These Small Towns In California Come Alive In Summer
California is one big vacation land in the US, stretching from the golden shores to the luscious vineyards, mountains, and verdant state parks in the heartland. It is a year-round destination for world-class sights like Hollywood, San Diego, and the Golden Gate Bridges, but visit one of its small towns in the summertime and you will not miss the sunny vibes. Each town, with friendly locals and awe-inspiring nature, is a whole other world to discover when it wakes up in the summer, with unique character and countless ways to explore. Immerse yourself in a summerscape of a lifetime along the gold-sanded beaches, nature trails, and rugged coastal views that do not leave the returning tourists alone nor the globetrotters for the rest of their lives.
Big Bear Lake
This town near the pine-scented forested range of the San Bernardino Mountains is a cooling escape from the scorching summertime city. Big Bear Lake is a lovely hub under the sun for fresh-air recreation at 6,759 feet (2,060 meters) above sea level. Immerse yourself in the charming small-town vibe with alpine vistas all around, daily downtown perusal, and outdoor activities. Take full advantage of the shimmering seven-mile Big Bear Lake with its sunkissed banks, including people-powered watercraft and fishing, as well as biking, hiking, and camping. Come back for the wintertime ski resorts, Big Bear Snow Play, Grizzly Ridge Tube Park, and cozy evenings in town by the fireplace.
The first snow melt is your callback to start planning another magical summer getaway or vacation. Scope out the scenery around your now-favored place via the Scenic Sky Chair, a mile-long ride to 8,200-foot panoramic views and a collection of trails below, like single-track climbs, flat lakeside strolls, rugged 15-mile loops, and incredible lake views below. Spend the summer mastering the skill of paddleboarding, kayaking, or waterskiing with day trips to Phoenix and Las Vegas, and then return for the vibrant Octoberfest in town.
Bolinas
Bolinas is a real Central California gem to visit in the summertime for foodies, free spirits, and the outdoorsy. The happy hippie enclave is full of chill vibes for your ultimate gateway into the awe-inspiring Bolinas Lagoon, awaiting explorers with the lush wetlands of the Audubon Important Bird Area and refreshing Stinson Beach just across. The serene town keeps up a chill facade, holding all the natural treasures close to its heart.
Visit the welcoming Coast Cafe to find like-minded hikers and birdwatchers to rave about the beautiful landscape. Enjoy a charming fisherman-style seafood dinner and venture out for scenic strolls around the rural area. All these sights, wrapped in small-town charm and a wonderful beach, feel a world away, just outside of San Francisco. Escape from real life into sunny vibes on a relaxing summertime getaway to the refreshing Bolinas, where worries seep away with hikes and back muscles relax after swimming and sunbaths.
Coronado
Coronado is like no other town, with what feels like one big, fun outdoor party throughout the summertime. This small and lively town of just under 20,000 residents is a cool place to visit anytime, but it was ranked the best for a summer vacation by Leisure & Travel magazine. Thanks to the larger, overshadowing towns around, you can really escape the heated city's sights and hustle into the small resort town atmosphere without the tourist trap vibe, replete with crowd-free, engaging pursuits.
Explore the small town on foot and dive into summertime activities, relaxation, and events under the sun, just outside of San Diego, on the easiest getaway imaginable. There is regular live music every afternoon in the downtown area and through the weekends along the scenic Ferry Landing. Find pristine beaches to cool off in the clear water, steps away from the wealth of shops, diners, and museums like the Coronado Museum of History and Art. Orange Avenue is a real art cove to pursue for days on end without a common stop, including boutiques, galleries, and theaters.
Del Mar
The dreamy town of Del Mar first came into the spotlight during the golden era of the movie industry. Today, the biggest small-town retreat for Hollywood's biggest movie stars breathes a sea of tranquility along its pristine beaches and through the ambient downtown area. It is an exhilarating destination for thoroughbred horseracing, while the historic Del Mar Village is a global attraction for its breathtaking vistas of stunning sandstone canyons, just a hop away from the peace-inducing beach spread. Enjoy easy access to the famously quaint SoCal seaside village with rich history just 20 miles north of San Diego. The sprawling natural playground along the Pacific Ocean and the casual, sophisticated feel of downtown, worthy of world-class recognition, will never leave your mind.
Immerse yourself in the chillaxing vibes and the awe-inspiring scenery with epic outdoor activities like strolls and bike rides through the serene small town. Check out the unique collection of independent shops, services, and boutique hotels, and don't skip the award-winning cuisine with spectacular ocean views at upscale and casual restaurants. Visit with your pet for a summer retreat along the dog-friendly beaches and join in the local events like the Summer Solstice in June and the Twilight Summer Concerts from June to September, along with the weekly Saturday Farmers Market.
Eureka
Sticking to its name, Eureka is one coastal town to discover on a summer getaway of a lifetime along the sunny shores of the sparkling Pacific in Northern California. The town screams with plenty of life's little pleasures and cool vibes along its elegant streets, with peaking-through views of the wild West Coast. The historically ambient Old Town calls for scenic strolls amid its ornate buildings and hotspots, like the region's prized Victorian homes and the grand Carson Mansion.
