9 Most Relaxing Northern California Towns

In this day and age, disconnecting from the constant social chatter is becoming increasingly more challenging. However, if you are up for the challenge, you might find that a trip to one of these nine Northern California towns is a good way to do so. Immersing yourself in a redwood forest in Crescent City, kayaking through a quiet bay in Eureka, or enjoying a glass of wine while overlooking a scenic vineyard in St. Helena are a few ways to truly disconnect. Relaxation has never seemed closer!

Truckee

Truckee is a mountain town in the Sierra Nevada that sits near several lakes, including Donner Lake and Lake Tahoe. Travelers can start their trip at the Donner Memorial State Park, which sits at an elevation of about 6,000 feet with plenty of opportunities to hike, fish, picnic, kayak, and camp. In the winter, you can also enjoy a day of snow sports at the Northstar California Resort, which provides access to 3,170 acres of skiable terrain and 100 ski trails. Unwind at the end of the day with a beer at Donner Creek Brewing, a cozy brewpub that serves artisan ales that rotate throughout the year.

Placerville

If you drive about two hours south of Truckee, you will reach Placerville, a town in the Sierra Nevada foothills that is surrounded by orchards and wineries. Throughout the year, orchards such as Apple Hill host laid-back events, like U-pick apples, pumpkin patches, egg hunts, and more. You won’t find a place much more relaxing than The Boeger Winery, which sits on a beautiful estate that was homesteaded during the 1849 gold rush, today offering daily wine tastings to the public. After a wine tasting, you can get some exercise by heading out to the El Dorado Trail, a 39-mile walking and biking trail that winds through oak-filled meadows, apple orchards, and pine forests.

Crescent City

Crescent City is a gateway to California’s redwoods, some of the tallest and most majestic trees in the world. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is located just outside of town and features thousands of acres of densely forested redwoods, along with the Smith River, where travelers can snorkel or kayak, or fish. For an unforgettable view, make sure to stop by the Crescent Beach Overlook, which, when the weather is clear, provides views of miles of beach, jagged sea stacks, and the Crescent City Harbor. The Battery Point Lighthouse is another breathtaking landmark to visit while in town, home to a lighthouse that dates back to the 1850s, which is open to the public for tours.

Shelter Cove

As part of California’s “Lost Coast,” Shelter Cove is located on the state’s most remote coastline. The beaches here are incredible, like Black Sands Beach, which, per the name, has black sandy shores and is just north of Shelter Cove. The Gyppo Ale Mill, meanwhile, is a couple of minutes south of town and is a woman-led business that produces small-batch spirits and pints. For those willing to travel further north, the King Range National Conservation Area is about an hour away, offering 68,000 acres of untouched coastal wilderness and nearly 300 species of native and migratory birds.

Tahoe City

Returning to the Sierra Nevada, you will find Tahoe City, which sits directly on the shores of Lake Tahoe. There are all kinds of ways to enjoy the lake, starting with the Tahoe State Recreation Area, a campground with 23 campsites and picnic areas, great for a weekend spent outdoors. To get out on the water, you can also rent a boat from the Tahoe City Marina, which has several sizes of powerboats available. The best way to wrap up a day here is with a meal at Za’s Lakefront Bar & Grill, which has a lakefront patio and dishes like fish sandwiches, pesto pizza, and smoked chicken pasta.

Mt. Shasta

Lying at the foot of its towering namesake peak, the town of Mt. Shasta is a quiet mountain community with an abundance of hiking opportunities. On the northern edge of town, you will find beautiful green spaces like Mt. Shasta City Park, which contains miles of nature trails, a famous natural spring, picnic areas, and more. Mount Shasta Resort is a wonderful place to spend the night, offering amenities like an 18-hole golf course, an on-site restaurant, and pickleball courts. Directly in town, travelers will also find some tasty places to grab lunch, including Seven Suns Coffee & Cafe, which serves light dishes like sandwiches, wraps, burritos, nachos, and soup.

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay isn’t far from San Francisco, but it offers a completely different change of pace. You can easily relax at Half Moon Bay State Beach, which consists of a four-mile stretch of sandy beaches, gentle dunes, and ocean views. If you have ever wanted to go horseback riding on the beach, you can also sign up for an excursion with Sea Horse Ranch, which leads guided rides through the area’s coastal trails and beaches. Hikers have plenty of options in the area as well, like the Coastal Trail, an 11.5-mile route that crosses over creeks, through eucalyptus groves, and past cypress trees.

St. Helena

As part of Napa Valley, St. Helena is surrounded by rolling vineyards. HALL Wines St. Helena is a particularly unique one to visit. This vineyard sprawls across 33 acres and is famous for its contemporary art sculptures that are scattered throughout the estate. Pride Mountain Vineyards is another lovely winery, featuring wine caves and a variety of tasting experiences about 15 minutes west of St. Helena. For some hiking and history, conclude your trip with a visit to the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, which contains a fully restored water-powered grist mill.

Eureka

Crescent City is not the only place where you can view the Redwoods! Eureka is another stunning destination to add to your bucket list, part of the US Redwoods Coast. The Redwood Skywalk is a great place to explore these majestic trees, a self-guided experience that puts you 100 feet above the forest floor to see the redwoods from up high. Heading to the coast, travelers can also rent a boat from the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center, which has kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and sailboats available on the Eureka Waterfront. Or sign up for a cruise aboard the Motor Vessel Madaket, which provides 75-minute narrated cruises, eco cruises, and cocktail cruises through Humboldt Bay.

Take A Moment To Disconnect From The Noise

Although nearly the entire California population lives in a handful of urban areas, 55% of the state’s land is actually rural. You will find this is especially true in Northern California, where these rural stretches are always just a short drive away. The following nine towns offer just the relaxing break you need from the city, filled with redwood parks, remote, black sand beaches, and mountain resorts that will allow you to disconnect and remind you of the things that truly matter.