Amorosa, an authentic medieval castle winery, and sample their fine vintages. Scaling Oat Hill Mine Trail is another good idea for panoramic valley views and occasional spring wildflowers on the way. Don't miss the annual Calistoga Harvest Festival, a celebration of local wines, foods, and live music.
Mendocino
Photographers and painters can find awe-evoking inspiration in the rugged coastline, iconic cypress trees, and charming cottages of Mendocino, one of the most charming towns on the Pacific Coast. Make plans to visit during the Mendocino Music Festival, where live performances fill the air with melodies of Jazz, Zydeco, Bluegrass, Big Band, and so much more. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike through the redwood forests, kayak along the coastline, and witness the breathtaking beauty of Devil’s Punchbowl sea cave, the Inland waterfall, and the leafy canyons of Russian Gulch State Park.
Ferndale
Ferndale's Victorian-era town boasts impeccably preserved architecture and storefronts, perfect for history enthusiasts. Attend the Ferndale Repertory Theatre's opera or movie screenings or productions and the colorful Kinetic Grand Championship, a unique human-powered art race. Savor local delicacies like Kettle Corn & Lemonade, Poutin, and Chicken at the Ferndale Street Festivals. The beautiful redwoods of the nearby Fern Canyon and Lost Coast trails' Guthrie Creek Trailhead and Fleener Creek trailhead offer a taste of the region's natural wonders and render it one of the towns in Northern California that come alive in Summer.
Murphys
Gold Rush history meets wine country charm in one of the most charming towns in Northern California, Murphys. The historic downtown is the ultimate place for sipping on batches of unmatched regional wines in the wine-tasting rooms of Jazz Cellars Winery, Hovey Winery Tasting Room, and La Folia Winery Tasting Room. The Murphys Irish Day Festival showcases the town's cultural diversity through music, food, and dance. Mercer Caverns will take you on tours of dazzling geological underground formations. Ironstone Vineyards comes under the mandatory trips in Murphys, boasting its estate tours amid tulips, pansies, and daffodils, Outdoor Gold Mining Museum, and Barrel Breezeway & Wine Cavers.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Wander among fairytale-like cottages, boutiques, and nature creates a different fan base for Carmel-by-the-Sea. You can take part in the annual Carmel-by-the-Sea Concours on the Avenue, showcasing vintage automobiles, or attend the Carmel Bach Festival for world-class classical music performances. Carmel Beach offers the perfect spot for beachcombing and picnics against the backdrop of stunning sunsets. Ocean Avenue would prove to be a worthwhile afternoon trip to take, boasting Aaron Chang Ocean Art Gallery, Zantman Art Galleries, and Classic Art Gallery.
Dunsmuir
If waterfalls all around fit a place, then it would be Dunsmuir, one of the most adorable small towns in Northern California and “Home of the Best Water on Earth.” Sweetbriar Falls, Mossbrae Falls, and Hedge Creek Falls are regional beauties you cannot afford to miss and are accessible by beautiful and brief hikes. Artwalk Dunsmuir showcases local artists' work, and the Dunsmuir Railroad Days celebrate the town's railway history through its parades, children's competitions, and live stage performances. Railfans can explore Railroad Park Resort for a unique themed restaurant, The Dining Car Restaurant, housed in a now-restored rail car.
Capitola
Capitola's colorful houses, pristine beaches, and Mediterranean flair create a picturesque escape making it pristinely clear why it is one of the most charming Central California coast towns. Enjoy beachfront shopping in Capitola Mall and Mercantile Capitola, dining at Paradise Beach Grille, The Sand Bar Capitola, and Zelda's on the Beach, and live music at the Capitola Art & Wine Festival. Embark on kayaking adventures in Monterey Bay and attend the Capitola Begonia Festival, featuring stunning floral floats. Walk along the beautiful Soquel Creek boardwalk and go camping on the New Brighton State Beach.
