8 Whimsical Towns To Visit In California
From postcard coastlines to rugged mountain landscapes, California is truly one of the best states to visit for a picturesque getaway. And while the state’s beautiful resort towns welcome millions of vacationers each year, the Golden State is also home to an array of whimsical communities with even more to offer beyond conventional beauty.
These intriguing towns, while often possessing much of the same postcard beauty as their resort counterparts, stand out for different (often eccentric) reasons. From Wild West-themed Main Streets to tunnels carved through thousands-year-old trees, whether you visit these communities for a planned getaway or impromptu road-trip detour, you will leave with the best souvenir: memories and stories to last a lifetime.
Solvang
For a taste of Europe right on American soil, the Danish-founded village of Solvang offers a whimsical escape. Drawing in over a million visitors each year, this enchanting “Danish Capital of America” is renowned for its distinctive Danish-inspired architecture, authentic bakeries, and 4 replica windmills dotting the charming downtown.
Visitors can immerse themselves in Solvang’s rich European heritage by indulging in treats at beloved spots like Birkholm's Bakery & Cafe, followed by learning about the town’s culture at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art. Additionally, if you plan on visiting this adorable village sometime soon, mark your calendars for the return of the Solvang Danish Days festival, scheduled for September 20th to 22nd in 2024. This popular celebration will showcase the town’s heritage through lively music, traditional dancing, delicious food, and to top it all off, a vibrant parade.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
With a name to match its whimsy, Carmel-by-the-Sea is another cute California village that transports its visitors to another world. But unlike Solvang’s distinctive European roots, Carmel offers more of a general storybook feel, with what visitors have fondly called the “Fairytale Cottages.” Built in the early 1900s by Hugh Comstock in homage to his dollmaker wife, these pastel, gable-roofed beauties truly do feel like something from the pages of a fairytale.
Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to see the 21 remaining Tudor-style cottages or even dine in Comstock’s commercial creation, which is now a darling little restaurant and tea house called The Tuck Box. As an enchanting follow-up, Carmel is also home to the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, “The crown jewel of the California State Park System.” Visitors can explore the reserve’s 14 scenic hiking trails for highlights like China Cove, an inlet known for its striking blue-green waters. From December through April, trails like the Sea Lion Point lookout are also blessed with sea lion and gray whale sightings for a truly unforgettable Carmel experience.
Fort Bragg
Making our way to California’s Mendocino Coast, Fort Bragg is another must-visit seaside town with tons of charm to go around. Its famed attraction is located in MacKerricher State Park, whose 9-mile stretch of shore includes Glass Beach. As the name implies, this coastal attraction is famous for its colorful sea glass, which resulted after years of a local shore being used as a town dump. Thankfully, an alternative dump was established in the 1960s, followed by a beach clean-up, and today, Glass Beach stands as a gorgeous testament to coastal conservancy.
In addition to this colorful shore, MacKerricher State Park has one of the best varieties of habitats to explore in the state. From bluffs and dunes to forests and wetlands, the park’s natural beauty lures humans and wildlife alike. The Lake Cleone Loop is great for spotting over 90 species of birds, while the Laguna Point blufftop boardwalk is preferred for ocean views and seal spotting.
Ramona
In the backcountry town of Ramona, hiking enthusiasts have traveled from all across California to experience the town’s quirky natural landmark: Potato Chip Rock. As you can guess, this potato chip-shaped boulder is an oddity worth seeing, and hikers love posing for photos here. To reach this delicious hiking spot, adventurers can take the 7.4-mile out-and-back Mt. Woodson Trail—just remember to pack a camera!
For a post-hike pick-me-up, visitors can unwind with a drink at any of Ramona’s 30 gorgeous vineyards. Popular spots include the Pamo Valley Winery, Correcaminos Vineyard and Winery, and Vina Ramona. As for Ramona’s more kid-friendly attractions, the Oasis Camel Dairy is a unique activity for the whole family, offering camel rides, private animal encounters, and tours of the farm.
Leggett
With less than 50 locals in the Mendocino County town of Leggett, you may be wondering what makes a trip here worthwhile. Aside from its location along the beautiful Eel River, this California town has a rare landmark whose whimsy attracts people looking for a fun photo and a great story.
It is in this tiny town that visitors can drive through—yes, through—a 300-foot redwood tree at Drive-Thru Tree Park. In addition to snapping a photo of this oddity (you can walk or drive through, so long as your car fits), the surrounding park boasts some really gorgeous shaded picnic areas and chainsaw carvings, so you may just want to get out and explore the area by foot. Even if you make this Legget attraction a short pit stop on your way elsewhere, the experience is well worth the detour.
Pioneertown
For those curious about what life may have been like in the Wild West, your questions can be answered with a visit to Pioneertown. The offbeat 1880s-themed town was originally established in 1946 as a "Living Breathing Movie Set,” and to this day, it is frequently used as a shooting location. Alongside its Hollywood roots, the town is also a fun destination for a whimsical trip back in time and a popular detour for those visiting the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.
Pioneertown is free to the public 365 days a year, but keep in mind that many of its coolest Main Street attractions are only open on the weekends, so make sure to check ahead. Highlights include the Pioneertown General Store, Pappy & Harriet's barbecue restaurant, and the Red Dog Saloon to name a few. Also, keep in mind that the integrity and realism of this downtown Main Street is maintained with the "Hoof and Foot Only" rule, so you will want to wear some comfortable walking shoes and lots of sunscreen.
Nevada City
If you are wondering how a Nevada town made its way onto this list, you would be one of the many others who found this California town’s name a bit confusing. But like Pioneertown, Nevada City is a California town with a love for the Wild West. However, instead of movie sets, Nevada City is home to the real thing. Once a famous Gold Rush community, today, Nevada City is considered one of the best-preserved towns of the era.
The Victorian National Exchange Hotel is a gorgeous example of the town’s preservation, and for those who love history, it is a great place to rest your head. The nearby Nevada Theatre is another must-see historic landmark, known for being California’s oldest existing theater, originally built in 1865. Elsewhere in town, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is an awesome place to see the largest hydraulic mining site in California that once thrived during the Gold Rush era.
San Luis Obispo
Once called “Barrio del Tigre,” or “Tiger Town” due to its reputation for lawlessness during the Wild West, the underrated town of San Luis Obispo is another exciting historic destination to visit in 2024. Thankfully, stagecoach bandits and high crime rates are a thing of the past, so you can visit this popular tourist town with peace of mind.
In addition to San Luis Obispo’s iconic historical landmarks like the 1700s Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa museum, the town is known for its eccentric attractions. This includes the Palm Theater in historic Chinatown, which is known for being the first theater in the United States to be run entirely by solar power. A short walk away, visitors can also pass through Bubblegum Alley, a famous local landmark with mixed reactions. While some find the 70-foot-long gum-lined alleyway unseemly, most are intrigued enough to snap a photo or even add their own chewed gum to the peculiar mural.
Final Thoughts
When you picture a trip to California, you probably envision a classic San Francisco vacation or Los Angeles beach day. But if you are someone who loves all things weird, different, and wacky, these 8 California towns are the perfect spots to add to your travel itinerary in 2024. From Solvang’s vibrant Danish culture to Ramona’s iconic snack-shaped landmark, these towns promise whimsical sights and experiences you will never forget.
