9 Best Towns In California For A Two-Day Recharge
The Golden State, one of the most popular and expensive states to live in and visit, can get overwhelming. From the deep Pacific Ocean to the dry deserts, California expands across vast landscapes, from overhanging cliffs and sandy beaches to coastal redwoods, alpine peaks, and lakes.
Its cultural landscape is even more diverse through small towns near and far from the LA scene and other major cities. Each, a golden standard for the state, will fix you right up with views, vibes, and a lack of tourists or sky-high hotel prices on a relaxed getaway.
Calistoga
Spa, wine, and a castle framed in Tuscan countryside scenery sound like a relaxing escape you won't soon forget. For an elegant, romantic tasting experience, Castello di Amorosa dominates the landscape minutes away, with tours of the winery modeled after a 13th-century-style castle and Italian-inspired vino. Despite being a premier wine destination, Calistoga feels humbly relaxed with zen vibes and views. This Napa Valley town is all kinds of tempting beneath sunny skies.
From the plump, juicy grapes to the farthest inland coast redwoods, the falltime harvest and pleasant weather are ideal for exploring from the vineyards to the nearby woodlands. Head through Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and dog-friendly campsites. In addition, Calistoga's own Old Faithful Geyser of California erupts regularly in a scenic garden setting framed by palms and mountains. Stay at the top-rated Calistoga Wine Way Inn for just over $100.
Cambria
Cambria, a cozy, creative enclave off Highway 1, captures the essence of carefree California living along the Central Coast. In addition to the East and West Villages' galleries, quaint shops, and cafes, the nearby Hearst Castle is a stunning detour with panoramic vistas and tours of the elaborate architecture. This seaside gem offers to indulge in the slower pace, farmers' markets, and artisan goods, sans tourist buzz, plus top-rated hotels for under $200.
Moonstone Landing, a family-owned boutique hotel across the road from Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, is ideal for an invigorating morning stroll down the winding wooden staircase. Bordered by small, rocky bluffs, the serene state beach is easy to while away, combing for souvenirs in the smooth stones. Hungry for more? Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trail winds through a tranquil preserve with pine forests along the oceanside bluffs over the Pacific and its wildlife.
Crestline
Crestline, a gem in the San Bernardino Mountains, centers on Lake Gregory, with paddleboarding and kayaking, a splash pad, and water slides. Whether you want to savor a chapter in a hammock, lounge on the lake's sandy south beach, or fish from the shore, the cool mountain air feels heavenly, even in July, to head out for a hike. Heart Rock, the heart-shaped hole in a cliff, is next to cascading 20-foot Seeley Creek Falls, via a scenic trail.
Overlooked for more popular beach locales, this laid-back town, with its love for the outdoors, will feel like home for two days, without spending much to stay in comfort. The slower pace and uncrowded feel converge in nostalgia downtown, with charming diners and ice cream shops, like Mountain Cravings. Among several hotels for $100 and under, the North Shore Inn offers an Alpine-lodge vibe, a minute's walk from all the attractions.
La Jolla
Seeking inspiration, rejuvenation, or a whole new outlook after just two days? La Jolla, a seaside gem, stuns sun worshippers, shoppers, and water sport enthusiasts alike along the gentle surf and migrating whales offshore. Releasing its creative energy into a strong arts scene, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the world-class La Jolla Playhouse leave lasting impressions. Stay at the hacienda-style Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa, which has resort-style amenities.
Lapped on three sides by the ocean, the village gives way to a dramatic coastline backed by cliffs, juxtaposing the lively and upscale feel inside. The beaches sprawl beneath in headland views, while a pine-wooded nature reserve and Mt. Soledad views add to the atmosphere, rightfully earning it the title of San Diego's "jewel." Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve boasts oceanside acreage and blufftop trails with lookouts, wildlife like bobcats, and dolphins in the Pacific.
Mendocino
Some three hours north of San Fran, this small town packs a big punch along the headlands. The eponymous state park offers miles of trails along a cliff in a 7,400-acre wildlife corridor, plus secluded beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking at the mouth of the Big River. The historic town envelopes you in rustic, Victorian appeal, a hop from the famous redwoods, blending their scent with the Pacific's. Right off the Main, Portuguese Beach is tranquil on a misty morning.
