12 Best Small Towns to Visit in Northern California
Northern California’s small towns deliver the kind of day that feels naturally full, with a river swim, a redwood walk, and a meal you’ll remember. Guerneville pairs lazy hours on the Russian River with the hush of Armstrong Redwoods, where massive trunks rise like cathedral columns. In Bodega Bay, blufftop views at Bodega Head lead straight to beach walks and seafood served close to the working docks. Across these 12 stops, the magic is how close everything is, from scenic trails and historic corners to waterfront sunsets that turn a simple detour into the highlight of a trip.
Guerneville
Found near the winding Russian River is the former logging town of Guerneville. With a population below 5,000 and its quirky, off-beat atmosphere, Guerneville makes for a great Sonoma County retreat. Guerneville’s Main Street is quintessential Americana and has great places to dine on some excellent eats. There are a lot of quality restaurants there like Boon Eat + Drink and several other cozy spots along Main Street serving excellent Sonoma County fare. The ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s is a fantastic destination as well! Guerneville is known for its inclusivity; the Rainbow Cattle Company is a queer-friendly saloon space that serves a great margarita and is a must-visit in the area. The nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, a conservation home of the titanic redwoods, is the perfect place to take a stroll.
Bodega Bay
Roughly half an hour north by car from Guerneville, the quaint and delightful Bodega Bay sits along the coast and is a must-see. Visitors love the town’s great ocean views and Doran Beach which is beautiful. Additionally, you can even sign up for horseback trail rides along the sand. If you are lucky, you might even be able to spot a migratory whale or two as they pass by en route to their breeding grounds. Northern California is known for its hiking, and the Bodega Head Trail and Doran Regional Park are excellent for that purpose. One of the biggest Bodega Bay attractions is the Children’s Bell Tower which features 140 differently-sized bells, or the Sonoma Coast Vineyards for some famed California vintage.
Tahoe City
Perched along the shores of the ever-popular Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, the quaint mountain town of Tahoe City is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. With the lake and mountain nearby, there are nearly endless amounts of sports and activities within arms reach here. Not to worry, there is plenty else to do as well beyond working up a sweat. Grab a bite at the Fire Sign Cafe or the River Grill located by the scenic Truckee River. The lake-view boardwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll while the high-flying Tahoe Treetop Adventure Park will definitely appeal to adrenaline junkies. The North Tahoe Arts studio offers arts classes or carve the slopes at Granlibakken Tahoe Ski Area if you are so inclined. It is hard to go wrong at Tahoe City.
Eureka
Northern California has always been known for marching to the beat of its own drum. Well, Eureka is as unique and out-of-the-ordinary as they come. A little on the larger side, this town has lost none of its charm in the process. Eureka has wonderful architecture including The Pink Lady, an ornate Queen Anne Victorian home, the Carson Mansion, and the many storefronts along the town’s main street. Kayaking on Humboldt Bay with local outfitters offers a wonderful view of the working harbor and surrounding wildlife. The town is also located only 40 minutes from the Redwood State and National Parks, replete with towering redwood sentinels and the restorative, clean air Northern California’s forests are known for.
Jenner
The little-known town of Jenner has less than 200 permanent residents but packs plenty of punch in terms of activities and attractions. Try the clam chowder at Café Aquatica for a quick but delicious bite. For a more formal meal, the oysters at River’s End are well-received. Jenner comes complete with three amazing beaches to choose from: Jenner, Goat Rock, and Blind, and there is plenty of excellent hiking to be done as well such as the Kortum Trail and the Jenner Headlands Preserve. Remember to visit Fort Ross State Historic Park which has 3,400 acres of wilderness and an Russian-era fort!
Half Moon Bay
The coastal city of Half Moon Bay is roughly 25 miles south of San Francisco. More than just another beach town, Half Moon Bay is known for its lovely downtown and its perennial bumper crop of seasonal events. Just south of downtown, the famous Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a pricey but undoubtedly classy place for a meal, and a drink at the Ocean Terrace bar is always a good choice. Whale watching is a popular activity in Half Moon Bay as you can sometimes spot some of the 15,000 Gray whales as they pass to Mexico. The Half Moon Bay Brewing Company has plenty of tasty craft brews on tap for beer connoiseurs. If you visit in October, the annual pumpkin festival is absolutely delightful.
