The Most Charming River Towns In California
Riverfront towns boast popularity even in the ocean-loving Golden State. In fact, offering reprieve from the crowded beaches, there are no sharks or crashing waves. Each with a stoic set of attractions emits charisma for days. Life flows to the pace of the rivers under Cali's lovely weather. Kernville is the up-and-coming town in the Sierra.
Many rivers get their head start in the mountains, some flow through the wine country, and then they empty into the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, they breathe life into nature and waves of relaxation along the streets. Kayak gently down a river and shore for a picnic, a trail hike, or even a brewery. Rivertowns promise a purely magical visit.
Gualala
This peaceful village, tipping the northernmost edge of Sonoma County, basks under the unique microclimate of the "banana belt." Spy on whales and bird life along the Gualala Bluff Trail, just half a mile toward the sea. You can relax along a white sandy beach, explore the dunes, or drop by the art center with its outdoor installations masked by the redwoods of the imposing Gualala Point Regional Park to make a day of it. There, trails traverse scenic meadows and coastal forests, with sandy beaches, a campground, and picnic facilities.
Hidden by the craggy bluffs, the locals enjoy year-round activities like kayaking and canoeing, river sportfishing, and camping. Whether you're into golf, horseback riding, flying a kite, or wildlife watching, views are crystal clear under the sunny skies, since the ocean breeze chases the fog away from the shore. In addition to coastal coves and beaches, there's seafront seafood dining and the surrounding wine country. The annual Art in the Redwoods Festival is brewing up for August.
Coloma
Coloma oozes charm in the lush river valley at the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is where adventures begin at "the Divide," the area of scenic beauty between the Middle and South Forks of the American River, and end at one of the wineries, like David Girard Vineyards, a handsome estate some 1,400 feet above the valley. With its mix of history and attractions, just 50 minutes from Sacramento, Coloma played a pivotal role in California's history. January 24, 1848, when gold was discovered in the state, is immortalized at the Marshall Gold Discovery Park.
Visitors can pose in front of the sawmill where James W. Marshall spied gold flakes in the water and even pan for gold. Clapboard houses jostle with saloons and the modern Barmhaus Brewing Co. along the tree-lined streets and the retro post office. From mellow strolls along the river to the shimmering Dutch Creek Falls, the South Fork American River is California's most popular for whitewater rafting expeditions. Straddling California State Route 49, the winding drive parallels sites of significant Gold Rush-era history with scenic pull-offs.
Downieville
This charming town was established in the mid-19th century at the confluence of the Yuba and Downie Rivers, the narrower one. Renamed from The Forks, Downieville is the king in California's outdoorsy culture among downhill mountain bikers. There are plentiful rentals and options even for beginners at Downieville Outfitters, which offers lifts to the top trails or will point you towards an easy one. Sierra Buttes trails fan out north and east for mountain biking and the hungriest hikers ascending the Sierra Buttes North.
Downieville hums to a serene riverfront pace, with a small walkable downtown area on the Yuba River paralleling Main. Score a room at the local resort, a charming vacation rental, or one of the campsites in and around. From biking to paddling and fishing, Sabrina's at The Forks has a lovely summertime back patio for coffee dates or a solid lunch overlooking the river. Down the street, Cannon Point poses for a commemorative selfie with pretty views to remember this adventure-ridden town in the beautiful Sierras.
Dunsmuir
Dunsmuir oozes rugged charm in the shadows of Mount Shasta along the upper Sacramento River. Settled before the turn of the century, it was incorporated in 1909 and prospered as a pivotal railway hub along the Central Pacific Railroad in the heart of nature. The riverfront trail is a good starting point, paralleling the Main and the railway track. Among the two waterfalls in town, Mossbrae Falls is one of NorCal's top spring-fed waterfalls, dropping 52 feet in a veil of moss-covered cascades down the walls of a canyon into the Sacramento River.
Dunsmuir is a unique heritage and ecotourism destination with history sprinkled throughout and alpine nature to your heart's content, like the nearby Heart Lake and Lake Siskiyou Beach. Exploring the rustic architecture, take a breather at Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, which has a labeled arrangement of native and exotic plants, flowers, and trees, plus signage. Hikers can spy on the Earth's volcanic past at Castle Crags State Park, which exposes geological layers along miles of hiking trails and granite crags with distant Mount Shasta views.
