11 Picture-Perfect Towns in California
As writer Joan Didion once said of California, “The future always looks good in the golden land because no one remembers the past.” There are plenty of places in the world that give one the time to ponder. Gray, cold, snowy places in the winter months or sweaty, humid summer climates that keep one indoors, with plenty of time to reflect on the meaning of it all. California is not one of those places. It is a place for living. The culture is all about right now. All about seizing the moment. Chasing the dream. Drinking in the sunset.
While Hollywood, San Francisco, and Orange County get all the press, we’ve identified 11 scenic towns that will have you “California dreamin’ on such a winter’s day.” Come live the dream in these gorgeous California villages and experience another side of the Golden State.
Los Alamos
Surrounded by rolling hills and ranches and located on California’s central coast is the town of Los Alamos. It is just north of Solvang and a few towns south of Pismo Beach. Bell Street is the main road through the historic district and is about as Old Western a town as one will find in the area. Founded in 1876, the town is rich in period architecture. The Union Hotel, built in 1880 is one of the historical gems, worth visiting or booking a room at. The Victorian mansion has six themed suites and exceptional views. In September, the annual Los Alamos Old Days festival includes a parade, good food, a car show, arts and crafts and various Old Western themed cultural displays. Be sure to check out the Melville Vineyards and Winery and grab a bite at Bell’s, a French bistro that boasts a Michelin Star.
Ferndale
One hundred miles south of the Oregon border is the beautiful town of Ferndale, located on the redwood coast. Half the fun in the visit is getting to Ferndale, as the drive features some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. The town itself has an old-fashioned vibe. This is best experienced at Golden Gait Mercantile, a general store from yesteryear that’s not only still in operation but is actually the main store for locals. The downtown offers street after street of lovely Victorian-style homes. Nearby Centerville Beach County Park hosts some pleasing, secluded beaches and just a short jaunt outside of town will land one in Russ Park, a dense forest of redwoods and spruce that offers exceptional opportunities for birding.
Aptos
North of Carmel-by-the-Sea, part of Monterey Bay and southwest of San Jose is the coastal town of Aptos. The views of Monterey Bay from this sleepy beach village are breathtaking. Upon arrival, one’s eyes are met with forests, white sand beaches and rolling hills. The town is made up of several charming villages including Seacliff, Cabrillo, Seascape, Rio del Mar, and Aptos Village. Despite being a college town, Aptos doesn’t have an official downtown, however there are quaint shopping areas to frequent. Besides all the typical beach activities in this town, one unique landmark to see is the WWI ship SS Palo Alto, which was a concrete ship that originally served as an oil tanker, until it was grounded in 1929 and the wreckage is viewable from the pier. Pleasant Valley Vineyards offers good wine tasting and Café Sparrow, located in the old Post Office and general store offers some delicious cuisine.
Paso Robles
In the heart of wine country, the delightful town of Paso Robles is surrounded by wineries and hot springs. The pedestrian friendly downtown is full of art galleries, tasting rooms and shops. Studios in the Park, Reminisce Village of Shops and the General Store are the ones not to miss. Taste in the Alley and Paso Underground offer excellent wines and an appealing atmosphere. Downtown City Park is at the center of things and offers an attractive green space and gazebo. Throughout the year there are some appealing festivals including the Paso Robles Wine festival, Farmer’s Market, Olive Oil Festival, Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, and the Summer Concert series. The downtown has period buildings from the 1800s, such as the Acorn Building that was completely rebuilt following the San Simeon Earthquake in 2007 and the El Paso de Robles Hotel.
Mendocino
Just three hours north of San Francisco is the tranquil coastal town of Mendocino. One can look out to the west at the blue waters of the pacific and the cresting waves that crash on the rugged beaches and turn around to see the enigmatic redwood forest, so dense and towering, these trees are nature’s skyscrapers. The downtown is an artist’s paradise with inspiring historical landmarks, classic Victorian homes mixed with all kinds of unique architecture. The 19th century Ford House is a must. Just north of town one will find some of the most spectacular coastline in Russian Gulch State Park and the early 1900s Point Cabrillo Light Station.
