These 7 Towns Are California's Best-Kept Secret

As one of the most visited states in the country, California attracts its fair share of tourists. In fact, the state welcomed approximately 263.8 million visitors in 2023, which is nearly four times the population of the United Kingdom! So, where can you go if you are hoping to avoid the crowds? Many may be surprised to learn that some of California’s best destinations are not cities at all. Instead, they are small towns, many with fewer than 10,000 residents, tucked between the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the California Redwoods, and Napa Valley. These seven lesser-known towns have some of the best hiking trails, community festivals, and culinary experiences that you will find in California.

McCloud

Located in northern California, McCloud is surrounded by waterfalls, mountains, and lakes, making it a place that leaves you marveling at the world’s beauty. Those wanting to hunt for falls can visit the three waterfalls that lie nearby: the Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls. Travelers can access all three of these falls by car and even have a picnic by the lower falls. Heading east on Highway 89, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive along the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway. Along this byway, travelers will pass through dense forests, wetlands, and streams, and be able to appreciate views of Mount Shasta and the Cascade Volcanoes. McCloud hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the beloved Mushroom Festival in May, where attendees can forage for mushrooms and explore over 100 artisan and food vendors.

Calistoga

Home to just over 5,000 residents, Calistoga sits in Napa Valley and offers a more laid-back wine experience. If you are looking to explore the area’s vineyards, Castello di Amorosa is a gorgeous place to start. This vineyard features a 14th-century-style castle on the premises, which visitors can explore through a guided tour and tasting of the vineyard’s wines. Calistoga is also famous for its hot springs. Travelers can soak in the town’s relaxing waters at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs, which offers four open-air mineral water pools whose temperatures range from 80 to 104 degrees. After a day of visiting Calistoga’s vineyards and hot springs, visitors have an abundance of inns to choose from to spend the night. Calistoga Wine Way Inn, for example, is the oldest bed and breakfast in town, featuring authentic Craftsman architecture and a multi-story redwood deck with views of the Palisades and Mt. Helena.

Julian

Julian experienced a brief gold rush in the late 19th century before becoming a hub for apple orchards. Today, travelers will find plenty of apple-themed attractions around town. On Main Street, make sure to grab some freshly pressed apple cider from the Julian Cider Mill, a family-owned and operated business in the community for more than 45 years. Each fall, the annual Julian Apple Season offers numerous U-pick opportunities at orchards like Apple Starr Orchard and Volcan Valley Apple Farm. Visitors can tour one of Julian’s historic gold mines at Eagle Mining Co., where they’ll explore 1,000 feet of underground tunnels and a gold panning facility, and learn about some of the mine’s antique machinery and tools.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small seaside village in Central California, covering just one square mile, meaning that travelers are always close to a great attraction. Carmel Beach is one of the town’s top attractions, featuring pristine white sand for sunbathing and great waves for surfing. On chillier days, the beach also offers visitors the unique opportunity to snuggle up around a cozy beach fire. Travelers should also add the Carmel Mission to their itinerary. This historic mission dates back to 1770 and is one of the most authentically restored missions in California. As a top-rated art community, make sure to stop into some of the town’s galleries and exhibitions. The Sunset Center's Marjorie Evans Gallery is a great starting point, which features two-month-long rotating exhibits of local artists in the area.

Bass Lake

Just a half-hour drive south of Yosemite National Park, Bass Lake stretches nearly five miles and remains a surprising gem for many. Kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding are a few of the popular water sports to enjoy on the lake. If you are in need of a rental, Bass Lake Boat Rentals has options for nearly every sport you can imagine. Dozens of trails around town also connect to the Sierra National Forest, offering hikers views of snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks and paths that wind through oak-covered rolling hills. One of the best places to stay while you are in Bass Lake is at The Pines Resort, which offers lakeside suites, mountain chalets, and cabin rentals to make you feel connected to nature all weekend long.

Downieville

With an extensive network of mountain biking trails, Downieville has become a favorite for mountain bikers over the years. Those looking for a downhill descent will enjoy the Downieville Downhill mountain biking trail, which offers a 5,000-foot descent through diverse terrain, including alpine and forest landscapes, before finishing in town. If you are not a mountain biker, you still have multiple hiking trails to consider as well. The Frazier Falls Trail is a 1.4-mile roundtrip hike that winds through forests and giant boulders, leading to Frazier Falls, fed by the region’s glacier melt. No matter how you spend your day outdoors, you can wrap it up at the Boomtown Lounge, a western-themed speakeasy with live music and a variety of specialty cocktails and drinks.

Ferndale

Ferndale is a cozy Victorian village that is situated between the state’s lost coast and the California Redwoods regions. Just a 25-minute drive from town, travelers can reach the Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which is home to the world’s largest remaining stand of old-growth coast redwoods. Swimming holes, shady groves, and well-kept hiking trails also provide travelers with the chance to explore the park. If you are interested in learning more about Ferndale’s Victorian history, make sure to add the Ferndale Museum to your travel plans, where you can view Victorian room settings, natural history exhibits, antique farming equipment, and more. For an American-style meal, travelers can dine at Poppa Joe’s, which serves traditional dishes like biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, and burgers in an eclectic atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

While California’s larger cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are undoubtedly worth a visit, travelers should consider venturing beyond these destinations, particularly if they want to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you want to hunt for waterfalls in McCloud, kayak on Bass Lake, or enjoy live music in Downieville, these seven destinations have a laid-back spirit and hospitality that will be hard to find in the larger cities. So don’t be afraid to think outside the box this year and choose one of these spots for your 2025 travels!