12 Small Towns In California To Visit For A Weekend Getaway
The Golden State of California shines bright with several illustrious major cities, like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, that have established themselves as critical cornerstones of the United States economy. Yet, at the same time, California has numerous smaller towns that go big when it comes to natural beauty, exciting adventures, and soothing wellness.
In one corner of the state, visitors can explore a potentially active volcano. In another, one can sip and savor some of the world’s finest wines. And in yet another, one can enjoy a magnificent artists’ village perched by the Pacific Ocean. For anyone curious to see more, here are 12 small towns in California to visit for a weekend getaway in 2025.
Dunsmuir
At the southern end of the Cascade Range is the Northern California town of Dunsmuir, bursting with epic natural beauty. A short drive north of town lies Mount Shasta, the 14,179-foot stratovolcano that towers over the region. During the winter months, Mt. Shasta Ski Park welcomes visitors to its storied slopes. Or, for a fascinating change in scenery, Castle Crags State Park stretches some 4,350 acres, features 28 miles of hiking trails across a vast wilderness full of granite spires, and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail that extends the length of the United States, from the Canadian border in the north to Mexico in the south.
A more chill outing near town can be found at Castle Lake, a gorgeous glacial lake that’s picture-perfect for swimming and paddling in summer, and ice fishing during the winter months. In addition, Hedge Creek Falls is a lovely place to stop and admire a dramatic waterfall that eventually flows to the Sacramento River. Whatever one decides to do around Dunsmuir, it’s always a great idea to stay at The Angler Lodge, a laid-back boutique inn featuring renovated rooms and suites with everything anyone needs to feel right at home.
Arcata
Perched by Humboldt Bay on California’s North Coast is Arcata, the “Hippie Haven” that keeps the spirit of the 1960s alive with its eclectic, sustainable, and all-around groovy vibes. For an extensive walk in the woods, Arcata Community Forest is a 790-acre redwood preserve just blocks from downtown with trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Then, there’s Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, the city’s wastewater treatment facility that doubles as a riparian habitat preserve that regularly hosts over 300 bird species. And for those seeking a breezy beach day, it’s a short drive to Ma-le’l Dunes of Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a gorgeous spot for hiking, dog walking, and horseback riding by the sea.
Back in town, there’s plenty more to experience, including Jacoby's Storehouse, an 1857 structure that survived a massive fire in 1875 and now hosts various cool restaurants and boutiques. From there, it’s a lovely journey to the Front Porch Inn, a unique inn with a funky collection of suites and cabins, along with an outdoor spa that must be experienced to be believed.
Kings Beach
Situated right by the Nevada state line on the north shore of Lake Tahoe is Kings Beach, a perfectly pleasant year-round oasis in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nearby is North Tahoe Regional Park, a family-friendly place for easygoing sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter, and a treetop adventure course in summer. For a more thrilling expedition, one can try a hike on the Martis Peak Trail and enjoy panoramic views of the Tahoe Basin from the top, or continue on to the larger Tahoe Rim Trail.
Meanwhile, Northstar California is an amazing oasis for skiers and snowboarders with 100 trails across 3,170 acres offering up to 2,280 feet of vertical drop. For a delectable dinner any time of year, Soule Domain is a fantastic spot for creative California cuisine. And back near Northstar, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, is the region’s premier luxury resort with everything one needs for a posh Tahoe getaway.
Healdsburg
West of Sacramento is Healdsburg, perhaps the friendliest and prettiest wine country town in Sonoma County. Since it sits at the junction of three wine-growing areas, namely the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley, this is the ideal place to taste some world-class Sonoma wines. In particular, Rodney Strong Vineyards specializes in sustainably grown Chardonnays and Cabernet Sauvignons, and Mill Creek Vineyards is another family-run winery that crafts highly acclaimed Chardonnays, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and Zinfandels, among others.
