Best Small Towns in California

By: Jennifer Villalba

California is known for its bustling cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, but the Golden State is also home to charming small towns that offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and local culture. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat, a nature-filled adventure, or a glimpse into California’s rich past, these small towns have something special to offer.

Here Are the Best Small Towns in California

#01 Carmel-by-the-Sea

Population: 3,104

Carmel-by-the-Sea isn’t just a picturesque coastal town in California—it’s a place where artistry, history, and natural beauty meet. It’s the realization of our imaginative storybook small city. Walking through its streets feels like walking through a European village, with cobblestone pathways and hidden courtyards.

The town has strict building codes to preserve its aesthetics, fairytale-like homes, and enchanting gardens.

These are the reasons why Carmel has long been a haven for artists, writers, and creative people. It was once home to famed writers like Jack London and Sinclair Lewis, and artists still thrive here today. Poet Robinson Jeffers’ stone house, Tor House, here, which is now a museum, is an indication of the artistic legacy this city holds.

What makes Carmel truly special is its resistance to modern commercialization. There are no neon signs, no street addresses, no mailboxes, and even high heels are technically regulated. These quirky laws are part of the town’s effort to preserve its old-world charm and natural ambiance.

Among nearby gems is Mission San Carlos Borroméo de Carmelo: A historic Spanish mission with beautiful gardens. In Carmel, you can also enjoy the 17-Mile Drive: A scenic coastal route with stops like the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach.

#02 Solvang

Population: 5,970

Located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, Solvang, also known as “Mini Denmark,” is a Danish-style village with a mix of old-world charm and California sunshine.

Founded in 1911 by Danish-American educators, the motive behind the establishment of this place was to make it a cultural and educational hub for Danish immigrants. With the passage of time, it has evolved into one of California’s most unique and beloved tourist destinations, while still honoring its roots.

The specialty of this city is that, without traveling to Europe, you can get a vibe of northern Europe in Solvang. The streets are lined with half-timbered buildings, windmills, and a replica of Copenhagen’s famous Little Mermaid statue.

The town’s name is also a Danish phrase which means “sunny field” in Danish, and the Danish immigrants at that time recreated the charm of their homeland with traditional thatched roofs, Viking statues, and old-world craftsmanship, which is still preserved.

To complete the visit to Solvang you must try aebleskiver, Danish pancake balls, for breakfast at The Solvang Restaurant or Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery. Other than that, visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art to explore Solvang’s heritage through artifacts and photographs.

The Little Mermaid Fountain and the Hansen Clock Tower of this mini-Denmark are an addition to the European fairy-tale vibe.

When it comes to festivals & events, Solvang is equally rich. In September, Danish Days is a lively celebration with folk dancing, parades, and traditional music, while in December, the Julefest is a time when the town transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, a nativity parade, and mulled wine.

#03 Nevada City

Population: 3,224

Located in the pine-covered foothills of the Sierra Nevada, Nevada City is more than just California’s best preserved Gold Rush town— it’s a living museum of the 19th century. Nevada City has beautifully preserved Victorian buildings and a creative community that gives the town a timeless, dynamic energy.

The 1850s architecture remains remarkably intact, from the National Hotel (California’s oldest continuously operating hotel) to the Nevada Theatre, where Mark Twain once lectured. And also don’t miss the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum, where remnants depict the era when this was the “Queen City of the Northern Mines.”

What sets Nevada City special is that it’s a town that embraces the past without being stuck in it. Wooden boardwalks and gas lamps are there to recall the days of gold dust and boomtowns, but the town heart also beats with music, art, and cultural festivals year-round. It’s a popular weekend escape for those looking for nature, history, and small-town charm, all rolled into one.

With its unique mix of Gold Rush history, small-town and artistic vibe, Nevada City offers a rich, immersive experience. Whether you’re having coffee in a century-old cafe, watching a show in the historic theater, or wandering through a pine trail, this best small town in California invites you to enjoy every moment.

