The Most Picturesque Small Towns in California
California has perhaps the most diverse collection of landscapes within its borders when faced against any other American State. From the towering forests and snow-capped mountains in the north to the lush Pacific coastline and the arid desert down south, it is simply amazing what you can find here without leaving.
Dotted throughout these wonderful landscapes are a collection of small towns that share the beauty of the lands around them. If finding a place to visit, or even stay, that is anything but an eyesore is important to you, you're in luck, as we have compiled a list of 11 of the most scenic towns in the Golden State.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea, located on Monterey Bay, is a small town that is best known for its nearby coastal scenery and historic charm. The town’s iconic Carmel Beach is perfect for peaceful walks along the shore and offers views of the rugged coastline. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is perhaps the best park to embark on a hiking excursion and find your chance to observe marine wildlife.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, originally settled by the Spanish in the 1770s, has a historic dowtown area that features lots of old and unique sites, including the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, founded in 1771. This mission, with its beautiful gardens and museum, is a significant destination that any history buff should go see.
Carmel Plaza and the surrounding streets contain many locally owned stores, cafes, and restaurants, with La Bicyclette Restaurant being a particularly popular eatery.
Nevada City
On the other side of California is Nevada City, situated in the Sierra Nevada foothills. This desert town holds on to its Gold Rush history and therefore contains a range of related attractions for visitors.
In its downtown area, an established National Historic Landmark, you will be able to view many 19th-century buildings that now house antique shops, art galleries, local eateries, and other businesses. The Nevada Theatre, for example, is California’s oldest existing theater and continues to host a variety of performances. Moreover, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum provides insight into the area’s transportation history with exhibits and even train rides available.
Natural attractions near Nevada City include the South Yuba River State Park, famous for its web of hiking trails, swimming spots (great for a hot day), and picnic areas. The park’s iconic covered bridge and scenic vistas make it a popular destination. Additionally, the nearby Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park boasts the largest hydraulic mine in California, with hiking trails and a museum dedicated to the region’s mining history within this park too. And don't forget about Lake Tahoe, a crystal clear lake that needs little introduction, given its deserved worldwide popularity.
Palm Springs
The Sonoran Desert of Southern California is an arid yet beautiful delight. With its variety of desert plants and mountains providing a backdrop to the sand plains, it is one of the most beautiful areas of the country, let alone California. Palm Springs is a sizable town here, that is easily accessible due to its international airport.
Along its palm tree-lined street, places like the Palm Springs Art Museum, situated in the heart of downtown, feature contemporary and classic works of art, as well as rotating exhibitions and outdoor sculptures. Palm Springs is also famous for its well-preserved mid-century modern buildings, which can be explored on architectural tours. For a more natural touch, the Moorten Botanical Garden here showcases desert plants, cacti, and succulents from around the world. Additionally, the historic Plaza Theatre hosts the long-running "The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies," a vaudeville-style show.
Outdoor adventurers frequent Palm Springs for the nearby San Jacinto Mountains, which are filled with world-class hiking trails, some of which are accessible via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which ascends over 8,500 feet to Mountain Station. Joshua Tree National Park, due east of town, is another hotspot for nature tourism.
It should also be mentioned that Palm Springs has one of the coolest, most unique city flags, but that is just our opinion.
Mendocino
Mendocino is perched on the northern California coast and has a relatively small population of about 900. Known for its dramatic ocean views, Mendocino is a perfect place to find some solace in this otherwise populace state. A good place to start is the Mendocino Headlands State Park, which is conveniently located close to town. Trails along the cliffs, opportunities for whale watching, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean abound at the wonderful park.
Mendocino’s proximity to redwood forests offers additional outdoor activities. Nearby attractions include the Russian Gulch State Park and Van Damme State Park, where you can hike among towering redwoods, explore more coastal trails, and further enjoy the epic natural beauty of the region.
The town itself is home to many charming Victorian buildings, many of which contain art galleries, like the Highlight Gallery, and other amenities. Another highlight is the Mendocino Art Center, which hosts art classes, workshops, and galleries showcasing local artists. To learn more about this area, The Kelley House Museum, located in another historic home, hosts various exhibits on Mendocino’s history and is the starting point for walking tours of the town’s notable sites.
Julian
Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian is another town with roots connected to gold mining. The Julian Pioneer Museum is sure to teach you more about the town’s storied Gold Rush history with exhibits about mining and early pioneer life, and it even boasts a collection of Native American artifacts. For a unique experience, you can tour the Eagle and High Peak Mine to learn about Julian’s mining history and try their hand at gold panning.
Julian’s natural surroundings are a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, with the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, located nearby, being a particularly popular draw. This park is known for its extensive hiking and equestrian trails, bird-watching spots, and picturesque vistas.
Julian is also known for its seasonal events, such as the Julian Apple Days Festival, which celebrates the town’s apple harvest with activities, music, and local produce.