For those who have a hard time choosing between wineries to visit and who simply want to taste a wide variety of wines in a really cool environment, LIOCO delivers with a European-style tasting room that spins records and offers personalized experiences. For fine dining, SingleThread is a Michelin three-star restaurant serving up incredible cuisine featuring ingredients grown on their own farm. And for the ultimate Sonoma Wine Country experience, guests can check into the Montage Healdsburg and enjoy an elegant resort set amidst working vineyards with graciously appointed rooms and suites.
Stinson Beach
Only about 24 miles north of San Francisco, travelers can escape the big city hustle and bustle and retreat to the expansive, pristine coastline of Stinson Beach. At the heart of this community is Stinson Beach itself, a long stretch of white sand and Pacific Ocean shoreline that’s one of Northern California’s best wintertime places for surfing and windsurfing. Just to the south, Red Rock Beach is a secluded option for those seeking fewer crowds and more rugged coastal scenery. And shifting inland, Mount Tamalpais State Park has some 6,300 acres of redwood groves, oak woodlands, and trails that feature spectacular panoramic Bay Area views.
After a busy day surfing at the beach or hiking through the hills, one can settle down to a satisfying meal of casual California coastal cuisine at Parkside Cafe, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also in town is Sandpiper Lodging at the Beach, a leisurely spot with cozy rooms and cottages mere steps from the beach.
Mammoth Lakes
Tucked high in the Eastern Sierras is Mammoth Lakes, a true mountain playground that really revs up during winter. After all, this is the home of Mammoth Mountain, a massive 3,500-acre ski resort with 28 lifts, 175 trails, and 400 inches of annual snowfall on average. Beyond the slopes, there’s plenty more to see and do, from fishing on the Upper Owens River to ice skating and pick-up hockey at LA Kings Ice.
While there’s a whole lot to experience outdoors, this town also has some inviting indoor activities, including bowling, dancing, and dining at Mammoth Rock N 'Bowl. In addition, The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth has year-round wellness amenities, including an outdoor heated pool and a fully equipped fitness center, alongside plush and contemporary rooms and suites.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
At the south end of the Monterey Peninsula is Carmel-by-the-Sea. All it takes is one visit to Carmel Beach to understand how and why this town became such an esteemed artists’ village, as cypress-adorned bluffs drop to a spectacular beach with sugary soft white sand. For even more inspiration, it’s a short drive south to Carmel River State Beach, which extends from a lagoon and bird sanctuary to the top-notch diving spot at Monastery Beach.
For those who would rather dive right into the local arts scene, Carmel Plaza is a great starting point, with its collection of galleries alongside fashion boutiques and wine tasting rooms. Speaking of wine, Windy Oaks Estate has a tasting room in town where visitors can try their fine selection of Monterey and Santa Cruz wines. And for a fully-immersive environment of refined taste, there’s L’Auberge Carmel, a five-star hotel with its own Michelin two-star restaurant (Aubergine), luxurious guest rooms, and even in-room spa treatments available.
Paso Robles
This wine country town looks, feels, and tastes far from ordinary. A short drive east of downtown lies Eberle Winery, a family-run estate crafting exceptional Zinfandels, Syrahs, Sangiovese, and much more. There’s also Sculpterra, a winery that doubles as an outdoor art gallery and provides an absolute feast for all the senses. Downtown, one can make a reservation for a tasting at LXV and try their award-winning Cabernets and Bordeauxs.
Meanwhile, Tin City boasts an expansive, industrial space that houses several local wineries, along with distilleries, craft breweries, and gourmet food boutiques for a true taste of the region all under one roof. A fully-immersive wine country getaway awaits at Cass Winery, with two on-site lodging options between the Geneseo Inn and the Farmhouse, a delicious cafe, and (of course!) a tasting room to enjoy their estate-grown varietals.
