These California Towns Have The Best Views In The State

From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sprawling deserts of Joshua Tree, California is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. While its major cities are iconic, the state's true visual treasures are often found in its charming small towns. These spots offer front-row seats to dramatic scenery that will have you pulling over every five minutes.

If your idea of a perfect getaway involves jaw-dropping views, whether it's rugged coastlines, giant redwood forests, vast desert plains, or crystal-clear alpine lakes, then pack your bags. You're about to discover your new favorite spot.

Big Sur

Driving along the Big Sur National Scenic Byway, a celebrated stretch of California's Highway 1, is a can't-miss road trip. This rugged coastline serves up dramatic ocean vistas and countless pullouts to soak it all in. Make sure to stop at McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where an 80-foot waterfall tumbles directly onto a sandy cove. For a laid-back moment, grab a burger and milkshake at the Big Sur River Inn and pull up one of the Adirondack chairs set right in the river. You can cool your feet in the water while you eat. Cap off your day with a sunset at Nepenthe, a cliffside restaurant where the view feels like a postcard come to life.

Big Sur is more than just a drive; it's a place to reconnect with nature in unexpected ways. The landscape shifts from towering seaside cliffs to dense redwood forests, inviting you to slow down and take it all in.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Known for its storybook-style architecture and upscale feel, Carmel-by-the-Sea combines history with coastal living. A must-do is the 17-Mile Drive, a privately maintained road that winds through Pebble Beach. Stop at Stillwater Cove to admire calm waters framed by lush golf courses. It’s also a great spot for kayaking and soaking in the serene surroundings. For a different kind of dinner, head to Mission Ranch, Clint Eastwood’s hotel and restaurant, where you can watch the sun set over rolling fields of sheep with the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Carmel itself is a highly walkable town, making it easy to discover its personality at your own pace. As you wander, you’ll find boutique shops, art galleries, and tucked-away courtyards. Whether you’re strolling through its fairytale streets or relaxing at one of its many overlooks, Carmel provides a blend of relaxation and seaside sophistication.

Willow Creek

Located deep within Six Rivers National Forest, Willow Creek is a small town surrounded by natural wonders. It proudly calls itself the "Bigfoot Capital of the World." Take a drive along the Bigfoot Scenic Byway, where towering redwoods line the road on one side, and the rushing Trinity River flows on the other. For a refreshing dip on a hot day, stop at the Devil’s Elbow swimming hole, a hidden oasis with clear, cool water that’s a favorite among locals. The town itself has a museum dedicated to Bigfoot, adding a quirky element to its woodsy setting.

If you’re visiting Willow Creek, you’ll find it’s a great starting point for seeing the great outdoors. With its breathtaking forest views and easy access to hiking trails, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts.

Sausalito

Just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Sausalito is known for its waterfront sights and relaxed vibe. For a panoramic look at the city skyline and the bay, head up to Battery Spencer or Hawk Hill, both of which provide incredible photo opportunities. A stroll along the Sausalito Boardwalks, including the Bridgeway Promenade and Yacht Harbor Boardwalk, lets you take in the sights of colorful houseboats and bobbing sailboats. The houseboat community here is a distinctive part of the town's identity, with floating homes ranging from rustic to modern.

Sausalito’s dining scene is equally inviting. You can have brunch at Le Garage, a French bistro in a converted auto shop with sweeping views of the harbor. This little town is a destination that feels worlds away from the city's bustle, even though it’s just minutes away.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe delivers some of the most memorable mountain and lake views in California. For an unbeatable perspective, take a ride on the Heavenly Gondola, which climbs over 9,000 feet for incredible vistas of the massive blue lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains. For those who prefer to stay on foot, hiking to the top of Mt. Tallac provides a rewarding challenge with a summit view that makes the effort worthwhile. Don’t miss the lookout at Emerald Bay State Park, where the turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe meet lush, forested slopes around Fannette Island.

For a special treat, splurge on dinner at The Edge Restaurant & Lounge. Located at the top of the gondola, this dining spot pairs rustic mountain cuisine with panoramic lake views, creating a meal you won’t soon forget.

Joshua Tree

The town of Joshua Tree is the main gateway to the world-famous national park, where dramatic desert landscapes stretch for miles under a vast sky. A short drive into the park will take you to Arch Rock, a massive natural granite formation that you can reach via a quick and easy trail. At the Cholla Cactus Garden, you can walk through a dense field of teddybear cholla cacti that seem to glow golden in the sun. For wide-open views of the Coachella Valley and distant mountains, head to Keys View, a must-see overlook for anyone visiting the area.

Back in town, Joshua Tree has a laid-back, artsy atmosphere where you can recharge after a day in the park with a meal at a rustic cafe or a visit to a local art gallery. With its distinct desert setting and easy access to incredible sights, it's a great starting point for your next journey into the great outdoors.

California’s small towns offer a stunning array of views that make each destination uniquely special. Whether you're drawn to the coastal elegance and storybook charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea, the relaxed, waterfront vibe of Sausalito with its stunning bay views, or the otherworldly desert landscapes of Joshua Tree, there’s a perfect escape for every type of traveler.

These destinations are a powerful reminder of why California is such a remarkable and diverse place. Each town gives you its own unique perspective on the state’s natural beauty and distinct culture, making it easy to find your next great getaway, full of lasting memories and breathtaking scenery.