2024's 8 Most Adorable Small Towns in Northern California

Northern California has a great mix of man-made and natural beauty, with diverse options of activities fit for any age. As part of the most populous state in the United States, it’s no surprise that it’s home to the biggest and most popular cities, beloved by tourists and locals alike. Places like Yosemite National Park or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge often get the spotlight from tourists. However, if you’d rather experience the region’s charm in a not-so-typical way, visiting some of the most adorable small towns in Northern California will delight your traveler's heart in the most unexpected ways. From picturesque vineyards to Victorian-style downtowns, read on to discover Northern California from a different perspective.

St. Helena

Uncork your wanderlust with a trip to the rolling vineyards of St. Helena. This beautiful wine-country town is home to scenic orchards, wine-tasting tours, and cozy accommodations perfect for a tranquil NorCal getaway. Make Inn St. Helena your base if you want to be closer to the town’s Historic Shopping District, or opt for Harvest Inn for a rustic farm-like experience.

Vineyard tours and wine-themed excursions are aplenty here, like Raymond Vineyard’s “Winemaker For a Day” experience and AXR’s tours through their redwood groves. Pair your wine vacation with a foodie trip around town and visit Market for American eats or Cook St. Helena for Italian fare. Those interested in a taste of the past can visit the St. Helena Historical Society for the town’s rich history.

Half Moon Bay

Surfing, forest trekking, and touring a historic downtown are the top three reasons tourists flock to Half Moon Bay. The aptly named Surfer’s Beach is the go-to surfing spot for visitors due to its consistent waves, while campers and picnickers may prefer Half Moon Bay State Beach and its amenities.

Aside from surfboards, pack a pair of good hiking boots if you’re planning on trekking. The nearby Devil’s Slide Trail is not as intimidating as it sounds, and the trail offers a great view of the town’s aquamarine waters and wildlife. After a day outdoors, tourists can head downtown for an art walk tour or do some foodie hopping. A sandwich from Dad’s Luncheonette and a gelato from Gulino Gelano would be a sweet way to end a day at Half Moon Bay.

Ferndale

For a taste of Victorian heritage and fairytale-like charm, get ready to be whisked away by the enchanting city of Ferndale. The town’s well-preserved historical architecture looks as if it was plucked from a storybook. Stroll down Main Street to enjoy its Victorian storefronts and the products within, like Abraxas’ eclectic clothing store and Erlei’s bakeshop. For a more unique experience, visitors can wander around Hadley Gardens, a magical park with a tiny waterfall and a life-size dollhouse. After a fun day out, rest up at one of the town’s historic inns, like the Gingerbread Mansion or the Victorian Inn, both offering rustic accommodation experiences.

Yountville

With its boutique wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exciting activities, Yountville is a great reminder that life is too short not to splurge on good wine and memorable moments. Start at Priest Ranch Tasting Room for an array of delectable wines paired with bacon. Book a room at the 4-star Hotel Yountville before heading to The French Laundry for an enchanting fine dining experience.

If you walk—or, in this case, float—on the wild side, get gorgeous views of Yountville and the Napa Valley through Napa Valley Aloft hot air balloon rides. This activity is definitely not for the faint of heart, so treat yourself to some artisan chocolates at Kollar Chocolates for a job well done.

Sierra City

The old mining town of Sierra City welcomes tourists with a penchant for mining history and the great outdoors. The Kentucky Mine Museum has heaps of artifacts and displays dating back to Sierra City’s gold rush era. For a tour of the dilapidated abodes of old miners, visit the nearby community of Alleghany, which is imbued with mining tales.

After a mind-enriching lesson about Northern California’s history, it’s time to enhance your body and soul with a trek up the Sierra Buttes Trail. This scenic trail boasts magnificent views of the area’s famous hills with plenty of side routes to choose from. Then, retire to the rustic accommodation of The Buttes Resort before treating yourself to some hearty Sierra City meals at Red Moose Cafe.

Glen Ellen

Those looking for a reprieve from urban hustle and bustle should add Glen Ellen to their list of 2024 destinations. Nestled in the mountains in Sonoma Valley, Glen Ellen is the home of the Sonoma Botanical Garden, an unparalleled woodland experience showcasing California’s native plants. After that, adults can drop by the Lasseter Family Winery for more scenic vistas while sipping delicious wines.

For a historical tour in idyllic Glen Ellen, a visit to the Jack London State Historic Park is a must. The entire estate is a reminder of the literary legend’s life and even includes the author’s fascination with wolves via The Wolf House Ruins. Additionally, horseback riding and birdwatching are offered on the estate for a complete experience in Northern California.

Bodega Bay

Because of its tiny size and quaint coastal lifestyle, Bodega Bay is the perfect destination for a quieter Cali beach vacation. The first place most tourists visit is Doran Beach, known for its amazing views of the Pacific and kitesurfing opportunities. Those who want to stay on land can trek along Bodega Head for some panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline. Around summer, fishing enthusiasts will absolutely love the start of Chinook Salmon and Rockfish season.

Along with the endless outdoor activities, Bodega Bay also boasts indoor entertainment. Those planning to visit in 2024 should look forward to the Annual Hitchcock Film Festival, a two-day event boasting historic movies with delicious food for company. Or, for a more relaxing time, one can take a spa day at The Lodge at Bodega Bay or Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.

Calistoga

While other towns on this list are luxurious and fancy, Calistoga is down-to-earth in comparison—in more ways than one. Popular for its hot springs and mud baths, start your stay at the eponymous Calistoga Spa Hot Springs for an authentic geothermal soak and an earthy (albeit skin-enriching) mud bath experience. The resort also boasts comfortable rooms, so visitors won’t have to walk too far to enjoy the springs.

After all that pampering, add a tinge of wine and aerial excitement to your vacation with an Aerial Gondola Tour via Sterling Vineyards. After landing back on the ground, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park is an ideal next stop for a quick historical tour of the town’s old mill. Along with learning about local history, the tour offers a flour bag as a souvenir. Finally, head to Calistoga Inn, Restaurant, and Brewery to wine and dine with the friendly locals.

Final Thoughts

If you think you’ve seen everything California has to offer, head to the northern region to get a unique taste of the state. It might not have the popular beach towns and shores of SoCal, but these adorable small towns in Northern California are a treasure trove of unique experiences not easily replicated anywhere in the U.S.. From mud baths and winemaking classes to aerial gondolas and hot air balloon rides over vineyards, NorCal will make your trip to The Golden State a memory to treasure forever. Take your pick from any of these eight Northern California ,towns and let this list help you plan the best NorCal trip ever.