11 Most Overlooked California Towns For 2025
The big cities in California may grab the headlines, but the real magic often hides in the smaller towns. Across the state, small towns quietly deliver unforgettable food, history, and scenery. And, without the big crowds. These places come with friendly locals who know the best hiking trails, cafes that bake like grandma’s still in the kitchen, and main streets full of historic character. Looking for a more genuine travel experience in 2025? Check out these 11 overlooked California towns.
Ferndale
Ferndale is located in the foggy valleys of Humboldt County. It's a Victorian village with under 2,000 people, and it proves that small towns can still surprise you. With its postcard-worthy Main Street and preserved Victorian architecture, it's a place that feels like you're stepping back in time. The Ferndale Museum shares stories of the town’s Danish and Portuguese roots, and the Ferndale Cemetery—featured in the 1979 Salem’s Lot mini series—is considered one of California’s most beautiful burial sites. Just outside of town, you’ll find towering redwoods and stretches of Centerville Beach’s sandstone cliffs. Off-the-radar in the best way, Ferndale is not one to miss!
Solvang
Solvang, California, is a dream right out of a Danish storybook! This city in the southern region of California (Santa Ynez Valley) is home to just over 6,000 people. Windmills surround the town, Solvang Restaurant serves the best-tasting æbleskivers, and the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art tells a story of the city's past. Nearby tasting rooms and vineyards will keep your taste buds happy, while the Hans Christian Andersen Museum brings your favorite childhood fairytales to life. Solvang is the true epitome of "hygge," the Danish concept of cozy comfort, where good food and friendly faces make you feel right at home.
Burlingame
Situated between San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Burlingame is a surprise hit! Home to about 30,000 people, this Bay Area gem blends old-school charm with just the right amount of edge. You’ll find early-20th-century homes, tree-lined shopping streets, and the kind of laid-back coffee culture that can’t be found in the big city. Nature enthusiasts will love the trails along Bayfront Park in nextdoor Millbrae, and kids will have a blast at the nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area's Kids castle-and-dragon-themed Magic Mountain Playground. The Burlingame Fresh Market is also a weekend staple for seasonal produce, baked goods, and friendly small talk. Walkable, relaxed, and way cooler than it needs to be, this place is your new low-key Bay Area escape.
Monterey
Monterey may be best known for Cannery Row, but there’s way more beneath the surface. This coastal town has beautiful beaches, a working harbor, and a refreshingly local vibe. Take a walk down Alvarado Street for bistros, taprooms, and the famous Golden State Theatre. History buffs can enjoy early California heritage at Colton Hall Museum, where the State’s first constitutional convention was held in 1849. Bikers will find the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail a perfect way to take in ocean views, sandy coves, and the occasional sea lion chilling out in the sun. Don’t miss the Old Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll find salty air and fresh clam chowder. Whether you’re into history, nature, or a genuine local feel, this city quietly brings the full California experience.
Half Moon Bay
Nature lovers, prepare to be amazed! Half Moon Bay brings big coastal energy without the tourist chaos. Just 30 miles south of San Francisco along the famous Pacific Coast Highway, this quiet town will be your new favorite. With so much to see, you’ll want to take your time. Hike through towering redwoods at Purisima Creek Preserve, walk the scenic Coastal Trail, or stay the night at the Ritz-Carlton, sitting dramatically above the cliffs. In the fall, the town turns orange for its well-known Art & Pumpkin Festival. But, no matter the season you choose to visit, Half Moon Bay invites you to slow down and stay awhile.
Arroyo Grande
Arroyo Grande mixes small-town character with coastal beauty. A perfect day-trip spot, it’s full of antique stores, family-owned cafes, and free-roaming roosters that add a bit of personality to your adventures. Walk across the Swinging Bridge, a 1911 pedestrian bridge that still sways over a leafy creek. Visit the Heritage House Museum and Gardens for your fix of local pioneer history. Thirsty? The town sits within a recognized wine region, where tasting rooms pour local reds and whites just minutes from downtown. If you're traveling with kids, Mustang Waterpark is a must-stop to cool off and catch some sun. Whether you're here for the history, the scenery, or the random rooster photo ops, Arroyo Grande is the perfect place to get lost for a day or two.
