The Best Small Towns in California for a Weekend Retreat
California is on the Pacific Coast and one of the biggest vacation destinations in the US. The bigger cities like Los Angeles and San Diego draw in many visitors annually, primarily because of the home of the friendly mouse. However, some incredible small towns in California are perfect for a weekend retreat.
The greatest thing about visiting California is the wide range of topography, attractions, and activities. There are beaches, deserts, mountains, and even Dutch-inspired towns.
Carmel By The Sea
Carmel By The Sea is one of California's most charming and quaint towns. The town is known for its museums, like the historic Carmel Mission, but it also has beautiful natural scenery. The Scenic Bluff Pass runs from Carmel Beach, a popular surf break, and winds around the Monterrey Peninsula to Carmel River State Park. The park is a sanctuary for bird watchers and scuba divers.
The cobblestoned town has hidden passageways that reveal seven hidden courtyards. Each one offers interesting dining and shopping options. The Secret Garden Courtyard has Asian decor. The Pine Inn Courtyard belongs to the Pine Inn, a centrally located inn for a downtown adventure. Carmel is a gorgeous location and is a dream come true for a weekend retreat.
Bishop
Bishop is a classic mountain town and a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. It is located at the northern end of the Mojave Desert and Owens Valley. Outdoor adventures include backpacking, hiking, bouldering, and much more.
There are over 40 hotels and lodges in Bishop, like the Bishop Lodge, where you can soak up the atmosphere after a day on the trails. There are also several restaurants downtown, like the 1903 Taphouse and Company, and coffee roasters like the Black Sheep. If a sleepy town and outdoor fun are on your itinerary, Bishop must be at the top of your list.
Avalon
Avalon is an idyllic coast town off of San Diego on Catalina Island, only ten miles from Catalina. It is a sophisticated and cultural town accessible by boat or helicopter year-round. Some cultural sites are the Wrigley Memorial Wall and Botanical Garden on Front Street and the de facto Main Street throughout town. The art deco is a centerpiece of Avalon and uses authentic Catalina Tile.
The Catalina Museum For Art and History is another cultural focal point that showcases exhibits celebrating the island's history. 2024 is the museum's 70th anniversary, and it is unveiling 70 artifacts that have been hidden throughout its 70 years. The Undersea Sub Exhibition is semi-submersible with glass walls for visitors to visit marine life up close, and it is one of the best things for nature lovers to do.
Solvang
Solvang has deep Danish roots, and the town's architecture resembles this. In the heart of downtown, there is a Danish windmill. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art displays this unique town's history through exhibits and tours.
Other cultural attractions include the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum and The Old Mission Santa Ines. The motorcycle museum contains dozens of European, Japanese, and English bikes. The Old Mission is an early 19th-century Franciscan church. Solvang is in the middle of the Santa Barbara wine country, so there are plenty of wineries, tasting rooms, boutique shopping, and festivals.
Nevada City
Nevada City is California's best-preserved Gold Rush town, and a stroll downtown will take you back to the pioneer days. The downtown area is reminiscent of the Old West and is surrounded by forests and ridgetops, adding to its charm. You can discover part of the forest using the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, which includes a walking bridge over a beautiful flowing stream.
Downtown also boasts the state's oldest existing theatre, the Nevada Theatre. Book a room at The National Exchange Hotel if you are here for a weekend. The historic hotel was built in the late 1800s and housed the town's first telegraph. It is also in the center of downtown, so you will be within walking distance of many historic destinations.
Sonoma
Sonoma is world-renowned for its wines. The historic town of Sonoma is in the Sonoma Valley and is known for its culture, world-class wines, and the town square, Sonoma Plaza. The plaza was built in 1880 and is surrounded by 19th-century Adobe architecture. Several 19th-century hotels surround the plaza, including The Swiss, The Sonoma, Toscano, and El Dorado.
Sonoma State Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse of California's history. Six sites are scattered throughout midtown, including the Mission San Francisco Serano, Toscano Hotel, and General Vallejo's Home. This stunning and historic town also has many wineries and tasting rooms, a perfect way to unwind after exploring the stunning sites and scenery.
Ojai
The name Ojai is derived from the Chumash people and means "valley of the moon." Its deep ancestral heritage is linked to the hunter-gatherers and fishermen. Your first stop should be the Ojai Valley Museum, which showcases the town's history and displays local art exhibits.
Many people visit Ojai for the outdoors and proximity to the Pacific Ocean (15 miles). Camping, hiking, and fishing are available, along with incredible natural views. Several fun and luxurious inns are also in town, like the Ojai Valley Inn and the Caravan Outpost.
St. Helena
St. Helena is in the heart of the world-famous Napa Valley and is visited for its rich wine heritage and culinary scene. Main Street, or Napa's Main Street, is where you will find top restaurants and tasting rooms. And, much like Carmel By The Sea, hidden coves and alleyways with "hidden" shops and cafes.
Cook St. Helena is a local favorite, serving homemade pasta and locally sourced side dishes. Caldwell Snyder Gallery is one of many art galleries downtown and displays contemporary art. There are many other must-see shops and restaurants. So, when you visit, be sure to bring your appetite.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a hotspot for surfers with many coves, beaches, and tidal pools. The coastal town is also known for its art galleries. Main Beach has a boardwalk that leads to Heisler Park, other walking paths, and beautiful gardens.
There is more beachfront lodging than in any other town in California, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway. One of the beaches, Victoria, has a unique stone sculpture known as the Pirate Tower by locals. The impressive 60-foot sculpture appears to have been carved by the surrounding sandstone cliffs.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a fantastic coastal town popular because of Morro Rock. It is an ancient volcanic mound at the foot of Morro Rock Beach. The surrounding area has been designated as Morro Rock State Park and is filled with lagoons, walking trails, and salt marshes.
There is a bustling waterfront area with galleries and shopping. Some popular galleries are By The Bay and Art Center Morro Bay. Morro Bay is one of the last working waterfront towns in California, and one of the reasons people visit is the opportunity to dine on sustainably caught seafood.
California is one of the best states for a weekend retreat. You can visit sophisticated Carmel By The Sea or Sonoma or have an outdoor adventure in mountain towns like Bishop. If beach combing and surfing is your thing, Laguna Beach has you covered.
California's history is fascinating and readily seen in places like Nevada City. Many of these towns are close to each other, and driving to your destination is a kaleidoscope of various scenes. From 19th-century adobe architecture to funky little hotels, the great state of California has it all.
