Locals and experts agree on the 13 best small towns in California

California’s marquee cities—Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego—tend to steal the show. The Golden State is home to some the most vibrant and exciting communities, as well as the best cultural attractions, food, and community in the country. But for those who venture off the main freeways, the state offers small towns with a lot of charm. The best small towns of California are a mix of quiet beach towns, wine country areas, and artist enclaves.

Healdsburg

Healdsburg is a small town with plenty of buzz—and for good reason. Daniel Strawn – the director of Leisure Sales at Montage HealdsburgShared with Travel + Leisure About the community. It has a population around 11,000 people. What people don’t know is that, even though the region is well-known for its wine, many families have lived here for generations. 

Visitors can experience that balance between rural charm and modern refinement everywhere, including the town’s Tuesday Concerts in the Park, three-Michelin-starred dining at SingleThread, and visits to its best galleries. Strawn is a big fan of The Harris Gallery—Art & Wine Collection, a father-and-son-run tasting lounge and gallery where you get the best of both worlds under one roof. Strawn suggests visiting early November or in the quiet months of winter. “These months are ideal for curling up around our outdoor firepits with a glass pinot noir.”

Carmel-by-the-Sea 

Melissa Krueger is the CEO of Classic VacationsShared about Carmel-by-the-SeaIt has just over 3,000 residents. Imagine cliffs, white-sand beach, and redwoods all in one panoramic view. Carmel also has fairy-tale houses, art galleries and wine rooms. Krueger also added that “it’s ideal for outdoor lovers, as hiking, golfing and coastal adventure are all part of an everyday experience.”

Bring your four-legged friend along. Mark Jason Williams, co-author of LGBTQ+ travel guide Out In the World. He suggested that you stop by the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve while on your trip, and said it was important to “stay until sunset.” Williams noted that the fall is an excellent time to visit, as it’s a sunny season in the area. September and October offer warm weather with perfect golden light. 

Kirkwood

Kirkwood offers a true escape in every season. Krueger, who lives in a town of 400 people full-time, said that although it is known for some of the best ski resorts in California summer is his favorite season. The wildflowers, hiking, and alpine lakes in this town are all top-notch.

This is not the place to find high-end accommodation or a lot of amenities. “Services are minimal—just enough to get by—but that’s part of the charm,” Krueger said. She suggests stopping for a quick bite, then exploring the local trails or paddling Silver Lake.

Carpinteria

Carpinteria offers beach-town charm to the fullest. It is located just south Santa Barbara. Louise Astbury of California’s Surfer’s Village said, “Carpinteria has a small, local vibe with an old-school surfer’s feel.” Paradise RetreatsShared about the town of just under 13,000 people. “The beach claims to be ‘the World’s Safest Beach’.”

Visitors can explore the downtown “Carp” area, which is home to galleries, family cafes and blocks that are easily walkable. The shoulder season of October, like others on this list is the best time to visit. This is because the Avocado Festival takes place and the weather in the fall is warm. 

Lodi

Famous chef says “Lodi reminded me of Healdsburg twenty years ago.” Charlie Palmer Central Valley Town was explained. “It has everything: amazing wine, hard-working farmers, serious food talent and a sense of community.” The town has a population around 67,000 so it’s no small place, but is still relatively unknown as a destination. This makes it easier to find the winemakers in the area and get a table at their best restaurants.

That said, you may want to hurry up and visit—Palmer sees Lodi as a town on the verge of a breakthrough. Palmer said, “You can feel the energy in Lodi. It’s like it is on the brink of something great.”

Guerneville

Lauren Levin of Lightstone/Moxy Hotels in California said, “Guerneville, a charmingly rural town on the Russian River, is an ideal place to visit.” The town is a mix of towering Redwoods and calm river water ideal for tubing. There are also trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, breweries and hipster bars. 

Levin recommends retro-chic Boon Hotel + SpaRenting a canoe and finishing the day at Craft Beer Stumptown Brewery. Levin said that San Franciscans had been coming here for a long time, but now Angelenos have caught on because of the short flights to Santa Rosa.

Los Olivos

Levin, who lives in Los Olivos with fewer than 1000 residents about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, said that the town is one of the rare places where the time seems to slow down. Levin described a downtown with shops, art galleries, wine tasting rooms and a central area that is “surrounded by open skies, vineyards, and ranches.” It’s equal parts refined and rustic.

Sam Highley is the founder of a U.S. travel agency. All Roads NorthThe town was described as “the ideal place to spend a lazy weekend exploring the winding roads.” 

Three Rivers

Highley believes that Three Rivers in the Sierra Foothills near the entrance to Sequoia National Park is worth a stop of at least one day. Many people pass through Three Rivers on their way to Sequoia National Park, but this is a mistake. Highley claims that the Kaweah River offers whitewater rafting, while hiking in the foothills and a new food scene is a must-try. Furthermore, Autocamp Just opened a stylish glamping retreat Airstreams parked along the river and fire pits set under the stars make this a destination unto itself. 

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is another small town that Highley recommends outdoor enthusiasts visit. “As mountain go, Mammoth Highley said that Aspen “has never had the glitz and glamour of Aspen, but things are changing fast.” The town of fewer than 8,00 full-time residents, which is home to its high alpine lake, has a fantastic system of hiking and biking trails, as well as nearby hot springs. 

Ojai

Ojai Alex Alioto has been the Cali-based director of growth and development at WhimstayIt’s time to visit too, says. Alioto explained that this haven “is nestled in a mountain valley and has drawn artists, luxury travelers, and spiritual seekers for decades.” The streets are lined with wellness shops, juice bars, bookstores and other stores. Alioto said that the best time to visit is in spring, when the citrus blossoms are in bloom, or in fall during harvest. Do not miss the “Pink Moment,” where the mountains are bathed by a rosy glow from the sunset.

Solvang

Its half-timbered homes, windmills, and bakeries are all a sight to behold. Solvang This town blends tradition with whimsy. It is highly recommended by local experts. Jonathan Alder said, “This Danish village in California’s Santa Ynez Valley gave me my first taste” of Europe. Jonathan’s Travels explained. “It holds a special spot in my heart.”

“Solvang’s so unexpected. “Solvang is so unexpected. aebleskivers Eugene Triasun from an online travel agency eSky Group, added. “Solvang’s playful and walkable and has a warmth about it that goes far beyond the architecture.” Triasun claims that September is the best month to visit during Danish Days. 

Avila Beach

“Avila beach takes its independent spirit serious,” Kirstin Coszorus Highway 1 Road Trip shared. “The town is a liaison between the forest and the sea as well as between the vineyard and the field.”

Koszorus suggested that visitors could spend a day on the Bob Jones Trail biking, hiking up to the Point San Luis Lighthouse or exploring the Central Coast Aquarium. She said that Valley Barn always has fresh fruits and vegetables in season, including the world famous See Canyon apples.

Cambria

Cambria is a small town with just 6,000 residents, and it’s the perfect pit-stop on a road trip to two major Californian cities. Alioto said that this seaside village, perfectly located between Los Angeles San Francisco is a culinary powerhouse. The restaurant scene in the town rivals that of larger destinations. From farm-to-table restaurants to oceanfront dining, it has something for everyone. The town is not all about the food. Alioto recommended Moonstone Beach as well, where “dramatic coastal walks are available, while the village centre is bustling with art galleries and antique shops, along with cozy bed-and breakfasts in Victorian-style buildings.” Alioto suggested that September and October are the best months to travel because of “warm, sunny weather with calm waters.”