9 Small Towns In California With Big Charm
California may be a massive state with great cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, but these are not the only places that make this state so golden. California also boasts numerous small towns, many of which are situated near some of the United States’ most legendary mountains, as well as towns that open up to many of the most majestic corners of North America’s Pacific Coast. In case those aren’t enough to captivate, this state also has towns that lead to dramatically beautiful desert landscapes.
Whatever travelers are hoping to find in California, they will not only find it, but find a whole lot of it. With that said, here are nine small towns in California with considerable charm.
Dunsmuir
Near the northernmost reaches of Northern California lies Dunsmuir, a small mountain town with breathtaking natural beauty. Just to the north is Mount Shasta, the 14,179-foot-tall stratovolcano that anchors the southern end of the Cascades. Meanwhile, to the south of town lies Castle Crags State Park, a unique natural wonderland with 6,000-foot-high glacier-polished crags, 28 miles of hiking trails, and prime fishing conditions at the Sacramento River. And right in town, Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens is a lovely spot to wander and admire the array of native flowers and trees.
To cap it all off, guests will find a cozy retreat at Cave Springs Resort, a hotel featuring recently renovated rooms, along with Airstreams for those seeking an extra exceptional stay, and cabins for groups requiring additional space to roam.
Trinidad
About 82 miles south of the Oregon state line is Trinidad, a stunning beach town that’s perfect for exploring the wild side of California’s North Coast. A short drive north leads to Redwood National & State Parks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves nearly half of California's old-growth redwoods, some of which tower over 370 feet above ground level. Heading back towards town, one will also find Sue-meg State Park (formerly known as Patrick’s Point State Park), a great place to learn more about the Yurok indigenous people and their history, as well as to spot aquatic wildlife such as seals, sea lions, and migrating whales at sea.
Back in town, Trinidad State Beach is a rustic, gorgeous beach that works great for surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. And once one’s ready to call it a day, The Lookout at Trinity Bay is the perfect spot to spend the night with its beachy-chic rooms sporting incredible Pacific Ocean views.
Kirkwood
It’s a roughly 82-mile journey from Reno (Nevada) and 97 miles from Sacramento to reach Kirkwood, a sporty ski town south of Lake Tahoe that’s picture-perfect for a great snowy escape. Of course, the key highlight here is Kirkwood Mountain Resort, a ski resort that enjoys abundant snowfall (averaging 335 inches annually) and features 84 trails across 2,300 acres, providing up to 2,000 feet of vertical drop. However, for those seeking more rustic experiences in the mountains, Carson Pass Sno-Park and Meiss Meadow are excellent places for cross-country skiing and casual snow play.
From the ski resort, it’s a quick drive east to reach Desolation Hotel Hope Valley, an interestingly named and eco-conscious resort with 28 fully refurbished historic cabins, luxury yurts and airstreams for those wanting to do something really different, and on-site dining at Sorensen’s Restaurant and the Hope Valley Bar & Grill.
Calistoga
At the north end of the famed Napa Valley wine country region is Calistoga, a village that overflows with healing vibes and vibrant flavors. Thanks to the presence of geothermal hot springs, Calistoga has long served as Northern California’s go-to spa town, and Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs has a fantastic spa complex complete with mud baths, mineral water baths, and a host of massage and facial treatments available. For a lavishly indulgent wellness experience, the Solage resort offers an award-winning 20,000-square-foot spa featuring Calistoga mud and mineral water therapies, along with a comprehensive menu of massage treatments, exclusive wellness packages, and private fitness classes.
Since this is the Napa Valley, one can expect plenty of fine wines to sip and savor here. In particular, Castello di Amorosa is a lovely winery to visit, boasting a medieval European-style castle and an incredible selection of handcrafted wines. At the same time, the aptly named Storybook Mountain Winery impresses with its stunning organic vineyards and storied Zinfandel wines.
Half Moon Bay
Just 33 miles south of San Francisco is Half Moon Bay, perhaps the Bay Area’s premier beach town with legendary waves and effortless elegance. To the west of Pillar Point Harbor lies Mavericks Beach, one of California’s most famous surf breaks and the place where many of the world’s best surfers come to ride waves that tower as high as 60 feet. However, for those seeking a calmer experience on the shore, Half Moon Bay State Beach offers approximately two miles of sandy coastline, ideal for surfing, surf fishing, picnicking, and geocaching. A short drive south leads to Pomponio State Beach, a long expanse of gently sloping sandy beach perfect for surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and leisurely strolling.
