The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In California
California packs an enormous range of towns into one state. Some sit on rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs while others hide in the forests and foothills. Carmel-by-the-Sea sits pretty by the ocean, Nevada City keeps its gold rush history close, and Solvang feels like a Danish village. Each of these eight can't-miss towns offers its own quirks and a warm welcome. Pick one and settle in for a day trip or a weekend.
Solvang
The city of Solvang is incredibly unique, as its visitors experience a community with European architecture as if they've been transported to a village in Denmark without leaving the state. On Copenhagen Street is Copenhagen Sausage Garden, delivering an authentic Danish and German experience in every bite of their flavorful sausages, bratwursts, cheese curds, and Bavarian pretzels. The restaurant also serves refreshing beers and wine, making for one of the most exciting places to enjoy in town. Next door is the Solvang Amber Museum, inspired by the Amber Museum in Copenhagen. Visitors can view ancient pieces of amber, some dating back millions of years, and see Viking jewelry and statues, offering an enticing experience.
On 2nd Street is the Solvang Festival Amphitheater, a unique place to enjoy a play or musical, show, theater performance, and live concert. The theater's intimate garden is an ideal spot in town for private events and small weddings, making for a peaceful experience. A relaxing place to spend the night or weekend in town that's a short walk away from downtown is the Solvang Alisal Vacation Cottages, where guests are treated to fully furnished cottages with full kitchens, spacious bedrooms, outdoor barbecues, and well-kept gardens that further add to their liveliness.
Ojai
Just north of Ventura is Ojai, a city that's an artsy retreat, has barely any chain stores, and offers access to local wineries and agriculture. The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room allows its customers to try different wines like the Ojai White, 2024 Kick on Dry Riesling, and the 2024 Riesling Dessert Wine, just to name a few flavors on sale. The Vineyard has a tasting room and an exclusive wine club whose members get benefits like discounts, and the tasting room hosts special intimate events, making for an incredible time. A calming place to spend the night or weekend near the tasting room is the Lavender Inn, a bed and breakfast in the heart of downtown, where its guests have instant access to local restaurants and shops, comfortable rooms to rest in, it is pet-friendly, and guests can get a massage at the Garden Massage Gazebo.
An alluring restaurant to try in town is Izakaya Full Moon, which serves diverse Japanese cuisine, such as premium chiarashi sushi, soboro don, and fried yamaimo. The restaurant's interior evokes a very comfortable setting in Japan, adding to its authenticity. A relaxing staple in downtown Ojai is the Ojai Valley Museum, where visitors can learn more about the city's history, view exhibits full of art, artifacts, photographs, and paper ephemera.
San Luis Obispo
Further north up U.S. Route 101 is San Luis Obispo, a city renowned for its wineries, outdoor scenery, and gorgeous downtown. On the outskirts of town is the Tolosa Winery, welcoming people with its diverse flavors of locally crafted wines, with cool Pacific winds blowing on the soil of a cattle ranch where the vineyards are plentiful. The winery hosts events, has wine tastings and a wine club for people to join and make new friends, adding to the excitement. Just near downtown is the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, where people can learn about the preservation of the historic railroad buildings, view artifacts, photographs, tracks on display, and model trains every Saturday, when it's open.
Outside of town is the Cerro San Luis Obispo Trail, a four-mile-long trail offering hikers wide views of the city, adjacent hills, and Edna Valley. The trail comes alive during the summer months, as monkeyflowers and Indian paintbrush bloom, coloring the path beautifully. In the heart of downtown is Hotel San Luis Obispo, a luxury resort hotel providing its guests with stylish and comfortable guest rooms and suites, a relaxing spa to unwind in, a lavish meal and drinks in either the S. Low Bar or the High Bar on the roof, and is the perfect place to gather for corporate meetings and social events in a modern, luxurious environment.
Mendocino
On the northern coast is Mendocino, a can't-miss unincorporated coastal community with rugged shorelines, an exquisite dining scene, and a gateway to wine country. Mendocino Headlands State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the scenic views of the ocean, jagged cliffs, and adventurous yet calm trails. One of those trails to explore is the Mendocino Cliffs Trail, a 0.9-mile-long trail where people can view tide pools and the gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean. On California State Route 1 is the Joshua Grindle Inn, a bed and breakfast set in a Victorian-style home built in 1879, providing its guests with comfortable rooms, a replica water tower to bunk in, an immaculate garden to enjoy during the day, and a complimentary breakfast to start the day.
In the heart of downtown, in another Victorian-style building, is Patterson's Pub, a lively place serving traditional and delicious pub fare, such as beer-battered fish and chips, taco salads, and their signature Reuben, just to name a few exciting meals to try. The pub serves craft beers and wines, has an incredible interior to spend time with friends, family, and co-workers, and has outdoor seating for those wanting to take in the views. On the southern tip of town is the Ford House Visitor Center and Museum, a museum in the Mendocino Headlands State Park that comes from one of the founders of the town, Jerome B. Ford. Ford's 19th-century home showcases artifacts, photographs, whale fossils, a gift shop, and more oceanfront views.
