10 Quirkiest Northern California Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Northern California is largely known for its rugged coastlines, scenic wine valleys, and lush redwood forests, but some of its quirkiest towns are harder to find. If you are hoping to explore parts of the region that most travelers miss, you will love learning about these ten towns. With wine stomping festivals, county fairs, and old Western speakeasies, each one offers something unexpected. The best part? All have fewer than 10,000 residents and sit well off the typical tourist trail. Get ready to be surprised and maybe even discover somewhere new!

Fort Bragg

If you love salmon, Fort Bragg has the perfect event for you. On the first Saturday of each July, the town hosts the World’s Largest Salmon BBQ, which offers plenty of grilled-to-perfection salmon, salad, corn on the cob, and live music. While in town that weekend, take a 15-minute drive south to Russian Gulch State Park, a beautiful park with 15 miles of trails, redwood forests, and a waterfall. The town also has a notable art scene. Travelers can stop by Glass Fire Art Glass Gallery for a hand-blown glass piece or browse Edgewater Gallery, which showcases ceramics, paintings, sculptures, photography, and more.

Sebastopol

Sebastopol has a laid-back, bohemian vibe that is largely expressed through its art scene and live music venues. Throughout town, visitors will find colorful folk art sculptures, with a particularly large concentration around Florence Avenue, where nearly every house has an eccentric sculpture out front. The Sebastopol Center for the Arts is another essential way that the town promotes the art scene, featuring curated exhibits, arts lectures, open studio events, concerts, poetry readings, and other events. To hear some live music from a local musician, stop by the HopMonk Tavern, a 120-year-old tavern made of stone and wood that has live performances on the weekend. Before leaving town, make sure to visit one of Sebastopol’s wineries! Halleck Vineyard is a popular option. Established in 1993, it offers tastings of some of its award-winning wines.

Graeagle

You might not expect a whole lot of festivals from a town with just 700 residents, but Graeagle has plenty of quirky events going on all summer long! For the Fourth of July, the town will be hosting its 51st annual Independence Day Celebration. The event will feature a cornhole tournament, an old-fashioned day in the park, fireworks show, pancake breakfast, and more. Later on in the month, on July 19th, visitors can enjoy the Gold Discovery Days event, which takes place in Plumas-Eureka State Park and allows attendees to immerse themselves in the gold rush pioneering era through a number of interactive activities.

On July 19th and 20th, the town also hosts the Graeagle Arts & Crafts Fair, where local artisans will be selling their handmade crafts and fine arts. After attending one of the festivals, you can unwind with a drink at Ronin Fermentation Project, a brewery that makes its own IPAs, pilsners, and lagers.

Bodega Bay

If you want to spend the entire weekend out on the water, Bodega Bay has a number of exciting water-based recreational activities for you. Travelers can go whale watching with Bodega Bay Whale Charters, which has been in the community since 2008. The company offers regular departures and is known for its experienced crew and scenic routes, often leading to humpback and gray whale sightings.

If you prefer to explore the bay at your own pace, consider renting a kayak through Bodega Bay Kayak. Each rental even comes with an introductory kayak lesson, if needed, making it accessible for beginners. If you have ever dreamed of surfing, Bodega Bay Surf Shack offers surf lessons and rentals, along with seasonal surf camps in the summer and spring. After a day on the water, grab a bite at one of the town’s local seafood restaurants, such as Spud Point Crab Co., a family-owned spot operated by a local commercial fisherman.

Quincy

Each July, Quincy becomes vibrantly alive with county fairs and music festivals. From July 3rd to 6th in 2025, the town will host the High Sierra Music Festival, featuring performers like Alo, Amy Helm Band, and Andy Frasco. Later on in the month, from July 24th through the 27th, make sure to check out the Plumas Sierra County Fair. The fair has all kinds of western activities like a livestock show, a children-friendly Pee-Wee Stampede, and a carnival.

To learn more about Quincy’s western heritage, travelers can explore the Plumas County Museum, which has exhibits showcasing indigenous basket weaving, railroads, gold mining, and the lumber industry. Entry costs just $2, so it's a great option for budget travelers. One of the best places to see native wildlife near town, meanwhile, is at the Leonhardt Ranch Learning Landscape, a 46-acre property that has wetland, meadow, riparian, and pasture habitats.

