10 Off-The-Grid California Towns To Visit In 2025
For most of the tourists who visit, the Golden State of California shines the brightest at its most world-famous attractions, from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge to Los Angeles’ Hollywood sign and San Diego’s La Jolla beaches. Yet when you ditch the most beaten paths and go off the grid, it’s possible to discover a whole new world of hidden gems. Across California, you will find hidden wine country gems, cozy mountain retreats, secluded desert resorts, and dreamy Mediterranean-esque beach towns.
Whether you aim to soar to new heights in the Sierra Nevadas or dive into the crystal-clear azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, these 10 off-the-grid California towns are picture-perfect for a leisurely visit in 2025.
Dunsmuir
Nestled in the Trinity Mountains and right by the Upper Sacramento River, Dunsmuir might be Northern California’s best-kept secret of a mountain town. Just a short drive north is Mount Shasta, the 14,179-foot-high stratovolcano that anchors the southern end of the Cascade Range, and you can hike or bike some trails offering some legendary mountain, forest, and even waterfall views. Heading back towards town, it’s also worth stopping at smaller but just as stunning gems like the waterfall at Hedge Creek Falls and the tranquil oasis at Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens.
Locals like to brag about Dunsmuir having “the best water on earth,” and this claim becomes much more believable upon visits to swimming holes like “The Wall” and Cantara Loop along the Sacramento River, as well as Castle Lake tucked deep in the mountains. If you crave more adventures on dry land, head a little farther south to Castle Crags State Park to explore its 6,000-foot-tall granite spires that have stood here for some 170 million years, and to catch the Pacific Crest Trail that extends some 2,650 miles from the United States-Canada border to the U.S.-Mexico border. Whenever you need a break from all this exploring, retire to the pleasant refuge that is The Angler Lodge in town.
Trinidad
Sitting atop the redwood-adorned headlands above Trinity Bay, Trinidad definitely makes for a different kind of California beach town. Speaking of beaches, Moonstone Beach is a lovely beach for easygoing beachcombing and tidepooling, while Trinidad State Beach is prime territory for surfing in the water and coastal hikes on land. And a short drive north of town, Sue-meg State Park has its own amazing beach and tidepools ideal for wildlife watching (such as seals, sea lions, and whales), and this park has a visitor center and reconstructed Yurok plank-house village where you can learn more about local indigenous heritage and culture.
Just farther north, you will find an even greater expanse of pristine coastal wilderness at Redwood National and State Parks, a network of federal and state public lands that protect nearly half of the world’s old-growth redwood forests and provide an extensive network of scenic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails amidst these giant trees. Back in town, enjoy some classic Humboldt-style refreshments (including chowder and local craft beers) at Seascape Restaurant, and discover some more authentic local hospitality at Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast.
Guerneville
Tucked in a lush redwood forest by the Russian River, about 118 miles west of Sacramento, Guerneville is a glorious village that merrily serves a feast for all senses. For epic outdoor adventures, get lost in the temperate rainforest and find a verdant sanctuary full of hiking trails at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, and take some more time to appreciate the beauty of the lovely meadows and woodlands of the neighboring Austin Creek State Recreation Area. If you’d like to explore open water, Guerneville River Park provides a boat launch to kayak or paddleboard the Russian River, and Johnson’s Beach is the spot for easy paddling, floating, swimming, and all-around good times on the river.
Since Guerneville sits at the southwest end of the Russian River Valley, this is prime wine country, and you can taste some great local wines at the Porter-Bass Vineyard (by appointment) and at the Equality Vines tasting room in town. For a full Sonoma-style wine-and-dine experience, do lunch or dinner at Boon to enjoy fine local wines paired with Chef Crista Luedtke’s amazing culinary creations. And for the ultimate Guerneville experience, book a stay at Chef Luedtke’s Boon Hotel + Spa.
