8 Quietest Small Towns Near Oakland
Oakland is a buzzing, densely populated city located on the east side of San Francisco Bay in sunny California. There is always something to see and do here, including visiting the Oakland Zoo, exploring the Chabot Space and Science Center, and admiring the Chapel of the Chimes. When it comes to painting the town red, so to speak, when night falls, there are several clubs, theatres, and restaurants to choose from. For some, the ‘busyness’ of the city and city life itself can become tiring or even exhausting after a while. After all, even the most devoted city dweller needs a break now and then.
So, if you crave a tranquil getaway from the bright lights of Oakland, you can drive two hours at the most to any one of the following surrounding quiet towns, where you can relax and recharge. In Pescadero, you can explore nature at its most serene at the Butano State Park. In Capitola, feast on a delicious pizza at the beach while watching colorful coastal scenery, and enjoy a live art event in the fall. Inverness allows you to go on a birdwatching expedition at the Drakes Estero in Inverness and hike at the Tomales Bay State Park. From coastal walks and redwood forests to historic streets and waterfront views, these quiet towns offer something for everyone.
Pescadero, California
Pescadero instantly feels far removed from the constant noise of the big city. When you arrive in this tiny town, you will be surrounded by ocean, redwood forests, and serene farmlands. In just an hour and fifteen minutes, you can immerse yourself in nature at Butano State Park, looking up at the towering redwoods and over the shaded canyons. The park was created in 1957 to protect the trees from logging. There are also several miles of hiking trails that snake along the trees and the wetlands. If you hike the Sequoia Audubon Trail at the Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, you can watch the more than 200 species of butterflies flit around and keep an eye out for herons and egrets.
On Highway 1, around six miles from the Pescadero Creek Road turnoff, you will find Pigeon Point Lighthouse. The light was first lit in 1872, and it still flashes every ten seconds today. You can explore the lighthouse and stop at Whaler’s Cove Overlook just steps away for magnificent views of the Pacific. Back in town, you can have a fantastic American country meal at Duarte’s Tavern before retiring for the evening at the tranquil Pescadero Creek Inn.
Bolinas, California
Around an hour and ten minutes from Oakland lies the low-key coastal town of Bolinas. It is one of the quietest weekend destinations you will find, less than two hours from the big city. Most visitors prefer to stop at Gospel Flat Farm first, which is open 24 hours a day. You can stock up on the essentials here before heading to Bolinas Beach to get your toes in the sand. If you want to do some hiking, head ten minutes north of town, where you can start the hike to Alamere Falls. The hike will take you about 6 hours and reward you with a tidefall crashing into the Pacific.
For a history and culture outing, visit the Bolinas Museum and Art Gallery, where you will find several incredible exhibits. When you get hungry, make your way over to Eleven for a cozy dinner and an overnight stay in one of the two queen-sized rooms upstairs. Another great accommodation option is the Captain’s Quarters at Smiley’s Schooner Saloon, which dates back to the 1800s.
Point Reyes Station, California
Point Reyes Station is a calm and character-filled town and gateway to some of California’s most gorgeous scenery. It is just an hour’s drive from Oakland, so you can set out early on Friday morning and be back home by dinner time on Sunday. (But do not be surprised if you find yourself staying a few more days). Book a room at the stunning Olema House, which has a tavern next door that will cater to your meals. You will also find excellent seafood options at Nick’s Cove in nearby Marshall.
If you want nature to dictate your visit, head to Point Reyes National Seashore. From here, you can see the Tule Elk that live near the water and hike the Chimney Rock Trail. You can also visit the Point Reyes Lighthouse, located in one of the foggiest areas on the Pacific Coast, and spend some time at Drakes Beach. At the end of the seashore is a beach where you can watch elephant seals from a viewing deck. And remember to stop by the Cypress Tree Tunnel and walk beneath the bowing trees. (You cannot drive through the tunnel.)
Guerneville, California
Guerneville is set along the Russian River, where natural forest beauty blends with small-town charm and comfort. The town is an hour and a half away from Oakland and is home to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. You will most likely want to spend your entire weekend here, walking among the ancient trees. If you visit during the summer, you can also float or kayak on the Russian River.
