From wine country to pristine beaches I’ve got you covered with 15 of the most charming towns in California. Imagine kayaking with playful otters or being dwarfed by the towering redwoods as you ride through on a rail bike.
These California adventures are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts ready to soak up the summer sun and leave with a little more sand and a lot of special memories.
15 Cutest Small Towns In California
Carmel by the Sea
With beach sunsets, fairytale cottages, prime outdoor dinner seating, art galleries, and an abundance of stunning views, Carmel by the Sea is one of the most beloved small beach towns in California.
Carmel also features the Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio, a beautifully restored historic church that acts as home to multiple museums as well as being an active parish.
Just a stone’s throw up the coast you can take the 17 Mile Drive by Pebble Beach, the Lone Cypress, grand mansions, and more. Head south 5 minutes and you’ll hit Point Lobos State Park.
Monterey
A trip to Monterey can easily be combined with a visit to Carmel or a drive down the Big Sur coastline with an ocean-view lunch stop at Nepenthe. However, Monterey has plenty going on to make it a trip all on its own.
Start with breakfast at Bay Street Cafe before walking to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. You know you’re in for a treat when one of the first exhibits you see houses the playful sea otters. The whole aquarium is outstanding.
For a unique, up-close experience with otters, seals, and sea lions, try renting a kayak through Adventures by the Sea and explore Monterey Bay.
The historic Cannery Row is part of what makes Monterey one of the most notable small cities in California. Take a walk down the street once home to sardine canneries, and explore its present day shops.
Finally, venture over to Fisherman’s Wharf the perfect place to go on a whale-watching tour or eat delicious fresh seafood at any number of excellent restaurants.
Solvang
A quaint Danish village in Santa Ynez Valley wine country…yes please! Solvang is one of the most unique small towns in California.
Once an unassuming farming town full of Danish immigrants, it’s now a thriving tourist hot spot, rich with Danish culture and history (and of course most importantly, mouth-watering Danish pastries).
Walking around town is entertainment enough with beautiful half-timbered houses and the iconic Paaske Windmill among others.
Between admiring the architecture and indulging in wine and Danish culinary staples, consider visiting the Hans Christian Andersen Museum dedicated to the famous Danish author, or the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art.
Sausalito
Sausalito, one of the most charming small cities in California, is the perfect day trip from San Francisco. It’s easily reached by ferry or by biking or driving across the Golden Gate Bridge. I suggest biking there and ferrying back to get the best of both worlds.
The benefits of being a waterfront city include delicious, fresh seafood, al fresco dining with top-notch views, kayaking on Richardson Bay, and strolling the Bridgeway Promenade.
Take a moment to enjoy the Bay Model, an educational, hydraulic scale model of the San Francisco Bay, then indulge in ice cream from Lappert’s to end your day.
From the iconic floating houses to the layout of homes along the hill mildly reminiscent of the Amalfi coast, Sausalito is well worth the trip for some summertime fun.
Ojai
Buying local produce at a farmer’s market, hiking in a national forest, relaxing poolside in the summer sun…if this sounds good to you, Ojai is one of the best small towns in California for doing just that.
Ojai Pixie tangerines, olive oil at the Ojai Olive Oil Company, and honey at Heavenly Honey Company. Local is the name of the game. The town prides itself on its charming small businesses. You won’t find chain stores here.
For time spent in nurture, a 40-minute drive will take you to the Los Padres National Forest and its hiking trails. For something closer try the Ojai Meadow Preserve.
You can even soak in the sun without breaking a sweat by browsing Bart’s Bookstore (an outdoor bookstore) or dining on an outdoor patio with a craft beer in hand.
Coronado
Coronado Island is easily one of the best small beach towns in California. This charming town is just a stone’s throw from downtown San Diego. In fact, from the Coronado Ferry Landing, you can ferry back and forth if you wish.
Plan to spend the bulk of your trip at the beach. Coronado Beach to be exact. This pristine beach is easily accessible from Hotel Del, the most iconic, historic, luxury hotel on the island.
Has your dog traveled with you? Further down the beach closer to the naval base is a wonderful dog beach full of pups living their best lives.
Eat breakfast at Clayton’s Coffee Shop, rent a bike to explore the island, visit the home where L. Frank Baum penned The Wizard of Oz, and soak up Coronado’s good vibes.
Paso Robles
For wine connoisseurs, Paso Robles deserves a spot among the best cute California towns with its picturesque rolling hills and fantastic wineries.
While significant chunks of your trip could easily be consumed by wine tasting at premier vineyards, not everything has to revolve around wine. For those who prefer beer or cider to wine, nearby Tin City is full of craft breweries and distilleries.
For an itinerary devoid of all alcohol, consider soaking in San Louis Obispo’s Franklin Hot Springs, or stay in town and rent a private mineral water hot tub for an hour at the River Oaks Hot Spring Spa.
At night, head to the Light at Sensorio for a stunning 15-acre light show made of over 100,000 fiber optic stemmed spheres illuminating the rolling hills. Live music and food and drink make it a one-stop shop for a night full of fun.
Windsor
Windsor, California oozes small-town charm. Located in Sonoma County, the town centers around its town green, a community-centric space offering seasonal concerts and a farmer’s market as well as playgrounds and wine-tasting rooms.
Windsor’s location in wine country means wineries and tasting rooms are prevalent. Consider making a reservation for Bricoleur Vineyards’ wine tasting room or sip wine at one of Notre Vue’s lakeside tasting pavillions.
