7 of the Most Charming Towns in Northern California

While many people associate beautiful and diverse California with its two major cities, Los Angeles and San Francisco, it's the state's smaller towns that make visitors feel "at home." Northern California was blessed with more than its fair share of natural beauty, such as towering redwood forests and lush vineyards, as well as charming small towns. Following are seven ones to put on your must-see list the next time you find yourself traveling through.

Eureka

There's much to do in the small town of Eureka, California: following the oceanside views of the Samoa Channel from the Eureka Waterfront Trail; exploring the history of the enigmatic, Victorian-style, colorful Ingomar Club and the greenery of surrounding Halvorsen Park; and learning the regional history of Humboldt County within the exhibits of the Clarke Historical Museum and the Morris Graves Museum of Art; among them. The town's exuberant energy is also accurately personified in its downtown streets and identified in cafes and restaurants like Los Bagels and Café Waterfront. However, Eureka's greatest attraction is Sequoia Park's impressive forests and walking trails, in combination with the Sequoia Park Zoo's extensive arrangement of unique wildlife.

Solvang

Solvang is an inland destination in North California filled with unique character and architecture, fueled by its Danish roots. The downtown area is defined by Danish architectural style, most evident in the Solvang Windmill, the shops and boutiques surrounding the central greenspace known as Solvang Park, and the charismatic Solvang Theaterfest. For a more thorough historical understanding, visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. Aside from its cultural identity, this sunny town also provides ample outdoor activities like shaded picnicking in Hans Christian Andersen Park, family-friendly spaces with Danish flair in Sunny Fields Park, and fun big-bird-feeding opportunities in Ostrichland USA.

Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg is a colorful symbol of small-town getaways in Northern California. It's most recognized for its incredible Glass Beach: a stretch of shoreline filled with smoothed sea glass, making for a colorful natural display. However, the beauty of the town's scenic coastline shouldn't be understated: it's recommended to follow from The Pudding Creek Trestle Bridge to the Coastal Trail, eventually ending at the panoramic cliff-side view of Compass Rose. More ambitious outdoor explorers can continue their adventure toward Noyo Headlands Park and the more popular Pomo Bluffs Park. Visitors seeking a more leisurely afternoon should instead walk the accessible trails of the centrally-located Otis R. Johnson Wilderness Park after a stop at the popular Cowlick's Ice Cream shop.

Sonoma

Located in the heart of California's world-famous Sonoma Valley wine region, scenic Sonoma offers big-city amenities with a small-town feel. It's also known for its historic landmarks, including the Mission San Francisco Solano and the Sonoma Barracks, which were used by the Mexican military in the 19th Century. Arts and culture lovers are also in luck in Sonoma, as the charming town is filled with art galleries and studios featuring local artists at work. No trip to Sonoma would be complete with a stop at the Sonoma State Historic Park, which consists of several historic sites that depict the state's history of colonialism. Visitors may have a hard time narrowing down which Sonoma Winery to check out, but the Buena Vista Winery is unique in that it dates back to 1857 and features historic buildings, formal flower gardens, and picnic spots for al fresco dining and sipping.

Pacific Grove

Houses in Pacific Grove, California (in Monterey County) overlook the rocky coastline, as viewed from a passing boat.

Affectionally dubbed "America's Last Hometown," pretty Pacific Grove's claim to fame is its sweeping, panoramic Pacific Ocean views. The town also features one of California's quintessential main streets, complete with a quaint yet bustling downtown filled with local cafes, eateries, shops, and historic buildings. Both Asilomar and Lovers Point Beaches beckon to visitors with opportunities for relaxing, swimming, kayaking, and even tidepooling. If you're traveling with kids or history lovers, don't miss the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, an attraction that showcases the region's history and unique geography through a variety of interpretive programs and hands-on exhibits. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which is the West Coast's oldest continually operating lighthouse and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Placerville

Situated just about 60 miles west of Lake Tahoe, the Northern California town of Placerville has a rich gold mining history and was at the epicenter of the Gold Rush in the 1840s and 50s. The historic downtown, with its antique shops, cafes, art galleries, scenic buildings, and authentic "main street" vibe, is the heart of Placerville. Here, you'll find the interesting Fountain-Tallman Museum, which dates back to 1852 and once served thirsty gold miners with refreshing soda water. The Gold Bug Park and Mine is another perfect place to spend a day in this charming town, as it features a real hard-rock gold mine that began operating in the 1880s. After your trip to the mine, you can pan for gems, take an informative tour, and see Gold Rush artifacts up close at Hattie's Gold Rush Museum.

Crescent City

Although charming Crescent City has a population of just under 7,000, it's still known as the largest town on the Redwood Coast. The town was named after the beautiful crescent-shaped beach located a bit south of it, which is ideal for swimming, surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and just taking in the Pacific Ocean views. If you prefer a more secluded beach experience, take a ride up the coast a bit to the stunning Kellogg Beach, a seaside respite situated within Tolowa Dunes State Park. For visitors who want to sleep under the stars and really immerse themselves in local nature, the Lighthouse Cove RV Park is available. It's located just steps from the sand and close enough to hear the waves lapping against the shore at night.

From top to bottom, breathtaking California is filled with towns, cities, beaches, state parks, forests, and wineries that make it the ideal vacation destination all year long. The northern region of the state really stands out for its natural beauty, miles of Pacific Ocean coastline and jagged cliffs, and sweet towns that immerse visitors in all that area has to offer, whether they stay for a few days, a month, or more.