9 Best Small Towns in Northern California to Visit in 2024

Northern California is an exciting destination for travelers yearning to explore the western part of the United States. The state’s varied natural landscapes, from the rugged Pacific coastline to the jagged Sierra Nevada peaks, present an endless array of outdoor adventures. Coupled with a burgeoning food and art culture, it's no surprise the region draws millions of annual visitors. While large metropolises like Sacramento and San Francisco understandably receive the most tourists, the smaller destinations offer just as fulfilling an experience.

These overlooked towns in Northern California are perfectly scaled to explore for your next getaway in 2024. From Gold Country villages to Wine Country hamlets and coastal havens, these time-honored spots unveil natural charm and local heritage. Spending a few days discovering their hidden corners allows one to fully absorb Northern California's appeal on a low-key yet cultural tempo.

Bishop

Perched over 4,000 feet above sea level, Bishop is a popular stop for the rock-climbing community and an excellent escape for outdoor adventurers. The town’s unique, mountainous surroundings invite wild mountaineering adventures courtesy of local outfitters like Sierra Mountain Guides. Serious adventurers should visit near the end of August to join in on the backpacking trip to High Sierra. Bishop's rich natural landscapes encourage tourists to prioritize recreation in the open spaces. Bishop City Park offers an adorable oasis where locals and foreigners assemble to picnic, ride mountain bikes, and engage in various sports while reveling in its cozy atmosphere.

Tourists with a proclivity for history visit the Laws Railroad Museum and Historic Site to explore the town's exciting past. The site offers a hint of pioneer life through a well-preserved collection of old structures, a rail depot, and numerous other relics.

Quincy

Quincy's stunning outdoor scenery includes the picturesque peaks of the Sierra Nevadas and the dense wilderness of the Plumas National Forest. The town offers countless opportunities for those keen to explore its great outdoors, and hiring a mountain bike from Yuba Expeditions Adventure Center is an excellent way to take on its rugged outdoor trails.

Those who want to stay indoors adore the vibrant downtown with a mix of historic buildings and diverse attractions. At Plumas County Museum, guests can gather some background on the local community by browsing cool archives and artifacts collected over time. Various downtown galleries, including Main Street Gallery, introduce visitors to the charming local art scene through their art collections. Finally, tourists who enjoy local-crafted brews can sample Quincy's best offerings at Quinntopia Brewing Company.

Nevada City

This well-preserved California Gold Rush village, around 60 miles from Sacramento, has a rich mining heritage and houses interesting relics from the town’s storied past. Strolling through Nevada City’s quaint downtown streets reveals an impressive mix of historic buildings with a curious story to tell. The Nevada Theater is an essential venue for the local arts community and invites newcomers to watch entertaining live performances in one of the oldest-running theaters on the West Coast. Meanwhile, the Firehouse #1 Museum provides a unique perspective of local heritage through a diverse collection of artifacts on history, culture, and tradition. The town is also a hub for lively events, ranging from Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 to the Nevada City Victorian Christmas, a festival of lights downtown.

Nevada City is surrounded by a forested wilderness that offers exciting outdoor adventures. Hiking along the Independence Trail is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the open spaces. While at it, consider visiting the Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to explore Nevada City's colorful mining past.

Calistoga

Sitting in California's Napa Valley, Calistoga is famous for its thriving wine culture, healing mud baths, and natural hot springs. One of the town’s major tourist draws is the Old Faithful Geyser of California. This scenic geyser excites guests with constant eruptions against the dramatic backdrop of palms and mountains. Given the multiple vineyards and wineries across town, Calistoga presents newcomers with numerous opportunities to experience its wine-drinking culture. Touring the Clos Pegase Winery & Taproom lets you sample tasty wines by a top local crafter.

For the historically inclined, the Sharpsteen Museum is an excellent stop for exploring Calistoga's history. This living museum features a simulated barn, stagecoach, and other related artifacts depicting life in the town during its formative years.

