9 Delightful Towns to Visit in California

When you think of California, you may picture images of Los Angeles and celebrities, the Hollywood sign shimmering in the distance, and the sparkling glamor of movie magic.

Or maybe you think of the state’s fertile wine country and delicious vintages, its long meandering highways perfect for a day trip adventure, and all the openness and freedom of West Coast living.

It may also bring to mind the numerous state and national parks just waiting for you to lace up your hiking boots and go exploring, the wide expanses of mountains stretching on and on into the distance, or the picturesque coastlines and beaches perfect for laying out a blanket and soaking up some sun.

Whatever images the state brings to mind, you can rest assured it has all of that and more.

California’s official state motto is “Eureka!” and though it has its roots in the Gold Rush Era, the idea that there is treasure to be found anywhere and everywhere in the Golden State is alive and well today.

Idyllwild

In the mountains above the sprawling openness of the city of San Jacinto sits Idyllwild, a place known for its vibrant community and beautiful natural surroundings.

Set into the wild and rugged San Jacinto Mountains, the views in and around Idyllwild are incredible. It is a popular outdoor destination all year long for visitors who like hiking, biking, camping, and more. There are miles of trails through the Idyllwild area, including the Ernie Maxwell Scenic, Cahuilla Mountain, and Webster Trails.

These trails and others will lead you up to jaw-dropping overlooks and through stands of ponderosa pine. If you are looking for more than a day trip and want to camp, glamp, or hook up an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds around Idyllwild where you can book a woodland stay. If something remote but a little more luxurious is more your speed, there are numerous inns, lodges, and cabin rentals available as well.

In town, you will find a colorful, creative community with a solid and eclectic collection of artists. With studios open to the public, galleries, fairs, and festivals, you will find no shortage of ways to get out and appreciate all the artists, artisans, and musicians who call Idyllwild home.

Morro Bay

Just off of the famed Highway 1 on California’s Central Coast is Morro Bay, a small village that once made its living from the sea, with fishing boats plying the waters day after day. Though there is still plenty of boating, this place has become a popular getaway with pleasure seekers in search of sun, fun, and sand.

With a tourism slogan of “Come Get Salty in Morro Bay,” this sunny seaside locale prides itself on offering a beachy vacation full of sailing, surfing, fishing, kayaking, and any other watersports you can imagine.

While you are out and about enjoying the beach and the harbor, be sure to check out Morro Rock. This volcanic “plug” is all that remains of an ancient mighty volcano. No longer active, it sits at the entrance of the bay and is an amazing, fun to visit natural formation that is also home to several species of birds, including cormorants and peregrine falcons.

After a day of adventure, bring your appetite to any of the restaurants along the bay. There you will get your fill of fresh and local seafood while you watch the sunset over the ocean.

Dunsmuir

Dunsmuir has long been known as a relaxing, even healing, retreat. The upper part of the Sacramento River, within the beautiful Shasta Cascade region, is renowned for its amazing waterfalls and lakes, as well as some of the most stunning views in the state.

Dunsmuir and its surrounding areas are a hotspot for outdoor adventurers. Parks like Castle Crags State Park are popular with hikers looking to test themselves on a wide network of trails. A number of scenic overlooks serve as a reward to anyone taking on the challenge of those trails.

If you are looking for more of a nature retreat rather than an adventure, Dunsmuir has just what you are looking for. There are cabin rentals available with your own private view of Mount Shasta in the distance, giving visitors the feeling that they are well and truly away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

With a walkable downtown filled with interesting shops, boutiques, and restaurants and plenty of ways to get out into nature, Dunsmuir is a lovely place to visit any time of year.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg occupies a unique position in California, sitting right in the middle of three distinct, renowned wine regions, all of which sits at the center of Sonoma wine country.

The Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley all produce world-class vintages, making Healdsburg one of the best places to visit if you love a crisp Chardonnay or a deep and fruity Pinot Noir.

Pretty as a picture, Healdsburg itself is a luxurious retreat for anyone that enjoys the finer things in life. There are plenty of high end restaurants, as well as a culture around food and cooking that supports innovation and experimentation.

You will also find a hotel, lodge, or bed and breakfast that perfectly matches your personality and needs. Whether you want a sleek, modern hotel or a more rustic, dreamy cabin, you will get it here.

The great outdoors is also right at hand. Healdsburg sits along the Russian River, which has great fishing, swimming, and kayaking. There are a number of parks nearby and plenty of woodland retreats ideal for hiking, backpacking, or just spending a lazy afternoon in the shade.