Nevada City
Another Northern Californian town embedding the Gold Rush history is Nevada City which also holds its head high in its artistic community. The Nevada City Film Festival showcases independent films, while the Wild & Scenic Film Festival focuses on environmental themes. You would not like to miss the Nevada City Bicycle Classic, a vibrant cycling event, and explore the Bridgeport Covered Bridge of South Yuba River State Park. From Crush Nevada City to Neighborhood Center of the Arts, from JuxtArtStudios to Ginny Davis Metal Garden Art, there is a whole lot of artistic delights to uncover.
Tiburon
Tiburon is the idyllic getaway right under the glittering San Francisco, bringing a small coastal town beauty. The oak woodlands of Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary present the ideal setting for birdwatching Caspian Terns and Black Oystercatchers. Ferry rides offer breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and hiking the Tiburon Ridge Trail offers panoramic vistas of Angel Island and North Bay. A peaceful church building, hiking trails, and the rare Tiburon buckwheat, black jewel flower, and Tiburon paintbrush enhance the aura of Old St. Hilary's Open Space Preserve.
Sausalito
The never-ending coastline of Northern California makes space for yet another destination of Sausalito, where artistic energy and bayfront beauty create an enchanting atmosphere. Attending the Sausalito Film Festival would open the world of experiential art movies for you, and the live music at Jazz and Blues by the Bay is the ideal place to move your feet to the tunes of local bands. Kayak in Richardson Bay and savor gourmet cuisine at Scoma's of Sausalito, Sausalito Gourmet Delicatessen, or Salito's Crab House & Prime Rib.
Yountville
It is almost impossible to talk about California and not mention a culinary destination. Yountville, nestled in Napa Valley, is a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts. Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry and Auberge du Soleil abound, and boutique wineries, notably Handwritten Wines, Hestan Vineyards, and Nord Estate Wines, are practically around the corner. Cover the Yountville Art Walk, showcasing more than 35 outdoor sculptures, and take note of the local voices in the Napa Valley Museum's exhibits presenting Napa's environment, culture, and heritage.
Pacific Grove
Finding fame as "Butterfly Town, USA," Pacific Grove would not let nature lovers down. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History will add to your knowledge of regional geology and flora and fauna, while the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary familiarizes visitors with the stunning monarch butterflies. Attend the Pacific Grove Good Old Days Festival, celebrating the town's history and community spirit through food, art and crafts, carnival rides, and community parades. Asilomar State Beach would be your serene escape with its Marine Reserve preserving rocks and shells and Coast Trail featuring pocket beaches and a rugged shoreline.
Placerville
The transformation of Placerville from Mother Lode's center to bubbling wines is noteworthy. Be a part of the El Dorado County Fair, which hosts events from Crab and Chowder Gala to BBQ Dinner Fundraiser under flashing neons, and indulge in apple picking during the Apple Hill Harvest Festival. Discover the Gold Bug Park and Mine, offering guided tours and gold panning experiences. Explore the nearby Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park for an immersive Gold Rush experience via its Gold history lessons and strolling tours.
Eureka
The eclectically cute town of Eureka deserves to be on this list. The Eureka Street Art Festival brings together worldwide artists to splash their talents on the streets. Outdoor enthusiasts can venture to the nearby Redwood National and State Parks for its sky-high trees, admire the blooms like rhododendrons and lupins, and take a drive on the magnificent Newton B Drury. Wildlife watching cannot be better than in Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, featuring Aleutian cackling geese, herons, warblers, and raptors, and experience the awe-inspiring grandeur of ancient redwoods.
In the realm of wanderlust, Northern California's small towns emerge as gems that have captured the hearts of travelers across the United States. These towns, each with its unique character, blend history, culture, and natural wonders, welcome everyone with open arms. From the healing hot springs of Calistoga to the artistic allure of Mendocino, and the preserved Victorian charm of Ferndale, each town weaves a distinctive narrative. These towns, woven into the fabric of Northern California, reveal not only their historical significance but also a contemporary tapestry of festivals, art, nature, and gastronomy.
