California may be known for big cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles, but look closer and you’ll find charming small towns in nearly every area of the state. Each California town has its own culture and unique atmosphere. From gorgeous beach towns to quirky communities hidden beneath redwood trees, bucolic villages in wine country to outdoorsy mountain towns, these California towns are not to be missed.
We’re McKenna and Laura — two California locals who love this state and have lived here our whole lives. McKenna grew up in a small mountain town just outside of Los Angeles, while Laura grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. Between the two of us, we’ve traveled to the best destinations in California from north to south and everything in between!
In this article, we’ll spill the deets on our favorite small towns in California. Some of these you’ve probably heard of, while others may not even be on your radar. Let’s jump in!
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My 18 Favorite Small Towns in California
South Lake Tahoe
A Northern California lakeside town with water sports, hiking trails, and a thriving restaurant and bar scene.
🏠 Population: 21,175 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in South Lake Tahoe on Booking
South Lake Tahoe is a resort town in Northern California with mountain shops, health food cafes, family-style diners, ski mountains, and water sports rentals. Families visit beautiful Lake Tahoe from all over the United States to enjoy a peaceful escape from city life. While there are many small towns dotting the lake’s shore, South Lake Tahoe has the most activities, eateries, and accommodation options.
South Lake Tahoe has incredible things to do no matter which season you visit in. In the summertime, lounge on the lake shore, go for a dip in the water, or try your hand at boating, kayaking, parasailing, or jet skiing. In the winter, take to the slopes at one of Tahoe’s 14 premier ski resorts.
If you like hiking, you’re in luck in Tahoe. Choose from one of many hiking trails in Lake Tahoe, like the 16.4-mile Rubicon Trail or the 10.5-mile Mount Tallac trail, for stunning views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Laguna Beach
One of the fanciest Southern California beach towns.
🏠 Population: 22,583 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Laguna Beach on Booking
Laguna is one of the more popular California beach towns. It’s located just south of Los Angeles, in a ritzy area of Orange County. Known for fine dining restaurants, having some of the best Southern California beaches, and top-of-the-line shops, Laguna attracts tourists who admire the finer things in life.
With over seven miles of pristine beaches, Laguna Beach is one of the best places to experience Southern California beach life. Laguna Beach has volleyball courts, hidden beach coves to lounge on and explore, and tidepools that are full of sea anemones.
Enjoy the Thursday night art walk with over 40 participant art galleries and free trolley rides from 6-9 pm. For a bigger art selection, the Sawdust Festival in Laguna is held every summer and hosts over a thousand local artists. Get planning with our guide to the best things to do in Laguna Beach.
Big Bear Lake
A peaceful mountain escape from the big cities in Southern California.
🏠 Population: 5,031 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Big Bear on Booking
Big Bear Lake is a popular mountain town in Southern California. Only 2 ½ hours outside of Los Angeles, Big Bear makes for an easy LA day trip and is home to one of the best California ski resorts.
Like other California mountain towns, the best things to do in Big Bear depend on when you visit. In the summertime, go for a refreshing lake swim to cool off from the summer heat, or lace up your hiking boots and hit one of the many forested trails. In the winter, go snowshoeing through the surrounding mountains, or spend the day skiing or snowboarding at Big Bear Mountain Resort.
Big Bear isn’t all about outdoor activities, however. The town itself has a charming main drag with boutiques and restaurants. Big Bear is one of the best towns to rent a cabin and celebrate a birthday or anniversary among the San Bernardino National Forest pine trees.
Three Rivers
The gateway town to Sequoia National Park.
🏠 Population: 2,496 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Three Rivers on Booking
Three Rivers is one of the most underrated California mountain towns. It’s the gateway to Sequoia National Park, and most people visiting Three Rivers just pass through on their way to visit the largest trees in the world. However, spend some time in Three Rivers, and you’ll be surprised by how much charm this tiny village has.
