10 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in California
Some California towns are quaint and cozy, others radiate warmth, charm, and energy, and a few are set against landscapes so breathtaking they border on the sublime. Picture dreamy waterfronts lined with palm trees and soft pebbles, the austere grandeur of solemn mountaintops, or artsy enclaves adorned with a kaleidoscope of colorful murals. California’s small towns span the full spectrum of beauty, and each offers its own unique experience. Not every town will captivate in the same way, but each has something unforgettable to offer. Unsure where to start? Continue reading to discover 10 unforgettable small towns to visit in California.
Morro Bay
A Central Coast icon known for delicious oysters, Morro Bay is also widely known for Morro Rock, a 576-foot-tall volcanic plug rising dramatically from the ocean, which is part of a chain called the Nine Sisters. The rock is now the nesting site of a number of birds, including cormorants, gulls, and falcons. Unfortunately, due to the fragile nature of these birds' habitat, climbing the rock is illegal. Still, the rock is so iconic that it has even been mentioned in a song by "Weird" Al Yankovic, one of America's foremost song parodists and a California Polytechnic State University alumnus.
Morro Bay Estuary is one of the largest wetland ecosystems on California’s central coast and among the most ecologically diverse in the entire state. Pass by the Museum of Natural History, which contains taxidermy displays of local wildlife and their habitats. The surrounding views are particularly unforgettable. There's Morro Bay State Park, a waterfront attraction offering birdwatching opportunities, and The Siren, where you will enjoy crisp and tender wings as you tap your feet to mood-lifting shows by live bands.
Idyllwild
Few California towns imprint themselves on the mind like Idyllwild, a tiny, pine-sweet town perched at over 5,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains. You won't find luxurious ski resorts or chain restaurants or big-box stores, and you won't miss them, especially because of how quaint and idyllic the whole town is. The phenomenal Pacific Crest Trail, which offers some of the most beautiful scenery and hiking in North America, runs right by the town. However, vacationers who prefer something sweet and light will want to opt for the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, a great out-and-back with clean air and fabulous views. Crown the day with a hearty meal, preferably washed down with a drink, at Idyllwild Brewpub, a bustling tavern with a changing lineup of live bands.
Cambria
Cambria is a small, charismatic town on California’s Central Coast, about 35 minutes north of San Luis Obispo on U.S. Highway 1, which is celebrated worldwide for its sweeping ocean views and astoundingly dramatic landscapes. Moonstone Beach, Cambria’s most iconic natural feature, is known for its smooth, polished stones. You will enjoy the feel of these stones beneath your feet, and when they are wet, the reflection of sunlight creates a heart-tingling, rainbow-like appearance that is incredibly enchanting. So, come to experience some of the most photogenic ocean walks on the Central Coast, especially at sunrise.
Furthermore, Cambria serves as the primary base town for visiting Hearst Castle, the opulent hilltop estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The castle is one of America’s most extravagant historic landmarks and one of the largest homes on the continent. Think of 38 bedrooms, more than 40 bathrooms, a theatre, even a beauty salon. Keep in mind that the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trail is a serene space with pine forests, while the Cambria Pines Lodge offers live music, beautiful gardens, and spacious rooms.
Solvang
Solvang is famous for its authentic Danish-style architecture, including half-timbered buildings, thatched roofs, and multiple working windmills. Founded by Danish immigrants in 1911, the town is often described as “The Danish Capital of America,” and there is no other place in the United States where an entire town center so fully embraces and preserves Danish design at this scale. The dining scene has prominent Danish elements, meaning you will find delicious pastries, aebleskivers, and Danish butter cookies.
To sample some of these, nab a chair at the iconic Solvang Bakery, arguably the most popular and authentic Danish bakery in Solvang. After a hearty breakfast here, proceed to the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum, which displays a unique collection of rare and fascinating motorcycles, then zigzag your way to the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, a hidden gem with a detailed history of the area and some interesting antiques to admire.
Aptos
With a setting of redwood forests, coastal bluffs, and sandy beaches, Aptos is another unforgettable California town, boasting a long list of unique features, including the SS Palo Alto. The idea of a concrete ship may today strike you as weird, especially from a scientific and practical perspective, but that was the design of this unique tanker, constructed at the tail end of World War I. However, it arrived a bit late in the day and never saw action. It is at the end of Seacliff State Beach Pier, although repeated storms have today washed most of it.
