7 Undiscovered Small Towns in Northern California

Outside of the popular cities of California are small, friendly, and cozy towns just waiting to be discovered. History buffs will love exploring old Gold Rush towns like Grass Valley or Nevada City that harken back to the 1800s. If you love more laid-back bohemian vibes, you have to check out blissful towns like Bolinas or Trinidad, known for their rugged coastlines and breathtaking views. These tucked-away hidden gems are one of the best ways to really explore California outside of the bigger cities. So pack a bag, and let’s go on a road trip!

Bolinas

Bolinas is an idyllic coastal town that doesn’t want to be discovered. The locals are notorious for taking down signs that lead visitors to their sleepy little town! And for good reason- it boasts a pristine and undisturbed coastline with a quirky, bohemian vibe. The Bolinas Lagoon boasts a quiet and untouched stretch of coastline that's perfect for peaceful afternoons of bird-watching. The Point Reyes National Seashore offers a high view of the rugged, untouched coastline.

The downtown area is a must-see for free-spirited artists. The Bolinas Museum offers insight into the mysterious town’s rich art culture, and walk the streets of the central district to check out their host of galleries and artist studios.

Grass Valley

In the Sierra Nevada foothills is the charming and historic town of Grass Valley. Once a hub during California’s Gold Rush, it retains its history through well-maintained buildings and museums. The Empire Mine State Historic Park is an excellent opportunity for walking the gardens and exploring the buildings of California’s oldest and most productive gold mines. Spend the day in the delightful downtown district exploring its charming locally-owned shops and cafes, or stop at the Center for the Arts for a live performance.

To bask in the beauty of Grass Valley, visitors can take a short drive outside the central district to South Yuba River State Park. Walk accessible trails like Independence Trail or Buttermilk Bend Trail, or go for a swim in the South Yuba River. Or, head to Deer Creek Tribute Trail for a hike and learn more about the area’s Native American heritage.

Nevada City

Nevada City is another blissful town in the heart of the Sierra Nevada foothills. As a hub during the Gold Rush, it’s famous for it’s perfectly-preserved Gold Rush architecture. If you want to travel back in time to the Gold Rush, there’s no better town than Nevada City! The bustling downtown district hosts a thriving arts scene with so many galleries and studios ready to explore. Catch a live show or film screening at one of the oldest operating theaters in California, the Nevada Theater! Or, head to Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum to learn more about the town’s gold mining past.

Just outside of town are breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and the South Yuba River. Take a short drive outside of town to the Tahoe National Forest to camp, hike, or fish. Hiking trails range from easy, accessible trails to more challenging trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

Ferndale

The small town of Ferndale is often referred to as The Victorian Village due to its stunning display of Victorian buildings. Walking down the historic streets of Ferndale feels like stepping inside a postcard. The central district offers plenty of shopping opportunities with artisan shops, cafes, and boutiques. While you’re there, the Ferndale Museum teaches about the town's past.

Outside the delightful main area are plenty of opportunities to get lost in nature. Visitors can take a short drive west to Long Coast, one of California’s most rugged sections of coastline. Relax on the beach listening to the waves crash on the shore, or take a challenging hike to enjoy the stunning views. Ferndale is also a short drive to California’s famous redwood groves, which hosts some of the oldest trees on the planet Earth.

Trinidad

Trinidad is a peaceful coastal town known for its breathtaking views and rich Yurok Native American Heritage. Its rocky cliffs and and hidden coves offer amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. For the absolute best views, head to Trinidad Head. Taking a short hike on the Trinidad Head Trail will deliver panoramic views of not only the coastline but also the town of Trinidad. For a more relaxing day, stop by Trinidad State Beach for a day of soaking up the sun on the beach.

While the main area is small, it boasts a cozy collection of local shops, cafes, and art galleries. Given its close proximity to the ocean, Trinidad’s local restaurants offer up some amazing fresh seafood! It also has a thriving art scene, so be sure to check out some stellar galleries like the Trinidad Art Gallery or the Lost Coast Gallery.

Sutter Creek

The picturesque town of Sutter Creek is something right out of a painting. With its colorful downtown area and beautiful scenery, you’ll never want to leave. Foodies will appreciate Sutter Creek’s farm-to-table restaurants that offer fresh food and a friendly atmosphere. The main street in Sutter Creek is lined with amazing Victorian-era buildings with a host of local shops and antique stores that date back to the 1850s. The Sutter Creek Gallery is a great place to pick up one-of-a-kind treasures to take home after your visit.

Outside of the central district, Sutter Creek is surrounded by amazing views and plenty of parks to explore or unwind. In the Sierra Nevada foothills, visitors can hike nearby trails ranging from accessible to challenging. To learn more about the town and its Gold Rush past, be sure to check out Gold Mine Trail Sutter Creek.

Dunsmuir

The town of Dunsmuir blends natural beauty with a rich history and an amazing downtown district. Along the beautiful Upper Sacramento River with Mount Shasta towering in the background, Dunsmuir is a great place to explore and unwind. The main area has plenty of locally owned shops and cafes in well-preserved historic buildings.

While the main district is friendly and charming, Dunsmuir’s real claim to fame is the distant snow-capped volcano, Mount Shasta. While climbing to the peak of Mount Shasha is only for the experienced, there are easier trails that provide amazing views like McCloud River Falls Trail, Castle Lake Trail, or Sisson-Callahan Trail. For a more relaxing day, the banks of the Upper Sacramento River have enjoyable fishing and boating opportunities.

Explore Northern California's Hidden Gems

The great thing about Northern California is its diverse landscapes. From rugged coastlines, the famous Mount Shasta, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Redwood Forests, each of these undiscovered towns delivers something new to see and discover. Bask in the natural glory of the Redwood Forests of Ferndale or behold the majesty of Mount Shasta (an active volcano!) towering over the town of Dunsmuir. In these spectacular landscapes are sleepy little towns with friendly locals, great food, and so much to see and do!