7 Charming California Towns For The Perfect Getaway
What defines a perfect getaway? Is the convenience of utmost importance or the quality of pursuits that prevail? There isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario, but California's contrast between the diverse landscapes, its big cities like LA, and all kinds of charming towns makes it easy to find a match. Feeling winded from work in a tight ball of nerves aching to relax? Offering a sought-after change of pace from urban life, take it easy in these top picks in the Golden State.
Coronado feels a world away, mere minutes from San Diego. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito is one of the most beautiful rides in the country. An itinerary comes together seamlessly, enhanced by comfy stays for any budget, so you can finally breathe, unwind, and recompose over unforgettable experiences even in a short time. From fine wines to seals, chase coastal views in the first town, an ideal getaway.
Cambria
Beaches, galleries, and boutiques, or coastal trails and enormous marine mammals? With easy access to the Central Coast, the choice is yours. Cambria breathes relaxation and life into the scenery-starved city souls. Adorable seal pups come out to play on the beach in January through February. Come see the tiniest nursing babies with big mamas and dads lounging from a viewing platform at Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Strolling downtown through East West Village, kick back at a cozy nook like Creekside Gardens next to Linn's Easy As Pie Cafe. From coastal trails to the seaside village, there's so much to experience along these golden sands in any season with three oceanfront parks, each with a different vibe, like the dog-friendly Shamel Park.
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve features wildlife, fields, and scented pine forests mixing in the salty air over the bluffs. Lampton Cliffs Park offers a fantastic staircase right to the foot of the ocean. Cambria Coffee Company is next to Moonstone Beach Boardwalk Trailhead and is replete with stores, cafes, and coffee shops. This scenic beach defines seclusion with rocky tide pools to explore before catching the cotton candy sunset. It is just a dream to indulge in seafood at Moonstone Beach Bar & Grill or Sea Chest Oyster Bar, so try both. Among many inns and B&Bs, Cambria Pines Lodge is the most popular. The unique Squibb Houses have a jungle vibe akin to an island resort, while Bluebird Inn's floral property is less than half of the price.
Coronado
Across the bay from downtown San Diego, "main street meets bare feet" in Coronado, "the crowned one" in Spanish. Corny or poetic—you decide on one of the quickest escapes in California. Consistently voted the nation's best beach, which says a lot, in a state full of 'em, the gentle surf lapping up sparkling wide-sand beaches proves Dr. Beach's point while working wonders to relax tense bodies from the city. Visible from far away, the mineral Mica behind the glittering coastline lures worldwide visitors to Coronado's vast and sandy beaches. So hop on over, even on a bike, to break from the city and relax on the beach for the easy-on-the-eyes views along the waterfront until sunset.
Flagship Cruises offers low-cost ferry service, while Orange Avenue is replete with fabulous hotels. Coronado's "aorta" beats with galleries, shops, and great places to get a bite, dine, or drink. The art fans enjoy theaters and the Coronado Museum of History & Art. Touring the island on a rented bike, take in the splendor via Coronado's beachfront boardwalk, letting your eyes travel from the glittery oceanfront to elegant gardens and old-world mansions. Along Coronado's Ferry Landing alone, over 20 shops, art galleries, and restaurants overlook the stunning bay and San Diego skyline. The famous Hotel del Coronado enhances every romantic or family escape in "The Crown City."
Goleta
It is hard to go wrong in “The Good Land,” the heart of the state's commercial lemon farming in the 1800s. Proudly authentic, Goleta echoes its proud moniker with heart and soul in the many attractions. Blending classic coastal living and something to pique each interest, nature lovers rejoice here at the crossroads of a massive monarch butterfly migration along the whole West Coast. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy doorstep access to the meticulous Goleta Beach. Families can visit Goodland Organics, a farm that pioneered coffee growing in California, and browse sustainable furniture or decor at MACHER. Grab a bite at On The Alley, Los Agaves, or a picnic for a hike to Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove at Ellwood Mesa, a protected grove with fluttering beauties.
Just a stroll to the bluffs hanging over the coastline, Ellwood Mesa Coastal Trail is dog-friendly, with access to the butterfly grove, beach, and side trails to meander year-round. Budget travelers appreciate the top-rated Rancho Goleta Lakeside, while Motel 6 feels fancy with a pool next to the public Twin Lakes Golf Course, which is also budget-conscious. Taste the agricultural legacy, with a local farmers market every day, breweries, and Kunin Wines, a fresh face in Goleta, and a tasting room. Goleta Valley Historical Society, Stewards of Rancho La Patera & Stow House, highlights regional heritage with exhibits, events, and tours. This neighborly city is minutes from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, connected by the Amtrak Goleta train station, and right off Highway 101.
Guerneville
As the largest town on the rambunctious Russian River, Guerneville exudes peace and down-to-earth vibes for families, wine lovers, and water enthusiasts. The resort town from San Francisco has stayed humble and welcoming since the 19th century. Enjoy easy water access along the trails through the serene beauty of the surrounding redwoods. The wine fans appreciate surrounding local wineries like Porter-Bass in town and vineyards to the east to unwind in serenity with friends and a loved one or have a personalized tasting experience of Sonoma wines. Having recently become a popular queer destination, there's enough free-spirited fun to extend a planned getaway just a few days longer.