Returning to town, no visit to Half Moon Bay feels complete without a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. This famed five-star luxury resort has everything one needs for the perfect NorCal beach escape, including Half Moon Bay Golf Links, the full-service Ritz-Carlton Spa, tennis and pickleball courts on site, and multiple delectable restaurants.
Mammoth Lakes
Perched high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Mammoth Lakes, a year-round outdoor playground that really shines during winter. After all, this is where one will find Mammoth Mountain, the Eastern Sierra’s top ski resort with an average of 313 inches of snowfall, 180 trails across 3,500 acres, and up to 3,100 feet in vertical drop. In case visitors crave even more adventures on open snow, it’s a short drive north to June Mountain, a more laid-back resort offering 42 trails across 1,500 acres that provide up to 2,590 feet in vertical drop.
Even if anyone’s not in the mood to hop into skis to ride down the mountains, there’s another fun alternative to explore the mountains, thanks to DJ’s Snowmobile Adventures and their many options for guided snowmobile tours. And at The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth, guests will not only find spacious and stylish rooms and suites, but also a year-round heated pool complex, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and healthy cuisine at the Whitebark Restaurant.
Morro Bay
Morro Bay may be a small town on California’s Central Coast, yet it’s also home to a notable landmark that towers high above the ocean floor. To get the best view of that 576-foot-tall volcanic plug known as Morro Rock, travelers can head to Morro Rock Beach and enjoy the views, walk the beach, and go surfing. A short distance south, there’s much more to explore at Morro Bay State Park, including the town’s 18-hole public golf course, a saltwater marsh that serves as the region’s critical riparian habitat, and a calm expanse of the bay that’s ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. And a little farther south, one can reach Montaña de Oro State Park, an over 8,000-acre nature preserve with pristine beaches like Spooner's Cove, along with daring hiking, biking, and equestrian riding trails on the bluffs above the shore.
Back in town, guests can enjoy a stupendous stay at the Inn at Rose's Landing. This boutique hotel has inviting rooms with plush bedding, Keurig coffee machines, and Euro-style bath amenities, and the tasty Rose’s Bar & Grill is right on site.
Rancho Mirage
Nestled in the heart of Southern California’s Coachella Valley, around 12 miles southeast of Palm Springs, is the desert resort town of Rancho Mirage. This town abuts the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. This roughly 280,000-acre preserve extends from balmy Colorado Desert scrubland and palm oases to snow-capped mountains that tower as high as 10,834 feet above sea level. Or, for an easier day out, one can book a tee time at Mission Hills North, the 18-hole and par 72 golf course that combines delightfully challenging greens with gorgeous San Jacinto Mountain vistas.
Beyond the beautiful scenery outside, Rancho Mirage also boasts the wondrous historic treasure of Sunnylands. This landmark Annenberg family estate has hosted an illustrious roster of world leaders, including U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama, among others.
Solana Beach
Around 23 miles north of Downtown San Diego is Solana Beach, a classically SoCal beach town with mellow and relaxing vibes. At its heart is Fletcher Cove Beach Park, an inviting surfing beach that also has a family-friendly grassy playground. A little farther north lies Cardiff State Beach, a picture-perfect expanse of soft sand that opens up to comfortably warm currents of Pacific Ocean water for surfing and swimming.
Only about three blocks inland from Fletcher Cove, the Cedros Avenue Design District abounds in fascinating finds, from stylish home design boutiques to live music at the Belly Up Tavern. And for the ultimate in rest, there’s the nearby Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, an opulent Relais & Chateaux resort with charming Spanish-style suites and villas, the highly acclaimed Spa at Rancho Valencia, and The Pony Room restaurant.
California is best known for its major cities, which are at the forefront of technology, movies, music, and other aspects of the U.S. economy. Still, there’s another side of the Golden State that’s just as precious. High in the Sierra Nevadas, travelers can find world-class skiing and snowboarding at Kirkwood and Mammoth Lakes. Down in the Coachella Valley, Rancho Mirage is a bright and balmy desert resort town that’s ideal for “getting away from it all.” And on the coast, Half Moon Bay and Solana Beach have some of the West Coast’s most idyllic surfing beaches. California can be a genuinely charming state, and its smallest towns may have the biggest draws.
