7 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Northern California in 2024
Few states in the US compare to California in terms of travel experience. The Golden State is in a league of its own, harboring the tallest trees in the world and diverse landscapes consisting of forests, slopes, and world-class beaches. See why Americans continue to choose this state as a top choice for travel in 2024 as we unveil the seven prettiest towns in Northern California.
Mendocino
Mendocino is a small town with a population of less than 1,000 residents. Despite its small size, thousands visit to witness stunning views of the coast, with towering sea stacks sitting on the floors of the Pacific Ocean. Additionally, there are eight art galleries to examine, and among them is the Mendocino Art Center, a hub for creative souls to get together and partake in all things art, including workshops, exhibitions, and events—its latest upcoming event is the Mendocino Open Paint Out on Sept. 16, 2024, where participants can sketch the region's breathtaking scenery, and enjoy lively music, food, and drinks. Another perk of visiting here is the proximity to the Jackson Demonstration State Forest, one of many parks that house the iconic redwood trees, found naturally only in California and south Oregon. Fascinatingly, these trees have a lifespan of 500 to 700 years, but some live up to 2,000 years, and these trees are the tallest in the world, with many soaring up to 350 feet in the air—equivalent to a 33-story building.
Arcata
Arcata is a vibrant college town that offers a wide selection of outdoor activities. There are several parks to explore here, including Carlson Park, Redwood Park, and the Arcata Community Forest. The latter is a popular getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of cities, with more than 700 acres to trek on maintained trails for hikes, biking, and horseback riding. The Forest Guild designated this very park as a "Model Forest" in 2008, only one of 20 forests in the US to receive such an honor. After your serene retreat, consider visiting the Natural History Museum at Humboldt State University, where you can see several exhibitions, such as "Birds of the Redwood Forest," "Butterflies of Northern California," "Local Fossils," and "Rocks & Minerals." And a short 10-minute drive lies the Clam Beach County Park, a popular spot to soak your feet in the Pacific Ocean waters and observe nearby wildlife. What's more, there are 13 campgrounds for those wishing to stay the night, for a small fee of just $30.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay offers many things, but more than anything else, it's a prime surfing destination—saltwater cowboys are able to enjoy riding waves as high as 25 feet, with some even reaching 60 feet. And there are plenty of beaches to choose from: Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, Francis Beach, and Poplar Beach all make excellent choices to soak in the sun and surf away. Half Moon Bay also offers numerous historical places to unveil, with Skull of a Bue Whale and James Johnston House Museum topping the list. And while you're at it, relive the past by touring the Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park, a relaxing forested area with a scenic dairy farm from the late 19th century. Since the state of California purchased this area, it has flourished, earning a place on the National Register of Historic Places, and now serves as a beloved hiking destination with 1,325 acres of diverse terrain to trek.
Trinidad
Trinidad is a historical town, and like Half Moon Bay, it's known for scenic beaches with enormous waves. However, it has a leg up as it is also a seabird haven, boasting one of the largest seabird colonies in the entire state of California. Thousands of birds reside on the beautiful sea stacks, making it a popular site for avian lovers to bring their binoculars and cameras to capture photographs of colonies from spring till mid-summer. To learn about the local area and its history, journey through the Trinidad Museum inside the 125-year-old Victorian bungalow building. Here, you can probe five exhibit rooms, a beautiful garden, and community events related to the area's rich cultural history. The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits, ensuring visitors always have something fresh to see. To conclude your trip, explore the picturesque Trinidad State Beach—it's not just any beach. You'll need to hike through a dense forest of spruce and redwood trees, before reaching the sandy shoreline. Once there, you'll discover magical rock formations and abundant sea life on a pristine coast, offering perfect views of sunsets, tide pools, and dramatic cliffs.
Mill Valley
Mill Valley is an outdoor lover's paradise. To its north lies the Baltimore Canyon Preserve, west of town is Muir Woods National Monument, and below sits the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. All three parks are worth exploring, but Muir Woods is particularly notable—the vast preserve spans 558 acres and is home to 380 plants and animals comprising of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Tourists worldwide flock here to see the ancient redwoods, red alders, and tanoaks trees, along with the diverse habitats that live in the euphoric forest. Another prominent landmark in the area is the Cascade Falls Trailhead, a family-friendly and relatively easy hiking trail that offers a rewarding trek amidst the lush greenery and waterfalls. After your nature escape, venture into the town's lively downtown area, featuring quaint shops and cozy cafes to grab a bite and recharge.
Ferndale
Love historic buildings? Ferndale is calling you! Nicknamed "Victorian Village," this town has some of the best preserved Victorian-era buildings in the nation, so much so that the entire town of Ferndale is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to its historic charm, Ferndale offers plenty of fun events throughout the year, including the annual Kinetic Grand Championship, plus a wide range of arts and entertainment events. Less than five miles away from town lies the Centerville Beach Country Park, a secluded beach with spectacular ocean views, colorful rocks, and hiking areas. Based on numerous anecdotes, you may even come across migrating whales during the colder months, as they head south to escape the winter season.
Pacific Grove
Capping off the list is the coastal town of Pacific Grove. This town prides itself on its natural beauty, banning all development on the waterside as a way to preserve its beaches for residents and nature lovers to enjoy. Furthermore, Pacific Grove harbors the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast—the Point Pinos Lighthouse, which has helped navigate ships and sailors since 1855, is open year-round from Thursday to Monday. Since Pacific Grove is situated by the waters, visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to witness and marvel at the exotic sea life, including African penguins, sea otters, sharks, and jellyfish. And do not miss out on the nearby Jack's Peak Park, providing panoramic views of the city and shoreline from 1,068 feet above, with miles of hiking trails to break a sweat and forge new memories.
These seven top-notch towns in Northern California offer endless opportunities to explore art galleries boasting exquisite exhibitions, and endless outdoor opportunities to explore the great outdoors in nearby parks and beaches. Whether it's the charming coastal towns of Mendocino and Trinidad or the outdoor paradises of Arcata and Mill Valley, there's something for everyone to enjoy in these NorCal towns. The breathtaking ocean views, prime surfing beaches, and serene forests with diverse habitats make Northern California worth experiencing for travel enthusiasts from all walks of life.
