10 Best Small Towns In California For A Weekend Escape
California, famously called the capital of celebrities, the film industry, and amusement parks, is truly the land of fame. However, beyond its well-known stars and studios, it boasts a rich history, innovation, natural beauty, and iconic landmarks. Away from the busy cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco, charming small towns abound, offering vibrant culture, delicious food, and exciting adventures that reveal a different side of the Golden State.
Julian
Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains, Julian's history dates back to the 1870s, notably during the gold rush of 1869 when gold was found at Coleman Creek. Some historic structures, such as the Eagle and High Peak Mine, still echo this era. Additionally, the Julian Pioneer Museum provides a comprehensive view of the town's past and is worth a visit. A distinctive feature of Julian is its apple orchards, home to the annual Apple Days Festival, which has been celebrated since 1949. The Julian Pie Company, famous for its apple pies, reflects this enduring apple tradition. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Cuyamaca offers activities like fishing and camping, making it a popular recreational spot.
Murphys
Known for its wineries, Murphys lies in Calaveras County, within the Sierra Nevada foothills. With over 25 wine tasting rooms like Hatcher Winery and Frog's Tooth Vineyard along Main Street, it's known as "Queen of the Sierra." The Ironstone Vineyards house a 44-pound crystalline gold leaf specimen, which makes for a standout feature. The Murphys Old Timers Museum is conveniently located in the town center and it has an abundance of knowledge about the towns prosperity, founding, and original settlement. Significant historical events that are discussed in the museum include the visit of John Muir, a renowned naturalist, in the late 1800s. At the end of the day, nobody can deny the power of good wine and good history.
Solvang
Founded by Danish-Americans in 1911, Solvang in Santa Barbara County resembles a Danish village, complete with windmills, Scandinavian-style architecture, and bakeries such as Olsen's Danish Village Bakery. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art offers deeper insights into the town's Danish roots. For entertainment, the outdoor PCPA Solvang Theatrefest features plays and musicals during summer. Additionally, the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum showcases a rotating selection of vintage bikes—proving they don't make them like they used to. The town also boasts over 20 wine-tasting rooms as part of the Santa Ynez Valley wine region. Solvang gained fame from the movie Sideways (2004).
San Juan Capistrano
Full of history and exquisite architecture, the town of San Juan Capistrano is situated right on the Orange Coast. A former Spanish Mission founded in 1776 (the same year as the Declaration of Independence), this charming town of 35,000 continues to maintain its special ties to Spanish and Mexican culture. Visitors can see firsthand many buildings of historical value, including the Casa de Esperanza and the San Juan Basilica, and get a glimpse of the early foundational days of what would become the State of California. And, of course, a great variety of Mexican, Spanish, and other Latin flavors is never in short supply at any of the restaurants and boutiques across town.
Crestline
Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest, visitors to the town of Crestline will enjoy a tranquil lakeside escape and stunning scenery. Right in the center of town is Lake Gregory, a reservoir lake whose surrounding park areas are the ideal way to spend some time in the great outdoors. Enjoy vistas of the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains, go for a bike ride, hike a trail, go fishing, or just casually stroll around while taking in the sun. Indeed time spent in Crestline is a holiday full of meditation, relaxation, and fun.
Mendocino
With a population of just 855, according to 2020 census numbers, the community of Mendocino was founded in the mid-1850s, and much of the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located on the coast of Northern California, this seaside commune is widely known as an artists' colony and continues to have a special charm that brings visitors back in time some 170 years. Stroll through the streets for great views of Victorian houses and other buildings, while the Mendocino Headlands State Park surrounds this town on three sides. Indeed for a melding of quaint, antique housing, beautiful views of the ocean, and a historic setting, Mendocino is a truly extraordinary California town.
Bonsall
Looking for some tranquility? The town of Bonsall in San Diego County is just the place. A residential community of just under 5,000, Bonsall enjoys all the natural beauty associated with San Diego but without the hustle and bustle of the big city. Take in splendid Pacific Ocean views, hot sun, an array of great natural scenery, and even tour some neighborhoods for sights of beautiful houses. For a pleasant climate where one can go bike riding, hiking, or just soak up the sun, Bonsall is a nice little place for a weekend sojourn.
Wrightwood
Northeast of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County, Wrightwood is a great place to discover and get away from all the busyness of big city life. Enjoy great views of the San Gabriel Mountains and relish a memorable night at any of the retro 1930's cabins that dot Main Street. In the winter, the Mountain High Resort is particularly popular for its celebrated ski and snowboard slopes, which includes, of course, more wonderful vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-By-The-Sea has rolling hills, rocky cliffs, and tremendous views of the Pacific Ocean and has been a popular settlement for tourists and artists for decades. Right on the Pacific Coast Highway, the radiant scenery of this town has been rich in creative influence for visual artists and writers, and it continues to have a vibrant artistic community. A bevy of locally owned studios and galleries can be found, while charming cottages and antique houses fill out the landscape. Stay at a quaint inn, browse a boutique shop, or enjoy a unique meal celebrating California's fine dining. Any time spent in Carmel-By-The-Sea is surely to be one full of great memories and photos.
Idyllwild
With a population of just under 4,000, Idyllwild is a small mountain town, but has plenty of big city heart. Nestled right in the San Jacinto Mountains, visitors to the town will encounter a wonderful mix of stunning nature and charming shops, restaurants, and unique boutiques full of special collectible items. Well known as a rock climbing destination, Idyllwild is around 1.6 kilometers in altitude, and climbing enthusiasts frequently scale such formations like Tahquitz Rock. A haven for the outdoors adventurer, a visit to Idyllwild would not be complete without biking and hiking on the numerous trails all around and fishing at the nearby Lake Hemet. Or perhaps a simple horseback ride with the great Mountains in the foreground is all that is needed for a memorable weekend.
Half Moon Bay
Just a short 45-minute drive south of San Francisco, the coastal town of Half Moon Bay has several kilometers of beautifully stunning beaches. Tourists can enjoy a variety of activities like swimming, surfing, and sailing. While on land, sightseeing giant Redwood trees is a must. Take a stroll through the downtown area for great shops and restaurant offerings, or take a round of golf or two at any of the various courses in the vicinity.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is home to a range of great beaches and luxury hotel resorts and is a wonderful place to spend a weekend for those in the Los Angeles area. Just one hour south of LA, Laguna Beach can give off the feeling of Mediterranean living and also has a bustling artistic community. Many art galleries, public sculptures, and murals can be seen all across town, while some buildings themselves can also be considered works of art. Cute little cottages line the landscape, and a good selection of local dining completes the experience of great Southern California cuisine. And, of course, the namesake Laguna Beach is not to be missed with its golden sand, hidden coves, and jagged cliffs. Enjoy swimming, surfing, and even scuba diving in this most exciting and beautiful Golden State treasure.
Oak Glen
With a population of just under 700 residents, the rural town of Oak Glen is a great example of small-town America, brimming with charm and delight. Full of family-owned farms and apple orchards, visitors who spent a weekend in Oak Glen can expect to leave with some of California's very best apple products. From apple pies to cider, and even apple butter, the selection here is as quaint as the town itself. Rustic shops and storefronts can be seen all around, giving those who stop by a real sense of the simple life, away from all the commotion commonly associated with big metropolises.
California is a land of adventure, history, and stunning natural beauty that is rightfully the highlight of any trip to America's west coast. However, though the State's major cities may attract the most tourists, California's small towns are also more than worthy of exploring for an intimate connection with the Golden State. From seaside villages to historic settlements or beautiful treks through the mountains, California's small towns are indeed a treasure trove, ready to reward those who explore it.
