Experience the best of the West Coast, from wine tasting in Napa to the friendly beaches farther south, in these charming small towns.
While San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are popular tourist destinations in California, the Golden State also offers a plethora of unique opportunities in lesser-known towns. A recent report from World Atlas highlighted eight underrated destinations, and The Epoch Times visited seven of them to speak with visitors and locals about what makes these towns special.
From coastal villages to beach towns, wine country getaways, and desert oases, California has a lot to offer travelers who are willing to explore beyond the main tourist spots.
Mendocino
Located in Northern California, Mendocino Village is a hidden gem with a population of 731. This artists’ community sits above the ocean, approximately 170 miles north of San Francisco, and has managed to preserve its charm by avoiding corporate influence.
Known for its Victorian architecture, mild climate, and beautiful flowering plants, Mendocino is a popular destination for tourists. The village is home to water towers, lush gardens, and charming bed and breakfasts instead of traditional hotels. Fine dining options like Cafe Beaujolais and the Ravens at Stanford Inn attract visitors from all over the world.
Emmy Lou Packard, an artist who moved to Mendocino in 1968, played a key role in preserving the village’s character by preventing the development of high rises and getting local buildings listed on the National Historic Register. The town has also been featured in several movies due to its stunning scenery.
“This is a very special place, and you should definitely make your way up here if you haven’t,” said Becky Johnson, a docent at the Ford House visitor’s center in Mendocino. “I call it ‘Happyville’ because we’ve been up here for 10 months, and I’ve never met an angry person.”
Locals love Mendocino for its natural beauty, including the ecology of the redwoods, the Big River, and abundant vegetation like rhododendrons and blackberries. Residents recommend visiting the town in all seasons to experience its year-round beauty.
Pismo Beach
With a population of just over 8,000, Pismo Beach has a history dating back at least 9,000 years to the time of the Chumash natives. This coastal town offers Mediterranean climates and a 1,200-foot pier and beach boardwalk that are popular with both locals and visitors.
One of the highlights of Pismo Beach is its fishing opportunities, with many visitors enjoying catching mackerel off the pier. Families often visit the beach for camping and to explore the surrounding bays, mountains, and beaches.
“Pismo is special because it’s a hidden gem, and we’ve been coming out here for years,” said John Ramos, a Central Valley resident who frequents the beach with his family. They enjoy escaping the heat of the Central Valley and relaxing in the pleasant weather of Pismo Beach.
Pismo Beach is located about three hours northwest of Los Angeles and is known for its mild temperatures and frequent overcast days during the summer. Visitors to the beach are treated to miles of pristine seascapes where activities like surfing, kayaking, and swimming are common.
Carpinteria, a beach town about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, is home to nearly 13,000 residents and is a favorite destination for many visitors. The town’s name, meaning “the carpenter shop” in Spanish, reflects its history of Chumash natives building canoes out of wooden planks. The town’s main strip boasts unique shops and family-owned restaurants, offering a small-town, local feel that locals are dedicated to maintaining.
San Luis Obispo, the largest town on the list with a population of over 48,000, is located about four hours from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Known for its boutique shopping, fine dining, and outdoor activities, the town offers a perfect climate for hiking, biking, and surfing. The historic Spanish Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, founded in 1772, is a popular attraction for visitors exploring the area.
Solvang, a Danish-inspired town with fewer than 6,000 residents, is known for its unique architecture and family-friendly atmosphere. The town offers parks, including Nojoqui Falls with its glistening waterfalls, and a sense of seclusion despite its proximity to the city. Visitors can enjoy hand-made pastries from some of the best bakeries in the world and unique shopping opportunities in the town. “The cuisine in this area is exceptional, featuring top-quality meats and world-class cheeses. Surrounding the town are fields of organic farms, located approximately 30 miles northeast of Santa Barbara.
Ferndale:
With a population of around 1,400 people, Ferndale in Northern California’s Humboldt County was established in 1852. The town boasts classic Victorian architecture in its downtown area and historic homes in the surrounding neighborhoods. One longtime local, Bob Shephard, highlighted the town’s appeal due to its weather, architecture, and dairies, along with its welcoming attitude towards outsiders.
Calistoga:
Home to just over 5,000 residents, Calistoga in Napa Valley is famous for its thermal hot springs, mud baths, and wine tasting rooms, including renowned spots like Chateau Montelena. Visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, hospitable locals, and exceptional culinary experiences. The town offers a range of activities from hiking and spa visits to shopping and dining, making it a versatile destination for all.
Idyllwild:
Founded in 1899 as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients, Idyllwild is a small mountain town in Southern California with approximately 3,500 residents. Known for its shopping, live music scene, and dining options, the town is now a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Surrounded by a Ponderosa pine forest, visitors can engage in camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, biking, and wildlife spotting in the area’s parks.
These hidden gems in California provide opportunities for both residents and travelers to slow down, immerse themselves in small-town life, and discover the best of what the West Coast has to offer. Whether it’s admiring the scenery, exploring nature, or meeting new friends, each of these towns offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors.” Please rewrite this sentence. Can you please rewrite this sentence?
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