Nevada City
Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Nevada City thrives on its Gold Rush legacy without being stuck in the past. The town’s narrow streets are paired with 19th-century architecture, boutique shops, and trendy art galleries. The Miners Foundry Cultural Center provides the community with concerts and film festivals. Cool off with a dip in the Yuba River’s blue-green swimming holes or use Nevada City as a gateway to the nearby Tahoe National Forest. Don’t miss a stop at Nevada City Winery, the first bonded winery to open in Nevada County after Prohibition. Small, but mighty, Nevada City packs enough heart, history, and creative spark to leave a lasting impression.
Los Alamos
Don’t blink! Los Alamos might fly by in a flash, but you’ll be thinking about it for weeks. Just off Highway 101 in Santa Barbara County, this one-stoplight town is a hit with wine lovers and antique hunters. The seven-block stretch includes Bob’s Well Bread Bakery, several tasting rooms, and the 1880 Union Hotel, an authentic 1880s stagecoach stop. Find something one of a kind at Sisters Gift and Home, which houses six antique vendors and other unique items from Central Coast artists. There's no shortage of history here (or the smell of wood-fired sourdough). With so much packed into one short strip, Los Alamos rewrites the rulebook on how small a town can be.
Cambria
Road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Highway? You may want to hit the brakes for Cambria! This coastal village of about 5,700 has a beautiful shoreline with small-town warmth. Walk along the Moonstone Beach Boardwalk for ocean views, then explore tidepools filled with sea life. Want to learn more about the town’s history? Go ahead and take part in Cambria’s Historical Walking Tour, which begins at the eastern edge, the village’s earliest area. In town, you’ll also find art galleries and clothing boutiques. When it’s time for a break, choose from many inviting spots for coffee, wine, or craft beer. And, you won't want to miss a slice of the famous olallieberry pie at Linn's Restaurant. Whatever mood you’re in, Cambria makes it easy to unwind and enjoy the Central Coast at your own pace.
Idyllwild
Idyllwild is an artsy little village hidden in the San Jacinto Mountains. Looking for some of the most breathtaking hiking trails around? You’ll find them here! Need to wind down at a cozy cafe? Black Mountain Coffee Roasting is the perfect spot! This town brings nature and slow-paced living together in the best possible way. Spend your morning hiking the Deer Springs Trail, your afternoon at local shops and restaurants, and your evening under the stars. Need something a little more challenging adventure? Take on Tahquitz Rock (also known as Lily Rock), one of the most difficult climbs in the area. As you can see, Idyllwild provides that perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town creativity you’ll want to relive over and over again.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
If fairytales are your thing, Carmel-by-the-Sea is calling your name! This dreamy place mixes storybook cottages with a rugged coastline of white, sandy beaches. In town, you'll experience winding streets lined with boutique shops, hidden courtyards, and delicious places to eat. Visit the historic Carmel Mission Basilica for a glimpse into California’s past, or get your nature fix at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for clear ocean views and wildlife sightings. If you’re chasing waves, the Scenic Bluff Path links surf-ready Carmel Beach to the bird-rich Carmel River State Beach, with a scuba entry point. Bring a wetsuit, though. 50-degree water isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s worth every shiver!
Your Trip Through Overlooked Towns in California Starts Here
California isn’t just beaches and boardwalks; it’s also mountain hideaways, forests that feel older than time, and storybook towns that could pass for a weekend in Europe. Who said you have to cross an ocean to find a hidden spot worth bragging about? These 11 overlooked towns in California hit the mark if you want adventure without worrying about crowded areas. So, what’s the first stop on your California bucket list?