Trinidad

This picturesque coastal village in Humboldt County is the perfect getaway for soaking in stunning Pacific vistas, relaxing on sandy beaches, and hiking epic California redwood trails. Trinidad guarantees exciting outdoor opportunities, especially at the popular College Cove Beach. This oceanside oasis provides an easygoing atmosphere where tourists can walk on the sand shore to stake out little sea creatures or surf on the gentle tide constantly smashing against the rocky coastline.

If you are not outside, you will fancy exploring Trinidad's curious past at the Trinidad Museum. Alternatively, the Trinidad Art Gallery welcomes guests to browse beautiful artworks by local artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to woodworking pieces. Finally, you mustn't forget to sample the town's sumptuous seafood dishes at Katy's Smokehouse.

Auburn

One of the best towns in Northern California for Gold Rush enthusiasts, Auburn is designated a California Historic Landmark for the town’s impressive preservation of regional and state heritage. Its old town district is chock full of sites and landmarks offering a window into the old days. The Gold Rush Museum exhibits a well-curated collection of artifacts telling the story of miners and other stakeholders during the mining heydays. Similarly, the Bernhard Museum explores Auburn's past from the perspective of a 19th-century hotel with period furnishings and relics.

Downtown, guests can engage with the arts community and peruse some of their creations at the Auburn Old Town Gallery. Beyond the town limits, Auburn is enveloped by a thick wilderness with countless opportunities for outdoorsy travelers. Venturing into the Auburn State Recreation Area is an opportunity to hike, bike, picnic, and climb.

Sausalito

A hidden gem in the Bay Area, Sausalito is a delightful escape from the chaotic scene of San Francisco and other busy destinations. The town is known for floating boathouses built by artisan squatters after the Second World War. Heading to Waldo Point Harbor takes you closest to the iconic floating homes synonymous with Sausalito. Additionally, the town delivers some of the best vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. While there are numerous vantage points to enjoy the picturesque views, Battery Spencer is the most sought-after spot by tourists.

With this, visitors love to explore the vibrant atmosphere along the Sausalito Boardwalk, which offers gorgeous ocean views and assorted shops for casual shopping and good-natured interactions. Meanwhile, animal enthusiasts can visit the Marine Mammal Center to show deserved TLC to rescued species undergoing rehabilitation at the lovely facility.

Sonora

This tiny village in Tuolumne County was established by Mexican miners during the California Gold Rush. The town of Sonora harbors exciting reminders of its past days that take tourists back to the mining past. At the Tuolumne County Museum, a vast collection of old photographs, memorabilia, and archives documents the various aspects of Sonora's history inside an old jailhouse. Elsewhere, the Sonora Repertory Theater showcases the town's artistic side by captivating audiences with stage performances that draw art enthusiasts from across the region.

Those seeking an outdoor escape can try taking on the delightful Dragoon Gulch Trail Head. Stretching about 3 miles, the route snakes through 35 acres of scenic oak woodland with exquisite views of the Sierra Nevada peaks.

Mendocino

Mendocino has something to excite all tourists, regardless of their preferences, from spellbinding coastal scenery and thriving arts to captivating history and delicious dishes. The town’s rugged coastline offers surreal opportunities for beachgoers, with secluded shoreline trails in Mendocino Headlands State Park inviting lazy strolls to blow off some steam. Mendocino hosts a lovely historic district with a collection of historic homes with interesting backgrounds. The Ford House Visitor Center & Museum is an excellent stop, offering a glimpse into local history.

Mendocino presents exciting opportunities for visual and performance art enthusiasts. The Highlight Gallery is perfect for exploring local artworks, while the Mendocino Theater Company entertains with premier stage performances in a welcoming atmosphere. Speaking of art, the town is also set to hose Winesong!, a lovely event full of drinks, food, and music in September

The Takeaway

Exploring these quintessential small towns in Northern California offers a memorable glimpse into the riches that define the region. Each destination encapsulates the local landscape and culture, from historic Gold Country to famed Wine Country and the rugged North Coast. Immersing in the welcoming communities, tasting the local fare, and enjoying the natural splendors recharges the mind and soul. A fun getaway touring the top villages presents an ideal overview of Northern California's appeal without feeling rushed.