9 Friendliest Towns to Visit in California in 2024

California stretches over 900 miles from Mexico to Oregon. The state has a fantastic topography and is a vacation destination for many. Bigger cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are well known, but several smaller towns are worth visiting.

These towns are quaint and charming and have an inviting atmosphere. Some are coastal towns, while others are classic mountain towns. The landmarks, downtown areas, and natural preserves signify the uniqueness of these small communities. Here are the nine friendliest towns in California.

Sausalito

Sausalito is a small town on the San Francisco Bay. It is a welcoming and eclectic community known for its enclave of colored houseboats on Richardson Bay, named after the town's founder. The Sausalito Boardwalk wraps around the bay and offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Boardwalk ends in the Old Town area, where the first homes and roads were established. Walking is the best way to experience the boats and bayside homes that make Sausalito unique. While walking around, stop by the Bridgeway Promenade for unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Richardson's Bay, and the skyline of this bohemian town.

Carmel By The Sea

Carmel By The Sea, on Monterrey Bay, is one of the prettiest towns on the California coast. It is known for its dog-friendly, white-sand beach, a popular surfing spot. It also has a walkable downtown, fairy-tale houses and shops along cobblestone roads, and 41 passageways leading to boutiques and restaurants.

The passageways were built in the 1920s, each with its theme and destination. The Lobos Lodge and Patio has a brick walkway that leads to the old oak tree in the courtyard. Its neighboring passageway, Pine Inn Courtyard, was the original motel for Carmel and now has jewelry stores and a coffee shop. One of the best parts about walking around this friendly coastal town is seeing how many passages you can find and discovering the local history.

Bishop

Bishop is a friendly mountain town in Northern California that is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Known as the "little town with a big backyard," it is surrounded by the White and Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges. There are cultural attractions like the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site.

California has designated the museum as Historical Landmark # 953, part of the original 1883 depot. Bishop also has an eclectic culinary scene, including a fine dining restaurant, Whiskey Creek. The downtown scene is a great way to unwind after a day of exploring and mingling with local townspeople.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a historic town and the focal point of the Sonoma Valley wine region. The legendary wineries, 55 miles of coastline, and rivers are stunning. Jacuzzi Family Vineyards is one of more than 425 wineries and offers Italian varietals. Though the wineries take center stage, several historic sites share the collective name of Sonoma State Historic Park.

The park is comprised of several historic sites around Sonoma Plaza. The Sonoma Barracks, Mission San Francisco Solano, and the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen share the classic lines of Mission Revival architecture and are open to guests.

Ojai

Ojai is a valley town in the Topatopa Mountains. It borders the Los Padres National Forest to the north. The small downtown area, with Spanish Revival architecture, is attractive. Cultural attractions like the Ojai Valley Museum are nearby. The museum showcases local history through exhibits and offers guided tours.

Ranches and vineyards surround this southern California town, so it makes sense that Ojai has a great culinary scene. The Ojai Vineyard has a tasting room in town with over 300 wines to enjoy and a knowledgeable staff to help you navigate the wine menu. Ojai is an intimate town with a friendly ambiance that is a truly unique experience.

St. Helena

St. Helena, known as Napa's Main Street, is in the heart of Napa wine country and draws a crowd because of its wine and culinary scene. The town is proud of its heritage, and three downtown blocks are on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also one of the world's leading wine regions. Beringer Vineyards is California's longest continually running winery and is available for blind tastings and tours.

Merryvale Vineyards is off Main Street, downtown. It incorporates history programs into the wine tasting for a unique experience. St. Helena is also home to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The museum holds the most extensive collection of original material worldwide and walks visitors through the famed author's footsteps through Napa Valley.

Calistoga

Calistoga is a small town in the Napa Valley known for its hot springs and wineries. The tree-lined downtown area offers world-class wineries like Bricco and restaurants like Sam's Social Club. One famous winery is the Castello Di Amarosa. The winery and elegant restaurant are set in an authentic-styled 14th-century castle, making for a unique experience.

The most notable natural attraction in Calistoga is the Old Faithful Geyser. It is one of three designated "faithful" worldwide because of its predictable eruptions. This charming community has a balanced mix of natural attractions, wineries, and world-class restaurants.

San Louis Obispo

San Louis Obispo is in the central region of California. The focal point is the 18th-century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. It is still an active parish but also a museum with exhibits that once housed the Franciscan priests and friars. The small town is known for its shoreline and the towering forests that make up this part of the state.

The Madonna Inn is one of the prettiest hotels in San Louis Obispo. It includes a spa, bakery, and swimming pools surrounded by tranquil gardens and ponds. The downtown area draws crowds and is known for its Farmers Marker and the fun Bubblegum Alley. The alley is a 70-foot passageway where the walls are covered in bubblegum dating back to WWII. This fun and quirky town has history, tranquil scenery, and art.

Morro Bay

Morro Bay is a coastal town that looks out on the famous Morro Rock. The landmark is a nearly 600-foot-tall volcanic rock formation and a highlight of Morro Beach. Another landmark is the Morro Bay Maritime Museum, founded in the early 1990s, featuring replica sailing ships.

Nature lovers will enjoy Morro Bay State Park, which features natural habitats and hiking trails. A walk through the friendly and quaint downtown will lead visitors to the Museum of Natural History, which overlooks the Morro Bay Estuary and provides ideal photo opportunities.

Embrace the Friendliest Towns in California

These nine towns are the friendliest in California because of their history, nature preservation, and charming downtown areas. St. Helena and Calistoga are in the heart of wine country, where visitors can dine on sophisticated fare while trying high-quality wines.

San Louis Obispo is not only historic, but it also has quirky attractions like Bubblegum Alley. These towns represent the people who call them home, especially in the mountain town of Bishop. California is a fascinating place to visit, and these nine towns exemplify the best the state has to offer.