The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In California
California covers nearly 156,000 square miles with approximately 840 miles of coastline. Some towns are literally hard to miss along the scenic Hwy 1, a 656-mile route ringing the Pacific coastline, unless your head is wrapped up in the views. Getting there is half the fun.
Distance is relevant in the behemoth state, where time stretches into endless bliss along the beaches. It is easy to lose track of time, and views don't let up. It is time to lift the veil on the Golden State with art galleries in the mountains, local hot springs, and scenic train rides through the redwoods in these can't-miss towns.
Cayucos
Cayucos is a misty seaside gem on Hwy 1 along the Central Coast. Relaxed vibes define this beautiful shoreline as much as the spectacular Cayucos Pier. Delighting sightseers since 1872, it extends from the state beach into the undulating horizon. The expansive recreation area stands out for its cleanliness and breathtaking sunsets, with shallows for families and the surreal presence of Morro Rock. Pet owners appreciate an even better view of the gigantic monolith from Morro Bay Dog Beach, minutes south.
Estero Bluffs State Park maintains pup-friendly paths to explore in top views. Charging down at the beach with tidepools or a steep trail to spy on a shipwreck, hunger may sneak up behind. Recharge on chowder or baked goods by the central beach. Brown Butter Cookie Company is unmissable for the snickerdoodle or the signature brown butter. It is easy to let the day escape swimming, surfing, or simply letting your mind wander until sunset. Stick around for an unmissable local insight—night fishing on the pier.
Dana Point
Named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., who explored the area in 1835, his 19th-century classic, Two Years Before the Mast, is a sailing memoir about the merchant ship Pilgrim. The headland, which he described as the "only romantic spot on the coast," indeed, is magnificent. The protected marine nature preserve features blufftop trails and sandy beaches to explore in sweeping ocean vistas. Dana Point is all about the Pacific, with a strand for every taste, including tide-pooling and camping along Doheny State Beach.
The vibrant harbor beguiles with postcard views of the sails and Ocean Institute, a coastal visitor center with marine wildlife, interactive exhibits, and a gift shop. On the other side of the marina, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching in Dana Point has long earned a reputation for whale watching cruises, deep sea fishing trips, and chartered boats. Venture into the Monarch Beach 'hood for its iconic golf links and Salt Creek Beach, a steep hike from a parking lot to a sandy, serene strand for surfing and swimming.
Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg is known for its many parks and coastal trails along Hwy 1, between the Noyo River that encloses the town north and south. Noyo Headlands Park, home of the emancipating Glass Beach, is a magnificent place to explore. With several access points to the looping Noyo Point Rd right downtown, travelers enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and picnics with top views of the Noyo Harbor. The rocky stretch towards the northern end, where the sand is composed of smoothed, colorful, ocean-polished glass pieces, feels entirely out of this world.
Find your own souvenirs, then check out unique samples at the town's relaxed museum with a gift shop. There is a distinct sense of place that time has escaped on a former military base, which inspired the name. The Skunk Train never fails to please kids of all ages along a historic railroad. The ride chugs through meadows, canyons, and ancient redwoods, with scent and scenery blasting through the open window. Minutes south, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens beguile with its clifftop ocean views, picnic spots, trails, and rhododendrons.
Healdsburg
This NorCal town blends stunning vistas with award-winning vintages along the Russian River. As the largest of California's wine-growing regions, Sonoma spans over a few hours' drive. Its laid-back vibe is instantly apparent through the most charming town square. Healdsburg Plaza is lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, and bars, plus over two dozen art galleries within walking distance. Among its endless culinary endeavors, SingleThread Farm Restaurant & Inn is Sonoma's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
Healdsburg is a wine and culinary powerhouse at the juncture of three prime winegrowing regions—the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley wine appellations. Supplement indulgence with adventures at the doorstep, along easy-to-moderate hiking trails through scenic grasslands and wetlands in the nooks of the river, including Del Rio Woods Regional Park. Drop by the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society for a glimpse at the town through time with exhibits on the surrounding areas.
Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes offers a reprieve from the coastal crowds in the summer and skiing in winter in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. In addition to endless water pursuits, see which lake's scenery speaks to you in the tremendous views of the surging peaks. Mono Lake is a unique salt lake, ideal for kayaking and canoeing to see the geological formations and tufa towers. You won't break a sweat on a three-mile loop to Convict Lake in the pleasant weather through October and see the changing aspen and cottonwood leaves.
To fuel up, Stellar Brew & Natural Cafe offers local suds and grab-and-go burritos to pack for a hike. The cooler evening calls for a romantic soak at one of the local hot springs, like Wild Willy’s, in a sagebrush plain. Hidden from the public eye, each provides a level of intimacy in mountain views and a unique arrangement that won’t drain your wallet like the flashier destinations. Meanwhile, Mammoth Brewing Company serves craft brews in a tasting room and beer garden, plus merchandise and ales to bring home.
St. Helena
Not just another wine country town, welcome to Napa Valley's Main Street. Vibe: sophisticated, historic, relaxed. Famous for its wineries, restaurants, and acculturated atmosphere, travelers can indulge in every way, most in the serene aura amidst sprawling vineyards. Home to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, the upscale vibe is balanced by student culture. The CIA offers cooking demonstrations and tours within the late 19th-century building, home of the Christian Brothers Winery in the early 1900s.
It is easy to lose track of time along Main, between shops, art galleries, and boutiques. Talented students staff local restaurants in town, making for an unmissable opportunity to taste away, quite affordably. Take a breather steps away at Charles Krug, one of the two landmark wineries. Beringer is the other—a vibrant vineyard estate at the heart of town. Minutes southeast, Napa County Regional Park District—Lake Hennessey City Recreation Area is a greenscape alongside Napa's largest reservoir for fishing and boating.
Truckee
Just 20 minutes north of Lake Tahoe, Truckee is a compelling High Sierra outdoor paradise along the 121-mile Truckee River, known for rafting, kayaking, SUP boarding, and fishing. Many aim straight at the hiking trails through Donner Memorial State Park, home of the Emigrant Trail Museum and a historic monument. In addition to golf and camping, Truckee's classic winter appeal endures among snow bunnies, boasting over 16 feet of annual white fluff. Start planning a trip to hit one of the nation's best for winter adventures at Boreal Mountain.
What has morphed into an artistic hub of appealing boutiques and galleries earned this former logging town the designation of a California Cultural District in 2017. Numerous interpretive signs line the outdoor 20 Mile Museum, including ice harvesting, ski history, and local Native American petroglyphs. Between diverse galleries, studios, and Mountain Arts Collective, you will find local pieces, including paintings, sculptures, hand-blown glassware, and woodwork. Bespoke is a curated gift store for cool souvenirs and home decor with a mountain edge.
California’s beauty goes a long way, often unseen beyond the urban sprawl and beaches. These seven can't-miss towns reveal the grandeur of the state with vibrant marinas and oceanfront headlands, plus local gems, like tufa towers and colorful glass beaches.
Each, a compelling outdoor destination, offers a reprieve from the crowds to the mountains, undiscovered coastal gems, and its iconic wine appellations. And many are close to one another; it is just 45 minutes from the relaxed Sonoma vibes at Healdsburg Plaza to St. Helena in Napa Valley.
