11 Most Underrated Towns In Northern California
An underrated town is somewhere that people don't initially think of as a hotspot, but it typically offers some of the greatest hidden gems and experiences that make traveling there worthwhile. Northern California is home to many quaint, underrated towns that are a close proximity to some of the world's most iconic natural wonders. Home to California’s Gold Rush, redwoods and coastal shores, the small towns of Northern California mix historic experiences with modern, outdoor environments.
Ferndale
This Victorian village, Ferndale, offers small-town charm with a blend of Humboldt County culture and old-school Americana, set in an historic dairy town. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Redwoods National Park, home to some of the tallest trees in the world. The area combines scenic small-town views with rugged forests and outdoor activities, making it an ideal getaway. Stroll through the historic Main Street's charming shops and enjoy a meal at one of the many diverse dining options in Guy Fieri’s hometown. Known for its Victorian architecture and relaxed, farm-to-table lifestyle, Ferndale ranks among Northern California's top destinations.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg, in Northern California's Mendocino County, is a cozy town with a population of fewer than 7,000. This charming city, situated on the scenic Shoreline Highway, offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can visit the iconic Glass Beach, explore the wetlands and dunes of MacKerricher State Park, or stroll through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. The city's climate remains moderate year-round, making outdoor pursuits enjoyable no matter the season. This picturesque destination is perfect for those who love the outdoors and seek unique experiences.
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay, situated on the San Mateo County Coastline, boasts some of Northern California's most stunning coastlines and beaches. Whether you're surfing, sailing, or exploring the waters where gray whales delight, this small harbor town is a hidden haven for water sports and rich marine biodiversity. Stroll along historic Main Street, lined with eateries, boutique shops, and vibrant arts venues. Dressing in a swimsuit and wandering through the town is a must for visitors to Northern California. Renowned for its pristine beaches and coastal waters, Half Moon Bay blends a deep historical background with a laid-back beach atmosphere, making it one of the most relaxing sunshine coast escapes.
Eureka
Eureka in Northern California is the perfect vacation spot for anyone looking for a small-town adventure. This charming town is centered around Old Town and the waterfront, which is one of the best-preserved downtown areas in California. The downtown features multiple unique restaurants, shops owned by passionate locals, and colorful murals that reflect the community's history. Take a cruise on the Madaket and enjoy views of over 150 Victorian-era buildings that seem frozen in time from the waterfront, where visitors can fish for crab or seafood fresh off the boat. Eureka is one of the most captivating small towns in Northern California, known for its historic downtown and waterfront lifestyle, making it a must-see experience for travelers heading to the West Coast.
Sonoma
Laid back living describes the Northern California small town of Sonoma. In the heart of Sonoma Valley, the town of Sonoma valley is accessed by two lane highways and local roads, kicking off the trip with a relaxing cruise with scenic views of luscious and abundant farmlands. Spend some time at the downtown plaza that is an oasis of shops and historic sites before hopping on the 1890s style cable car called the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which offers field trips to multiple wineries and landmarks across the town. Experience the relaxation of a welcoming small town environment and explore the great outdoors with farm to table goodness in Sonoma, one of the best California getaways available.
Capitola
Capitola started as a tent camp along Monterey Bay and grew into a charming resort town nestled in the hills along Soquel Creek. It exudes a romantic atmosphere with its colorful wooden buildings and inviting restaurants, offering an authentic Santa Cruz vibe. Visitors can relax in Esplanade Park, take a swim at Capitola Beach, and then explore the village adorned with bright flowers, cheerful bungalows, and lively murals. Whether building sandcastles or jogging along the coast, the town’s stunning beaches, historic charm, and vibrant homes set against the backdrop of palm trees and surf make Capitola a must-see destination in Northern California.
Sierra City
Sierra City was developed as a direct result of the discovery and search for gold in Northern California. Today, the old mining town is known for its outdoor beauty, natural environments and epic wilderness. A hotspot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the area is famous for its mountains that brought many explorers to the area and became tunnels over time. Explore the history of this mining town at the Sierra Buttes Mine which was the second most successful gold mine in Sierra County and active for 80 years. The mine attracted individuals from far and wide and still brings visitors to the area for its interesting and captivating tours. Sierra City holds some of the most important history of California’s gold rush and is one of the greatest small town vacations to take in Northern California.
Grass Valley
Grass Valley is a small town located in the heart of the historic Gold Country in Northern California. The mines in Grass Valley make it the richest of all the mining towns and one of the most interesting to explore. Empire Mine State Park was one of the richest hard rock mines in the entire state of California, but this small town offers much more than a gold miner’s experience. It is steeped in old Nevada Americana style and harks back to the Old West. This Western-style getaway is perfect for horseback riding and outdoor adventures. Redwoods, diverse wildlife, and epic hikes along the mountaintops provide unbeatable views of the Nevada landscape in Northern California, making Grass Valley one of the best places to vacation.
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is located in Siskiyou County, and Native Americans believe the mountain is one of the most sacred sites in the world, as it is thought to be the home of the creator. It is a monolithic mountain surrounded by communities of new age beliefs, making it a magical place to visit. Check out the unique lenticular clouds in the area, caused by wind passing over the mountains. A small town with plenty of shops and restaurants, Mount Shasta in Siskiyou County offers one of the most captivating and spiritually uplifting experiences for any traveler. Immerse yourself in the mystic mountains and explore the new age vibe of this charming town during a trip to Mount Shasta in Northern California.
Auburn
Auburn is a small town on the west side of the Sierra Nevada that hosts the challenging and iconic 100-mile Western States trail running race. Known for its glowing old American marquees along storefronts on the way to and from Lake Tahoe, Auburn is worth sticking around. The town has a lively wine country, craft and microbreweries, and a charming main street with many specialty boutiques. The area offers some of the best outdoor experiences, with white water rafting on the American River topping many tourists' bucket lists. As one of the most unique spots on the West Coast for hiking trails and white water rafting, Auburn is a small town that travelers heading to Northern California shouldn’t miss.
Sutter Creek
Sutter Creek is a small mining town in Northern California known for being the location where the first Mother Lode of gold was discovered in 1848. The small town of Sutter Creek holds a rich history of mining along the creek and a modern experience where the mines are now wineries which have become famous for its red Zinfandels. Walk down Main Street with a homemade ice cream cone and check out the old architecture of the wild west. Visit the Sutter Creek Historic Knight Foundry, America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop. A true time warp, the tour through the foundry offers up close views of historic machinery and specialized equipment still in place from when it was established in 1873. Sutter Creek is one of Northern California’s greatest small towns to visit for its wineries, wild west architecture and historic landmarks like the machine shop Knight Foundry.
Conclusion
Northern California is home to many settlements from the Gold Rush and along the coastlines making for some of the most historic small towns across the United States. The small towns in Northern California offer everything from seaside surfing adventures to outdoor hiking among tall, California redwoods. Each city hosts a unique set of old West or Victorian architecture and the bed and breakfasts in the area are worth visiting for any tourist. Visiting these small towns in Northern California offer the best experiences for a friendly, small town ambiance filled with thrilling adventure.