Capitola
About an hour’s drive from Half Moon Bay, Capitola is a surfing town with a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of personality. Though often compared to the nearby city of Santa Cruz, Capitola far outshines its larger cousin to those in the know. Capitola is dripping with charm and flavor. Literally. Polar Bear Ice Cream or Yogurtland Capitola have delicious ice-cold treats, while Zelda’s on the Beach is a fine place for a meal scored by live music. A visit to Capitola would not be complete without a stroll by the gorgeous pastel house and a visit to at least one of Capitola’s three beaches and a day of lazing by the glittering Pacific Ocean.
Monterey
Widely regarded as one of the premier seaside towns in Northern California, the former fishing village of Monterey has evolved into one of the most sought-after destinations within the state. John Steinbeck, who was raised in the northern agricultural town of Salinas, drew inspiration for his novel 'Cannery Row' from this area of downtown Monterey. The seafood here is exceptional, and visitors will not be disappointed with the catch of the day at establishments such as Schooners Monterey or The Sardine Factory. Animal enthusiasts are advised to acquire tickets for a whale-watching tour departing from Fisherman’s Wharf or to visit nearby Pacific Grove’s Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where docents from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History assist visitors in observing overwintering monarch butterflies.
Mariposa
The name 'Mariposa' signifies 'butterfly' in Spanish. The charming town of Mariposa is situated in the foothills of the magnificent Sierra Nevada range. Historically, this Gold Rush town was named after the numerous Monarch butterflies observed by explorers. The town annually hosts the Mariposa Butterfly Festival on the first weekend of May. Visitors are encouraged to explore the State Mining Museum to deepen their understanding of the town’s mining heritage or to enjoy local wines at the Casto Oaks tasting room located in the historic downtown area. Additionally, the renowned Mariposa Symphony Orchestra performs classical music outdoors, offering a distinguished cultural experience.
Crescent City
Approximately a six-hour drive from San Francisco, Crescent City is predominantly recognized as a transit point for travelers traveling between California and Oregon. There are numerous attractions and activities available in the area, including the Tolowa Dunes, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park—which is home to ancient sentinel Redwoods—and the Battery Point Lighthouse & St. George Reef Lighthouse, which are open for tours depending on the time of visit. The redwood forests surrounding Crescent City have also served as filming locations for cinematic productions such as "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi" and "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."
Trinidad
The town of Trinidad is a picturesque little town just over an hour south of Crescent City with a population below 400 roughly 1.5 hours south of the Oregon border. Often underrated, Trinidad is not and will never be a tourist trap, meaning it is the perfect place to relax and get away from it all. The town is far from the light pollution of California’s major cities, making it perfect for stargazing. You could easily spend the day beachcombing at Moonstone Beach or trekking through the Trinidad Headland Trail. Trinidad Rocks has some of the most diverse colonies of seabirds in the state. Last but not least, just over half an hour north of Trinidad are Redwood National and State Parks, which are home to some of the tallest trees on Earth.
Fort Bragg
The beach at Fort Bragg is widely recognized. Historically, the coastal city of Fort Bragg contained a disposal site along the shoreline where refuse, notably glass, was deposited. Over time, the persistent action of tides transformed this colorful glass into smooth, small stones, rendering the beach one of the most distinctive globally. After visiting Glass Beach, it is recommended to explore the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, renowned for their exceptional beauty within the state. Additionally, biking along the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail offers an opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful sunset vistas.
It is evident that California possesses a sufficiently extensive territory to exhibit two distinct personalities. The glamour and sophistication of Hollywood in the southern region sharply contrast with the more subdued ambiance of Northern California’s historic beatnik and hippie communities. Visitors may stroll among the majestic redwoods and wander along the picturesque beaches of Northern California’s coastal towns. Numerous lesser-known regions within the Golden State await exploration, and there is no more appropriate starting point than its quaint small towns.