Avalon
Avalon is the only city on California's Catalina Island and is renowned for its Mediterranean-like feel without traveling to Europe. It is accessible via ferry from Long Beach and has alluring beaches and landmarks. There are three public beaches to enjoy in town, Step Beach, Middle Beach, and South Beach. Each beach provides visitors with calm waters to swim in, places for sunbathing, volleyball play, and spots for picnics, all within walking distance of downtown. On the northern part of town is the Zane Grey Pueblo Hotel, a resort hotel on the cliffs overlooking the city and oceanfront, with well-appointed rooms, suites, and a penthouse, and a pool area for the ultimate relaxation. Zane Grey is also an ideal place to host a wedding, corporate event, or private event for an unforgettable experience.
On the northern tip of town is the Catalina Casino, an Art Deco building built by William Wrigley Jr. as the focal point of entertainment on the island. The casino's ballroom is available for private functions, walking tours, special events, like the Catalina Film Festival, and weddings, adding to the timelessness. On the southern end of the city is the Catalina Island Golf Course, a nine-hole semi-private course, which bills itself as the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi River. The course provides golfers with commanding views of downtown, the ocean, and the adventurous landscape. Not to mention, the course is next to the Sandtrap Restaurant, where golfers can chow down on tasty Mexican cuisine after a round or two.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A standout seaside city to experience in the state is Carmel-by-the-Sea, which has a distinctive cottage look to it, scenic ocean views with plenty of beaches, and a lively arts scene. Just near downtown is the Sunset Center, a performing arts center that features comedy shows, live musical performances, theatre, live dance, and concerts. The center has an incredible lineup of performers who truly put on a show for the masses, and local community events that bring people together. North on Sixth Avenue is the Carmel Fine Art Gallery, where visitors can view early California and contemporary impressionist art since 1988. The art displayed is impressive, was made by gifted artists, and customers can purchase copies for their homes or offices.
Carmel Beach on the western end of town is a fabulous place to soak up the sun, take a walk in the white sand, take in the crystal blue ocean views, and enjoy the sunsets by the end of the day. The beach is a nature lover's paradise for bird watching, viewing playful dolphins in the ocean, or spotting the occasional whale popping up out of the water. Just near the beach is the Villa Mara Carmel, a 16-room luxury hotel that was built in 1929, providing its guests with captivating views of the beach, Pacific Ocean, and incredible amenities. The rooms in the hotel are unique and different from each other. There's a fire pit outside for guests to gather around, and the hotel has hosted famous guests like Frank Lloyd Wright and President Gerald Ford.
Nevada City
On the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is Nevada City, a city with a perfectly preserved gold rush downtown, a thriving arts scene, and access to outdoor scenery, like the Yuba River. In the heart of downtown on Broad Street is the National Exchange Hotel, a timeless hotel built in 1856 that is full of rich and elegant history, while providing its guests with modern luxury during their stay. The rooms are spacious, and Lola Dining and the National Bar are right in the lobby, welcoming guests with incredible entrees and drinks, and the hotel can host weddings and corporate events in its lounge and fireplace room. Just outside of town is the Nisenan Tribute Site Trail Head (also called the Deer Creek Tribute Trail), a 3.4-mile-long moderately challenging trail showcasing the elegance of the forests surrounding the city and views of Deer Creek, courtesy of the Nisenan Tribute Bridge.
At the western end of downtown is the Nevada Theatre, one of California's oldest theaters, as it showcases live performances, music, film, and theater in a rugged brick building. The theater hosted Mark Twain for a lecture in 1866, early in his career. A Mediterranean restaurant to try is Petra Nevada City, serving an elegant cuisine with farm-to-table meals, such as chef-crafted bowls, wraps, gyros, and custom meals, leaving people satisfied and wanting to return for seconds.
Eureka
The port city of Eureka has a splendid combination of rugged coastal scenery on Humboldt Bay, remarkable Victorian architecture, and rich maritime history. A gorgeous piece of Victorian architecture built in 1889 in town is the Pink Lady Mansion, which has seen much history pass through its hallways, serving as a restaurant, guest house, office space, and wedding venue throughout its lifetime. The guest house offers a luxurious stay, while guided tours are available for groups looking to indulge in history and Victorian allure. Right on the waterfront is Vista Del Mar, a restaurant and sports bar serving delicious meals and drinks, while patrons can enjoy the views of the bay and Eureka Channel as they chow down on their burgers and wings and drink their cold beers.
A staple in downtown Eureka is Siren's Song Tavern, a venue renowned for its music scene, warm, welcoming atmosphere, and its hosting of traveling bands and local musicians. Visitors to the tavern can also enjoy refreshing drinks in an old-school setting with barstools, brick walls, and a well-lit stage. On the opposite side of town is the Sequoia Park Zoo, a zoo set within 67-acre Sequoia Park, where guests can view over 150 different animals, such as bald eagles, bears, coyotes, river otters, farm animals, and red pandas. People can get involved with the zoo as volunteers, become bamboo donors, and can rent the zoo for birthday parties, meetings, and other memorable events.
The alluring spirit of can't-miss towns in California
These eight fabulous can't-miss towns scattered throughout California shine a light on humble, adventurous, and memorable places that are either surrounded by towering mountains or dramatic coastal escapes. Nevada City is full of historic charm and natural wonders, thanks to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Eureka is rugged yet gorgeous with its glamorous architecture, and San Luis Obispo is a gem, thanks to its wine culture and beautiful scenery. California and its can't-miss towns are all admired and memorable places to adventure to for a day trip or a weekend getaway with friends, co-workers, and loved ones for endless stories to share that'll last a lifetime.
