9 Undiscovered Small Towns in California
From dense forests to dry deserts, California is known for its diverse landscape and unique geography. The state is a top tourism destination and is considered the fifth-largest economy in the world. Travelers often seek to experience the natural beauty of places like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe or visit populated cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. While these areas receive most of the attention, there are undiscovered gems that are equally as interesting. Little communities are scattered throughout the state's High Sierra, rural coastline, and hilly vineyards. The charming downtowns, access to outdoor adventure, and exciting art culture offer a unique experience for travelers. During your next trip to the Golden State, explore these 9 undiscovered small towns in California.
McCloud
Located on the southern slope of Mount Shasta, McCloud is a hidden treasure surrounded by scenic rivers and wilderness. It used to be a lumber mill town and is known for its architecture from that time. The downtown area is a Nationally Registered Historic District with 17 buildings designated as landmarks from when the McCloud River Lumber Company owned much of the town. The historic McCloud Hotel is a popular place for visitors to stay. Built in the early 1900s, it used to house lumber mill workers.
McCloud is surrounded by endless natural beauty. It’s about 43 miles from Lake Shasta Caverns National Natural Landmark, a network of caves tourists can explore, and about 25 miles from Castle Crags State Park, which holds a dramatic and well-known rock formation. Further, Mount Shasta Ski Resort is only 15 minutes away from town along the gorgeous Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
Avalon
Avalon is a hidden gem in Southern California and is a place that the rich and famous often escape to. The isolated resort town on Catalina Island is a few hours outside of Los Angeles, and most people take a ferry to get there. The upscale community is known for its gorgeous beaches and quaint shops on Crescent Avenue along Avalon Bay. There’s also a rich fishery history on the island. The Tuna Club is the oldest fishing club in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Many dignitaries, such as President Teddy Roosevelt, have been members. Further, the Green Pleasure Pier is a town staple. It was originally built to ease the congestion of incoming boats and fishermen and is now a town centerpiece. It's a place where visitors can relax seaside at restaurants like Avalon Seafood.
The island holds 7,000 years of history, from its Indigenous roots to its transformation as a resort town. A great place to learn about it all is at the Catalina Museum for Art and History. The museum has preserved the rich cultural heritage and discusses what it’s like to live on an island and which rich and famous people have lived here.
Julian
Located about an hour east of San Diego, Julian is a mountain town tucked away between the desert and the coast, which makes for a great day trip. The community has long attracted artists, and you can see the work of local painters and makers at shops along Main Street. While wandering around, tourists will also likely notice signs for the region’s iconic apple pie. After the gold boom ended here, apples were planted for income and now thrive in surrounding orchards. Julian Pie Company is a popular spot to pick up a pie.
For those who want to learn about the gold mining history, tours are given at Eagle Mining Company. The mines were dug out of a mountain with picks and shovels a hundred years ago. Guides take visitors to underground tunnels while explaining what it is like to work in a mine. There are also fun opportunities to pan for gold. The Julian Pioneer Museum is another interesting stop that holds artifacts from the gold mining days.
To get out and see nature, visitors can attempt to summit Cuyamaca Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and take in the beautiful views of the town and desert. The peak is San Diego County's second-highest point.
Downieville
Located on Highway 49 in the Lost Sierra region of Tahoe National Forest, Downieville is a gorgeous mountain town that often goes unnoticed because of its remote setting. It was founded in 1849 during the historic gold rush and has transformed into a mountain biking and outdoor destination. The town rests at the confluence of the Yuba River and Downie River, and visitors can enjoy the beauty by walking across the Downieville Bridge, a historic landmark. It’s near the historic downtown area, with many buildings illustrating the California Gold Rush architecture. For example, the Hirshfeldter Building was built shortly after the Downieville fire in 1852. It was used as a hardware store and is now a grocery store where visitors can pick up supplies and talk to locals.
Another interesting stop is the Sierra County Sheriff’s Gallows, where you can learn about the era of capital punishment and how it ended. The historic site is located near the Sierra County Courthouse. From there, history buffs can then venture to Cannon Point. It was purchased in the late 1800s to celebrate events like the Fourth of July, with the capacity to fire a 12-pound ball.