Half Moon Bay

Downtown Half Moon Bay is like something out of a movie, lined with interesting shops and cool restaurants, inviting visitors to park their cars and just stroll the day away. The historic main street also features shops and restaurants, plenty of which are made right in the state, and galleries displaying the amazing works of local artists.

The feel of being in a movie only continues as you explore the region around the community. This coastline is full of dramatic views and gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. There are miles of beaches perfect for a day spent in the surf and sun, working up an appetite for dining at any of a number of beachside restaurants along the way.

If hiking is how you would rather spend your day, you can take your pick of the many trails and parks available for you to get out and savor the shade and quiet under the shelter of the famous towering redwood trees.

However you spend your visit to Half Moon Bay, you can count on finding plenty of dramatic scenery and adventure.

Solvang

When you come to Solvang, you might at first think you have somehow traveled to some far-off land and time. The Danish architecture, for which it is so famous, gives the whole place the feeling of being in some secret, magical corner of a distant Nordic country. From steeply slanted roofs to even a windmill, Solvang is quite unlike any other small village you will find on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Danish heritage of this charming little village in the Santa Ynez Valley is in full display everywhere you look, making it a delightful mix of old world and new. European-style bakeries and restaurants sit right between local wineries and funky boutiques, turning a day trip wandering around the community into something more like a trip around the world.

For more old-meets-new, visitors to Solvang can go exploring using both old fashioned and state of the art technologies. These include a wooden streetcar pulled by an actual horse, cycle rentals to tour under your own pedal power, and the EVXP, which utilize fully electric vehicles.

St. Helena

Right in the heart of Napa Valley, one of the state’s premier wine regions, is the quaint and sophisticated town of St. Helena. Well known for its wines and fine dining, St. Helena even boasts The Charter Oak, a Michelin-starred restaurant, making it easy to see why so many visitors have been coming here from near and far for wine tastings, vineyard tours, and delicious meals for years.

The cobbled streets downtown are lined with unique boutiques, interesting shops, galleries featuring both local and famous artists, and outstanding restaurants. This is the center of the St. Helena American Viticultural Area, a territory that includes hundreds of acres of local vineyards, which itself sits right inside the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area.

With high-end spas, resorts, hotels, and inns, each catering to their guests’ every whim, St. Helena has become known as a place to relax, unwind, and delight in the finer things in life.

Ojai

In the Ojai Valley, just under two hours north of Los Angeles, Ojai often refers to itself as “Shangri-la,” a magical and serene retreat that draws you in and welcomes you into its peaceful surroundings. For many visitors, the magic of Ojai lies in its community and its lovely natural surroundings. This is what keeps them coming back year after year.

Famed for its mild winters and Mediterranean-like climate, you will find a downtown area filled with businesses that are one of a kind, and dedicated to being as sustainable as possible.

Eco-friendly is a strong byword in Ojai, and the local farmers markets are crowded with vendors and their fresh-from-the-farm wares. And plenty of local restaurants source their produce and other goods directly from these vendors.

If you are looking for a place with lots of delicious food in a relaxing environment, put Ojai at the top of your list of places to visit in California.

Ferndale

Pretty, historic Ferndale is not to be missed. From historic architecture to the powerful, dramatic beauty of the coastline, there is so much to see and do.

Filled with stately Victorian-era homes and other buildings that have all been preserved with care, a stroll through downtown is a history lover’s delight.

There is plenty of shopping and fine dining to be had as well. And a day spent in Ferndale is not complete without a visit to the famed Fernbridge. If you time your visit just right, you can get to the bridge just in time to watch a spectacular West Coast sunset.

Ferndale also sits just on the edge of the Lost Coast, a sparsely populated and rugged landscape that includes some of the most breathtaking cliff top views you can imagine. The Lost Coast is famous for its awe inspiring vistas, and Ferndale is the perfect place to stay while you explore each and every one of them.

Discover Delightful Destinations in California

The Golden State has long been known as a land of dreams and opportunity.

The Gold Rush era saw a mighty influx of people with their gold panning equipment and their hopes for some day striking it rich. Hollywood attracts actors, writers, directors, and others to its doors, each one just waiting for their one big break. Millions of visitors come every year just to get a taste of its sunshine, seaside adventures, and beautiful landscapes.

California is full of delightful destinations where you can make your own vacation dreams come true. The famous wine regions, including Napa Valley, are a wine lover's paradise, with an almost endless variety of vintages for you to try while you tour a vineyard, attend a tasting, or enjoy a spectacular open-air meal.

From towering redwoods to rugged coastlines to desert ranges, there are so many different natural landscapes to visit during your stay. From fishing to camping to simply stringing up a hammock, outdoor adventure and relaxation await at every turn.

No matter what kind of getaway you want to have, there is a small California town just waiting for you to come out and find it there.