11 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In California

As the United States’ most populous state, and as the third-largest state in land mass, California offers a lot of options for trips, including some fascinating and eccentric towns throughout the state. Try roaming a beach that’s anchored by a 576 foot-tall volcanic plug, or go hunting for original art and vintage records high in the mountains. Float down a river in the middle of a redwood forest, or hike through a stunning coastal forest with some of North America’s rarest trees. Oh, and did we mention there’s even a town modeled after a traditional Danish village that makes world-class wines?

Whether you’re up for some wildly mind-bending adventures, or you’d simply like to wind down in a uniquely relaxing environment, try one of these 11 most eccentric towns in California to do something different for your next trip.

Eureka

Eureka may be the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland (Oregon), yet it still looks and feels like a cozy, small town full of historic architecture and great, leafy forests. Speaking of forests, no trip to Eureka feels complete without doing the Redwood Sky Walk, the Western United States’ longest sky walk, set some 100 feet above the forest floor full of second-growth mature redwoods. For even more quality time in the forest, head over to McKay Community Forest for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in this unique community park and sustainable timber resource.

If you’re still feeling adventurous, return to town and try a trip back in time with a stop at the Clarke Historical Museum, housed in a beautifully preserved 1911 Victorian-style bank building and chock-full of fascinating artifacts from Humboldt County’s illustrious past. Also, check out the Morris Graves Museum of Art to dive into the colorful cultural heritage of California’s North Coast. And for something extra special, check into The Pinc, an iconically pink 1889 Queen Anne manor that’s now a lovely boutique bed-and-breakfast.

South Lake Tahoe

Located about 103 miles east of Sacramento and 72 miles southwest of Reno (Nevada), South Lake Tahoe may be best known for the glitzy casinos located just across the Nevada state line, but there’s much more to this California town beyond the bright casino lights. For one, this town anchors the southern shores of Lake Tahoe, and perhaps Tahoe’s most gorgeous stretch of shore lies a short drive west at Emerald Bay State Park. While here, sail out to the remote Fannette Island, hike to the Vikingsholm castle, or simply marvel at the amazing views from the overlook. Or, if you fancy an easy-breezy day at the beach, stop at the nearby Baldwin Beach for a pleasant stretch of sand and a sweet spot for swimming and paddling.

While many consider Emerald Bay the crown jewel of Tahoe’s south shore, there’s another amazing hidden gem awaiting your discovery at Mount Tallac, where you can hike and enjoy the incredible panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Big Lake Tahoe, and smaller Fallen Leaf Lake. There’s even more to see and do by the state line at Heavenly Resort, one of Tahoe’s premier ski areas that also offers activities like ziplining, rock climbing, tubing, and a mountain coaster during the summer season. And for even more fun and games, head up to Angora Lakes Resort for a vintage 1920s property hidden deep in the wilderness with lovely lodges and ample opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, paddling, and so much more.

Guerneville

Sonoma County may be at the heart of Northern California’s wine country, but the funky village of Guerneville showcases another side of wine country that ditches the caviar and Champagne flutes in favor of inner tubes and hiking boots. Yes, really, you can hike the verdant temperate rainforest at Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve and roam amidst coastal redwoods that tower over 200 feet above the forest floor. Yet if you prefer a more relaxing kind of forest sojourn, head to Johnson’s Beach in town to float on the Russian River and relax on the beach.

Since Guerneville is part of the Russian River Valley wine region, you can head out with a designated driver to sample some great local wines at Porter-Bass Vineyard (available by appointment), or stay in town and enjoy some good wines for a great cause at Equality Vines. Finally, you can feast on some fantastic chef-driven cuisine at Boon Eat + Drink, and you can check into Boon’s own hotel for a special local twist on Sonoma wine country hospitality.

Capitola

Nestled on the northern shores of Monterey Bay, about 77 miles south of San Francisco, Capitola is a uniquely colorful beach town that you must see to believe. Start at Capitola Beach, where you can catch a glimpse of the historic (as in, 100-year-old) Venetian-style cottages that now shine bright with their iconic pastel colors, and the calm water here makes this beach a nice spot for boogie boarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and surfing lessons. And if you’d like some more challenging waves for surfing, head down to the aptly named Pleasure Point. (Even if you’re not a surfer, it’s worth stopping here for the gorgeous views.)