Underrated in Central Sonoma County, Guerneville is a top choice for its lush riverbanks and luscious experiences that don't break the wallet. Immediately north, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve features a visitor center, an outdoor amphitheater, and a picnic area. Johnson's Beach offers kayak, canoe, and tube rentals. It is as spectacular to relax on after a scenic waterfront stroll. Replete with stays for every taste, Johnson's Beach—Cabins and Campground really gives the bang for the buck. For midbudget, there's Highlands Resort and Cottages on River Road, at the doorstep of Stumptown Brewery. Mine + Farm | The Inn at Guerneville is top-rated among families.
Montecito
Many from around the world vacationed in Santa Barbara since the 1880s, and few discovered this tucked-away seaside haven. Montecito has long been a hotspot among A-list celebrities on vacation. What makes it so desirable? Accessible to plain mortals without having to sell a hand and a foot. Exuding effortless chic, Montecito was named among “The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2019” by Travel + Leisure. Its social and retail districts pulse along Coast Village Road and the Upper Village with shops and restaurants. Defining a life of leisure, you'll soon feel carefree, cruising along tree-shaded lanes. At the heart, Manning Park is a dog-friendly green lawn where you can relax under shaded canopies for recreation and picnics.
From Bree'osh Bakery Cafe, take advantage of the fantastic climate through Andree Clark Bird Refuge, next to a sandy beach. Butterfly Beach features a bike path, flowers, and butterflies. Hot Springs Canyon Trailhead winds north to a deep blue hot spring pool, perfect for relaxing sore muscles after scaling Montecito Peak. The view is spectacular, all the way to the ocean trailing to the nearby Tangerine Falls or the powerful Falls San Ysidro. Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art is a real hidden gem northeast of downtown, past Ganna Walska Lotusland, another unique attraction. Montecito Inn and Coast Village Inn are the most wallet-friendly, but the city to the west is cheaper, with its world-class zoo and the Old Mission.
Sausalito
Overlooking Richardson Bay, a hop from the Golden Gate Observation Deck, this Marin County small town is the getaway from San Francisco. If you're doubting how much a bridge-length reach can change, it is a whole other world. The Sausalito-Marin Headlands is a great hike at sunrise when the bridge over the bay is framed in the misty fog. Enjoy a variety of trails with panoramic views under clear midday skies and sparkling waters. At the backdoor, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is dog-friendly, with places like Pirate's Cove, Tennessee Valley Beach Overlook, and the unique Tennessee Point Labyrinth on the beach. Although Sausalito isn't cheap, it is a perfect vacation for a day, or make it a week at the oceanside Kirby Cove Campground or Hawk Campground.
Get a rental from Mike's Bikes of Sausalito for a ride through town, Sausalito Boardwalk, and Rhubarb Trail. Dunphy Park is central along the waterfront with sand volleyball, bocce courts, and a gazebo. Richardson Bay attracts paddleboarders and kayakers to roam the quieter bay with migratory birds and marine life. Take a twilight cruise for a side view of the town and the glow of the San Francisco skyline. Bay Model Visitor Center offers the bay experience without wet feet. Enjoy freshly caught seafood in clam chowder, hearty pasta, and pizza toppings. Hanson of Sonoma Tasting Room at Hanson Gallery offers an intimate experience away from the city's crowded tasting rooms, while regional wineries are often enhanced by lush vineyards, live music, and calming decor.
Three Rivers
Right between the entrance to Sequoia National Park and Kaweah Lake, this sleepy village offers an authentic mountain living experience in a laid-back atmosphere. Surrounded by forested trails, the locals enjoy views of the Sierra granite domes, which are perfect for rock climbing. Three Rivers beckons nature lovers as the perfect base camp with an impressive selection of cabins, cottages, and B&Bs, like Three Rivers Hideaway. Offering an unforgettable escape, it can be serene horseback riding with Riata Ranch International, Inc., or one filled with thrills like Kaweah Whitewater Adventures. Relax by some of the cascading waterfalls feeding the Kaweah River through the town, which offers kayak Class IV (powerful and long rapids) whitewater for thrill seekers on its Middle and South Forks.
Just past the sign for the national park, Tunnel Rock is a must-see landmark boulder, once a roadway through a granite tunnel. South at Slick Rock Recreation Area, there's plenty of parking space to relax, fish, and explore around the lake, from Lemon Hill Recreation Area to Kaweah Recreation Area for different views. Visit in the summer to enjoy nice weather hikes and full river flow without crowds of more touristy destinations, nor the hiked-up prices at comfy stays like Buckeye Tree Lodge. River View Grill & Bar offers delicious food and Saturday bands in the beer garden. The Historical Museum is a cool indoor and outdoor space with a Paul Banyon sculpture and life-size artifacts. Drop by Kaweah Arts and send a postcard home from the coolest Kaweah Post Office.
The Finest Escapes in California
As one of the top three states to visit in the US, California's small towns burst with artsy vibes, comfy stays, and opportunities for one-on-one in nature. Each with a unique personality, quaint charm, and history across the state, should be on every traveler's bucket list. From the beaches and the rugged coast to redwood forests and the High Sierra mountains, the diverse landscapes drive you to explore.
Look no further than these seven charming towns throughout the state, with year-round scenic charm. For wine, winter crafts, and year-round outdoors, Sausalito is a magic city that makes it all possible in a heartbeat. Coronado is a hop from San Diego, while few places can compete with Three Rivers for a mountain hideaway. The neighboring Goleta and Montecito can easily fit into a single trip.