Ferndale
Nestled within ancient redwoods on the Lost Coast is the adorable Victorian town of Ferndale. The town is surrounded by rolling green hills and fertile farmland. Dairying is one of the largest industries here, and its prosperity resulted in the Butterfat Palaces, a Victorian-style building or home decorated with gingerbread. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While traveling here, visitors will go over the Fernbridge historic bridge. The 1300-foot bridge goes over the Eel River and is the longest-poured concrete bridge in the world. It has withstood earthquakes and major floods over the years. Another popular spot is the Ferndale Historic Cemetery, known for its pioneer-era historic markers and stunning hillside setting overlooking the town.
The views in Ferndale and the surrounding area are stunning. You can take in the coast at Fleener Creek Overlook or take a scenic drive on the Lost Coast Scenic Byway that meanders along the King Range's northern edge and has breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas.
Pacific Grove
Located on the central coast right outside of Big Sur on the Monterey Peninsula, the small seaside community of Pacific Grove is a hidden secret. It’s a hub for gorgeous beaches, architecture, and monarch butterflies. Visitors can go to the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where you can learn how thousands of monarch butterflies overwinter in Pacific Grove. Another place visitors can’t miss is the butterfly house, which tells a story about love and devotion and celebrates butterflies. Sonja Jackson and her husband moved into the house when she lost sight. Despite being almost legally blind, she could still see bright colors, so her husband transformed their home into a colorful butterfly house.
Visitors can stay at the Asilomar Conference Grounds for a unique experience. It was a women’s summer camp, and California’s first licensed female architect designed the buildings. To this day, many of the buildings are still used for conference space and lodging.
Pacific Grove is surrounded by unforgettable beauty. Lovers Point Park and Beach is a great place to take in the seaside landscape. Also, the town is home to the Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.
Calistoga
On the far southern side of Napa Valley rests the charming community of Calistoga. Surrounded by vineyards, the wine country town tends to be more laid back compared to the rest of Napa Valley. There are charming shops and delicious bakeries that line Lincoln Street in historic downtown, as well as Spanish-influenced wineries such as Castello di Amorosa.
There’s also quite a bit of history here too. Travelers can visit the Calistoga Depot of the Napa Valley Railroad, the second oldest surviving railroad depot in California. The Sharpsteen Museum is another great place to learn about Calistoga and Napa’s upper valley and how it became a hot springs resort developed by California’s first millionaire, Sam Brannan.
Calistoga is an outdoor lovers' paradise. To the northwest, there’s close access to the Mayacamas Mountains, home to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park offering 13 miles of trails. A popular hike is Mount Saint Helena, offering breathtaking views of the valley.
Solvang
Located in Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang is one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets. It's known for its Danish-style architecture and many wineries. While strolling downtown, visitors will instantly notice the Danish icons such as windmills, the giant red clog, and the little mermaid fountain. There’s quite a bit of historic architecture, such as the Old Mission Santa Ines, an early 1800s Franciscan church.
As far as museums go, visitors can learn about the Danish heritage at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, which has interesting personal stories, photographs, and displays. Further, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum exhibits dozens of classic American, Japanese, and European motorbikes.
Ojai
The treasured town of Ojai rests in a valley surrounded by the Topatopa mountains. It’s located northwest of Los Angeles and east of Santa Barbara and is an oasis for sustainable design living and organic agriculture. Because of the Mediterranean climate, olive farming is a large industry here. Visitors can see the process at places like Ojai Olive Oil, a third-generation family-owned farm.
The untouched land surrounding Ojai makes it an ideal spot to regroup and spend time in nature. People travel from afar to visit the Meditation Mount, a meditation center that promotes enlightenment. There are plenty of hiking trails in Los Padres National Forest, such as Wheeler Gorge Natural Trail, and opportunities for recreation at Lake Casitas.
To learn about Ojai’s history, visitors can head to the Ojai Valley Museum, which tells how the valley was first home to the Chumash Tribe. The museum is housed in St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, rebuilt in 1919 after the original building burned in a fire. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
From the rugged Lost Coast to the deep forests in the Sierra Nevada, numerous small towns remain to be hidden treasures in California. Whether one ventures north and visits the mountain town of McCloud, or heads south and get a taste of elite island life in Avalon, there's something new for everyone to discover. Places like Ferndale illustrate the state's strong farming and dairy industry, while Calistoga offers Napa Valley wine and a great spa culture. Visiting these towns instead of the popular destinations offers a unique experience while exploring the Golden State.
