10 Of The Most Underrated Towns In California
Given its substantial cities, globally-significant economy, and magnetic climate, it is hard to imagine any part of California slipping under the radar. But sure enough, plopped along its Northern Coast, buried in the Mojave Desert, and hiding in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, there are a host of small towns whose worths exceed their reputations. So if you're itching to uncover new facets of California, here are 10 underrated towns to consider.
Fortuna
Humboldt County harbors two enticing Victorian towns: Eureka and Ferndale. But in between, Fortuna, aka "The Friendly City," takes a laid-back and social approach. This rustic little community hosts the Fortuna Rodeo during the second week of July. Then, the following week, wave after wave of vintage cars (along with thousands of curious spectators) roll onto Main Street for the three-day Fortuna Redwood AutoXpo. Finally, at the start of October, the tasty and family-friendly Apple Harvest Festival hits six venues across town. Festivals aside, like its aforementioned peers, Fortuna is tantalizingly close to the giant redwoods at Headwaters Forest Reserve and Humboldt Redwoods State Park, and not far removed from the additional old-growth groves of Redwoods National and State Parks. These enchanting forests can be enjoyed in the form of an easy hike or scenic drive.
Shelter Cove
In order to reach this next underrated town, you have to transcend the Lost Coast's King Range. If not for that tight and winding ascent (followed by brake-burning descent), I think Shelter Cove would be a happening weekend getaway. But as it stands, the moderate isolation keeps crowds at bay. As such, a quirky, only lightly-commercialized community happily greets its adventurous visitors.
At the bookends of Shelter Cove, wild beaches invite low-tide strolls, and maybe even a sunset bonfire by the southside boat launch. Afterwards, evening festivities are practically guaranteed at Mario's Marina Bar or Gyppo Ale Mill. The following morning, get your caffeine fix at Surf Point Coffee House, where you can gradually wake up while watching crashing waves from a windowside couch or table. You can also take the outside cottage chairs to bask in the invigorating sea breeze. Or, get your coffee to go so that you can walk over to the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse and listen to the seals and sea lions engage in their morning debates.
Bodega Bay
Though immediately accessible from the Shoreline Highway (SR 1), Bodega Bay strikes a similar chord to Shelter Cove. Once again, I got the impression that by prioritizing the natural surroundings and deprioritizing commercialization (save for the harborside campgrounds and highwayside inns), this Sonoma County village will maintain its charm for generations to come. If you're in the mood for the beach, make for Doran Beach on the south side, or Bodega Dunes Beach to the north (part of the Sonoma Coast State Marine Conservation Area). If you'd prefer to burn some calories while being simultaneously dazzled by the dramatic coastal cliffs, try hiking the circuitous Bodega Head Trail. Alternatively, ornithologists will enjoy the Birdwalk Coastal Trail, where blue herons, pelicans, and egrets roam amongst the waterfront fescue and muddy fringes. Whatever your leisure, everyone can unite for dinner at the string of seafood restaurants along Westshore Road.
Point Reyes Station
As we enter the Bay Area and excitement builds for San Francisco, it's easy to blow right through Point Reyes Station. But pull over at this quaint highway town (sounds like an oxymoron, I know, but trust me on this one) and you'll find an underrated gem in the form of mom n' pop shopping, wining and dining, and outdoor recreation. Across the three-block main street (i.e., a reduced-speed section of the Shoreline Highway), indulge in fresh bread, books, bikes, and other boutiques, or the tandem nostalgic watering holes: Toby's Coffee Bar and Old Western Saloon. To the west, Point Reyes National Seashore sprawls for some 80 miles, including substantial sections of sandy beaches (lining the shores of both the Pacific Ocean and Drakes Bay) backed by braids of hiking trails across verdant hilltops.
Pacific Grove
Wedged between the highly rated city of Monterey and the revered village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, though no less worthy, garners far less limelight. So rather than beeline between the first two locales, wade deeper into the Monterey Peninsula. Depending on your direction, you'll first encounter the mile-long, driftwood-strewn white sands of Asilomar State Beach or the enchanting exhibits at Monterey Bay Aquarium. Continuing to the peninsula's apex, you'll be met with the Point Pinos Lighthouse (circa 1855) and the many sunset viewpoints around its rocky periphery. Then, backtracking through the heart of town, you'll discover Lighthouse Avenue's well-kept downtown core. I recommend grabbing a coffee at The Bookworks, where you can simultaneously sift through their shelves for your next read, before rounding out the afternoon with an exploration of the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, or if you're trip aligns with migration season (i.e., Oct-Dec), a peak at the Monarch Grove Sanctuary.
