7 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Northern California This Summer

Northern California may not receive the same attention as its Southern counterpart, yet this region of the “Golden State” remains a most beautiful destination where the best of California can be enjoyed by all ages. Filled with loads of natural beauty, splendid cultural allure, and fascinating history, visitors can experience the richness of the State in less crowded centers while still taking in awesome sights and the hot sun. So, when deciding to visit California, consider exploring the wonderful towns and communities in the northern portion of the State. Here, awesome summer memories await, and a different side of the “Golden State” can be appreciated, truly showing why this land is one of the most special places in all of the Western United States.

Sausalito

The beautiful town of Sausalito, meaning “Small Willow Grove" in Spanish, is one of Northern California’s most splendid destinations. Conveniently located just ten miles from San Francisco across the famed Golden Gate Bridge, this North Bay town is home to a humble population of just over 7,000 residents, where natural beauty is always on hand. Enjoy time spent at the harbor, catching wonderful sunrises, sunsets, and cool sea breezes while a charming array of local shops, restaurants, and galleries dot the scenic landscape. And with its cool temperatures not typically rising above 70 degrees, visiting Sausalito is a great way to beat the heat typically associated with much of California. Finally, with its vicinity to San Francisco, alternate views of the Golden Gate Bridge make for quite a special set of memories, while the closeness to the big city makes Sausalito an ideal destination to enjoy Northern California outside of the busyness of a major urban center.

Arcata

Located near the picturesque Humboldt Bay, Arcata is a wonderful town where cool temperatures and panoramic views create a most inviting atmosphere. Founded in the 1850s and with a modern population of nearly 19,000 inhabitants, awesome beach views and a charming array of shopping outlets, restaurants, bars, cafes, and other local businesses make this a unique example of a smaller town in the USA. Marvel at several historic structures and Victorian-style homes, while the spacious and welcoming Arcata Plaza is a great way to simply take in the sights and sounds of this ocean-side community. And naturally, with its vicinity to the Pacific Ocean and the aforementioned Humbolt Bay, inviting opportunities for swimming, sailing, and, of course, sunbathing are never far away. All of this makes Arcata a nice place to enjoy California’s riches outside of a busy, major city.

Capitola

Capitola is the oldest seaside resort in California, and its modern history dates back to the early 1860s. Now home to just under 10,000 residents, this Monterey Bay town is indeed a most picturesque locale where cool temperatures, typically in the low 70 degrees, make it an ideal place to enjoy being outside. Full of splendid beach areas, historic neighborhoods, and a charming collection of small businesses, Capitola really is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Just some 35 miles from the city of San Jose, guests can explore the inviting Riverview Historic District along Soquel Creek, while at the Venetian Court neighborhood, a stunning array of colorful homes and buildings create the most postcard-perfect photos. And, of course, with its geographic setting, fun opportunities to go sailing, sunbathing, swimming, and fishing in the sparkling ocean waters remain a perennially favorite activity for the young and old!

Mendocino

Named for a Spanish colonial governor, the beautiful seaside town of Mendocino is a place of great natural beauty and alluring history. Founded in the mid-1800s, today, just under 1,000 permanent residents call the community home, where a peaceful slice of Pacific Ocean America can be experienced. Listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, guests can stroll Mendocino’s historic districts and admire a variety of 19th-century buildings and other Victorian-style houses. Also known as an artists’ colony, a nice variety of local galleries and boutique shops can be visited here. The welcoming eateries, coupled with stunning ocean views, round out Mendocino’s total charm.

And of course as a Pacific Ocean town, vistas are never in short supply here and nearby natural attractions like the Woodlands State Park and the Mendocino Headlands always delight. Finally in July make sure not to miss out on the Mendocino Music Festival where the best in classical, jazz, blues, and folk music can be enjoyed, sure to please a variety of musical tastes.

Davenport

Home to a very humble population of under 700 permanent residents, the quiet and welcoming town of Davenport is a great place to enjoy scenic Pacific Ocean views, cool temperatures, and a calm atmosphere. Founded as a whaling village in the 1860s, Davenport lies at an elevation of 259 feet in Santa Cruz County, and indeed, its natural splendor is abundant. Featuring inviting and quiet beach areas, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations like Shark Fin Cove, a picturesque experience is never far away in this community. Enjoy activities like swimming, sailing, and surfing while comfortable temperatures in the low 70 degrees make Davenport a good spot to beat the stifling heat. Add in a cute range of local businesses and restaurants to complete the town’s charming ambiance, and visit the historic Jail Museum (1914), which sheds light on the early days of California.

Truckee

Named for a Native American chief, the town of Truckee was founded in the 1860s, and today, this town in Nevada County is home to just under 17,000 inhabitants. A convenient 20-minute drive from the ever-popular Lake Tahoe, Truckee is known for its cool, snowy winters and warm summers. Full of awesome forested surroundings and Sierra Nevada mountain framings, the town is indeed an outdoor lovers' haven. In the summertime, popular activities include biking, hiking, and swimming, and there are even some fishing opportunities. Meanwhile, guests can also enjoy time spent in the downtown historic district and its assortment of several 19th-century edifices. And with tasty Western-style restaurants, boutique shops, and other local galleries, there are always amusing things to do when in this most charming northern California town.

Angels Camp

The town of Angels Camp lay at an elevation of 1,400 feet and was established as a mining center in the 1840s. Now home to just over 3,500 residents, this panoramic mountain community is a great place to enjoy a hot summer and encounter fascinating local history. Listed in its entirety as a California Historical Landmark, guests can explore the historic downtown district and its assortment of 19th and early 20th-century buildings, while a fine collection of local diners, cafes, shops, and other businesses creates a perfect snapshot of small-town USA. Meanwhile, do not forget to visit the nearby New Melones Lake for awesome outdoor activities. Here, biking, hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking are always popular, with stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains never out of sight.

When visiting the “Golden State” of California, an exploration of its northern geographic region should most definitely not be overlooked. Filled with stunning seaside views, welcoming towns, and cooler weather, the communities of Northern California are undoubted jewels of the great State. From the historic ocean bay town of Capitola to the lakeside retreat of Truckee, these and other Northern California towns reflect another side of the “Golden State” that is too often ignored. So come spend a summer in California’s North and see why these lovely towns are indeed the perfect places for a holiday, no matter one’s age!