The Best Small Towns in California to Chill Out
California is a year-round destination to chill out, with countless small, welcoming towns that combine all the best the Sunshine State has to offer. Get away from the big hubs and indulge in the small towns, featuring outdoor pursuits and scenic lounging on the beaches. From islands and coasts to hills transitioning to mountains, California is rich in culture and history and boasts a diverse natural landscape from north to south. Any selection from these small towns is sure to deliver those chill vibes!
Avalon
This small, incredibly scenic island town feels as though it is made for chilling. Avalon is located in the cradle of the mountains, with views of the bedazzling Avalon Bay, a temperate year-round climate, and lush vegetation that inspires a Mediterranean atmosphere. Start chillaxing and set foot on the high-speed ferry to Avalon's scenic harbor location, just off the state’s southern coast, complete with a remote feel and modern attractions. Choose a sightseeing adventure within the scenery that is featured in many Hollywood movies and TV shows. The Wrigley family bought Santa Catalina Island, one of the Channel Islands, in 1919!
Avalon will become a favorite hideaway spot full of action, from downtown strolls, such as the pedestrianized Crescent Avenue, to oceanside dining and lounging on a Pacific beach. Check out the ornate Avalon Theatre, featuring hand-painted murals in an art-deco style, where visitors can even catch a flick. Have an underwater adventure at the Lovers Cove Marine Preserve with a loved one to marvel at sea creatures like moray eels, bat rays, and spiny lobsters. Recharge with some clam chowder and crab cakes from Bluewater Avalon!
Borrego Springs
Borrego Springs is a unique little town with just over 2,500 residents. This SoCal town is even further south from L.A. and Palm Springs, with endless sunshine to spend days exploring its quintessential desert oasis as a respite for zen-seekers. With no traffic lights, one can immerse themselves in the refreshingly peaceful atmosphere, unlike anywhere else in the state.
Visit the Anza Borrego Desert State Park and camp out under the constellations and comets in the overnight sky. This 935-square-mile state park, the largest in the 48 contiguous states, is endlessly scenic and wrought with recreational pursuits, including the must-hike slot canyon. Feast your eyes on the wildly blooming flowers and take selfies with a collection of 130 massive metal sculptures, such as the 350-foot-long sea serpent. The captivating off-the-radar atmosphere of Borrego Springs is an ideal destination amid blissful silence and perfect environment for wandering.
Calistoga
Get away to Calistoga, a small town set within wine country, and roam or relax with wide open, wonderland views. With Cali right in its name, this inland town offers all of the Sunshine State's best heartland mixed together. Visit the natural hot springs and rejuvenating mud baths or hike to one of the world's three Old Faithful geysers.
This fun town with a Four Seasons resort is still the chillest small town in the Napa Valley to stroll, sip, and relax. Choose from the myriad of welcoming B&Bs, such as the cozy Craftsman Inn, and stay for the annual Wellness Week to achieve an ultimate chill vacation. Be sure to check out the great packages for purchase at resorts like Roman Spa Hot Springs Resort and Cakebread Cellars.
Eureka
Eureka is a coastal town in Northern California with amazing chill vibes, historic elegance, and West Coast wilderness. Chillax in any fashion: stroll and shop downtown or explore the rugged outdoors, complete with hikes and scenic strolls, and relaxed paddling along the coast. Venture through the Old Town district, one of the state's best, with its ornate Victorian homes, such as the most populous Carson Mansion.
Find the Lost Coast Trail just outside of Eureka for a 25-mile hike with breathtaking views along the way, including wildlife like sea lions, bobcats, and deer. Make pit stops along the pristine beaches with tidepools where visitors can partake in a serenity like no other. Take a peaceful hike or a bike ride along the trails of Sequoia Park Garden, or enjoy the views on a scenic drive through the Redwood Highway.
Ojai
Ojai is a go-to unique town to relax in the state, away from the coast, yet still promises some of the best sunset views, known as the "pink moment." This long-time respite for artists and free spirits, just an hour and a half northwest of Los Angeles, is tucked in a valley in the embrace of the scenic Topatopa Mountains. Enjoy the tranquil setting and captivating views with a mix of outdoor and wellness activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and many renowned spas for any type of treatment or relaxation.
Stroll through the ambient Ojai Village town center and examine the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with a sprinkling of New Age shops. Take a cultural stroll through some art galleries, the world's largest outdoor bookstore, Bart's Books, or relish in the blissful atmosphere at a terraced cafe or a bistro. The delightful town is near Lake Casitas where water enthusiasts can enjoy a more secluded feel and all the traditional beach fun and recreation, along with nearby golf, tennis, and more.
Pismo Beach
History and coastal views unite in Pismo Beach town and its classic beach spread, which is made for all types of chillaxing activities. Find Pismo along the state's central coast, with its wide sandy shore, surf action, and the stunning, 1,200-foot pier stretching into the Pacific. Feel that retro vibe on a stroll through town amid plentiful surf shops and beach cafes.
Lounge for days in the glorious tropical atmosphere under the glorious sunshine, on the sand, and in the surf, with activities like kayaking and the quintessential California surfing experience. Seek shade at the Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve, with undeveloped shores for horseback riding on the beach, and ATV tours through the dunes, or explore the sea caves on a tour at Dinosaur Caves Park!
Solana Beach
Solana Beach is that sought-after destination getaway from the scorching and stuffy steel city and head into a mellow beach atmosphere. Solana Beach offers a real change in pace and scenery, with no chain restaurants. Only half an hour north of San Diego, Solana Beach feels a world away! Start from Cedros Avenue and soak up the sights of beautifully restored, mid-century buildings or on a quiet stroll.
Mingle with other sightseers and shoppers at indie art galleries, furniture stores, jewelry shops, clothing boutiques, and other whimsical stores for cool finds. Head to Belly Up Tavern for year-round, live music and fresh dishes right from the local farmer’s market. Where is that beach, you wonder? There are beaches dotted throughout Solana's coastline, such as Fletcher Cove—a glorious strand of golden sand for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers.
Solvang
The charming Danish community, right in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, is made for tourists with a budget who wish to chillax in Europe. This "Sunny Field," as the name implies, was founded in 1911 by the Danes, with wonderful architecture that still stands, such as the Bethania Lutheran Church. Take a delightful stroll through the sights and over 150 shops, like the must-visit Book Loft. No need to end there, Solvang has plenty of boutiques to find unique souvenirs, home decor, and fashion, all the while snacking on authentic Danish treats!
Absorb the culture at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and choose from traditional restaurants for a memorable dining experience. There are also wine-tasting rooms, thanks to the sunny Santa Ynez Valley, as well as many thematic hotels. Choose a different famous bakery for a morning coffee treat, and take the real Danish Honen carriage for one last glimpse of Solvang's wealth of classic European architecture and houses before departing.
Conclusion
These beautiful towns highlight the best of the Sunshine State for a quick chill-out and authentic California vacation. Find the quintessential mix of history, coastal vibes, and modern attractions, or choose a retro town to fall in love with California as it used to be. There are also countless national parks, forests, and preserves to find shade or to camp under the clear night skies. Choose from basking in sea breezes, mountain air, or fresh pine scents from the redwoods throughout northern California.
