9 Serene California Towns For A Weekend Retreat
Let's go away together. How about a weekend to relax and think things over by the sea? The sea has an uncanny ability to sweep you off your feet, wash away the negatives, and recharge you. Serenity takes various forms in the Golden State, shape-shifting at the converging landscapes in Frazier Park and skimming the coast as you approach Gualala. Two Harbors offers the tranquility of an overlooked town off of sunny SoCal, with snorkeling and hiking on the quieter side of the forever beautiful Catalina Island. Meanwhile, Fort Bragg on the North Coast is moody, uncanny, and transformative. Pick the vibe to match your style.
Calistoga
This wine country destination tempts not just the winos but also families seeking a perfect camping trip. When choosing between the peppering of award-winning wineries, you can not go wrong at the rustic-chic Castello di Amorosa, a 14th-century-style castle with tastings of the region's finest straight from the Tuscan countryside. It is right on the doorstep of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, home to the farthest inland coast redwoods within the Napa Valley. There are picnic tables, BBQ grills, and dog-friendly campsites.
Many come for the soothing bubbles in various forms and rejuvenating mud baths. Though a fraction of the famous one in Wyoming, the Old Faithful Geyser of California erupts regularly in a frame of palms and mountains. It is a captivating spectacle in a beautiful garden setting with a gift shop selling locally made products on-site. Meanwhile, the Sharpsteen Museum showcases artifacts, antiques, and dioramas created by the celebrated animator. If not camping, book a comfortable stay at Indian Springs Calistoga.
Cayucos
This laid-back village offers the unparalleled tranquility of an underrated beachside retreat, with prices to match. If you're not taking your RV to the Bella Vista by the Sea, Central Coast Inn is a real steal, and the Pacific Motel offers deals and service unlike any motel you know. Along this overlooked coastal strip, you will find a whole stretch of beaches and pocket parks, including dog-friendly ones, accessible via the scenic Hwy 1. Morro Rock is visible to the south in all the seclusion of the beachy North Point Natural Area.
Cayucos State Beach features secluded fishing spots along lifeguarded sands, swimming, surfing, or picnics against an incredible Pacific backdrop. And what can be more serene than night fishing from the pier or an elevated sunset stroll? Another gem in San Luis Obispo County, Estero Bluffs State Park extends adventures westward, with untouched beaches, windswept grasslands, and refreshing breezes standing atop San Geronimo Pullout.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is an astounding little town framed by coastal state parks. Though known for the Skunk Train since 1885, it has recently gained popularity for hiking, biking, camping, and local suds in a laid-back vibe against rugged North Coast views. The daily Skunk Train & Rail Bikes Railroad runs through a redwood forest with meadow and canyon views to Willits, plus the seasonal Pumpkin Express, Christmas Tree Train, and the Wolf Tree Turn. Opt for a passenger-powered railbike—perfect for couples to pedal along the rails.
As a former military garrison turned lumber town, its split personality is part wildlife along the coastal trails and part wild history. The two intertwine in a foggy dance to beating ocean waves that wash up colorful, broken glass onto Glass Beach, with samples at the local museum. Studio 9 offers basic rooms at a fair price, just a stroll from the beach. Whether hiking Noyo Headlands Park or departing from the rustic Noyo Harbor, wildlife sightings are inevitable, like the whale migrations, dolphins, and seals, plus deep-sea fishing ops.
Frazier Park
This small mountain town offers a whirlwind of converging environments, rising over the desert at the edge of Los Padres National Forest. Imagine the serenity at the crossroads of the forested mountains and barren deserts. Culturally removed from Southern California, Frazier Park looks like a typical residential area but feels different. Greeting visitors with scenic views, Frazier Mountain Park is beautiful to soak up the local vibe in the breeze and plenty of shade right downtown.
Easily overlooked just off Interstate 5, Frazier Park remains an off-the-beaten-path destination. The pine-forested small town sits at 4,639 feet in the San Emigdio Mountains. Abundant adventures await in the surrounding Chumash Wilderness, with its unruly trails. To the north, Fort Tejon State Historic Park is an 1850s fort with history exhibits and 400-year-old oak trees. Frazier Park treats you to delicious dining afterwards at Caveman Cavey's Pizza and top-rated hospitality at Frazier View Motel.
Gualala
Not a typical beach town, Gualala offers a long, scenic approach via Hwy 1 along the ocean. Drop by the visitor center for local insights into the marine habitat and North Coast history. The oceanfront Gualala Point Regional Park tempts every type of adventurer with scenic meadows, forested trails, and blufftops over the sandy beaches. There are campgrounds and picnic facilities for complete immersion, while visiting Gualala Point offers remoteness accessible from downtown.