Sausalito
For an easy escape from the city of San Francisco, Sausalito should definitely be considered. Sitting just across the Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito is a small waterfront town with a population of only about 7,000. A popular spot for its views over San Francisco Bay and its artistic community, this town easily makes this list.
The Bay Model Visitor Center, a unique educational facility operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is full of interactive exhibits on the bay’s ecology and hydraulics. Additionally, the nearby Marinship Park provides green spaces and picnic areas. Both are perfect options for spending a day in downtown Sausalito. For something slightly more scenic, the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area have a variety of trails for both walking and biking, each ending with breathtaking views of the bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond.
There is a ferry service between Sausalito and San Francisco, which makes it easy for you to enjoy a laidback ride across the bay if you are starting out in San Francisco.
Dunsmuir
Dunsmuir, nestled in the Cascade region of Northern California near Mount Shasta, is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Dunsmiur is proud of its history, which includes some of America's earliest railroads. If this interests you, be sure to visit the Dunsmuir Railroad Depot and Museum, where you can learn some about the town’s railroad heritage. Here, you will find exhibits showcasing artifacts like historic train cars. There is also an impressive botanical garden downtown, which hosts a diverse collection of native plants and walking paths within.
The town is situated along the Upper Sacramento River, offering excellent fishing, swimming, and picnicking spots. More outdoor activities abound in Dunsmuir at Hedge Creek Falls and Mossbrae Falls, two picturesque waterfalls located a short drive away. These falls are accessible via short hikes from the road. The surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest also offers extensive trails for hiking and biking, as well as places for camping in case you are looking to spend the night in the majestic woods of this region.
Healdsburg
Sonoma County is home to many excellent and beautiful small towns, and Healdsburg is Among the best. Renowned as a destination for wine enthusiasts. With the idyllic grape-growing hills surrounding it, Healdsburg also boasts a number of natural, historical, and cultural attractions.
Start your trip here in the central Plaza Park, which is surrounded by tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops. The tasting room for Rockpile Vineyards is especially popular for its wide variety of award-winning wines that can be tried and purchased. The town is surrounded by some of Sonoma County’s best wineries, where you can enjoy wine tastings and tours right at the source. Amista Vineyards and BACA Wines are just some of the dozens just a short drive away.
Seasonal events such as the Healdsburg Jazz Festival and the Strolling Dine Around attract visitors from across the state and certainly go well with a glass of California wine in hand.
St. Helena
Napa Valley is another world-class wine-growing region, and many who come here choose to stay in St. Helena. As you can imagine, famous wineries, gourmet dining, and picturesque hills that are covered in grapevines are within reach when you visit a town like St. Helena.
Nearby, Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley, provides tours of its historic estate and offers wine tastings. The town also hosts various events, such as the HALL Cabernet Cookoff, which pairs local cuisine with regional wines. Notably, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone is located here, too, and provides visitors with gourmet cooking classes and culinary demonstrations, enhancing St. Helena’s reputation as a gourmet destination.
Other attractions include the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, which is dedicated to the famous author who once lived in the area, and Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, which features a working mill from the 19th century along with hiking trails.
Solvang
This Danish-themed town, founded in 1911 by Danish immigrants, contains a neat mix of architecture that features traditional Danish buildings, windmills, and flower-lined streets. The Elverhøj Museum of History & Art is the place to go to learn more about Solvang's Danish heritage and local history. The Old Mission Santa Inés, founded in 1804, is another museum containing historical exhibits about the Spanish influence on the area and hosts some and beautiful gardens.
Downtown Solvang is filled with boutique shops, Danish bakeries, and restaurants serving traditional Danish foods. The Solvang Festival Theater hosts live performances and more cultural events, making it a fun place to travel to for its variety of cultural offerings.
Explore the great outdoors and grab a glass of wine while you're at it in this area of southern California in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its rolling hills and vineyards. This region offers a collection of wine-tasting tours at its many vineyards, horseback riding, and walking trails.
Pacific Grove
Sitting on the shores of the Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove is perhaps one of the most picturesque towns on California's coast. A large part of this town is part of the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens Fish Refuge, and features unobscured walking paths, tide pools, and the iconic Point Pinos Lighthouse, the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History provides exhibits on local wildlife, geology, and cultural history.
Lovers Point Park is a popular spot for picnicking, kayaking, and enjoying yet more ocean views, and nearby, the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary attracts thousands of migrating butterflies from October to February. The town’s proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the famous "17-Mile Drive" also adds to Pacific Grove's reputation as a picturesque destination. Make sure to bring your camera!
See The Beauty of Califonia Today
California is a very large state, and it is difficult to see it all at once. Whether you are here to check out its iconic coastline or if the mountainous deserts to the east are more your fancy, your options are almost endless. Stop in Nevada City for a blast to the past, Mendocino for a nature-filled escape, or Pacific Grove to simply relax on an idyllic beach. Use this list as a way to start your next road trip throughout the Gold State.