Three Rivers lies between the San Joaquin Valley and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The town has a small permanent population but boasts plenty of restaurants and even a few of the best California breweries.
This sleepy town is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by wandering tourists. Locals will tell you to check out the Slick Rock watering hole and to go whitewater rafting on the Kaweah River.
📚 Related Reading: Want to explore the hiking trails at Sequoia National Park? Make sure to bring the hiking essentials.
Ojai
A hip small town burrowed in between the Topatopa Mountains .
🏠 Population: 7,540 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse hotels in Ojai on Booking
Ojai (pronounced oh-hi) is a small mountain town in Ventura County, California. With the beautiful Topatopa Mountains as a backdrop, the major attractions in Ojai are centered around hiking and the outdoors. However, Ojai is also slowly becoming a hotspot for wellness tourism — the town boasts a plethora of spas, organic farmers markets, hot springs, and health cafes.
Check out the Ojai Valley View Preserve, which sits on 195 acres of preserved land that now serves as a recreational park with hiking and waterfall trails. Or, play a round at the Soule Park Golf Course which has great views over the surrounding mountains.
Ojai is also known for its wine tasting. Spend a day in Ojai trying delicious, locally-made wine then relax in the town’s hot springs in the evening for ultimate relaxation. If you’re feeling artsy, try out a pottery workshop and let the creative juices flow!
Idyllwild
A San Jacinto mountain town with cute downtown shops.
🏠 Population: 3,491 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Idyllwild on Booking
Idyllwild is a lesser-known mountain town in California. It is located in the heart of the San Jacinto mountains and receives thick snowfall in the winter months.
The sleepy Idyllwild town sees its fair share of tourists in the summer but is completely quiet in the off-shoulder months. This is an ideal time to visit for a more authentic experience and fewer crowds at the best Idyllwild attractions.
There is a pizza restaurant, a brewery, cafes, and all sorts of quirky shops in downtown Idyllwild. Go prepared to spend a whole afternoon in the crisp mountain air.
The most popular activity in the area is hiking to the San Jacinto summit via the Marion Mountain trail. There is 5,000 feet of elevation gain in 6 miles up, making it a challenging yet rewarding hike.
Sausalito
A charming small town right on the San Francisco Bay.
🏠 Population: 7,095 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Sausalito on Booking
You do not want to miss a trip to Sausalito while you’re in Northern California. This picturesque small town is a tourist favorite.
On a sunny day, downtown Sausalito can look like a Mediterranean fishing village. Boutiques, souvenir stores, art galleries, independent bookstores, and candy shops line the main drag. Waterfront restaurants serve up freshly caught seafood, complete with a stunning view of the San Francisco skyline.
Getting to Sausalito is easy — take the public ferry from downtown San Francisco for a gorgeous 30-minute boat ride over the Bay. You can also bike 2.5 hours to Sausalito from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco for a great morning workout.
Monterey
Explore picturesque beach coves, gorgeous marine life, and historic buildings in this classic fishing town.
🏠 Population: 29,571 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Monterey on Booking
Only 2 hours south of San Francisco, Monterey is a marine life haven. Famous for its seafood, historic downtown, and dramatic coastline, this quintessential beach town in Northern California has things to do for the whole family.
Enjoy the sweet ocean scent while you visit the heart of downtown Monterey, Cannery Row Historic District. Explore underwater life at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which has fascinating kelp forests, adorable marine mammals, and tide pool touch tanks.
Another must-see attraction in Monterey is the old Fisherman’s Wharf. Although the fish market stopped operation in the 1960s, the building still bustles with life inside. Shop from one of many stores or eat at a historic seafood restaurant.
Yucca Valley
The closest town to Joshua Tree National Park.
🏠 Population: 21,662 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Yucca Valley on Booking
Yucca Valley is a town in San Bernardino County with a population of almost 22,000 residents. It is only 11.5 miles from Joshua Tree and 27 miles north of Palm Springs.