Avalon
Located off the coast of Los Angeles is the island of Catalina and the town of Avalon. Accessible by ferry, private boat or chopper, the town is hopping in the summer, but slows down for the rest of the year. The Catalina Island Casino is a white, art deco building, which glistens in the sun. It is arguably the most iconic landmark on the island. The architecture of the town will have one feeling like they’ve landed in some quaint European seaside village. Everywhere one looks is another spectacular vista and sweeping view of the Pacific. There’s world-class scuba and snorkeling to explore. The former Wrigley mansion, now known as the Mt. Ada bed and breakfast offers some period architecture and is perhaps the nicest place to stay on the island.
Ojai
Northwest of Los Angeles, Ojai is a small town in Ventura County. The town provides an escape from the big city and allows one to reconnect with nature. Meditation Mountain is a nonprofit center for education and offers exceptional views of the valley. Ojai has something to offer all year round, but if one is visiting in the fall or winter, be sure to stay for sunset and experience what locals call the “pink moment.” At sunset, when looking east at the Topa topa mountains, if one is lucky, the mountains will be cast in a pinkish glow, which is entirely unique to the region. The Ojai Land Conservancy is the place for nature lovers to discover some of the prettiest vistas in the area and see the local wildlife.
Pismo Beach
Enjoy the scenic drive-up Pacific Coast Highway to the town of Pismo Beach. The town is known for its immaculate beaches and plentiful wineries. The iconic Pismo Pier is a necessity, especially since it has been recently renovated. This is a great spot to take a selfie and make all of one’s social media followers envious. If visiting between October and February stop in at Monarch Butterfly Grove where an average of 25,000 butterflies regularly migrate here to escape colder weather elsewhere. Explore Pismo’s dunes via horseback or ATV. There’s even a freshwater lagoon to investigate. Price Historical Park offers visitors a chance to see the ranch home of John Price, built in the late 1800s, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Capitola
The small seaside village of Capitola is part of Santa Cruz County and is just north of Monterey Bay. From the village one can see the beach and the stunning views of the bay and nearby Soquel Creek. Since 1874 Capitola has been a resort destination, in fact it was the first beach resort in California. The Hotel Capitola, built in the late 1800s was a wood-frame Victorian hotel with design nods to the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego and the Cliff House in San Francisco. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1929. However, it inspired the colorful shops, restaurants and homes seen today. Capitol Beach is the place to play, whether one fancies surfing, swimming, or paddle boarding. Be sure to check in at the Capitola Historical Museum to learn more about the town’s history.
St. Helena
Enveloped by rolling hills and centered in the Napa Valley, the charming little town of St. Helena is known for its natural beauty and world-class vineyards. Everywhere one looks are fertile hills and sprawling, rich vineyards. Some of the most notable wineries in the area are Charles Krug, V. Sattui and Beringer. The latter is a noted historic landmark and is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. The Rine House is a Victorian mansion that is part of the vineyard and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a walk down the tree-lined streets of the quaint downtown and delight in the restaurants and shops. One place to visit is Culinary Institute of America, housed in a historic stone building and offering a first-rate restaurant.
Half Moon Bay
The town of Half Moon Bay is a true delight and a quiet reprieve from one’s busy life. The natural beauty invites ones to slow down and find joy in the simple things. The secluded downtown with its period architecture is full of charms around every corner. The town is abundant in verdant landscapes, rugged seaside cliffs, sparkling beaches and is close to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve with its rambling trails and mighty redwoods. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse, built in 1871 is a noteworthy landmark and besides the sweeping ocean views, it offers a study into the maritime history of the region.
Picture-Perfect Towns
Are you dreaming yet? From the Pacific to the gentle green hills of wine country to the mighty, ancient redwoods, there is so much natural beauty in the state of California. It has the best weather; the best economy of any US state and it is the most populace. There’s simply no place like the Golden State. Come seize your moment in these 11 picturesque towns.