As California’s oldest beach resort town, there’s a lot to explore at the Capitola Historical Museum, including a furnished 1907 beach cottage and an early 20th-century bathhouse. For a hearty and tasty throwback, book a table at Shadowbrook to dine at this restaurant that’s been serving fine seafood, pastas, and steaks at an idyllic manor by Soquel Creek since 1947. And for an extra special splurge, do a stay at the Inn at Depot Hill, a former train station that’s now a lovingly restored historic landmark and a boutique luxury hotel offering the finest accommodations in town.

Mammoth Lakes

Where can you find some of California’s finest ski slopes, one of the state’s most gorgeous alpine lakes, craters full of emerald-hued water, and even a mysterious ghost town? Try Mammoth Lakes, a dazzling resort town high in the Sierra Nevadas. If you’re up for more of a road trip, drive north from town to reach Bodie State Historic Park, a historic mining town that briefly enjoyed prosperity during its 1870s gold rush, yet now stands as an eerie reminder of Mono County’s rugged past. For a dramatic change of scenery, turn south to reach June Lake Beach, perhaps California’s most beautiful freshwater beach that’s picture-perfect for swimming, paddling, and windsurfing.

Back in town, stop at the Inyo Craters to see the site of a natural explosion that occurred some 600 years ago, an explosion that left behind these craters where melted snow and rain water create their scenic emerald pools. And since you’re in Mammoth, it’s also a good idea to spend some quality time at Mammoth Mountain, a year-round destination for all sorts of outdoor excursions, including biking, climbing, tubing, and archery during the summer season, and skiing and snowboarding during winter. Whenever you come to Mammoth, check into Sierra Meadows Ranch for an authentic working horse ranch that also offers charming, cozy cabins with incredible mountain views.

Morro Bay

About 139 miles west of Bakersfield, you will find one of California’s most iconic natural landmarks in Morro Bay. Go to Morro Rock Beach to get the best view of the 576-foot-tall Morro Rock that formed from the plug of volcanoes some 23 million years ago, and stay for one of the area’s best surfing beaches. To get to know more of Morro Bay’s backstory, pop over to Morro Bay Maritime Museum to tour multiple vintage ships and aquatic vessels, hop on board an authentic (retired) rescue boat, and find plenty more interactive exhibits.

If you like to see wildlife out in the wild, you might fall in love with the Heron Rookery Natural Preserve at Morro Bay State Park, a prime spot to find birds like Great Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, and Black Crowned Night Herons in their natural habitat. For more opportunities to explore on dry land, hit the Black Hill Trail to hike another of San Luis Obispo County’s “Nine Sisters” volcanic peaks and enjoy the panoramic coastal and woodland views from above. After a long day exploring on dry land or at the sea, treat yourself to a nice stay at Anderson Inn, a posh waterfront hotel offering elegance, comfort, and wonderful views of the ocean and Morro Rock.

Solvang

Though California is a long way away from the Northern European nation of Denmark, you can find a slice of Danish-style life in the charming village of Solvang, about 35 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. Explore the town’s Danish heritage at the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, and stop at the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to learn more about the famed Danish author behind such classic fairy tales like The Little Mermaid and The Emperor’s New Clothes. While at the Andersen Museum, also take some time to peruse the connected Book Loft bookstore.

For a truly fascinating juxtaposition of Solvang Danish culture and Spanish Colonial era California history, check out the Solvang Windmill, and walk over to Old Mission Santa Inés to tour this 1804 institution that continues to serve the community as an active Catholic church. Over the years, Solvang and the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley have become world-famous for their wines, and the Hitching Post is a great place to try some award-winning wines and feast on some California-style barbecue. In addition, you can check into The Landsby to enjoy Scandinavian-style design and hospitality dressed up with wine country luxury. Also, they have their own delectable restaurant at Mad & Vin.

Laguna Beach

Is it an artists’ village? Is it a chill beach town? Is it a luxury resort destination? Actually, yes, Laguna Beach is all of these and more, and it’s ideally located on the Orange County coast about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. During the summer season, Laguna showcases its local artist community at the Sawdust Festival and the Festival of Arts, the latter of which also offers the nighttime Pageant of the Masters, where famous works of visual art magically come to life with unique tableaux vivant performances. Year-round, Laguna Art Museum has a surprisingly extensive collection of classic and contemporary works by California artists.