Many visitors choose Yucca Valley as their base for visiting Joshua Tree National Park. The town is less crowded than the town of Joshua Tree and offers just as many amenities.
Hike the Black Rock Canyon trail in Yucca Valley or sleep under the stars at night to maximize your experience.
San Luis Obispo
The “happiest city in America” is home to the San Luis Obispo mission and Bubblegum Alley.
🏠 Population: 48,341 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in San Luis Obispo on Booking
San Luis Obispo (SLO for short) is a college town on California’s central coast. Oprah Winfrey once named it the happiest place in America, and quite frankly we agree with her. SLO has a selection of beautiful beaches, a wonderfully temperate climate, a lively downtown, and a culture of carefree living.
Downtown is one of the best places to stay in SLO — it’s walkable, safe, and filled with amazing restaurants and bars. Check out the weekly farmer’s markets for fresh produce, food trucks, and awesome live music.
SLO was built around Mission San Luis Obispo in 1772, and visitors can stop by the old mission to view an important part of the town’s history. If you are traveling with your family, Bubblegum Alley is a must-see. A wall with other people’s old gum may not sound appealing, but it’s a SLO tradition.
Twentynine Palms
A small desert town with natural hot springs.
🏠 Population: 28,158 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Twentynine Palms on Booking
Twentynine Palms is a desert oasis at the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. Enjoy natural desert hot springs and beautiful sunsets during your stay in this California town.
There are many chic and hipster places to stay in Twentynine Palms, and some accommodations even come with private hot springs.
There are great hiking trails leading from the town into the surrounding desert. Make sure to hike the Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail, which leads you to a beautiful oasis of palm trees in the middle of the desert.
Take a 20-minute day trip from Twentynine Palms to Pioneertown, a restored ghost town with a popular biker bar/ underground concert venue.
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta’s snowy volcano summit is seen from nearly everywhere in the town.
🏠 Population: 3,192 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Mount Shasta on Booking
If you are a nature lover, you must take a trip to Mount Shasta. Many Mount Shasta residents believe the town is a spiritual vortex. There are many crystal shops, hip cafes, thrift stores, and a grocery Co-Op in Shasta’s downtown area.
Shasta Lake provides beautiful views of the overtowering Mount Shasta mountain. Many Northern California residents enjoy boating, fishing, and camping along Shasta Lake’s shores.
One of the best things to do in Mount Shasta is hiking in the surrounding mountains. A climb to Mt. Shasta’s 14,179-foot summit is a serious feat that should only be tackled by experienced climbers. If you are looking for an easier climb, the Lake Siskiyou trail is an easier, 7.3-mile day hike that takes you around the lake’s perimeter.
Malibu
Cliffside homes define this coastal town.
🏠 Population: 10,370 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Malibu on Booking
Malibu is a coastal city in the Santa Monica mountain area. Only a short day trip from Los Angeles, Malibu is home to many celebrities and top athletes.
Visitors have access to some of the most perfect waves and pristine coastlines in Southern California. Point Dume is a spectacular gray whale spotting lookout in the winter and Surfrider Beach is great for catching waves year-round.
Zuma is the biggest Malibu beach with 1.5 miles of coastline. You can find many activities at Zuma including yoga, street vendors, and occasional concerts on the beach. For more, read our guide to what to do in Malibu.
Put on your best dress and visit the Getty Villa in Malibu to view over 1,200 antiques from the Mediterranean. After, treat yourself to a fresh, locally sourced meal at Malibu Farm Restaurant.
Arcata
A college town surrounded by redwood trees.
🏠 Population: 18,555 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Arcata on Booking
Arcata is one of the last towns before Redwood National Park, and this cute college town is home to both beautiful beaches and towering trees. Most visitors to Arcata are here for Redwood National Park, a national park in California where you can see the world’s tallest trees.
Downtown Arcata feels like a trip to the past with its old-timey buildings and charming main street square. Arcata is also home to Humboldt State University, nestled in the redwoods.
