The Best Small Towns in Northern California for a Weekend Retreat
Travelers looking for a top US weekend retreat should look no further than Northern California. The state is one of the prettiest in the nation and one of the most topographically diverse. Beach towns, vineyards, and mountain towns can be found here, and there is an endless list of attractions. Whether the visitor is looking for a sophisticated weekend retreat of fine dining and wine tastings or a fantastic camping adventure through some of the tallest trees in the world, they will find it in Northern California.
Northern California stretches from just below Oregon to San Louis Obispo County. The area is known for its dynamic Pacific coastline and some of the world's tallest redwood trees. There is also the hilly San Francisco landscape with its iconic bridge and wine country in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. These are the ten best Northern California small towns for a weekend retreat.
Ferndale
Ferndale is a charming Victorian village founded in 1852 and was home to a booming dairy industry. The industry led to the formation of the famed Butterfat Palaces, which is a big reason the town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Main Street contains many classic architectural styles, including Gothic Revival and Queen Anne, that house numerous shops and restaurants.
The Ferndale Museum highlights the town's Victorian heritage with exhibits, furniture, and other exhibits from the era. Another popular attraction is the Ferndale Cemetery, established in 1868. The historic cemetery is covered in yellow rhododendrons and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Ferndale is exquisite in its natural beauty and classical architecture, perfect for a tranquil weekend retreat.
Bishop
Bishop is a traditional mountain town on the northern side of the Owens Valley and the Mojave Desert. Its nickname is "a small town with a big backyard" due to the towering Sierra Mountains to the west and the White Mountains to the east, with peaks up to 14,000 feet tall. Bishop is popular among campers, hikers, and rock climbers, but the downtown area draws visitors for its charm, shopping, and dining.
One of the many outdoor attractions is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. It contains living trees up to 4,000 years old with twisted and colored wood. Cultural attractions like the Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site are charming properties. The 11-acre landmark includes an 1883 depot and other historical buildings. The 24-hour Wanaaha Casino is another popular spot with over 300 slot machines and a full dining menu. Bishop's natural scenery and friendly downtown district make it ideal for a weekend respite.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a beautiful coastal town on the Pacific Ocean with a strong surfing culture. Big wave surfers come from all over to try their hand at the famed Mavericks break, which boasts some of the biggest waves in the world. The scenery includes coastal redwoods, seaside cliffs, and trails like The Coastside Trail that lead to Pillar Point, another famed surf break. There is also plenty to do in the downtown district.
Historic Main Street has over 100 shops, restaurants, and art galleries, such as M Stark Gallery. The vibrant culinary scene includes eateries like Cameron's Restaurant, Pub, and Half Moon Bay Bakery. Walking the coastal trails around town leads to different beaches like Cowell Ranch State Beach and Gray Whale Cove. It is a beautiful way to enjoy Half Moon Bay's charm and natural scenery.
Nevada City
Ironically, Nevada City is not in the state of Nevada but in Northern California. The downtown area still resembles the Old West, with brick facades and elegant street lamps. Victorian architecture, including the Main Street firehouse and other historic buildings, makes the town one of the prettiest on the Gold Coast. The Nevada Theatre, built in 1865, is the longest-running live theatre on the West Coast.
Walking the historic district is an ideal way to spend a relaxing weekend. The 19th-century structures with wooden balconies offer shops and lodging, like the National Exchange Hotel, built in 1856. Nevada City has cultural attractions like the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum. The museum's exhibits showcase railroad and aviation history and include historic artifacts, including an early steam automobile.
Calistoga
Calistoga is a quaint village in the Napa Valley known for its springs, mud baths, and wineries and is a perfect place for relaxation. The Castello di Amorosa is a notable winery, an elegantly replicated 14th-century Tuscan castle. The walkable, sophisticated downtown has spas, wine-tasting rooms, and art galleries like the Yager Galerie. The sophisticated Villa Ca'Toga is the famed artist Carlo Marchioro's five-acre retreat and residence and is available for guided tours.
One of the primary reasons for visiting Calistoga is for the wine. There are many downtown tasting rooms, such as Lawer Estate and Vault Wine and Artifacts. Notable wineries include Chateau Montelena and Sterling Vineyards. Unsurprisingly, Calistoga is home to fine dining to pair with their award-winning wines. Truss Restaurant and Bar serves classic Napa Valley cuisine and has a patio overlooking the Palisades mountain range. Calistoga is perfect for a relaxing and sophisticated weekend and embodies the best of Napa Valley.
