7 California Towns That Locals Love
According to the International Trade Administration, California ranks as the third most visited state among international tourists, showing just how strong its draw is for travelers. So where do the locals go when they are looking for a vacation? The following towns may not be as familiar to out-of-state visitors as California’s larger tourist hot spots, but they offer just as much beauty and often come with fewer crowds. Wine valleys, historic Gold Rush towns, and peaceful coastal communities are just a few of the highlights, giving you plenty of variety for a laid-back California vacation.
Half Moon Bay
Just a 45-minute drive from San Francisco lies the small coastal community of Half Moon Bay, known for its quiet beaches and exciting annual festivals. There are several breathtaking beaches in the area to check out, such as Francis Beach, which has picnic tables and grilling stations overlooking the ocean, along with 52 campsites and plenty of places to sunbathe and swim. For some unmatched ocean views, travelers can also make a stop at Pillar Point Harbor, one of the state’s last operating fishing harbors. Make sure to pick up some freshly caught seafood during your visit! The harbor is known for its fantastic seasonal varieties like King Salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab. If you will be in town in October, consider attending Half Moon Bay’s Art & Pumpkin Festival, which features a pumpkin parade, pie-eating contest, pumpkin carving, and plenty of other fall fun.
Los Osos
Los Osos, on California’s Central Coast, is another beloved beach town that locals love for its quiet beauty. Perhaps most notably, the town is home to Montaña de Oro State Park, which covers over 8,000 acres, featuring secluded beaches, rugged cliffs, coastal plains, canyons, and streams, perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There is also a variety of boutiques and art galleries to explore back in town, such as Casa Ramos Art, a contemporary gallery that sells everything from glasswork and furniture to fine art prints. On October 26th, the Los Osos and Baywood Park Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 46th Annual Oktoberfest & Car Show, so stop in for some German dance, a biergarten, lots of vendors, and some cool cars!
San Luis Obispo
Heading an hour east of Los Osos, travelers will find San Luis Obispo, a historic town surrounded by vineyards and ranches. The Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa sits in the heart of town, established all the way back in 1772 and continuing to operate as a church today. Those interested in the area’s wine scene can reserve a wine tasting at Claiborne & Churchill Winery, where they can enjoy a variety of wine samples in the vineyard’s wine cellar or scenic garden. Each April, meanwhile, the town fills with film aficionados for the SLO Film Festival, a six-day event that screens everything from film classics to contemporary works.
Sonoma
If Napa is the celebrity everyone recognizes, Sonoma is the cool indie star that locals rave about. Naturally, there is an abundance of vineyards to visit, such as Viansa Winery, an Italian-inspired vineyard that will remind visitors of the Tuscan countryside. Before diving into an afternoon of wine tasting, travelers can get a bit of exercise at Sonoma Overlook Trail, a three-mile path that offers some of the best views of Sonoma Valley. From May through September each year, the community also comes together on Tuesday evenings for the Tuesday Night Market, which has been supporting the local farming and artisan community since 1990, giving them a place to sell seasonal produce and goods.
Placerville
Placerville is a gold rush era town that is surrounded by lively orchards and farms. Travelers interested in the area’s gold rush history can start their trip at the Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park, which is just about 15 minutes from town and is famously home to the James Marshall gold discovery site, along with several other historic landmarks from the era. Afterward, check out some of the area’s local orchards or farms, such as 24Carrot Farm, which offers U-pick pumpkins in the fall! The town’s art scene is also fairly prominent, expressed through community events like the Placerville Third Saturday Artwalk, where attendees can appreciate music, artist demos, wine and drink specials, and much more.
Bishop
Situated in the Eastern Sierra, Bishop is everything you could hope for in a mountain town. The hiking opportunities nearby are fantastic, including places like Tungsten Peak, a hike that winds through sagebrush and rocky outcrops, leading to gorgeous alpine views. The area’s streams and lakes have also developed a world-class reputation for trout fishing, with outfitters like Bishop Flyfishing Guide Service offering fishing seminars, classes, and guided trips out to some of the local rivers and streams. In early October, the town celebrates the fall season with its annual Fall Colors Car Show, featuring an impressive lineup of restored classic cars, trucks, and rods, framed by the town’s beautiful fall foliage.
Nevada City
Nevada City is another prominent gold rush town that has meticulously preserved its history. Much of this history can be found at Empire Mine State Historic Park, the site of one of the oldest and deepest gold mines in California. Today, visitors can see many of the original buildings and enjoy 14 miles of scenic trails that wind through the grounds. Nature is also easily accessible from town, with many hiking trails departing either in or near the downtown district. Deer Creek Tribute Trail is a popular option, beginning downtown and stretching into a more peaceful and rural neighborhood near Deer Creek. The town hosts several notable events throughout the year, with the Nevada City Victorian Christmas being a highlight. This event takes place on three Sundays and two Wednesdays in December, featuring Victorian-attire carolers, lots of street vendors, and plenty of holiday cheer.
If you are looking to explore somewhere different this year, make sure to keep one of these seven destinations in mind. Not only are they quieter than some of the larger hot spots, but they are also rich in community, with upcoming events including Oktoberfests, art and pumpkin festivals, film festivals, and car shows. So get ready to venture off the beaten path and explore some of the state’s underrated towns!
