2024's 11 Most Beautiful Small Towns in California
California is the largest state by population and contains some of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in the whole country within its borders. Known for major cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, this great state is also filled with many smaller towns that offer just as much charm, if not, more, as many seek to escape the crowds in 2024.
From the Siera Nevadas to the Pacific Coast and all the amazing state parks in between, here are 11 of these small towns that we think are among the most beautiful places in California to visit this year.
Paso Robles
Paso Robles is a vibrant town located in California鈥檚 Central Coast wine region, famous for its diverse wineries and gorgeous open countryside. The area is known for varietals such as Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, which can be tried at highly recommended locales like Eberle Winery and Cendre Wines. Other notable wineries include DAOU Vineyards and Justin Vineyards & Winery, both offering tours and tastings, paired with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
California is not known for having an abundance of lakes, but one of the most scenic natural features near Paso Robles is Lake Nacimiento, a pristine body of water that is a hotspot for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping at spots like Sandy Point Campground and Oak Knoll Campground. Only about 30 minutes north of town, this is a must-visit destination during your stay.
The town center features a charming downtown area with places to grab other kinds of local beverages, like the Firestone Walker Brewing Company, renowned for its craft beer. The Paso Robles City Park serves as a community hub, hosting events such as the annual Paso Robles Wine Festival. For history buffs, the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum showcases the region鈥檚 heritage through exhibits on local agriculture and ranching.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel-by-the-Sea captivates with its European-inspired aesthetic and abundant natural beauty. This small town, with a population of just under 3,200, is a great spot to avoid the crowds of the state's major cities on the coast. The town鈥檚 white-sand beach, flanked by cypress trees, provides an idyllic spot for sunset walks or simply enjoying the peaceful sound of the waves. Carmel River State Beach is an equally scenic and popular alternative, located just south of town.
This town is also filled with historic significance, both human and natural. Locales like the historic Carmel Mission, founded in 1771 by Spanish colonists, attract history buffs from abroad, while the nearby Point Lobos State Natural Reserve gives you a breathtaking coastal view and trails through old-growth Monterey cypress groves.
St. Helena
Nestled in the heart of iconic Napa Valley, St. Helena is a small town that attracts wine lovers with its vineyard-covered landscapes and healthy selection of tasting rooms, restaurants, and other delicious amenities. Some nearby wineries that are considered staples of the wine tourism industry in and around St. Helena include Beringer Vineyards estate, Vineyard 29, and Alpha Omega Winery, among dozens of other choices.
Visitors should also explore the natural beauty of the area by hiking in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or taking a scenic drive through the region鈥檚 famed vineyards.
Whether you鈥檙e sipping 海角社区-class wines, strolling through the charming downtown, or taking in the surrounding landscapes, St. Helena offers a picture-perfect retreat in one of the state鈥檚 most celebrated regions.
Ojai
Ojai, located in a lush valley surrounded by the Topatopa Mountains, is known for its arts scene, spiritual retreats, and exciting outdoor activities. The town鈥檚 Ojai Valley Museum is a great place to start since it highlights the local history, while many come to this town for Libbey Park, which is home to the annual Ojai Music Festival. Those looking for fresh local produce also come here for the Ojai Certified Farmer鈥檚 Market, which offers fresh local produce every Sunday.
Outdoor adventurers can hike the Shelf Road Trail, which provides panoramic views of the valley below and its famous 鈥減ink moment鈥� sunsets, which as you could imagine, are uniquely bright and pink in this area of the state. Nearby, Los Padres National Forest offers further ways to go hiking and exploring in nature.
Ojai鈥檚 Bart鈥檚 Books, yet another unique draw in town, is the 海角社区鈥檚 largest outdoor bookstore and is worth the trip for any bookworms out there. Also Known for its emphasis on wellness, Ojai also features popular retreats like the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa.
Crescent City
Crescent City is a charming coastal town located along California's northern coast, known for its unbeatable oceanside views and proximity to the majestic Redwood National and State Parks.
The town is home to or is near several scenic beaches, including the one surrounding Battery Point beach which sits behind the iconic Battery Point Lighthouse, which is accessible during low tide. On the small island the lighthouse is located on is a museum where you can learn about the structure and the nautical history of Crescent City.
Be sure to see the other natural wonders of the area at lush inland redwood forests, where towering trees create a magical atmosphere. The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, just minutes from the town, contains trails for all skill levels amidst some of the tallest trees in the 海角社区!
Both the shoreline and the nearby redwood forest host meadows that explode with wildflowers from the early spring until late summer.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg, situated at the confluence of the Russian River and Dry Creek just north of Santa Rosa, is another prime destination for wine lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike. The town features over 90 wineries in the surrounding area, an astounding number that includes Jordan Vineyard & Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery, both of which offer tastings and tours.
For outdoor recreation, be sure to spend some time at the nearby flowing Russian River, where kayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities in 2024. The nearby Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve contains foot trails that lead to some stunning views of the vineyards below and the surrounding mountains above.