St. Helena
St. Helena is popular among visitors to Napa Valley because of its wineries and fine dining options. It is considered Napa Valley's Main Street, and it's easy to see why walking through town. Many elegant boutiques, like Napa Valley Vintage Home, sell European and local artisan goods and home decor. Fideaux is a pet boutique that sells gourmet dog food and non-alcoholic dog wine.
Caldwell Snyder Gallery is among the most popular local art galleries, specializing in contemporary art and European paintings. After a day of touring St. Helena, dine at the Market Restaurant. It is a comfort food bistro with rustic stone decor and a cozy atmosphere. Several alleyways and sidestreets downtown lead to quaint shops and outdoor venues like Lyman Park. The one-acre park has several picnic tables and a historic gazebo, perfect for a photo opportunity.
Sonora
Sonora is at the bottom of the Sierra Nevada Foothills and is known as the "Queen of the Southern Mines" near Yosemite National Park. The historic downtown area has several distinct landmarks. The Opera Hall, built in 1895, is the town's focal point, and the Tuolumne County Courthouse, built in 1898, is a historical landmark in California and adorned with a regal clock tower.
The Tuolumne County Museum was originally the town jail from 1866-1960 and showcases the area's history with guided tours and exhibits. Sonora also has outdoor attractions like the Dragoon Gulch Trail. The 3.1-mile trail is shaded by a canopy of Mother Lode oak trees and is perfect for leisurely strolls or vigorous hikes. After exploring the town and trails, unwind at the Sonora Brewing Company on Washington Street. It is the oldest brewery in Sonora since 1907 and offers 12 different brews.
Sonoma
Sonoma is in the heart of the Sonoma Valley winemaking region, the birthplace of California wine. It is a sophisticated town centered around the Colonial period Sonoma Plaza. The landmark plaza was a Mexican military outpost and a Spanish Mission village at one time. The Sonoma State Historic Park is a collection of historical sites, including six near Sonoma Plaza. Mission San Francisco Solano, the Blue Wing Inn, Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, the Servants Quarters, and General Vallejo's home. Architecture buffs will love the historic Spanish Adobe style of the structures.
Numerous wineries and tasting rooms are in Sonoma, one of the main reasons people visit. Abbot's Passage Winery and Mercantile offer small-production wines from 100-year-old vines. Zina Hyde Cunningham Winery was founded in 1865 and has been continuously operated by the same family. The Spanish architecture and abundance of vineyards make Sonoma one of the best towns in Northern California for a relaxing weekend.
Tahoe City
Tahoe City, on the shores of Lake Tahoe, has stunning natural scenery and a warm and inviting downtown area. Tahoe City Commons Beach provides great views of the lake and the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is part of the downtown area. The vibrant downtown includes dining options, boutiques, and tasteful galleries. Bridgetender is popular because of its riverfront views, American fare, and laid-back atmosphere.
The lakeside town also has many cultural attractions, like the Gatekeepers Museum. The museum borders the Lake Tahoe Dam and highlights the town's history and culture. It also has one of the country's largest Native American basket collections. The Cobblestone Center, with its distinctive clock tower, has a variety of boutiques and eateries. One such restaurant is the Tahoe Tap Haus, a gastropub that offers 16 local beers on tap and is a popular community gathering spot.
Sutter Creek
Sutter Creek has a long history stretching back to the 19th-century Gold Rush and is known for its historic downtown and other landmarks. Historic Main Street has 19th-century buildings with ornamental balconies and quaint shops. Some Victorian buildings have been converted to cozy inns like The Foxie on Main Street, within walking distance of the shops and wine-tasting rooms.
Wine on 49 is a collection of eight tasting rooms that serve locally sourced wine from vineyards like Bella Grace and Scott Harvey Winery. Bella Grace is a 50-acre vineyard that is available for tours and hosts live events throughout the year, including concerts. Sutter Creek Cheese Shoppe is a perfect companion for wine tasting, and it has over 80 artisanal cheeses. Sutter Creek is an ideal weekend vacation spot that blends sophistication with 19th-century history.
Northern California is an amazing locale for a relaxing weekend. Coastal towns like Half Moon Bay offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and boast some of the world's largest waves. Then, there is the wine country of Napa and Sonoma Valley. St. Helena, Sonoma, and Sutter Creek offer fabulous wine-tasting rooms and tours through the myriad vineyards.
This region also contains a lot of history, mainly from the Gold Rush. Towns like Nevada City have a historic district with 19th-century Victorian architecture and other historical landmarks. Classic mountain towns like Bishop are famous for their outdoor adventures. The walkable downtown areas, history, and fine dining make these towns ideal for a weekend retreat.
