10 Most Eccentric Towns in California
No matter what kind of trip you have in mind, California is one of the states that can meet the challenge. One of the biggest appeals to travelling to the Golden State has a lot to do with its unexpected eccentric towns, but not in the way you're expecting.
From diverse landscapes that allow you to surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon to scenic desert landscapes that clash with rolling vineyards and calm lakeside spots, the European-influenced towns create a scene and spots that are suitable for everyone. Below is a list of some of these towns that you can plan a trip or a weekend getaway for.
Venice
Venice is a neighborhood of the City of Los Angeles. As the name of this town suggests, it draws a great deal of Italian inspiration from its architecture, and this was by design. It was initially designed by eccentric millionaire Abbot Kinney in 1905 to be a beach resort for Los Angeles residents to enjoy. Today it's so much more than that.
The cottages that Kinney designed can still be seen on Dell Avenue in the Venice Canal Historic District, but the real action is by the beachfront boardwalk and pier. Along the beachfront boardwalk and pier, vendors, mimes, jugglers, musicians, and other street performers line the streets, creating a distinct bohemian subculture in the process.
Alternatively, you can swing by the Muscle Beach Gym, once the stomping grounds of bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Or, if you have a passion for learning about the town's unique movie history, take a stroll with Venice Beach & Canals Walking Tours. You'll get the scoop about how this town played a key role in Orson Welles' film Touch of Evil and other films that were shot there.
Sonoma
Right in the heart of California's Wine Country is the well-known town of Sonoma. Surrounded by rich traditions of winemaking, a unique history in its own way, and rolling hills, you can find this town to be an excellent place to relax and enjoy some great food and world-class wine.
However, while Sonoma is renowned for its wine, other distinct places also merit a visit, showcasing Sonoma's unique charm. A trip to Sonoma State Historic Park tells the tale of the Bear Flag Revolt, an event that took place at that very site, ending the Mexican rule of those lands. For a more relaxing experience, you can enjoy the Thermal Hot Springs at the Fairmont Spa, which are made possible by geothermal / mineral hot springs, also responsible for the high-quality wine. And speaking of wine, Sonoma's downtown area can give you a more concentrated wine-tasting experience if you don't want to hike or bike through the vineyards outside town. Numerous tasting rooms offer unique atmospheres and experiences alongside wines that just fit the mood, such as Sigh, a sparkling wine bar. Alternatively, you can capture a snapshot of the area's beauty at Montini Open Space Preserve, which features oak woodland, large rock outcroppings, and open grasslands.
Sutter Creek
A balance between the old and the new, Sutter Creek maintains the look of its Gold Rush days while catering to the modern needs of the city. It was first formed during California's Gold Rush days, making the town rich in history. However, since then, the city has adapted to being a hub for exploring the Sierra Foothill Wine regions.
Whether you are new to or familiar with wine, there are several great starting points for wine tasting in Sutter Creek. Simply Bubbles is one of many on Main Street that you can try out without travelling far. It's the first and only Champagne and Sparkling Wine Bar in Amador County. The Sutter Creek Visitor Center is an ideal destination for those seeking to learn about the history of Sutter Creek. Historic photos, artifacts, and information on the history of this place can be found. In addition, you can still see some of the mines by walking through the Gold Mine Trail, although the mines themselves are closed. The provided brochure and map also offer descriptions of each of the mines. And if you want a taste of local entertainment, the Main Street Theatre Works has weekend shows at The Kennedy Mine Amphitheatre. On this unique property, you walk past a historic tailing wheel and an old bridge and into a grass-covered terraced bowl with oak trees surrounding it.
Ferndale
Much of Ferndale's eccentric character stems from its unique Victorian-inspired architecture and location. It's stuck between the California Redwoods and the fabled Lost Coast, making Ferndale a hidden oasis for romantic gatherings or a nature lover's paradise.
Ferndale has a deep appreciation for its history, as evidenced by its maintenance and preservation of old-style homes. That appreciation is extended in the care and displays at the Ferndale Museum, which features the oldest and still-working seismograph, natural history exhibits, and farming and dairy equipment. Beyond the museum, Ferndale as a whole is designated a California Historical Landmark due to the numerous historical sites scattered throughout the area. One notable one is the Fernbridge, the longest functional poured concrete bridge in the world. And since you're in the area, another must-see is the majestic Redwoods at the Redwoods National Park & State Parks. The towering redwoods are accompanied by wild berry bushes, prehistoric ferns, and other conifers, creating a landscape that looks straight out of a fairy tale.
Solvang
In the south of Santa Ynez Valley, the unique "Danish Capital of America," Solvang, rests. From the architecture to the quaint homes and the large town windmill, the town is not afraid to show off its distinct culture to visitors. The emphasis on Danish traditions creates unique experiences where you can enjoy California wines while indulging in European pastries and treats.
For that wine tasting, the Dascomb Cellars is a cozy and intimate place for couples to find private and personal time in their cute tasting room. It's also a convenient spot for the aforementioned European pastries and treats, as it's not far from Cailloux Cheese Shop, an upscale and charming cheese shop offering an assortment of cheeses that pair wonderfully with the local wines. To experience more of the Danish culture, visit near the end of September for Solvang's Danish Days. This beloved annual event celebrates Danish heritage, which has been ongoing for over 80 years.