When you’re not indulging in wine, the outdoors will be your playground. Windsor’s natural beauty is part of what makes it one of the most charming towns in California.
Shiloh Ranch Regional Park, Foothill Regional Park, and Riverfront Regional Park are excellent hiking options. For just a casual stroll, the pedestrian path at the Town Green is perfect.
Mendocino
Full of unique outdoor opportunities, Mendocino is one of the best small towns in California for outdoor enthusiasts.
Redwood groves, beaches, a beautiful river…Mendocino has it all. Imagine traveling down Big River in an outrigger canoe with Catch-A-Canoe. How about an electric-powered Skunk Train rail bike through the redwoods (you can also take the actual train)?
For hiking, Mendocino is home to a number of picturesque state parks such as Russian Gulch State Park or Van Damme State Park. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals in the water.
A stroll through the charming downtown is always enjoyable but if you’d like to keep the unique adventures rolling, head towards nearby Fort Bragg and visit the unusual Glass Beach where glass trash has now become sparkling sea glass.
Laguna Beach
Get ready for sand and sun in large doses. Laguna Beach is one of the most popular small beach towns in California. When you’re not riding the Laguna Beach Trolley around town, much of your time will likely be spent on or near a beach.
I suggest including Victoria Beach in your itinerary for its unique 60-foot “pirate tower.” While you can’t climb this unusual landmark, it’s a popular photo spot. Paired with the tide pools and sea caves, Victoria Beach is always a hit.
Whether you’re looking for an access point to Main Beach in the heart of the city, hiking trails, or the perfect picnic spot with ocean views, Heisler Park offers you all three. It’s the perfect place to barbecue and soak up the sun.
For more hiking/scenic walks head to Crystal Cove State Park or The Top of The World (Alta Laguna Park). Looking to cool off after your hike? Take the 200+ steps down to 1,000 Steps Beach.
Avalon
Located on Santa Catalina Island, Avalon is one of the most unique small cities in California. With very few cars on the island and narrow streets, I suggest renting a golf cart to make your way around.
For those seeking adventure, you might try kayaking or snorkeling or even joining a partially submerged “submarine” tour to get up close and personal with the fish.
If you’d rather stay on land you can tour the Catalina Casino, a historic building full of architectural beauty that houses the Avalon Theatre as well as a magnificent ballroom. To get your blood pumping, join fellow hikers on the Garden to Sky trail beginning at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Gardens.
Hungry after your hike? Hit up the Sand Trap Restaurant and Bar’s Happy Hour for $2 tacos. Nothing like a tasty, inexpensive meal!
Tahoe City
The pristine beauty of Lake Tahoe lures visitors from around the world. As a more relaxed pace, nature-centric alternative to the south side, Tahoe City is one of the most charming towns in California.
Commons Beach alone offers an abundance of entertainment. This four-acre park/beach is ideal for swimming and kayaking, or staying on land and soaking up the sun during a family barbecue. Don’t miss free concerts and movie nights during the summer months.
Whether you’re admiring lake views from your short Eagle Rock Hike, digging your toes in the soft sand of Meeks Bay, or walking the shoreline at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park, there’s no shortage of picturesque natural landscapes.
For something a little different, take a tour of the Hellman-Ehrman mansion located in the same state park, enjoy the historic property, and imagine what it must have been like to enjoy the fresh air and lake views in such luxury.
St. Helena
If you love wine, you’ll love St. Helena. Also referred to as Napa Valley’s Main Street, St. Helena is easily among the best cute small towns in California for wine aficionados.
The biggest tip I can give you is to book all winery tours well in advance. Napa Valley’s popularity among tourists means walk-ins are virtually a thing of the past.
For a particularly special experience visit Beringer Vineyards and tour the historic Rhine House, ‘Sip and Stroll’ around the vineyards, or visit the property’s wine caves.
St. Helena has excellent dining options as well from farm-to-table experiences like the Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch to a petite eatery such as Cook. Don’t forget to stroll the historic downtown and visit the Model Bakery whose English muffins are not to be missed.
Idyllwild
For an ideal, quiet escape in the San Jacinto mountains, head to Idyllwild. Rent a cabin where you can relax in between hikes and settle into the remote, small-town life.
Serious hikers might already be aware that 55 of the 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) stretching from Mexico to Canada can be found in the San Jacinto District.
You don’t however have to tackle the PCT to enjoy the nearby hiking trails. A great option for a more casual hike with beautiful views is the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail.
When you’re not hiking, walk around town, grab a bite to eat on the patio at the Idyllwild Brew Pub, read a book among the trees, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy your nature-centric vacation in one of the most charming small towns in California.
Los Alamos
When I say small towns in California, I truly mean small. Only 7 blocks long, Los Alamos is a tiny but thriving Old West town at the entry to the Santa Ynez Valley.
Though Los Alamos may not warrant a long trip, there are plenty of activities to fill a day that will be nothing short of memorable.
The food scene is to be applauded for its variety and quality. Dim sum, pizza, freshly baked bread loaves, you name it. And naturally, due to its location in wine country, wine tasting is a must. Casa Dumetz is a popular option.
From antique shops and art galleries to historic hotels and an old railway station, the town isn’t fancy, but its Old West charm will certainly have you coming back for more.
Cool small towns in California are found in abundance and I’m thrilled you’ve chosen to explore all they have to offer.
Wine tastings, coastal hikes, picturesque campgrounds, towering redwood forests…it’s hard to go wrong with any of these 15 choices. If you have any questions as you go about planning your trip itinerary, feel free to let me know in the comments.
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