#04 Julian

Population: 1,491

Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains at 4,200 feet, about an hour east of San Diego, Julian is a small city with a big personality. It’s a charming throwback to California’s gold mining heyday, but today, the town is popular for its apple pies rather than its nuggets. This tiny town manages to lure visitors with its sweet mountain air, famous main street, and a cozy, small-town vibe.

Julian was founded during the Gold Rush of the 1870s, and it has managed to retain its rustic character while becoming a beloved weekend retreat. Imagine you are standing in Julian’s apple orchards and the mountain’s cool breeze is soothing you, what else is required to make it a peaceful getaway, especially in the fall when the leaves turn and the scent of cinnamon and apples fills the streets.

Julian is famous throughout Southern California for its apple pies and is named as Apple Pie Capital of Southern California, but there’s more to this town than baked goods. The entire downtown is a designated historic district, and its old-time charm isn’t just for show; you’ll find authentic 19th-century buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and general stores that feel untouched by time.

Visiting Julian is about meeting California history, small-town nostalgia, and natural beauty in one place.

#05 Healdsburg

Population: 11,137

Located at the intersection of three renowned wine regions, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and Alexander Valley, Healdsburg is a brilliant balance of rustic wine country charm and cosmopolitan refinement. Though it’s basically a small town, Healdsburg has developed a reputation as a culinary and wine destination, while retaining the relaxed pace of a rural escape.

Healdsburg’s charm lies in its balance. On one hand, it’s surrounded by rolling vineyards, redwood forests, and farm fields. On the other hand, its downtown plaza is filled with Michelin-starred restaurants, artisanal bakeries, and designer shops. The town attracts foodies, wine lovers, and weekend wanderers alike.

Besides restaurants like SingleThread and Barndiva, which offer innovative, seasonal menus, Healdsburg’s farm-to-table food scene is a standout. Kayaking at the Russian River or biking at the Dry Creek Valley loop, stopping at wineries along the way, are popular outdoor activities in Healdsburg.

#06 Mendocino

Population: 630

Located on the edge of Northern California’s rugged coastline, Mendocino isn’t just a postcard, it’s a town that feels like it was painted into existence. With its Victorian buildings and wide views of the Pacific, this tiny village is beloved by artists, writers, and travelers alike. This place is for ones seeking peace, inspiration, and a touch of old-world coastal charm.

What makes it special is that it is the only town on the California coast that is listed as a historic landmark in its entirety, and it shows. The town is filled with saltbox cottages, weathered wooden fences, and flower-filled gardens, all set against a backdrop of surf and wide, open skies. But Mendocino isn’t just about beauty; it’s about tranquility that is unmatched elsewhere.

Mendocino is a town where time seems to slow down and creativity flows as naturally as the ocean. Whether you’re looking at the sea or reading a book by a fire, Mendocino offers a retreat for the soul.

As there’s a saying the devil lies in the details, Mendocino’s soul is in its details, which can only be noticed while living here.

Ending Note

These small and modern cities in California each offer a unique experience, whether it’s coastal beauty, wine country charm, or historic character. Whether you’re planning a road trip or a weekend getaway, these destinations provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. So, if you’re looking to experience California beyond its famous cities, these small towns are well worth a visit.

Best Small Towns in California: FAQs

Which Small Towns in California Are Known for Their Wine?

Healdsburg, located at the crossroads of Dry Creek, Russian River, and Alexander Valleys in Sonoma County, is a top wine destination. Los Olivos near Solvang is another good spot for wine tasting in a more relaxed, countryside setting.

What’s the Best Time to Visit Solvang?

Solvang is lovely year-round, but many visitors enjoy it most in the fall, during apple harvest season or during the Danish Days Festival in September. The mild weather and festive atmosphere make it an ideal time to explore.

Can You Visit These Towns on a Road Trip?

Yes! Many of these small towns in California are ideal stops on a California road trip. For example, you can easily create a Central Coast loop including Carmel, Solvang, and Julian, or a Northern California loop featuring Mendocino, Nevada City, and Healdsburg.

What Is the Most Charming Small Town in California?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is often considered the most charming, with its storybook fairytale architecture and pristine coastline. However, towns like Solvang (Danish-inspired) and Mendocino (bohemian coastal) are also among the best small cities in California.