Truckee
One of California's all-season destinations, the landscape of Truckee makes it perfect for snowboarding and skiing in the winter months, as well as biking, hiking, and rock climbing during the warmer months. A vibrant Main Street complements the scenery and outdoor experiences that Truckee can provide, allowing visitors to stock up and relax after a day of adventure.
During the wintertime, you can find plenty of adventure at the Truckee River Regional Park, which features a dedicated sledding hill and flat open fields for building a snowman or having snowball fights. Meanwhile, the park transforms into an amphitheater, community garden, and sports area featuring baseball, tennis, disc golf, and trails. The quaint shops of Truckee are filled with personality and uniqueness as well. The Full Belly Deli serves creative, overstuffed sandwiches with bold flavors for anyone to bite into and crave. Meanwhile, boutique stores like Bespoke provide handcrafted and vintage items, including clothing and gifts.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
In addition to its name, Carmel-by-the-Sea is a coastal town with an eccentric charm unlike any other. For starters, it's one square mile, packed with nearly 100 galleries, gourmet restaurants, unique boutique shops, a white-sand beach, and scenery unlike any other.
The beach in question is, of course, Carmel Beach, the town's namesake. It features one of the most iconic spots on California's Central Coast, perfect for surfing, bringing your dog, swimming, or enjoying a beach fire. At the foot of that beach, though, is another delectable treat in Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea's own unique one-of-a-kind shopping district. It's entirely walkable with many different pathways and stores on and off this main strip. In addition, the Carmel Art Walk offers walkers the opportunity to explore artist-owned galleries and interact with the many artists who open their studios every second Saturday of the month. All you have to do is follow the blue lanterns.
Palm Springs
In the heart of the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is a unique blend of desert beauty and vibrant city life. The desert landscape of Palm Springs offers numerous opportunities to explore, hike, and experience the diverse beauty of the area. Not far from town are the Tahquitz & Indian Canyons, beautiful and one of the most culturally sensitive areas of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Reservation. The trails weave through towering palm oases and rugged desert cliffs.
Alternatively, Palm Springs offers an aerial tramway that ascends Mount San Jacinto State Park, featuring cooler temperatures and alpine hiking for an entirely new experience. If you prefer staying in town, the unique restaurants and quirky stores can promise fun browsing, shopping, and eating experiences. The 4 Saints is an exceptional restaurant with drama and scenery in its location and on the plate. Set on the seventh-floor rooftop of the Kimpton Rowan Hotel, dishes include grilled purple sweet potatoes with creamy Alabama white barbecue sauce, pickled chiles, and lamb chops paired with charred eggplant and mint yogurt, among other unexpected and creative dishes. For shopping, an absolute must-visit is Revivals. Its vintage clothing, furniture, accessories, and home décor are reasonably affordable, and every purchase supports DAP Health, making it one of the most meaningful places to find vintage items.
Bishop
Situated in the Eastern Sierras, Bishop is a small town but offers a massive backyard for visitors to explore. The "backyard" in question is incredibly diverse, offering a range of activities that include hiking, fishing, rock climbing, and biking.
Kings Canyon National Park is located to the west of Bishop, about an hour drive, and is one of the most popular spots for hikers to visit, for good reason. You have a nice blend of low foothills and high alpine basins, making it easy for hikers of all levels, including kids and pets, to join in. Between all of that are pine forests, meadows, and exposed rock, which further solidify the area's unique landscape. In addition, Bishop also contains one of the oldest living organisms on the planet. Visiting the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Schulman Grove Visitor Center, you'll learn about the Great Basin bristlecone pines and how they've been able to withstand thousands of years. One is even almost 5,000 years old! And if you need to pop in for a snack, how about trying out a unique experience at Good Earth Yogurt? This eccentric eatery offers organic yogurt, frozen yogurt, pies, and sandwiches. They even have a wine bar offering the finest California-grown wines and local beers.
Coronado
A popular vacation destination for decades, Coronado pulls people in with its pristine beaches, oceanfront mansions, and beautiful gardens. One of the most distinctive features is the Hotel del Coronado, which served as the setting for the 1959 film Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe. For a hit of nostalgia and good quality food, Clayton's Coffee Shop is the last remaining Southern California horseshoe counter in a Classic American Diner setting.
There are even tabletop jukeboxes. And if you plan to hit the beaches, consider visiting Coronado Central Beach, rated the #1 beach in America by Dr. Beach. Set against the iconic Hotel del Coronado, it's popular with all kinds of beachgoers and stretches for 1.5 miles, providing plenty of space to settle in.
From the unique culture to the diverse landscape of the area, California has more eccentric energy than you might expect. And despite all of that, it can provide unique and unforgettable experiences, such as walking through a fairy tale book in Ferndale or Carmel-by-the-Sea, exploring the diverse backyard of Bishop, or immersing oneself in the rich culture of Solvang. It really goes to show that California has something for everyone. So pack your things and hit the road for an unexpected journey you won't soon forget or regret.