Drop your bags at the minimalist Gualala Country Inn or the ever-popular campground at Gualala River Redwood Park. The art center is the town's pride, nestled amid trails to the east, with beautiful outdoor sculptures and installations, art exhibits, performing arts, and creative workshops. The Gualala River flows tranquilly by, enriching the natural landscapes with wildlife viewing, kayaking, and fishing. While shopping downtown, stop at Trinks Cafe for coffee or a locally sourced lunch menu.
Guerneville
Just 75 miles from the ring of streetcars climbing up the hilly San Francisco, escape the common bustle into Guerneville. This former logging town proves that fun and serenity coexist along the Russian River through the heart. Johnson’s Beach is excellent for swimming, floating, or soaking in the serenity. East of town, the Sunset River Beach Park offers the tranquility of a woodsy retreat with wildlife trails and a sandy beachfront for a fun day under the sun with paddle sports and picnic spots.
Cross the bridge at Guerneville River Park for a selfie right in town. Outdoor lovers enjoy self-guided excursions and photography at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, a serene escape minutes north for hiking and mountain biking. There's signage along the trails on the ecology and history of the fragile ecosystem and the magnificent redwood, the Colonel Armstrong Tree, exuding wisdom of over 1,400 years in a powerful stance. Downtown, Johnson's Beach—Cabins and Campground meets every budget.
Port Hueneme
Unless you're a sailor, Port Hueneme keeps a low coastal profile between Oxnard and the Point Mugu Naval Base of Ventura County. It is home to the only deep-water port between Los Angeles and San Francisco, with several museums, scenic beaches, and parks. Port Hueneme Beach Park offers a local vibe with a vast sandy stretch and a small surf break. Check out the Alaska Flight 261 Memorial, a ginormous sundial, which shows the exact time 88 lives were lost on January 31, 2000.
For value, check into Seaside Inn & Motel. The lighthouse is a perfect start to your day after a short bike ride from your accommodation to this white beacon with an unfettered appearance. The long fishing pier, rustic yet spectacular, mimics the town's unassuming vibe, perfect for fishing, dangling your feet, or taking a sunset stroll. Later, check out the harborfront Channel Islands Maritime Museum for maritime heritage and art.
Tahoe Vista
This serene town draws outdoor enthusiasts to the crown of Lake Tahoe. From hiking adventures to hidden beaches, it is an ideal alternative to the more touristy South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City. In addition to the public Old Brockway Golf Course, you can explore the lake in a breeze with a motorized rental from the new Tahoe Vista Recreation Area boat launch facility. Choose from snuggly B&Bs or a high-end stay at a fraction of the southern shore's cost, like the Franciscan Lakeside Lodge.
North Tahoe Regional Park features year-round mountain biking trailheads, disc golf, wildlife trails, and swing sets. Enjoy easy access past the regional park to the Brockway Summit Tahoe Rim Trail Trailhead, a serene 90-minute ascent to the scenic Picnic Rock. Here, you can have a picnic with great views of Lake Tahoe amid a unique rock configuration.
Two Harbors
Just a high-speed ferry from San Pedro on California's mainland, Catalina Island is often associated with Avalon, the shining star on the eastern edge. But Two Harbors, the underdog, bathes in serenity on the quiet side of Catalina, with easy access to some of the island's most adventurous spots. At the northwestern end of the island, Starlight Beach is windswept and magical with clear waters for snorkeling.
This rustic village immerses guests in aquamarine scenery on a land strip between the Isthmus Cove and Catalina Harbor. Banning House Lodge is worth the top service just for the weekend, while several campgrounds can appease every nature lover's budget. The Cat Harbor Overlook Trail challenges you with little to no shade to a rewarding finale for an early morning hike. Blufftop Camp Cherry Valley, overlooking the white sails in the cove, offers easy access to the pebbled Frankie's Beach, a hidden gem on Emerald Bay.
Plan Your Peaceful Getaway
Are you chasing sunsets and lighthouses along the sandy beaches? Perhaps wildlife through coastal state parks to a rugged cliff overlook? Or the unforgettable redwoods, with some of the world's tallest trees?
Each of these nine towns will charm you with calm and welcoming vibes. Find budget lodgings at often-overlooked prices, a unique culture, and a simpler pace to soak every type and ounce of beauty California offers.