Guerneville

Guerneville is an LGBTQ+ friendly community in Sonoma Wine Country that is perfect for an eccentric weekend outside of the city. One of the best times to visit is during the Russian River Pride Parade, an inclusive, high-spirited celebration held each summer. This vibrant event brings together locals and travelers alike with colorful floats, lively performances, and a strong sense of community.

For an afternoon on the water, Johnson’s Beach is a local favorite. Located along the Russian River, it offers travelers the chance to canoe, pedalboat, or simply relax by the water. If you enjoy a good glass of champagne, plan a visit to Korbel Champagne Cellars for a guided tasting or a tour through their historic cellars. Finish off the evening at Rainbow Cattle Company, an LGBTQ+ friendly saloon on Main Street known for its welcoming vibe and lively energy.

Murphys

Murphys is a small town in the Sierra Nevada foothills where wine, theater, and Irish heritage come together to form a distinctive local culture. Travelers hoping to catch a live show can visit Murphys Creek Theatre, which will be performing True West, Venus in Fur, and Mrs. Whitman's Words For Women between June and October 2025. The theater’s intimate setting makes for a great night out in town.

On the third Saturday of March each year, thousands of people from around the region come into Murphys for the Murphys Irish Day Festival. The event features a bagpipes parade, two stages of live entertainment, a classic car show, and vendor booths. Those interested in the town’s wine scene can visit Ironstone Vineyards, which provides wine tastings and estate tours. For a quirky fall event, attend the Calaveras Grape Stomp in October, where teams compete in an authentic grape-stomping competition.

Downieville

Each year, the Downieville Classic Cross Country Race and Festival brings mountain bikers from all over the world to Downieville for a weekend of racing and partying. Biking participants can choose between a 26.5-mile cross-country race or a downhill, 15-mile 5,000-foot vertical descent. Outside of the festival, there are plenty of other times during the year to mountain bike. The North Yuba Trail, for example, stretches 16 miles, winding by creeks and the Yuba River.

Downtown, there is plenty of fun entertainment in Downieville. If you are seeking a new art piece, make sure to stop by the Yuba Gallery, which sells beautiful crafts from local Sierra County artists. At the end of the day, you can unwind at one of the town’s bars, such as Boomtown Lounge, an old western-style speakeasy with specialty cocktails, wine, and beer.

Mount Shasta

If you are looking to fill your summer with music and art, Mount Shasta is a great town to consider visiting. On June 21st, the town will host the Shasta Mountain Art, Wine, and Brewfest, where visitors can enjoy an afternoon of live music, an art auction, a raffle, food trucks, and drink vendors showcasing local wine and beer.

Travelers hoping to explore the town’s natural surroundings can go white water rafting with Living Waters Recreation, which has been operating for over 33 years. For those feeling adventurous, Mount Shasta itself offers a dramatic backdrop and a chance to hike or climb its scenic slopes. Guided summit trips are available for experienced climbers, while casual hikers can enjoy the lower trails. Another nearby natural wonder is Pluto’s Cave, a partially collapsed lava tube about a half hour north of town.

Jackson

Born as a gold rush town in the mid-19th century, Jackson is filled with history and even, reportedly, ghosts. If you are a believer in the paranormal, consider visiting Bethany’s Home Sweet Haunted Home. The venue hosts both private paranormal tours of the home and occasional overnight experiences for those brave enough to spend the night.

To learn more about the town’s gold history, the Amador County Museum is an excellent addition to your itinerary. The museum features exhibits covering the gold rush era, Victorian fashion, and Native American artifacts. You can also visit Kennedy Gold Mine, which offers 90-minute guided tours of the historic site. Sherlock Holmes fans should head to Baker Street West, an event venue that puts on mystery dinners, plays, afternoon teas, and themed events inspired by the famous detective.

Final Thoughts

If you are craving a new adventure, consider exploring one of these ten towns this year. They may not have the largest populations, but they are filled with attractions nonetheless. Towns like Downieville are perfect for mountain bikers, while places like Sebastopol have an exciting art scene. Regardless of which town you decide to visit, by the end of your trip, you are sure to have experienced the region in a whole new way!