13 Coolest California Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
Summer in California usually brings to mind the usual suspects: Santa Monica, San Francisco, and San Diego. But what if you're looking to escape the crowds and discover the unknown? Here's the thing: California isn't just about big cities. Some of its coolest towns offer the perfect mix of beauty, vibes, and unforgettable experiences. Here are 13 of California's coolest towns where you can kick back, explore, and embrace every ounce of your summer vacation in 2025.
Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake is the ultimate spot for water lovers in summer 2025. Whether you're into fishing, boating, or just soaking up those rays, this laid-back town is the ideal atmosphere. The lake itself is the largest reservoir in California, and the nearby Shasta-Trinity National Forest offers miles of trails for hiking and exploring. You can even hop aboard a paddlewheel-style boat for a dinner cruise across Shasta Lake.
A visit to the Shasta Lake Caverns is another must-do, where you can take a guided tour through stunning limestone formations. The town itself is home to a variety of great places to eat. The Old Shasta Historic District is a step back in time to the booming gold rush.
Pismo Beach
Pismo is easily one of the most visually impressive beaches in California. The sheer sight of hundreds of surfers trying to catch waves is enough to put anyone in summer mode. Start your visit on the historic Pismo Pier. Just up from there is the town itself, a low-key gem for surf lovers. It's also home to some truly spectacular restaurants such as the Cracked Crab, The Oyster Loft, and Honeymoon Cafe.
Of course, nature is the real attraction here. The Monarch Butterfly Grove is also a must-see, and off-roading fans can enjoy Oceano Dunes. If you've got kids, Dinosaur Caves Park is a unique spot with large dinosaur sculptures and ocean views.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Quaint, surreal, and somehow both polished and unbothered, Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like a fairytale. This place doesn't do street numbers or chain stores. Instead, it's courtyards, storybook cottages, ocean air, and a lot of dogs.
Take a walk along the white-sand Carmel Beach, browse the absurd number of galleries on Dolores Street, and time your visit to catch a show at Forest Theatre, an outdoor amphitheatre tucked in the pines. Ocean Avenue offers wine tastings and boutique browsing with zero pretension. Restaurants like Mission Ranch, La Bicyclette, and Flaherty's are town staples that can't be missed.
Del Mar
If San Diego is just too busy for you, head a little north and find Del Mar. This coastal town is a summer scene through and through. The Del Mar Racetrack comes alive during the summer racing season, offering not just horse races but also concerts and family-friendly events. Downtown, the Del Mar Plaza hosts live music and offers ocean-view dining.
For nature lovers, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers hiking trails with panoramic ocean views and unbelievable sandstone formations. Dog Beach is a favorite for pet owners, and Powerhouse Park provides the best spot for picnics and watching the sunset.
Solvang
It's not every day you stumble into a Danish village in the middle of wine country. Solvang's windmills and wooden clogs are fun, but this town's also got substance worthy of a summer 2025 vacation. Dozens of tasting rooms, the Elverhoj Museum of History & Art, and Scandi-style bakeries are a must-visit.
Solvang Park offers free live music in the summer and plenty of room to picnic. Nearby, the Alisal Ranch has horseback riding through golden hills, and the vineyards around Santa Ynez make for a great day trip... especially if someone else is driving.
Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay is a picturesque town with a serious connection to Hitchcock's "The Birds". You can still visit filming locations like the Potter Schoolhouse and St. Teresa of Avila Church in nearby Bodega. But the real magic of the town comes from its rugged coastline, beaches, and abundant wildlife. Whale watching is popular from Bodega Head, especially in the summer and fall months, and the area is home to a wide variety of bird species year-round.
If you're into beachcombing, Doran Beach is one of the most peaceful places to relax. You can also check out the Bodega Marine Laboratory and familiarize yourself with the recognizable spots throughout town that were featured in Hitchcock's famous horror film. Kayaking in the bay, fresh seafood at local haunts like Spud Point Crab Company, and exploring coastal trails make this a fantastic Northern California town.
