6 Friendliest Towns To Visit In Northern California In 2024
Compared to its SoCal sister, Northern California is an otherworldly land of redwoods, towering mountains, pristine alpine lakes, and action-packed national parks. The friendly towns, like Healdsburg, a coastal art, nature, and wine destination, feel even cozier in the wild embrace.
Home to rugged coastlines with cliffs overlooking sandy and rocky, uncrowded beaches, Ferndale flaunts Victorian elegance, while Trinidad features the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse, a tribute to the seafaring heritage. From the wine country in Calistoga to some of the best hiking trails in the state, Lakeport is a relaxed wine country town along the county's largest lake with record-breaking fish catches.
Aptos
Sand and sea prevail in Aptos, without the scorching sun of some of the southernmost neighbors in the Sunshine State. Under the friendly blue skies to the horizon, visitors can enjoy the undulating sea scenery from its iconic Seacliff State Beach, home to a scenic pier and legendary sunken ship right next to it. Attracting divers and snorkelers, among other water babies, the small town of 6,300 delights them all with plenty of exciting activities to enjoy from the beach.
From its inspired cafes, like the friendly Farm Bakery Cafe & Gifts, to the Seascape Golf Club, Rio Del Mar's premier golf course and host of the Annual Golf Tournament, cycling is the best way to explore in the sea breeze, from the artisanal Marianne’s Ice Cream by the beach to Mangels House, a historical site. The vibrant town center features a small park, tiny shops, and bars, while the cooling wilderness to the west calls for hikes along Aptos Creek, like the Vienna Woods Trail. Back to the sands, the naturally pristine Rio Del Mar Beach showcases otherworldly sunsets.
Calistoga
Home to under 5,000 people, this small town in the northern part of the Napa Valley offers some of its best vineyards, world-class wineries, and most sophisticated wine-tasting experiences. Taking it up a notch with its own natural geothermal hot springs, Calistoga offers a tranquil and relaxing retreat for every age against the picturesque backdrop of rolling vineyards and lush landscapes. Visitors can unwind at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs or the UpValley Inn & Hot Springs, while Indian Springs or Golden Haven Hot Springs feature mud baths.
The four pools at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs feature waters ranging from 80 to 104 degrees. Whether you're in to taste the best, simply soak, or get some pampering done at the friendly local resorts, California’s Old Faithful Geyser is a must-see. Erupting every 15 to 30 minutes, there's also a petting zoo with friendly llamas, sheep, and mountain goats, as well as a cool geology museum. While here, don't miss the 3-million-year-old petrified redwood forest, and no visit is complete without Calistoga's three-minute aerial gondola ride from downtown to the top of Sterling Vineyards for a unique wine-tasting experience.
Ferndale
This small Humboldt County town, established in 1852, thrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with dairy farming in the fertile valley surroundings. Reflected today in the elegant architecture downtown, the Ferndale Museum features exhibits on the area's growth, from the Victorian past to local culture, while a stroll around the elaborate tombstones of the peaceful Ferndale Cemetery, a historic site, affords sweeping views of the Eel River Valley. Centerville Beach, with tide pools, is perfect for beachcombing, photoshoots, and picnicking under the rugged cliffs.
Start the day at Mind's Eye Manufactory & Coffee Lounge, an atmospheric place to linger for another coffee, while Frog Alley Cellars on the outskirts sells the favorite Wildcat Red to enjoy on the next picnic. Don't miss an easily scenic hike through the lush Russ Park, while the family-friendly Ferndale Pizza Co. is top-rated, catering to a no-rush experience with outdoor seating. From the Humboldt County Fairgrounds to the Fireman's Park with a playground, No Brand Burger Stand is a quirky place for a delicious bite in between adventures.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg, home to some top-notch vineyards, the Raven Performing Arts Theater, and the charismatic Healdsburg Plaza, is a desirable slice for art, nature, and wines. Nestled against the Russian River, the town overlooks mountainous terrain with scenic areas to explore for every outdoorsy taste, like the trails at the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve. Seghesio Family Vineyards makes their award-winning wines from fantastic Zinfandel grapes, while the VML Winery offers medium-bodied and brightly acidic Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.
So come for the delicious and aromatic wines and linger for a live performance, or end an evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant. From Tayman Park at the heart to the riverfront Del Rio Woods Regional Park, Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach features a sandy river shore with lifeguards, picnic spots, and easy parking. Healdsburg Bar and Grill is the place to indulge in beloved American dining staples, like mouthwatering hamburgers, in a laid-back atmosphere. After a stylish tour of the wine country in the Wine Carriage, follow up at SingleThread Farm Restaurant for a real fine dining experience.
Lakeport
Two hours inland, you won't even miss the coastal scenery. With relaxed vibes and gorgeous views, Lakeport rules the laketown scene from the north shore of Clear Lake, the county's largest freshwater lake, in the heart of the wine country—a double bonus. From shopping to an array of tasty restaurants, choose the aptly named U-Wanna Camp and spend on pleasures like over 30 nearby wineries. At 68 square miles, the lake is fantastic for fishing and boating—when not hiking, off-roading, or bird watching at South Cow Mountain Recreation Area just west.
The cozy 3-acre Library Park offers more jaw-dropping views along the shores of Clear Lake, barbecue and picnic areas, as well as a playground for kids. Enjoy it with live music or another community event along the banks, in between kayaking and swimming in the family-friendly, clear waters. So if a summer weekend camping trip entices you as much as wine sipping and vineyard tours, don't miss an hour-long drive out to the friendly West Wines, overlooking the beautiful vineyards while tasting fine wines from the source.
Trinidad
Just off the coast near the Oregon stateline in Northern California, this small fishing town of around 300 is void of the typical beach crowds. Flaunting the iconic NorCal landscape—the towering cliffs and redwood forests—Trinidad is a truly peaceful retreat with its sandy state beach and views of the dramatic coastline. Rich in Native American heritage, Humboldt County abounds in hiking trails for every taste of scenery and level of friendliness, like Elk Head and College Cove to a serene crescent beach.
Plentiful budget lodging and RV parks between here and downtown offer easy access to Trinidad Head, a prominent landmark overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Accessible via the Tsurai Trail (Trinidad Head Trail), the Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse is a wonderful replica of the original tribute to the area's deep-rooted connection to the sea, with panoramic views of the coastline while hiking around the wildlife-rich knob of the peninsula. Minutes north, Patrick's Point State Park features trails for every level to enjoy tide pools and cultural highlights of the indigenous Yurok heritage.
Aside from San Francisco, whose skyline is so famous that it is known the world over, the small towns feel both remote and have a magnetic pull to escape the ordinary. These perfect tourist bases, brimming with authentic charm, host a welcoming feel as you browse unique treasures in-between the imposing great outdoors.
Home to a Victorian downtown, Ferndale offers sweeping views of the Eel River Valley. Aptos is a sand and sea destination, with undulating views to the horizon from one of the beaches, like the iconic Seacliff State Beach, home to a scenic pier and legendary sunken ship.