Saunter the captivating shores flanked by pristine beaches with sea lion sightings, explore around the tide pools, or simply relax in the picturesque beachscape's embrace. Feel the fresh air breeze from the surrounding nature trails with the lush summertime vegetation and local wildlife like bobcats and deer. Take on the enchanting Lost Coast Trail on a bike ride just outside the town, with jaw-dropping coastal views for 25 miles. Dive into the serene Sequoia Park Garden on a stroll or hike, and enjoy the scenery from your air-conditioned car seat on a drive down the majestic Redwood Highway.
Hermosa Beach
Enjoy exclusive access back in time to the 70s surfing beach atmosphere, just 20 minutes from downtown LA. Hermosa Beach is an astounding town with nostalgic vibes and lovely scenery of the sparkling Santa Monica Bay. Immerse yourself in the laidback atmosphere that remains nonchalant and old-SoCal even during the busy summers when thousands flee in to ride the famed waves. With 200 sunny days a year, you can get the endorphin rush and vitamin D on demand, which is also perfect for keeping up that gorgeous tan. Find your favorite restaurants and shops when you return, as well as more happy places along the pedestrian-only Pier Avenue, which runs several miles along the ocean.
Chill out at the beach, more relaxed than Santa Monica or Venice Beach, and get Mexican food from Palmilla with tequila drinks or seafood and craft beers at the Hook & Plow. There are plentiful festivals during the long, warm season, with live music like outdoor concerts and the most fun Fourth of July weekend—a real must-see and experience in Hermosa Beach. Enjoy convenient activity via greenbelt to the nearby Manhattan Beach, with Peter Pan culture sights in the surfers' wet trails among skateboarders and moms with strollers.
Lake Arrowhead
"The Alps of Southern California," in the crease of the majestic San Bernardino National Forest, is a cozy town with stunning beauty all around. Just imagine the power of the pristine nature awakening in the summer months around Lake Arrowhead, the secret of the West Coast. The SoCal heartland is a whole world of activities awaiting outdoor lovers, like nature trails for hiking, backpacking, and bicycling with wildlife sights, as well as water fun, fishing, and snow skiing during the winter.
The quaint mountain resort paradise lures back hard-die fans with a natural peacefulness that matches its own laidback pace with jolts of vibrant events and festivals during the summertime. Lake Arrowhead is a great family getaway or vacation for endless summer days of bonding under the sun and splitting up between your favorite pursuits. Enjoy on-the-town crawls among live music concerts, food stalls, themed festivals, and other events like the popular classic car show.
Pacifica
Pacifica is a summertown hangout with romantic views each way and one hundred miles of trails to explore. Stay active via daily hikes and bike rides, and take up shoreside horseback riding. Take on Montara Mountain from San Pedro Valley Park with 360-degree panoramic views from the peak over the Bay Area and even the Golden Gate Bridge on a bright summer day. Visit the captivating Rockaway Beach for your favorite pastimes amid lolling waves and rugged shores, just a hop from shops and restaurants nearby.
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area, with its Mori Point, offers miles-worth of views along the stunning coastline, whale watching, and spectacular sunsets. The town, spread over several small valleys on the coast between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area, is best for panoramic strolls, photoshoots, and scenic picnics. Hike under the rocky bluffs along miles of sandy beaches or choose a spot to paddle off in a kayak, paddle board, or go crabbing. Pacifica's thriving arts and culture scene has something for everyone, like many events, live music, and decorated streets to chill out.
Seal Beach
Seal Beach is a favorite summer vacation town to revisit for the sight of resident seals in their glorious basking state along the rocks by the seashore under the sunshine. The charming town all around, with its walkable streets and family-friendly atmosphere, adapts to your pace and choice of pursuits for a relaxing or active summerscape with epic sights. The Forbes readers love Seal Beach's easy-going vibe at the gateway to Orange County's 42 miles of coastline and rediscovering the immaculate town each time with new hotspots along its lively Main Street.
Enjoy a quick summertime getaway into wondrous nature just 28 miles south of Los Angeles, with wide sandy and pristine beach expanses and access to the state's second-longest Surfside Pier from the 1900s for strolls and sunset watches along its wooden length. Visit one of the 18 parks, take a day trip to Long Beach one way or Huntington Beach the other, and come back for the immersive Seal Beach Christmas Lighting ceremony.
Solana Beach
Visit Solana Beach, a sought-after summertime escape with a dreamy atmosphere and a mellow vibe, to free yourself from the stuffy city's rush with no chain restaurants. The small town makes you feel at home, with a welcoming change to the local pace and breathtaking scenery that makes you want to stay outdoors 24/7, absorbing the lovely views under the loving sun. The beach in the name is dotted with sand strips like jewels along Solana's coastline. Plop down on Fletcher Cove's golden sands, typical of the state and perfect for sunbathing and watching surfers hang ten, or dive into the waves yourself.
Drive only a half-hour north of San Diego, and you can be getting inspired by midmorning on a stroll along Cedros Avenue with art and beautifully restored mid-century buildings. The absorbent local culture pulls you in from all sides, like Head to Belly Up Tavern, live music, fresh dishes, and the local farmer's market. Don't resist and check out the wonderful indie art galleries, home decor stores, jewelry shops, and fashion boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds and cool souvenirs for friends.
From SoCal to the rugged Northern California coastline, each of these ten towns inspires with natural beauty and an immersive summerscape of pursuits. Choose your own pace to engage and relax, dining on the town and combing the shores or nature trails for sights. There are plenty of shopping opportunities, farmer's markets, and lively outdoor events like concerts and festivals. You will not have a free minute or be in a constant state of relaxation, depending on how you prefer to look at it.
