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Skip California’s big city crowds in favor of these 20 charming getaways.
Sausalito
Skip California’s big city crowds in favor of these 20 charming getaways.
Sausalito
Ojai
eback riding, rock climbing and even Jeep tours are all popular pursuits. Its tranquil setting also draws those seeking wellness experiences. If you’re looking to unwind, treat yourself to a spa treatment at the popular Ojai Valley Inn. You’ll also want to check out Ojai Village, the town’s center that’s decked out in Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Here you’ll find a charming array of restaurants and shops, including the popular outdoor bookstore, Bart’s Books.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Laguna Beach
Julian
This mountain town offers a fun mix of sweeping wooded landscapes and country kitsch for visitors willing to make the hourlong drive from nearby San Diego. Julian, a former gold mining town, stands out for its abundance of outdoor activities and historic main street, which features Western-style business fronts decked out in Americana. Grab lunch at the old-fashioned Miner’s Diner, stop at the Julian Cider Mill for local goods and pick up dessert at the famous Julian Pie Company. After that, you have plenty of beautiful parks at your disposal, including Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, William Heise County Park and Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve.
St. Helena
Cambria
Cambria is the epitome of a sleepy coastal town. This small, seaside spot is well-known for its close proximity to Hearst Castle, but it could easily stand on its own for its dramatic scenery and quaint, village vibe. The town’s main street contains business fronts boasting a variety of gorgeous architectural styles that are made even more appealing thanks to the towering Monterey pine trees that enshroud the area. While visiting, check out the local art galleries, as Cambria has garnered a reputation for being a hamlet for the creative. Then, explore Moonstone Beach, Fiscalini Ranch Preserve or Hearst San Simeon State Park.
San Clemente
You may be hard-pressed to find better weather anywhere else in California than San Clemente. Located on the coast in Orange County, San Clemente bills itself as having “the world’s best climate.” The city sees about 300 days of sunshine annually and boasts an average temperature of 73 degrees year-round. The weather only enhances the already beautiful town, which is awash with cascading hillsides, picture-perfect beaches and Spanish colonial architecture. Start your trip with a visit to the city’s bustling beach and pier, where you’ll always find plenty of locals soaking up the sun and scenery. Then venture south along the approximately 2-mile-long San Clemente Coastal Trail, which guides visitors along the striking coastline.
Capitola
This adorable small town in northern California is historical for being home to California’s first beach resort, Camp Capitola, which first opened its doors in 1874. Although the resort no longer remains, Capitola still attracts plenty of visitors thanks to its beautiful seaside location. You can take in incredible views of the Monterey Bay coastline from the small Capitola State Beach. After you’ve admired the scenery, dine in Capitola Village, walk along the Capitola Wharf or take a short drive to other nearby beaches, including New Brighton State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.
Sonoma
onoma Plaza, a National Historic Monument. While in town, stroll the picturesque town center, visit Buena Vista Winery, California’s first premium winery; or take a hike on the Sonoma Overlook Trail for spectacular views.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach is the perfect option for travelers seeking plenty of outdoor experiences. One of Pismo’s claims to fame is Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve. These expansive dunes allow for horseback riding on the beach as well as all-terrain vehicle rentals and tours through the dunes. In the water, visitors can embark on a kayak tour to explore the sea caves of Dinosaur Caves Park. If you aren’t much of an adventurer, stop by the Monarch Butterfly Grove to watch thousands of butterflies flutter about (the season runs from October to February) or take a stroll along Pismo Beach, which boasts beautiful views of the town’s lush coastal hillsides.
Avalon
Travelers looking for a unique small town experience will be thrilled with Avalon. Avalon sits on Catalina Island, which is located approximately 20 miles off the coast of southern California. After an hourlong ferry ride from the mainland, visitors are greeted with a town that resembles the seaside villages of Europe. Avalon boasts rolling evergreen hills, towering palm trees and colorful, compact streets. Take a long stroll along Avalon Bay, cool off at Descanso Beach and make the trek to the hillside Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens. To experience more of Avalon’s wild side, embark on a hike at the Catalina Island Conservancy.
Tahoe City
Mendocino
Sitting atop verdant coastal headlands and backed by miles of forested land, Mendocino looks as if it could serve as the backdrop for a romance novel. This dreamy northern California town is about a three-hour drive north from the city of Napa, giving travelers a sense that they’ve stumbled upon a true getaway. In between its gorgeous natural landscapes lies a picturesque mix of Victorian architecture and modest cottages. After you’ve strolled the town’s peaceful streets, venture to one of the many nearby parks, including Mendocino Headlands State Park, Russian Gulch State Marine Conservation Area and Van Damme State Park, to name a few.
Nevada City
Idyllwild
Solvang
Morro Bay
This quaint fishing village located about 15 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo is the perfect retreat for travelers seeking a simple getaway. Morro Bay boasts a low-key, laid-back atmosphere that encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery. The star of the show is Morro Rock, a 576-foot-tall volcanic plug that was previously used by mariners as a navigation tool as far back as 1542. Today, visitors admire the rock’s stature from adjacent beaches. Other popular things to do in Morro Bay include trips to Morro Bay State Park and the Morro Bay National Estuary Program, which teaches residents and visitors about local wildlife.
Pacific Grove
This small seaside town is easily one of the most stunning locales on Monterey Bay. Pacific Grove is primarily a residential community, so there isn’t much in the way of things to do, but there is much to
see. Start your journey along Ocean Boulevard, which snakes up the coast and features plenty of truly spectacular lookout points and parks, including the popular Lover’s Point Park. Lover’s Point is particularly glorious come spring, when ice plants bloom and blanket the coastline with magenta flowers. After you’ve explored the coast, venture up to Lighthouse Avenue where you’ll be treated to plenty of dining options.
Coronado
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