Along the coast, Laguna Beach has some seven miles of beautiful beaches, and possibly the most gorgeous beaches anywhere can be found at Treasure Island Beach, an exotic-feeling beach area offering prime conditions for swimming and snorkeling at Goff Cove. And just steps away from this beach, you will find Orange County’s premier luxury resort at the Montage Laguna Beach, an elegant oasis featuring the relaxing Spa Montage, the delectable Studio Mediterranean and Loft restaurants, and a posh selection of rooms, suites, and even residential-sized villas.

Idyllwild

Situated high in the San Jacinto Mountains, about 47 miles west of Palm Springs, Idyllwild is a curiously artsy mountain town that offers a cool respite from the scorching desert below. Dive deep into the local arts scene and indigenous culture at the Idyllwild Arts Academy, which now includes the Native American Arts Center that’s dedicated to preserving the creative and independent spirit of local indigenous communities. To find even more amazing works by local artists, stop at the eco-conscious Golden Pine Gallery. And for a very special local treasure chest, head over to Hunky Dory Records, a phenomenal record shop with an extensive collection of new and used vinyl and CDs, along with books, clothes, stickers, turntables, and even skateboards.

While there’s plenty to see and do in town, there’s nothing quite like a long hike (or an easier walk) at Mount San Jacinto State Park, a 14,000-acre mountain preserve with 50 miles of trails offering adventures for hikers at all levels, along with the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway that offers car-free rides down the mountain to the Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, back in Idyllwild, The Pinetree provides a warm and welcoming mountain sanctuary with private cabins and a host of wellness amenities (including a sauna, cold plunge tubs, and a yoga studio).

Julian

It’s an old saying that when something exudes classic Americana vibes, it’s “as American as apple pie.” Yet in the Southern California mountain town of Julian, they take this old saying to new heights. Only about 63 miles northeast of San Diego, you can go to Mom’s Pie House and get in line to get one of their famous apple pies. Or, if you’re in town during the autumn harvest season, sign up for an apple tour at Julian Farm & Orchard, where you will have the chance to pick your own apples fresh from the trees. And when you can use some adult beverages for refreshment, stop at Nickel Beer Co. and try their Julian Apple Pie Ale, a fascinatingly tasty beer-cider hybrid made with local apples.

For a little change of scenery, head over to Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve and hike, bike, or ride a horse to the summit while taking in panoramic views from the Colorado Desert to the Pacific Ocean. Then, make your way to Wikiup Hummingbird Hotel, a tranquil mountain lodge with its own llama sanctuary on site!

Del Mar

Only about 21 miles north of Downtown San Diego, discover a beach town with a world-famous equestrian scene, some of the United States’ rarest pine trees, and a quaint oasis of quiet luxury in Del Mar. At the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (also known as Del Mar Racetrack) and Del Mar Fairgrounds, catch some of California’s most exciting horse races during the summer and fall seasons, along with a host of special events year-round. And for more equestrian activities year-round, head a little way inland to Del Mar Horse Park for competitions, exhibitions, and additional events.

If you’re looking to connect with nature in the wild, go south to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve to hike the trails amidst groves of wind-sculpted Torrey pines and by striking sandstone rock formations, and head down to Torrey Pines State Beach to enjoy a rustically beautiful stretch of Pacific coast for swimming, surfing, geocaching, and ocean fishing. From there, return to town and settle down at L’Auberge Del Mar, a “dream home by the sea” at the heart of Del Mar’s central coastal village and the home of the delectable Adelaide restaurant and Lyric Coffee house.

These California Towns Are Eccentric, and They’re Excellent Picks for Your Next Trip

While California provides a multitude of options for more conventional and traditional vacations, the Golden State really shines in these eccentric towns offering different ways to seek excitement or respite. Hit South Lake Tahoe for some of the most beautiful beaches along one of North America’s most famous lakes, or go to Guerneville to indulge in world-class wines and do an easy float on the Russian River. For even more fine wines, go to Solvang and soak up the cool Danish vibes while there. For ocean beaches that look like fine art, try the storied shores of Laguna Beach, and stick around to discover plenty of amazing local art. And when you’re ready to take a bite of California’s freshest bounty, head to Julian and enjoy some of the best apple pie you will find this far south.

No matter how weird you want to get during your trip, these eccentric towns across California will let you have so much fun while doing it.