Guerneville is also the ideal place for a wine tasting weekend. You can look out over the green hills of the Russian River Valley at the Iron Horse while tasting sparkling wine. Or, drive a couple of miles away from downtown to Korbel Champagne Cellars for a champagne tasting and a tour of the champagne-making process. To complete your short stay, book a room at Boon Hotel + Spa and enjoy a complimentary breakfast tray every morning filled with fruit, yogurt, pastries, and coffee. The hotel also offers a pool and hot tub, and you can make yourself a cocktail at the on-site honor bar.
Capitola, California
If you want your getaway weekend to be in one of California’s oldest seaside resorts, drive the hour and twenty minutes it will take you to get to charming Capitola. This tiny seaside town offers the opportunity to enjoy pizza on the beach courtesy of the Pizza My Heart restaurant. You can also take your spot on the seawall decorated with colorful tiles and just take in the serenity before heading to the water to swim or surf.
If you are an avid painter, you can join the Plein Air painting event during the fall. The event sees painters set up their canvases throughout the town and live-paint scenes from it. Or you can explore the Capitola Historical Museum and take a couple of selfies at the Red Telephone Booth next to the Britannia Arms of Capitola. Remember to stroll by the colorful houses on the beach, known as the Capitola Venetian Court Private Residences, before confirming your stay at the Capitola Hotel.
Crockett, California
Crockett offers you a different kind of quiet just thirty minutes outside of Oakland. This historic waterfront town lies along the Carquinez Strait and offers all the charm and remoteness you need without actually being remote. Known for its role in California’s sugar-refining history, this town features sweeping water views and well-preserved architecture. The downtown area is only two blocks long, but you will find some of the best places to explore here. At The Cat Vintage and Antiques, there are vintage Singer sewing machines and a real goldsmith’s weight scale. In the tiny town square, there is a real pay phone, something that is as scarce as hen’s teeth in most towns.
When you make your way to the waterfront, you can view the remains of the S.S. Garden City, a once glorious wooden paddlewheel steamboat that was destroyed by fire in 1983. After watching the sunset from here, see if you can find a room for the weekend at the luxurious Shorelight Inn in nearby Benicia.
Inverness, California
Inverness sits along the western shore of Tomales Bay and is surrounded by serene waters and forested hills. It is just 3.5 miles away from Point Reyes Station and a one-hour and ten-minute drive from Oakland. The main draw of Inverness is the bay, which is incredibly still on quiet foggy mornings. If you want to enjoy a hike after kayaking or boating in the bay, there are several peaceful trails at Tomales Bay State Park and even small beaches where you can have a picnic.
Other outdoor activities to enjoy include birdwatching at Drakes Estero, a protected estuary, and seeing the Inverness shipwreck, the S.S. Point Reyes, near the bay shore. Make the Tomales Bay Resort your base for exploring this off-the-beaten-path town and enjoy a unique weekend by the water.
Bodega Bay
If you are a movie enthusiast, do not miss out on a trip to Bodega Bay, an hour and twenty minutes outside of Oakland. The town’s foggy, moody atmosphere inspired Alfred Hitchcock to film his horror classic, The Birds, here, and you can still see the historic Potter Schoolhouse near the town and the area around The Tides Wharf & Restaurant as used in the movie. For an upscale weekend stay, opt for The Lodge at Bodega Bay before you go and explore these movie locations.
After taking as many photos and selfies as possible, you can head to Doran Beach for a lazy day along the crashing waves. You can also watch the boats in the Bodega Bay Harbor before hiking the Bodega Head Trail. If you hike between December and May, you might even spot a whale or two in the water below. Before going back to the lodge, take a detour to Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary, 20 minutes inland. Here you can enjoy incredible spa treatments and relax in the zen gardens. You can even take an enzyme cedar bath, the spa’s most popular treatment.
The Perfect Quiet Getaways In California
Getting away from Oakland for a weekend does not have to mean two days in a hot car before you even get to your destination. It also does not mean inserting yourself into a throng of tourists who all had the same idea as you. Instead, you can take short, scenic drives to the above towns and experience something different in each one. They are small enough to feel intimate and personal, while featuring modern places to eat, sleep, and explore. So, whether you want to hike, just sit by the water, do shopping, or visit unique museums, you can do all of that within an hour or so from Oakland.