Healdsburg鈥檚 charming central Plaza, lined with high-end boutiques, galleries, and eateries, serves as the heart of the town and can easily fill up an afternoon of simply wandering around. Notable restaurants like Caf茅 Lucia and Dry Creek Kitchen showcase the region鈥檚 dedication to farm-to-table dining, while you can pick up fresh ingredients for yourself at the Healdsburg Farmer's Market, held every Saturday.
Nevada City
Perched in the rugged yet beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, Nevada City is a historic little town that is known for its well-preserved Gold Rush-era architecture and overall Western vibe. The town鈥檚 downtown area is home to several buildings dating back to the 1850s, such as the Nevada Theatre, California鈥檚 oldest existing theater. This amazing old theater still hosts various performances throughout the year.
Numerous outdoor activities can be found nearby, including hiking in the Sierra Nevada or exploring the trails of Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, where visitors can learn more about the region's mining history. Additionally, the nearby South Yuba River State Park offers opportunities for swimming, fishing, and picnicking along its scenic banks, making it an idyllic place to spend a summer day.
You must also pay a visit to Nevada City's Historic District, which includes many of the town's shops, hotels, restaurants, and other amenities. Here, the Fire House #1 Museum is an interesting stop, as it covers the history of the local fire department from 1861 to 1938.
Sonoma
Sonoma is an idyllic town just north of San Fransisco, and appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, wine fans, and anyone simply looking for a peaceful escape from big city life.
The Sonoma Plaza, the largest plaza in California, serves as the town's centerpiece, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Visitors can also explore the Sonoma State Historic Park, which includes the Mission San Francisco Solano, showcasing the town's longstanding history. Outdoor-related activities abound close by in Sonoma too, with options to hike or bike through nearby Sonoma Valley Regional Park.
Wine enthusiasts should go see some of the local wineries such as Gundlach Bundschu and Chateau St. Jean, both offering tastings and vineyard tours. The area is also famous for its dining scene, with restaurants like The Girl & The Fig, known for their seasonal menus featuring using only the freshest local ingredients.
The Sonoma County Harvest Fair, held annually, is another draw that celebrates the region's agricultural economy with food tastings, a farmers market, and live entertainment.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a community located in the San Bernardino Mountains that is a staple for outdoor recreation outside of Los Angeles, with a crystal clear lake at its center and forest-covered mountains around it. Its alpine atmosphere often comes as a surprise to new visitors, given its proximity to the sun-soaked metropolis.
The nearby San Bernardino National Forest is the place to go for a day outside at its hiking trails, including the popular Heart Rock Trail, which leads to a scenic waterfall. Martha McLean-Anza Narrows Park has additional trails and picnic areas with views of the lake and surrounding mountains. During winter, nearby Snow Valley Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding, making Lake Arrowhead a year-round destination.
The village center, although small, still features useful amenities like shops, outfitters, and resorts like Arrowhead Lake Inn.
Julian
Julian is a historic gold mining town nestled in the Cuyamaca mountains, a short drive east of San Diego. Best known in more modern times for its apple orchards and stunning natural surroundings, this southern California town is a real treat for both the eyes and the stomach.
Surrounded by Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Julian offers numerous hiking trails with scenic views, such as the popular Stonewall Peak Trail, which leads to eye-popping viewpoints along the way.
The town鈥檚 Julian Historic District is arguably just as beautiful as the landscape around it, featuring several ornate 19th-century buildings, including the Julian Town Hall and the Wright鈥檚 Field historical marker. Visitors can explore the Julian Pioneer Museum to learn about the town's gold rush history.
Famous for its apple pie, the Julian Pie Company is a must-visit for tasting this local treat. In the fall, the annual Julian Apple Days Festival celebrates the apple harvest with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
Crestline
Crestline is another quaint mountain town located near Lake Gregory in the San Bernardino Mountains. This community is centered around Lake Gregory, where you can partake in swimming, fishing, and picnicking along the shoreline, among other water-based activities during the warmer months. The Lake Gregory Regional Park features a sandy beach, walking paths, and playgrounds, also making it a popular spot in the area for families.
Learn more about the delicate ecosystem in and around Crestline at Crestline Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and guided hikes in the surrounding wilderness. The nearby San Bernardino National Forest is also nearby, and as mentioned before, is famous for its extensive hiking trails, including routes to picturesque waterfalls such as Heart Rock.
See California's Most Beautiful Places in 2024
From arid deserts to lush coastal meadows and towering mountains, California seemingly has it all when it comes to natural beauty. These wonderful landscapes are further complimented by these cozy small towns, each containing its own charm that perfectly complements the scenic surroundings.
Be sure to finish your 2024 off strong see any of the entries on this list, whether you're adventuring along the northern coast or exploring the Sonoran or Mojave deserts near the southern border. Luckily, many of these towns are located close enough to cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco but are far enough away to still feel like a true escape into the wild.