From the rugged shores teeming with iridescent jellyfish to the sailing ships and seafood haunts, Mendocino single-handedly captures NorCal's diverse beauty. Nothing is off the table here, from bike and canoe rentals to galleries, museums, and cafes. Enjoy views of the bay at sunset from Mendocino Bay Viewpoint, behind the early-20th-century Point Cabrillo Light Station to the north, or right from your window at Mendocino Grove, a glamping retreat for $200.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay is one of the state's most scenically charged beach towns; with a slower pace than many of California's, it will surely leave you recharged. The moment you step off Highway 1, enamored with the scenery along the Central Coast, a volcanic monolith emerges from the ocean. Peeling off perfect waves, Morro Rock has guided generations of fish captains home. Today, this magnet inspires thousands while they picnic, fish, windsurf, and kite fly against the moody surf.
Take in the imposing views along Morro Strand State Beach in the rolling morning fog, with no one around, just the ghostly figure and unassuming seals and otters in the nearby estuary. The raw natural splendor juxtaposes a charming downtown area across the highway, with relaxed streets, unique shops, and restaurants. Once settled at Holland Inn and Suites for $50, return for the westward-facing sunset along the Embarcadero, the coastal trails, or a seafood place.
Ojai
This peaceful inland town has an imposing wellness culture and Mediterranean-style beauty surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains. From the beautiful Valley View Preserve to the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts, Ojai will recharge you with arts, spas, and reinvigorating nature adventures just outside the Los Padres National Forest. In addition to vineyards along the rolling foothills roads, the gentle rhythm, like a steady pulse, is enough to destress.
After an afternoon along the Ojai Valley Trail, biking or hiking under sunny skies, sip on a smoothie or lavender lemonade in a courtyard cafe, Ojai Retreat & Inn has deals for just over $100 in the meadows and gardens downtown, near local boutiques and art galleries. Book a unique treatment at one of the many spas before the “pink moment,” a breathtaking glow-up in the valley at sunset. Ojai Certified Farmers Market sells fresh produce and handmade treats for the ride home.
Palm Springs
Home to under 50,000, this Hollywood haunt maintains an almost mythological status with mid-century modern architecture and Mount San Jacinto as a backdrop. The airport connects to most large cities, so a stylish two-day retreat out of state is possible. The once-celebrity hideaway blends relaxation, glamour, and classic California vibes. Many trails climb to the 10,000-foot summit, with panoramic views via a hike or aboard a rotating tram car through Chino Canyon. Sore muscles?
Right downtown, Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring boasts natural hot mineral springs, which give the city its name. More than a site to relax, the sacred springs are deeply ingrained in local heritage. While you seek the ancient, healing waters at the Spa at Séc-he Palm Springs, the adventurous can explore the nearby Tahquitz Canyon, with a refreshing waterfall, rock art, plants, and wildlife. Forget the seacoast with pool-equipped hotels like Vista Mirage Resort at roughly $150.
Tahoe City
Between the forested peaks and the tantalizing blue Lake Tahoe, this northeastern shore gem is the best of both worlds. From its summertime streets lined with flower baskets to the shimmering winter peaks, visitors can relax in 360 degrees of beauty from any vantage point. The town is relentlessly pretty, with shops, restaurants, and galleries bursting with art and photographs of the area's beauty. The lake beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, with picnic/BBQ areas.
As the start of the 64 Acres Tahoe Rim Trail, adventures await along this 170-mile hiking, biking, and horseback-riding loop ringing the lake through pines and meadows. Just south, the Pines HOA Pier extends from a beach and goes into the lake for a sunrise stroll along this eastern-facing shoreline. As the sun sets behind the mountains, turn down at the nearby Cedar Crest Cottages, top-rated for its rustic chic feel, or score a deal north at Granlibakken Tahoe, a resort.
California's small towns offer everything from coastal charm and vibrant arts to whale-watching and world-class wine regions. Whether you're after spas and springs, the beach scene, or cooler nature pockets in NorCal, these nine, hidden from urban centers, miss the bulk of tourists.
From oceanside strolls to soaring peaks and lakeside scenery, the Golden State is unrivalled for a two-day, magical recharge. La Jolla is a San Diego County jewel, while Palm Springs is accessible via an international airport from just about any city.