Guerneville
Minutes from the coast, Guerneville straddles both sides of the rambunctious Russian River. This super family-friendly, outdoorsy town dubbed the “Gay Riviera” has an all-inclusive atmosphere along the scenic riverfront. From luxurious romantic retreats to ranch-style cabins, Johnson's Beach—Cabins and Campground is a budget option downtown across from Coffee Bazaar Cafe. Mingle and taste-test through the local Piknik Town Market, then drop by Nimble & Finn’s for a cone in the former bank building along Main.
Summertime living revolves around the river with easy downtown access to the popular Johnson’s Beach. Float down inner tubes or grab a canoe from Burke’s Canoe Trips. Stumptown Brewery is ideally placed to unwind after shoring your canoe down the river. There are spas to relax your sore muscles post-adventure. Armstrong Redwoods beckons for a hike among some of the world's tallest trees. Those wishing to savor an evening in a cozy atmosphere have the Russian River AVA wineries at the back door.
Healdsburg
Outdoor lovers and wine enthusiasts find a common appreciation for Mother Nature in Healdsburg. The main plaza is a tree-shaded/open grassy area with a gazebo, benches, and events. Surrounded by unique wineries and vineyards, each is memorable and minutes by foot or bike from downtown. In addition to tasting rooms, Healdsburg is in a bit of a food renaissance daze, including a popular farmers market on Saturdays. Costeaux French Bakery, an enduring French cafe/bakery for sit-down brunch and to-go goodies, will become your morning go-to.
Whether you join a local sip-and-cycle tour or prowl a vineyard on foot, this Sonoma wine country town along the Russian River is bound to guilt-trip you without some real activities. Launch off in a rented kayak or canoe along the Russian River. The refreshing breeze from Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve will spur you along the moderate hiking trails through scenic grasslands and wetlands. At the heart of town, Seghesio Family Vineyards has been welcoming since 1895 for its fine wine tastings, particularly zinfandels, food pairings, and events.
Kernville
Kernville emits Old West charisma, complementing the rustic outdoors in the southern Sierra Nevada. At the gateway to the iconic mountain wilderness, Sequoia National Forest, the landlubbers enjoy biking, hiking, camping, and climbing the surrounding rocky terrain with its conserved giant sequoia tree groves and trails. No wonder many find a vacation-worthy base amidst gold rush history under plentiful summertime sunshine. Kern River draws anglers from everywhere to fish for native trout as it flows into the sizable Lake Isabella.
From whitewater rafting to kayaking and tubing, nothing is off the table where the high desert meets the river landscape along the mouth of the Kern River. Spend a morning along the Whiskey Flat Trail or a day on the lake. Kernville frames you in a peaceful atmosphere along the once rowdy streets. Exploring its yesteryear charms between adventures, drop by the Kern Valley Museum across from a popular brewery. Picturesquely backdropped by the mountains, you can even make a grand exit into the sunset, Western movie style.
Truckee
Truckee is the friendliest town in the Sierra Nevada. Plan your visit according to the season or personal interests. Historic and unpolished, it is exactly what many seek in an unapologetic mountain town in the heart of the Sierra Nevada. Many come for the Gold Rush history, the old west vibes, and local bars like Old Town Tap, in the heart of historic downtown, with solid food and top-notch hummus. From Sawtooth Trailhead to China Cove Beach on Donner Lake, drop by the lakefront Donner Memorial State Museum, which relates to the 19th-century Donner Party.
In the warmer months, locals and tourists hit the trails. Many aim for the all-time popular Mount Judah. For something less strenuous, take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Truckee River, where fish reel in. There are a handful of hotels and vacation rentals like the hip Gravity Haus. Tee off at one of the public golf courses or relax at the picnic grounds next to your campground along Prosser Creek Reservoir. Surrounded by the ski resorts of Palisades, Donner, Sugar Bowl, and North Star, the festive town welcomes skiers, boarders, and snowshoers.
For a refreshing escape from crowds and civilization, catch a river current and get to know the town personally. From a lakeside town in the high desert to the oceanfront, these eight will charm the socks off any visitor seeking a more atypical escape.
Each charming town has a personality trait you're bound to love, like the wine country banana belt in Gualala or the unapologetic mountain demeanor of Truckee. The tranquil feel extends along historic streets, vibrant plazas, and epic art installations.