Aptos has towering redwood forests, magnificent mountains, some of the world's most fertile farmland, beautiful sandy beaches like Rio Del Mar, and jaw-dropping ocean cliffs. Moreover, Aptos takes its coffee seriously, and you need to visit places like Cat & Cloud Coffee to truly appreciate the town's caffeinated character. Crown the day with a perfectly dressed Caesar salad at Mentone, a cherished Italian restaurant loved for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly service.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
With a name that is both evocative and descriptive, Carmel-by-the-Sea is highly popular for Carmel Beach, celebrated as one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the United States. The best part is that it is just a short, easy stroll from the centre of town. Carmel Beach is known for its powder-fine white sand, dramatic sunsets, and a heart-stirring backdrop of sculpted cypress trees. Also, unlike many American beaches, pups are permitted off-leash, although they should typically be under voice control.
When in the dreamy stretch, don't miss the chance to admire the Clinton Walker House, designed by legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Another unmissable landmark in the area is Pebble Beach Golf Links, where the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and U.S. Open tournaments take place. Crown the day with an electrifying show at Sunset Center, loved for its intimate feel and wonderful acoustics.
Ferndale
It is not often that you find an entire town residing on the National Register of Historic Places, but that is just one of Ferndale's most unusual features. The downtown area is neat and speckled with beautiful Victorians, and with the backdrop of the magnificent Lost Coast, a first-time visitor will understand why the town has served as the filming location for major movies. More than that, Ferndale features one of the nation's wackiest and most cherished events: the Kinetic Grand Championship. It is billed as the “Triathlon of the Art World” and is typically a 3-day, 50-mile trek through the county with all-terrain human-powered art vehicles, engineered to race over earth and water, mud and sand.
Meanwhile, movie addicts have the Ferndale Repertory Theatre, a cool place to see local performers in outstanding plays. Also, Golden Gait Mercantile has tons of unusual things reminiscent of the ‘70s, to the extent that you may be tempted to buy almost everything you see.
Oak Glen
Oak Glen is just east of San Bernardino and on the edge of the Mojave Desert, whose haunting landscape has inspired several works of fiction. San Bernardino National Forest, an island of lush greenery in an otherwise arid landscape, has tons of shade, babbling brooks, crystal-clear lakes, and peaceful areas to just relax and drift into bliss. More than that, Oak Glen is an autumnal haven that offers authentic fall experiences, complete with a constellation of U-pick farms, making it cut the image of an apple theme park. So, if you are looking for an unforgettable apple-picking experience in California, Oak Glen has but a handful of competitors across the nation.
The Snow Line Orchard, which has been around for more than 125 years, is among the most sought-after attractions and a highly rated apple-picking venue. They also offer delicious apple cedar donuts, wine tasting, and raspberry picking, as well as the oldest chestnut tree in California, although others claim it's the oldest west of the Mississippi. Don't miss the 909-acre Oak Glen Preserve, situated at more than 5,000 feet in the shadow of Wilshire Peak, and which features the entire 120-year-old Los Rios Rancho Apple Farm.
Lone Pine
Lone Pine is a small, adorable Inyo County jewel in the scenic Owens Valley, which geologists consider to be one of the deepest valleys in the United States. More than that, Lone Pine takes pride in being the jumping-off point to Alabama Hills, a landscape of stark beauty and cinematic wonder that looks more contrived than real. No wonder it has been a favorite location for filmmakers for decades. A network of trails crisscrosses the hills and offers an exciting range of thigh-busting delights.
In the meantime, the Whitney Portal Road serves as the portal for adventurers heading to Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Alabama Hills National Scenic Area, just a mile west of Lone Pine, is known for its natural arches and beautiful granitic formations. It's an awesome setting for photography, rock climbing, and natural exploration. Spend some time at The Lone Pine Film History Museum, which celebrates the rich cinematic legacy of films shot in the area.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is a stunning mountain town set high in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains at over 7,000 feet, making it a remote but spectacular alpine destination. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, one of the most famous landmarks near town, is among California’s premier ski and snowboard resorts. Its 11,053-foot volcanic summit makes it the highest ski area in the Golden State. Furthermore, the ski area boasts an exceptional snowfall record and offers one of the longest ski seasons in North America, regularly running from November through to June. Start with a hearty meal at The Stove, a humble, long-running establishment that serves delicious home-style plates.
The breakfasts are epic, and the pies are homemade and mouthwatering. There's the Mammoth Museum at the Hayden Cabin, a quaint spot in an authentic log cabin by a stream that displays hundreds of historic and antique objects, including sleds, quilts, and kitchen utensils, as well as some interesting hunting trophies. Eagle Lodge is a great place to stay, especially for those learning how to ski or snowboard. This is because the six-pack Eagle chairlift gives access to great beginner and intermediate terrain.
So, next time you want to step out of your neighborhood to see what lies beyond, pay attention to the many beautiful small towns that stud the entire length and breadth of the Golden State. California is mind-blowing, and the adjective doesn't just apply to the state's outdoor beauty. Its small, artsy towns, some of which offer experiences that you can't find anywhere else, are as unforgettable as a Roman Rockwell painting.