Pescadero
About 48 miles from San Francisco and San José, Pescadero illuminates this wild and wonderful corner of the California coast with its own special charm. A key highlight is Pigeon Point Lighthouse, the 115-foot-tall lighthouse that’s been operating here since 1872. You might very well want to visit Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park for this lighthouse, but stick around to stroll the shore and spot local wildlife like whales and seals swimming at sea. For even more good times at the shore, head up to Pescadero State Beach and the adjacent Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve to see even more wildlife, including blue herons, kites, deer, raccoons, and foxes, and explore this bucolic beach that tends to draw sparser crowds than most other Bay Area beaches.
Though the actual town of Pescadero is quite quaint, it nonetheless shines with some special hidden gems, including local seafood with Portuguese flair at Duarte’s Tavern, thought-provoking works by local artists at LunaSea Gallery and Madrone Arts, and an eclectic array of books, artisan gifts, and even a country bar with live music performances at San Gregorio General Store. Once it’s time to call it a day at town (and the beach), settle down for the evening at the charming, cottage-chic Pescadero Creek Inn.
Graeagle
Once a modest lumber and mill town high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 60 miles west of Reno (Nevada), the village of Graeagle might now be this region’s premier vacation village. You can still catch glimpses of Graeagle’s rough-and-tumble past at the nearby Plumas-Eureka State Park, which preserves the remains of a lucrative mining settlement where prospectors found gold from the 1850s to the 1940s. For some more exciting natural treasure hunts, hit the local hiking trails, including the Long Lake Loop Trail to witness this spot where rocky land reaches the crystal-clear waters of Long Lake, and the Frazier Falls trail to reach a stunning waterfall and dramatic views of the Sierra Buttes. And when you can use some maximum peace and quiet, try the Madora Lake Loop.
While Graeagle has a wide array of parks and hiking trails that make for great times in the great outdoors, this town’s greatest assets may be its greens. Take your pick of golf courses, from the serene links at Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club to the championship-grade “extreme golf” at Graeagle Meadows and the spectacular par-72 Grizzly Ranch Golf Club, and tee off to your heart’s content. No matter whether you spend the day ascending to new heights on the hiking trails or breaking new (personal) records at the golf courses, cap off your day the perfect way at the cozy and comfy River Pines Resort.
Three Rivers
Tucked in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 79 miles southeast of Fresno, Three Rivers not only stands at the junction of three forks of the Kaweah River, but also at the edge of several incredible natural landmarks. Just to the east lies Mount Whitney, California’s tallest peak (at 14,505 feet above sea level) and an exceptionally thrilling challenge for experienced climbers. But if you’d rather do an easier journey near the mountain, stay at Sequoia National Park to take in the panoramic views at Moro Rock, admire the majesty of giant sequoias like the Sherman and Grant Trees, and the mysterious marble cavern at Crystal Cave.
Also nearby is Lake Kaweah, a refreshing reservoir that’s picture-perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. If you need supplies for an easy-breezy day on the water, the Kaweah Marina is the one-stop shop for boat rentals, slip rentals, snacks, ice, and more. After a long day at the lake (or in the mountains), relax and recover at the Rio Sierra River Resort, a custom boutique inn with outdoor decks affording the town’s best river views.
Running Springs
Perched high in the San Bernardino Mountains, Running Springs sometimes gets overlooked due to its location between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, yet there are plenty of reasons to spend some quality time at this end of the mountains. Even if you crave some of that good life at the lake, Running Springs is close to Arrowbear Lake and Green Valley Lake, two small alpine lakes that are regularly stocked and open for fishing. (In addition, Green Valley Lake allows paddling and non-motorized boating.) It’s also the closest town to Snow Valley Mountain Resort, which opens its downhill mountain bike park, hiking trails, and scenic sky chair rides during the summer season.
Closer to town, Running Springs has more amazing hiking trails worth trying, including the perfectly pleasant and equestrian-friendly Exploration Trail, and the longer Keller Peak Trail that guides you by verdant forests, fascinating rock formations, and pretty wildflowers. And though Running Springs may not have as many hotels and motels as the larger mountain towns in the area, you can enjoy a great stay at Postcard Cabins’ Southern California campground of luxury tiny cabins.