Redwood Community Forest is only a few blocks from downtown Arcata and has many great hiking trails and picnic areas. Make sure to also visit Clam Beach County Park during your Arcata trip to bring back some clam souvenirs.
Signal Hill
A hilly city surrounded by the Long Beach municipality.
🏠 Population: 11,381 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels near Signal Hill on Booking
Signal Hill is a small enclave surrounded by the city of Long Beach. The town overlooks Long Beach Harbor, the Santa Monica mountains, and downtown LA.
Signal Hill’s Hilltop Park is a reminder of the city’s past. The smoke signal in the center pays tribute to the original Native American inhabitants, the Tongva people. At Hilltop Park, you can hang out on the grass with gorgeous views of the city beneath you.
Make sure to bring your bike or skateboard with you to Signal Hill because the nearby Long Beach Shoreline Bike Path is one of the main attractions in the area. Share the path with local bikers and soak in the Long Beach environment.
Sonoma
A California hot spot for wineries and eateries.
🏠 Population: 10,466 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Sonoma on Booking
Sonoma is one of Northern California’s premier wine destinations. It is also known for its downtown art galleries and the colonial-era plaza.
Tourists can travel to Sonoma on a day trip from San Francisco, or stay in Sonoma in one of the luxury accommodation options. Sonoma is a small town in between major surrounding cities and offers peace, relaxation, and quiet.
After you’ve gone wine tasting at some of Sonoma’s 425 wineries, take a hike in the nearby redwood forest. You can also unwind with a massage at a top Sonoma spa to restore your mind, body, and spirit.
For more, check out our guide to the best things to do in Sonoma.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
A romantic storybook village by the sea with beautiful hotels and excellent dining.
🏠 Population: 3,789 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea on Booking
You won’t believe a sleepy fairytale town like Carmel-by-the-Sea exists in California. This beach town is on the Monterey Peninsula and is famous for the historic Carmel Mission and the picturesque village area. It’s by far one of the most romantic places to go in California.
If you’re feeling adventurous, Carmel-by-the-Sea offers great scuba diving at the Carmel River State Beach. Make sure to catch the stunning sunset on the white sandy Carmel Beach afterward.
If the storybook ambiance isn’t enough to make you want to visit Carmel-by-the-Sea, the romantic hotels and fine restaurants will.
San Juan Bautista
Wander throughout the historic 1797 Mission San Juan Bautista.
🏠 Population: 2,124 | 📍 Google Maps | Website | 👉 Browse Hotels in San Juan Bautista on Booking
Founded in 1797 by the Spanish, San Juan Bautista is a small town with historic roots and appealing Spanish-style architecture. Downtown San Juan Bautista also offers adobe stores and delicious restaurants.
San Juan Bautista overflows with California culture — a coastal atmosphere with historic attractions makes a perfectly balanced California town.
Fill up your water bottle and go for a 5-mile scenic walk among blooming wildflowers and views of the valley from the San Juan Bautista De Anza Trail. After you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Basque Matxain Etxea Restaurant for traditional Spanish Basque food and wine.
If you’re traveling with children, check out the San Juan Bautista public library for a free storytime every Thursday at 10 am.
FAQ
How many towns does California have?
There are 482 towns in California.
What is the best small town in California?
Ojai is the best small town in California. You won’t run out of things to do in Ojai including hiking, shopping, and browsing art galleries.
What is the cheapest town to live in California?
Temecula is one of the cheapest towns to live in California. Signal Hill and Arcata are also cheap California towns.
What is the coolest town in California?
Idyllwild is the coolest town in California. There are hipster cafes and beautiful art sculptures lining the streets. There are also tall mountains to hike and places to sled in the wintertime.
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You’ve made it to the end of my list of favorite towns! To make the most out of your trip to California, check out my Best Time to Visit California guide and plan your trip accordingly.
