8 Cutest Small Towns In Northern California To Visit In 2024
Northern California has some of the most diverse landscapes in the world. It differs from Southern California because of the region’s cooler climate with fogged-in coastline and lush, green forests. While communities in the Sierra Nevada certainly experience the four seasons, the towns closer to the coast have more of a Mediterranean climate throughout the year. From the rolling hills of Napa Valley to the dense redwood forests along the Lost Coast, the microclimates on this side of the state are unbelievable. Northern California is home to Redwood National Park and Yosemite National Park, as well as Lake Tahoe in the High Sierra. Among all the gorgeous scenery, one will find countless adorable little towns with so much to offer. These hidden gems of Northern California continue to gain popularity as people seek a more tranquil setting over the busyness of the city. Discover the eight cutest small towns in Northern California to visit in 2024.
Calistoga
The sweet little town of Calistoga sits on the far Northwest end of Napa Valley near the Mayacamas Mountains. Something about the town makes one feel right at home. The downtown area is adorable, with shops, bookstores, bakeries, and fantastic breweries and wineries. It tends to be more laid back here than the rest of Napa Valley, so visitors can easily stroll into a winery with flip-flops and shorts and still be openly welcomed. A popular winery is Castello Di Amorosa, which looks like an old medieval castle in the hills. Or, in town, one can strike up a conversation with a local at the Tank Garage Winery, a converted old gas station that's now a tasting room and bar.
Besides wine tasting, there’s quite an outdoor community here, too. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is 13 miles north of Calistoga, where hikers can summit Mount Saint Helena. Just be sure to choose a cooler day, given there’s limited shade on most of the trail. Afterward, you can head back to town and check out the historic Palmer House, known for its Second Empire-style architecture. It's famously the home of Calistoga's first judge. A few blocks down from that is Holy Assumption Monastery, where you can learn how the first nuns who lived in Calistoga were refugees from the Soviet Union.
As far as places to stay, you will find adorable bed and breakfast spots tucked away in cute, quiet neighborhoods. The Craftsman Inn is an authentic local experience. The owner has written a cookbook, and the breakfast is said to be fantastic. Also, check out the hot springs and mineral pools. Dr. Wilkinson’s Resort has been around for a while and is a great place to soak.
Sausalito
Located in Marin County, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, resides the darling town of Sausalito. The area is known for its wealth; some say it has a similar feel to the Amalfi Coast. Visitors will see why when taking in the incredible views of the Bay Area as well as the magnificent homes resting on the hills near the shore. Many of the homes have a colorful backstory tourists can learn about, such as the Charles Griswold House that survived the Sausalito Fire in 1919. Or, to experience the town’s funky side, visitors can take a walking tour of the eclectic and colorful houseboat communities on the bay. The floating homes have unique decorations and names, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a local, you’ll surely hear a good story about how they ended up there. Regarding recreation, Sausalito is pretty close to the Golden Gate National Recreation area, which is home to Muir Woods National Monument. Visitors can hike a trail system that spans six miles and meanders through towering ancient redwood groves.
A great place to stay for a splurge is the historic Cavallo Point Lodge, which has excellent views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It used to be a housing complex where soldiers stationed at Fort Baker stayed, tasked with protecting San Francisco’s harbor in the early 1900s. Now, it’s a sought-after resort with a spa and restaurant. For a night of fun, guests can even take a cooking class.
Kings Beach
Located in North Lake Tahoe, Kings Beach is referred to as a funky beach town that never seems to change. This is a major reason visitors tend to return year after year without hesitation. The downtown has a famous public beach, the ultimate relaxation spot in the summer, with great views of Lake Tahoe and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada. The beach is within walking distance to nearby shops and restaurants, so it’s easy for one to hang out on the shore all day.
Besides lazy days at the beach, there are plenty of hiking trails and historic sites to visit nearby. For a day trip, one can travel 12 miles north to Truckee and check out the China Wall on Donner Summit, which Chinese railroad workers built so trains could travel to the west. You can also walk through the Donner Pass Railroad Tunnel, an abandoned underground track that spans 1700 feet. Stateline Fire Lookout is good if you're up for a longer hike nearby. It’s an easy paved hike that’s less than 2 miles and has panoramic views of Lake Tahoe at the top.
After exploring all that Kings Beach has to offer, Brockway Springs is a tranquil place to unwind and take in Lake Tahoe. There are mineral springs to soak in after a long day, and you can learn about the historic resort’s storied past, which dates back to the late 1800s. At one point, it was even a destination for spiritual counseling.
Trinidad
During the hot summer months, the seaside town of Trinidad is a great place to cool down. Located in remote northwestern California, temperatures stay relatively mild here, and foggy mornings are quite reliable. Visitors can enjoy amazing views of the rugged coastline and enjoy the slower way of living here. Travelers can hike to Trinidad Head Lighthouse, built in the mid-1800s, and learn how it provided vessel navigation during the lumber trade. The trailhead is located next to the marina's entrance and is across from Trinidad State Beach.
Besides historic sites, there's a great outdoor adventure awaiting here, too. For a day on the water, one can paddle out to Trinidad Bay on a guided kayaking tour, which is fantastic during whale-watching season. For a day trip, Redwood National and State Park is about 29 miles north of town. Driving down the parkway at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park is a real treat, and plenty of hiking trailheads start right from the road. Or you can choose to head south instead and visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park. You can go to the drive-thru Chandelier Tree for an epic family photo.