San Juan Bautista
Part historic Spanish settlement, part Old West enclave, and part prime basecamp for California's newest national park, it's surprising how underrated San Juan Bautista continues to be. Kick things off with a tour of San Juan Bautista State Historic Park, which includes various adobes, a single cell jail, the Plaza Hotel, and the 18th-century Mission San Juan Bautista - one of the most compelling of the 21 historic Spanish compounds along the California Missions Trail and El Camino Real. Then, skip ahead a century by shifting one block over to the Third Street Historic District, where 24 of its structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here, the Western facades house everything from upscale Mexican restaurants to Peruvian and Guatemalan boutiques to classic saloons and a smattering of antique/vintage/home goods dealers. Finally, the caves, boulders, climbing walls, hiking trails, and namesake formations of Pinnacles National Park yearn to be discovered, less than 40 miles south of town.
Twentynine Palms
Speaking of spectacular Californian national parks, most people destined for Joshua Tree tend to stop in its titular town. But there is another Mojave Desert highway town worth checking out just minutes to the east. Twentynine Palms is home to the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center and is the closest point of contact for the park's Indian Cove Campground (known for its otherworldly landscape and starry skies). But park attractions aside, Twentynine Palms platforms art galleries and sculpture gardens (including, but not limited to, the 29 Palms Art Gallery and Glass Outhouse Art Gallery), venues such as Smith's Ranch Drive-In Movie Theater and Theatre 29, and alternative outdoor attractions in the form of desert oasis walks and the Sky's the Limit Observatory and Nature Center. On the main drag (i.e., 29 Palms Highway), you can sift through vinyl records, grab a craft pint, chow down on jelly donuts, or immerse yourself in its seasonal festivals (ex., mid-October's Pioneer Days).
Morro Bay
Another of California's underappreciated coastal communities is that of Morro Bay. At first glance, it might look little more than a set of campgrounds and RV Parks, but along with a collection of inns further down the line, these accommodations support Morro Bay's trifecta of natural attractions and delightful stretch of waterfront dining. In between Morro Strand State Beach (a great spot for windsurfing and beachcombing) and Morro Bay State Park (with its mixed forest, golf course, marina, and museum) exists the massive volcanic feature that dominates the skyline on clear days, and after which this unique city takes its name. Watch the otters frolic mere feet from the path as you walk out onto the dramatic peninsula, before continuing along the waterfront's commercial strip, which harbors endless seafood restaurants, surf shops, sweet treats, and souvenirs.
Auburn
Switching from sea-level to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Auburn gives plenty of reasons to pause on the way up to Lake Tahoe. Just 30 minutes outside of Sacramento, this little nugget of Gold Country harkens back to California's Gold Rush era, while also opening the door to the Placer County Wine Trail and new forms of outdoor recreation.
Keeping with the established order, tourists can delve into Auburn's colorful past by visiting the rustic Bernhard Museum (a mid-19th-century complex that incorporates a Victorian farmhouse, inn, restored winery, and more), the inventive Gold Rush Museum, the Placer County Museum (housed within the stately and often illuminated courthouse), and even the Gold Country Medical History Museum - for anyone curious about anachronistic quackery. Alternatively, traveling sommeliers will be pleased to know that Auburn is within a short drive of 18 wineries (and there are scores of local craft beer joints for those of you who prefer to keep it casual). Lastly, Auburn is an ideal place to join a half or full-day whitewater rafting tour, bust out a mountain bike, or, given its role in the annual Western States Endurance Run, work those quads on some well-trodden trails.
Arroyo Grande
Let's bring it back to California's coast one last time. Adjacent to popular Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande's elegant storefronts and excellent eateries act as an ideal (if underrated) companion to this sliver of the SLO Coast. Follow East Branch Street as it parallels Arroyo Grande Creek into the village portion of town. Then it's time to proceed on foot. Pay the Elvis statue a little visit to the historic creek bridges, including a pit stop at Heritage Square Park and the Historical Society's restored school houses. Then, bop back up to Branch for whatever type of beverage fits the time of day and traveler's mood. To the right, there is Timber Winery's esteemed tasting room, to the left, Humdinger Brewing's spacious hall (both are live music venues, by the way), and in between, Cafe Andreini's sidewalk patio is a perfect place to people-watch. And whether you're craving Italian, Mediterranean, or a good old-fashioned homemade burger, the many restaurants in between have you covered.
From the less accessible cliffs of the Pacific to the forgotten fringes of its desert and mountain landscapes, California has caches of vacation-worthy destinations. These ten underrated towns paint a general picture of the sorts of experiences that can be expected beyond the confines of famous cities and well-known beach towns. At the same time, this list is far from exhaustive. So be on the lookout for additional overlooked gems as you chip along the coast, or wade deeper into the wilderness.
