California is known for going big. Big cities. Big tech. Big production. Big fun.
But between all the glitz and glamour of major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, are the other towns that make California such an incredible state. These are places where you can walk through towering redwood forests, soak in mineral-rich hot springs, go wine tasting in some of America’s finest wine-growing regions, and spend the day exploring empty beaches.
From the desert to the foothills of the Sierra Mountains to the coast these towns have something for everyone and are the perfect weekend destination when you’re ready to escape the crowds.
So, let’s pack our bags and hit the road to explore some of California’s most underrated cities.
Ojai
This artsy town that sits just outside of Los Angeles beckons visitors with its outdoor recreation opportunities, farm-to-table dining, and scenic location within the Topatopa mountains. With its location between the well-known destinations of Santa Barbara and Malibu, Ojai tends to slide under the radar. But if you’re looking for a place to get outside and enjoy the day, visiting cafes and farmers’ markets and hitting the trails in the nearby mountains, then definitely add this charming town to your list.
Must Visit: Walk through the downtown farmers’ market, which runs every Sunday morning, rain or shine.
Guerneville
Nestled in the redwoods just west of the busy town of Santa Rosa, this forest enclave has been a quiet getaway for Bay Area residents for decades. Because of the steep hills and frequent flooding of the Russian River, the city has remained small enough not to feel overcrowded, even during the busiest tourist season. Add in the fact that it is only 25 minutes from both the beach and wine country, and you have the perfect weekend getaway spot.
Must Visit: Take a hike amongst the massive redwood trees in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Nevada City
On most weekends, you’ll find plenty of traffic headed up I-80 into the mountains. But a majority of them are headed right past this historic mining town to join the crowds at Lake Tahoe instead. It is their loss as Nevada City, nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, is one of the best-preserved West Coast mining towns and is full of adventures to fill up a weekend getaway.
From shows at the oldest continually operating venue in the state to rides on the city’s narrow gauge rail line to exploring Empire Mine State Park, this overlooked town punches well above its weight.
Must Visit: Spend a night (or at least grab a drink) at the National Exchange Hotel, which was originally built in 1856!
Paso Robles
Nestled in the foothills of the coastal mountain range, Paso Robles is a criminally underrated wine town with over 200 wineries in the region. The area’s long, warm days and cool nights are perfect for growing grapes that give birth to bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Downtown Paso Robles is a walkable district with tasting rooms, Michelin-star dining, and a farmers market featuring produce grown in and around the region.
Must Visit: A soak in the mineral pools at River Oaks Hot Springs.
Mendocino
Mendocino is located along the northern California coast and is quite a distance from pretty much anywhere. At nearly four hours from San Francisco to the south and the Lost Coast to the north, it’s no wonder that this small coastal town doesn’t get much attention.
But if you’re looking for a quiet weekend getaway where you can spend days walking the trails that follow the steep bluffs along the ocean, then Mendocino should definitely be on your list. Even though the town is small (less than 750 people live here), there are plenty of fun restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries to keep your belly full.
Must Visit: Walk along the rugged coast at Mendocino Headlands State Park and look for the natural arches and caves that dot the rock formations directly offshore.
Julian
Most folks are surprised when they learn that southern California is home to an apple-growing region, but that is exactly what you’ll find in the town of Julian. Located just over an hour from San Diego, this mountain town comes alive during the fall as droves of San Diegans head to the hills to live out their apple-picking dreams.
Don’t think that fall is the only time to visit this historic mining town as it is full of romantic B&Bs perfect for a weekend getaway any time of year.
Must Visit: Grab a famous Dutch apple pie from Julian Pie Co.
Healdsburg
This small town, located in the heart of Sonoma County, takes you away from the craziness that is Napa and Sonoma but without sacrificing any quality in the wineries. The small, walkable downtown core is home to numerous tasting rooms where you can sample some of the region’s finest wines. The wines here are defined by the unique growing conditions in the valleys that run through the area, which vary from cool and foggy to hot and sunny.
With less traffic on the roads than in the regions further to the south biking is extremely popular here. Bring your own or grab a rental perfectly suited for the combination of paved and dirt roads that run through the region.
Must Visit: Flowers Vineyards for one of the dreamiest wine-tasting experiences around.
Solvang
Solvang is nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley just northeast of Santa Barbara and offers an escape from the busier tourist towns in the area. The city’s downtown is filled with Danish-style architecture and local bakeries where you can savor authentic pastries like Aebleskiver and Danish rolls. After a morning of pastries, head out into the hills surrounding town to sample the area’s outstanding wines or take a tour of the town by horse-drawn trolley!
Must Visit: The downtown core to try and find all the Danish landmarks.
Cambria
Tucked away on California’s Central Coast, Cambria is a beachside haven that is proud of having no chain stores of any kind. Here, you’ll be able to spend your days at local coffee shops, browse through the shops at the Garden Shed, and walk along the Moonstone Beach boardwalk. During low tides, you can walk down onto the beach and peer into the tidepools to try and spot the sea stars, anemones, and crustaceans that call these pools home.
Must Visit: Hearst Castle, where you can tour the stunning grounds and massive 125-room mansion.
Ferndale
Before venturing into the rugged and remote Lost Coast section of California, make sure to plan a stop at the Victorian village of Ferndale. The Victorian-era architecture perfectly encapsulates the feeling you get when you visit this town that almost feels lost in time. Perhaps it is its location adjacent to one of the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the West Coast, but everything here just feels a little slower – but in a good way. Around town, you’ll find a never-ending supply of art, charming small-town cafes, and stunning natural beauty.
Must Visit: Mattole Rd for its small towns (really small!), massive redwoods, and beaches where you’ll most likely be the only person there.
Pismo Beach
If you’re looking for the quintessential California beach town, Pismo Beach is the ticket. This small town is located just far enough away from Los Angeles that it has retained its small-town beach charm without being overrun. Here, you’ll find a little something for everyone, whether it is riding ATVs on the sand dunes, relaxing at the spa, riding the surf, enjoying the food and drink in the town’s walkable downtown core, or hitting up kid-friendly activities at the Pismo Beach Pier Plaza.
Must Visit: The Monarch Butterfly Grove, where you can see up to 25,000 monarchs nesting in the trees during the winter months.