Indian Wells
Though the Coachella Valley tends to be best known for big-name music festivals and big Hollywood celebrity lore, the small town of Indian Wells offers a quieter and more refreshing side of the desert, about 18 miles southeast of Palm Springs. A short drive south of town, you can reach Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, an incredible park that extends from pristine desert landscapes near the valley floor to soaring mountain peaks reaching over 10,000 feet above sea level. Try the Art Smith Trail for a scenic hike through hidden canyons and palm oases, and continue on the Hopalong Cassidy Trail for amazing valley views below.
For a different kind of outdoor experience, play up to 36 holes of golf at the highly acclaimed Indian Wells Golf Resort’s Celebrity Course and Players Course, or hit the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to play its 29 tennis and pickleball courts and see the grand stadium where the BNP Paribas Open is held every March. Whether you’d like to stay active or take some time to rest and recover, the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa has you covered with easy access to Indian Wells Golf Resort, on-site fitness and wellness activities, a full-service spa with a brand-new recovery lounge, and the region’s largest resort pool complex.
Two Harbors
While Catalina Island already feels secluded thanks to its offshore location, Two Harbors looks even more exotic and offers the ideal Mediterranean-esque coastal escape. Long hailed as an “outdoor lover’s paradise,” Two Harbors is surrounded by coastal wilderness and crystal-clear Pacific Ocean water awaiting your exploration, and Two Harbors Dive & Recreation Center has all the equipment you need to make it happen, including scuba and snorkel gear, stand-up paddleboards, and mountain bikes. Once you’re ready to get out and explore this side of the island, make your way to pristine and very remote-feeling beaches like Sullivan’s Beach, Johnson's Landing, and Doctor’s Cove (perhaps Catalina’s best diving spot).
Or, if you’d rather do an easier beach day with more creature comforts, simply make your way to Harbor Sands for soft sand, lush palm trees, their on-site Harbor Reef Restaurant, and private palapas available to rent. And a short ride uphill, Banning House Lodge is a fabulous bed-and-breakfast offering plush California Craftsman style accommodations, complimentary on-site breakfast and evening wine-and-cheese hours, and shuttle service to and from the main village.
Solana Beach
Solana Beach may merely be about 23 miles north of Downtown San Diego, yet this quintessential Southern California beach town feels a world away. When you really need to get away from it all, try a hike into Annie’s Canyon, a favorite among locals for its intimate slot canyon, bright sandstone walls, and remarkable coastal views. You can find plenty more hiking trails at the nearby San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve near Encinitas, San Diego County’s largest coastal wetlands reserve and prime birdwatching territory, and a little farther inland at San Dieguito County Park.
Once you’re ready to hit the beach, head on down to Fletcher Cove for an easily accessible stretch of shore that’s conveniently located near the buzzy Cedros Avenue Design District full of chic boutiques and cozy cafes. For more room to roam, a long sandy beach to stroll, and great waves for surfing and bodyboarding, head north to Cardiff State Beach. And once it’s time to call it a day, make your way to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, one of San Diego’s most legendary luxury resorts that recently underwent a full renovation that includes sustainable farm-to-table fare at The Inn’s restaurants, new skincare treatments at the spa, and access to Rancho Santa Fe’s private tennis and pickleball facilities.
Get Off the Grid And Go On To Find New Sides To California
Usually, when travelers plan trips to California, they think of the Golden State’s go-to landmarks, from the ornate wineries of Napa Valley to the balmy beaches of Orange County and plenty more in between. Yet once you get off the grid, it’s possible to discover an array of hidden gems, including the explosive mountain scenery of Dunsmuir, the woodsy wine country hamlet of Guerneville, and the golfers’ paradise of Graeagle in Northern California. Should you head farther south, many more treasures await, including the dazzling desert oasis of Indian Wells and the cool island town of Two Harbors.
With such a wide variety of landscapes, beach towns, mountain preserves, and so much more, these off-the-grid California towns serve as a timely reminder that it’s hardly ever a bad idea to take the road less traveled and find some new possibilities.