Solvang
How about a Danish-style village in Santa Barbara County, and one that serves up cool Nordic vibes and incredible California wines? This town is real, and its name is Solvang. At Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, visitors can learn more about the first generation of Danish immigrants who moved here early in the 20th century and established this unique village. A short stroll away, folks can catch a glimpse of what this area was like before 1911 at Old Mission Santa Inés, the 1804 Spanish Mission that continues to operate as a Catholic church today. And just blocks away from the mission, one can sip and savor some marvelous locally made wines at Alma Rosa Winery’s Solvang tasting room.
A short drive west of town in neighboring Buellton, one will reach the Hitching Post, a restaurant and winery made famous by the 2004 film Sideways, yet one that continues to serve up remarkable Santa Maria-style barbeque and their own acclaimed Harley-Ostini wines. And back in town, The Landsby is a fantastic boutique hotel that seamlessly blends Scandinavian aesthetics and design with warm California-style hospitality.
La Quinta
While there’s plenty to see and do across Southern California's Coachella Valley, there’s nothing quite like La Quinta, a cozy desert resort town about 20 miles southeast of Palm Springs. Winter may be the perfect time to hit the links at La Quinta’s legendary golf courses, including Trilogy Golf Club and SilverRock Resort. After a busy day exploring town, enjoy a meal on the lovely garden patio at the French-Californian Lavender Bistro.
For even more exceptional experiences, La Quinta is home to the one and only La Quinta Resort & Club. Whether guests seek easy access to five of the region’s best golf courses, a refreshing full-service spa and salon, on-site professional-grade tennis and pickleball facilities, or just a pretty spot to soak up the warm desert sun, this resort checks all of these boxes and so many more.
Laguna Beach
The drive from Los Angeles to Laguna Beach takes about an hour and is a very rewarding journey. After all, this Orange County beach town has some spectacular corners of Pacific coastline, including the breathtaking scenery at Heisler Park and the gorgeous coves and tide pools at Treasure Island Beach. In addition, this is a very cultured town, and the Laguna Art Museum is a great year-round destination to catch works by local artists, and to sign up for interactive workshops and special events. Even better, during the winter holiday season, the Sawdust Art Festival opens its grounds for the Winter Fantasy show featuring unique works by over 180 artists.
Whatever one decides to do around town during the day, it’s always a good idea to complete any Laguna getaway with a stay at Montage Laguna Beach. This is Orange County’s premier oceanfront luxury resort, home to three restaurants, the Spa Montage, and an unmatched collection of opulent guest rooms, suites, and villas.
Del Mar
This posh seaside town north of San Diego looks and feels like the ultimate Mediterranean resort destination with its own signature style. Del Mar Plaza works well as a starting point, thanks to its lively array of elegant boutiques and tasty bistros. Less than three blocks away, Powerhouse Park opens up to an idyllic beach for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. For even more quality time at the beach, it’s a lovely drive or bike ride down to Torrey Pines State Beach, a long expanse of pristine shoreline for surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and geocaching. And if anyone looks to tee off by the beach, Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course may be California’s best public golf course with championship-grade links.
Back in town, L’Auberge Del Mar makes an ideal base camp for exploring the region with its stately rooms and suites, the appetizing Adelaide restaurant, and its healing spa and fitness center, all in a perfect location in the heart of Del Mar and steps from the sea.
Get Away for a Weekend (or Longer) in These Cool California Towns
Beyond the bright lights and busy streets of California’s biggest cities, the Golden State also shines in its smaller towns. Near the northernmost reaches of the state, Dunsmuir makes it possible to ski down a volcano, and Arcata is a coastal village where the hippies’ free spirit lives on as groovy as ever. Moving down towards the heart of the state, Mammoth Lakes might be the West Coast’s best spot for winter sports, and Carmel-by-the-Sea is a stunning seaside hamlet that inspires creativity. And down south, La Quinta turns up the heat at its illustrious golf courses, while Del Mar stands out with its picture-perfect beaches. Whatever one hopes to do during a weekend getaway, California offers an endless array of possibilities.
