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Jan 8, 2024 · Amador City is the smallest town in California by population and area, as it's only 0.3 square miles. Established in 1851, this tiny town boasts historic buildings, charming shops, and a rich history. Despite its small size, Amador City is a popular destination for those seeking a glimpse into California's gold rush era. Vernon.
From the far northern coast to the desert, to the far southern mountains, discover the small towns that showcase all California has to offer.
- Arcata
- Ferndale
- Nevada City
- Ojai
- Avalon
- Sausalito
- Solvang
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
- St. Helena
- Calistoga
- Sonoma
- Pismo Beach
- Tahoe City
Ojai has long been an oasis for artists and free spirits. Located about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, the small town is tucked in a valley among the scenic Topatopa Mountains. The tranquil setting is prime for a mix of outdoor and wellness activities, from hiking to horseback riding to spa treatments at the renowned Ojai Valley Inn. The town's...
Say goodbye to rush hour on the 101 and hello to touring the small town of Avalon, located on Catalina Island. There's a long waitlist to have a car on the island, making it easy to explore the three-square-mile town on foot — or via golf cart. Favorite activities include snorkeling off the coast, relaxing on white-sand beaches, sport-fishing, and ...
Drive or bike to the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge, and you'll find yourself in one of the best small towns in California: Sausalito. The gorgeous bayfront location and picturesque architecture are all part of the enchanting package here. A stroll around Bridgeway, the town's main drag, offers breathtaking views of the bay and San Francis...
Solvang...California or Denmark? This postcard-perfect small town in the Santa Ynez Valley is entirely Danish in style and architecture. Danish flags hang from street lamps in the town's center, which replicates a Scandinavian village. You can shop for wooden clogs, eat Danish-style food like ebleskiver(think doughnut holes), and take selfies in fr...
If you're headed to Big Sur, stop in one of California's best small towns, Carmel-by-the-Sea. The name alone hints at the romantic quality of the picturesque downtown area, which has enchanting gardens and storybook cottages. The village used to be a boho artist colony, and it's still home to over 100 art galleries. But these days, it's a lot more ...
St. Helena is often referred to as Napa Valley's Main Street — and that's a good thing. Located about 20 miles north of the city of Napa, the town is big on charm and small on scale. St. Helena's downtown features a half-mile of boutiques, California cuisine restaurants, and, of course, wine-tasting rooms (Napa is known for cabernet sauvignon, so s...
Even with a Four Seasons resort, Calistoga is still the chillest small town in Napa Valley. It's where you go to relax, sip, and repeat. The area is best known for its natural hot springs and mud baths. Don't miss out on Old Faithful, one of three geysers in the world with the "Old Faithful'' designation. (The other two, located in Yellowstone Nati...
Want to experience California's wine country on a budget? Located about 45 miles north of San Francisco, Sonoma County is less expensive and larger than Napa County, with more wineries and appellations. However, the quaint town of Sonoma stands on its own for colonial architecture, fascinating statehood history, and a picturesque downtown. For hike...
This charming Central Coast town has one of the best beaches in California and a pier that stretches 1,200 feet into the Pacific Ocean. There are dozens of surf stores and beach cafes to visit, but the real action is on the sand and in the surf. Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve allows horseback riding on the beach and ATV tours through the dunes. Get ...
Tahoe City is proof of California's diverse landscapes and small-town offerings. It's all about lake life in the summer, and downhill skiing in nearby Palisades Tahoe come winter. The tranquil epicenter of Tahoe City is Lake Boulevard, where towering pine trees, beautiful Lake Tahoeviews, and a smattering of local shops and restaurants await. When ...
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- Skip California's big city crowds in favor of these 20 charming getaways. The Golden State is chock full of amazing destinations large and small. And while big city hubs and popular national parks enjoy a lot of love from visitors near and far, the state's incredible small towns sometimes get lost in the vacation planning shuffle.
- Sausalito. Situated on the northern side of the Golden Gate Bridge is the small community of Sausalito, a welcome breath of fresh air for those wanting to take a break from bustling San Francisco.
- Ojai. Drive about an hour and a half northwest of Los Angeles and you'll arrive in the oasis that is Ojai. Ojai enjoys a breathtaking location in a valley among the Topatopa Mountains, affording visitors stunning mountain views.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea. This town is easily one of the most enchanting places in California. Its stunning location along the Monterey coastline, lush, wooded landscape and fairy tale-like architecture create a dreamy vacation destination that you'll probably never want to leave.
- Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a romantic, seaside destination on a stunning section of the Central California coast. Art galleries, boutique shops, and fairy-tale cottages dot this charming one-square-mile village on the Monterey Peninsula.
- Arcata. Arcata is a charming small town defined by a laid-back atmosphere and a sense of history. It's within Humboldt County in Northern California, on the northern portion of Humboldt Bay, and a short drive from Eureka.
- Dunsmuir. Dunsmuir is a central hub of attractions and getaways in Northern California. It's surrounded by Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Castle Crags State Park, and hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail pass through Dunsmuir on their cross-country journey.
- Half Moon Bay. Half Moon Bay is a quaint, ocean community 45 minutes south of San Francisco. This proximity to the Golden Gate Bridge and the rest of the Bay Area doesn't represent the quiet and uncrowded attractions of Half Moon Bay, including miles of stunning beaches.
May 23, 2023 · We've rounded up 40 of the best and most quaint small cities, towns, neighborhoods, and villages in California—several with gorgeous European influence—so you can start planning your next trip.
Apr 26, 2022 · Sure, a big city is lively and rambunctious, but California’s small towns can be hidden gems. They give a sense of history, community, and uniqueness that really define a place. Just look at Carmel-by-the-Sea , a charming town in the Monterey peninsula.