It should not go without mentioning that Trinidad is very popular in summer, so it’s best to make reservations in advance. The Lost Whale Inn Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast is a cozy place to stay right on the water. The Seascape Restaurant is a great place to have fresh seafood and take in the area's beauty.
Sonoma
Located 45 miles north of San Francisco in the heart of California’s wine country, Sonoma is a quaint town that’s great for a weekend retreat. It is the gateway to the scenic Sonoma Valley, cradled between the Mayacamas and Sonoma Mountain ranges. The town is rich in character and teeming with fascinating history. Visitors can see Jack London State Historic Park to explore the home of the famous writer, Jack London. He loved adventure and authored well-known novels such as The Call of the Wild. Around town, visitors can explore the plaza’s historic buildings, which are now boutiques, art galleries, and tasting rooms. While there, located right on the square, you'll find Mission San Franciso Salano, the last of 21 missions built in the state in the 1820s. Visitors can take tours and wander the museum to learn about the missions. And the history in Sonoma unsurprisingly spans the humble beginnings of wineries. The oldest commercial winery in California is located in Sonoma at Buena Vista Winery. The original stone building is still there and is now considered a California Historic Landmark.
Where there’s good wine, there’s likely good food. There’s quite a bit of French influence in Sonoma County, so be sure to check out the bakeries and restaurants. A good place to stay for a romantic getaway is An Inn To Remember. It captures the feel of the area well, and one can relax and take it all in.
Mendocino
Mendocino might be one of the cutest seaside towns one will come across in their lifetime. Located in California's Emerald Triangle, the town sits on a hilly peninsula off Highway 1 and is surrounded by dramatic ocean bluffs. There are beautiful Victorian homes and sweet little cottages that will capture your heart. Mendocino is the only coastal town in California designated as a historical landmark with architecture dating back to the 1850s. To learn about the history, you can visit the Kelly House Museum. Another interesting fact is the popular television series Murder She Wrote was filmed here. Fans will recognize many of the spots from the series while strolling through the memorable town.
As far as outdoor splendor, Mendocino Headlands State Park offers hiking trails, a secluded beach, and opportunities to kayak in sea caves. From there, Point Arena Lighthouse is 36 miles south. It's 115 feet tall, and visitors can climb to the top. One can also wander through the keepers’ residence, which is large enough to house four light-keeper families.
For a truly unique experience, families can stay overnight at another lighthouse between Mendocino and Fort Bragg. At Point Cabrillo Lighthouse, you can stay at a light-keeper house on the property and get a feel for what it must have been like for families that stayed there. Plus, you'll be quite close to Glass Beach.
Crescent City
Located on the far end of the state, only 20 miles from the Oregon border, sits Crescent City. The coastline still feels incredibly wild here, with huge sea stacks and towering redwoods that line Highway 101 leading into town. The rugged natural landscape and remote setting make this a great place for adventurers to explore. A few miles inland from town is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, which surrounds the pristine Smith River, the only undammed river in California. You’ll find people fishing, kayaking, and swimming here in the summer, so don’t be afraid to join in on the fun. A good place to put on your list is Howland Hill Road to see ancient redwood groves. You’ll pass several trailheads, including Grove of the Titans, a well-maintained trail with some of the tallest and widest redwood trees in the world. The fog hanging in the redwood trees here is unforgettable, and the air is some of the cleanest on the planet. For a day on the coast, Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum is a notable place to stop. It is still an active lighthouse that provides navigation for boats at sea, and lighthouse keepers still take care of it. Visitors can tour the grounds and learn about the history at the museum.
The Hiouchi Café is a great place to grab a bite to eat. This classic diner-style café serves excellent breakfast and is always busy with locals and tourists enjoying the river. As far as where to stay, if you're up for it, this is a great place to camp. Camping at Jedediah along the Smith River is a one-of-a-kind experience. Or you can head up to Gasquet, where there are a number of US National Forest campgrounds.
Willow Creek
Willow Creek is a quiet little mountain town in Humboldt County nestled in the Six Rivers National Forest along the pristine Trinity River. It’s about 41 miles inland from the coast and is an outdoor paradise for rafters and kayakers alike. For those who like a good mystery, the town is said to be the gateway to Bigfoot country. At Willow Creek-China Flat Museum, visitors can learn about Bigfoot sightings and see artifacts and old photographs.
Another great place to stop is the Hoopa Tribal Museum, which has Indigenous basketry, ceremonial regalia, and carved redwood canoes. Willow Creek is situated 15 miles from the Hoopa Valley Tribe. There’s a rich Native American presence in the region with several federally recognized tribes, such as the Hoopa, Yurok, Wiyot, and Karuk Tribes. They play a major role in protecting the fisheries and land in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties, which one can learn about.
An adorable place in town to grab breakfast and a hot coffee is at the Osprey Cafe. A good place to rest your head is at Coho Cottages, surrounded by lush green mountains. The owners have lived here forever and can tell you all about the region. And if you’re up for an adventure, book a whitewater rafting trip with Six Rivers Rafting.
From vineyards to the majestic redwoods, the towns of North California offer so much variety and delight. Whether one wants to sip a glass of wine in the laid-back community of Calistoga or plunge down whitewater rapids on the Trinity River near Willow Creek, there really is something for everyone. In 2024, the movement to seek out small towns over busy cities continues to gain traction as tourists look for a place that allows them to recharge and slow down a bit to enjoy life. There’s sure quite a bit to see on this side of the state, and the natural beauty will stay with you long after your trip is over.