Pescadero
Pescadero offers a quiet retreat with a strong sense of community. The town's historic buildings house local shops and eateries, like Duarte's Tavern. The annual Pescadero Art and Fun Fair in August showcases local artists and musicians. Downtown Pescadero's charm is rounded out by handmade goods, farm stands, and a laid-back vibe that makes it feel worlds away from the Bay Area, despite being just an hour's drive.
Nature is also ever-present in this small town, with the Pescadero State Beach offering tide pools and vistas. Nearby, Butano State Park provides shaded hiking trails through the California redwood forests. After you've had your fill of the outside, you can visit Harley Farms Goat Dairy, known for its award-winning cheese, or stop by Arcangeli Grocery for fresh artichoke garlic bread.
Julian
Julian is a historic gold mining town known for its apple pies and small-town charm; you can't get more Americana than that. Main Street features antique shops, bakeries, and the Julian Pioneer Museum. Summer brings outdoor concerts and the annual Gold Rush Days festival.
The history here is thick: this was a legit gold rush town, and you can tour old mines like Eagle Mine & High Peak Mine, or pan for gold at the Julian Mining Company. However, the town is also surrounded by the Cuyamaca Mountains, making it a superb place for hiking and camping.
Avalon on Catalina Island
Avalon, the only incorporated city on Catalina Island, is home to less than 4,000 people but is a favorite among tourists who love its boujee, coastal vibe. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, this charming town is perched on the hillside and shows off stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
Once you're in town, a stroll down Crescent Avenue takes you past pastel-colored buildings and casual seafood spots. Start with Avalon Grille and then head to The Lobster Trap and see why this town is a foodie haven. Scuba-diving at Lovers Cove, cruising through Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden, and hiking up the Catalina Island Conservancy's Interior are among the main highlights in this well-to-do town.
Ferndale
Nestled at the edge of the Lost Coast, Ferndale looks like a Victorian postcard and feels a bit frozen in time. The whole downtown is a historic district, filled with antique shops, bakeries, and a surprisingly impressive theatre scene at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre.
In summer, a really special rhythm takes over the town. It's weekend farmers markets, small-town parades, and locals who'll happily tell you where to find the best cookies. Centerville Beach is nearby if you're craving some salt air, and the Lost Coast offers some of the most untouched hiking in the state.
Lake Arrowhead
This mountain lake town is all about fresh air and summer cool-downs. The Village delivers summer staples like live music, ice cream, and paddleboat rides. It's also home to locally owned spots like Belgian Waffle Works and The Village Grind.
But it's the setting that really sells it. Think pine forests, blue water, and trails that wind up to high-altitude lookouts. You can rent a kayak, hike Heart Rock Trail, or do nothing at all on a dock with your feet in the water. You can't swim in the lake unless you're staying somewhere with access, but the workaround is Lake Gregory, which is just 15 minutes away and is open to the public.
Murphys
This old Gold Country town is a wine-lover's dream. With more than two dozen tasting rooms along its charming downtown, Murphys makes it easy to sip, stroll, and repeat.
In the summer, Ironstone Vineyards hosts outdoor concerts under the stars, while nearby Mercer Caverns is a great place to cool down with its underground tours. You can also hike or bike in the surrounding Sierra foothills, or just find a shady spot to devour a charcuterie board. After all, it pairs perfectly with a couple of glasses of wine and a fresh baguette from Aria Bakery.
Idyllwild
Who says summer vacations are only about beaches? Idyllwild is a mountain town that's a favorite getaway spot for artists, musicians, and anyone who loves pine-scented air.
Summertime in Idyllwild means lazy breakfasts on patios, hiking in the San Jacinto wilderness, and the occasional outdoor concert at The Red Kettle or Holcomb Auditorium. Tahquitz Rock is a destination for climbers, and on the edge of town, you can rent an ATV or go horseback riding at Idyllwild Horseback Riding & Rentals. Local galleries and shops add extra charm to weekend strolls in downtown Idyllwild.
Skip the theme parks and tourist-packed cities. Summer 2025 is all about discovering California's quieter side. Take in the Golden State's mountain retreats, charming coastal towns, and tranquil island escapes that offer something more authentic and personal. These places don't just give you a break, they change your pace. With space to breathe, time to linger, and locals who aren't in a rush, you'll remember why slowing down can sometimes be the best part of the trip.
