7 Small Towns in California Are Bursting With Beauty and Charm

Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey County: A European-style town known for its charming architecture, white sandy beaches, and annual festivals like the Carmel Bach Festival.

Dunsmuir, Siskiyou County: A historic railroad town nestled in the mountains, offering serene surroundings and outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and mountain climbing.

Ferndale, Humboldt County: An agricultural Victorian community with colorful buildings housing art galleries and specialty shops, as well as nearby natural attractions like the Lost Coast and Russ Park.

Julian, San Diego County: A historic mining town famous for its locally grown apples used in pies and ciders, with opportunities to explore Californian history through historic sites and orchards.

Nevada City, Nevada County: A gold-rush town filled with Victorian buildings, offering charming streets lined with shops, art galleries, and culinary delights, along with events like the Nevada City

Ojai, Ventura County: A relaxing retreat known for its Spanish mission revival architecture, art galleries, and scenic surroundings provided by the Los Padres National Forest and Topatopa

St. Helena, Napa County: Surrounded by vineyards, St. Helena offers a wine lover's paradise along with a historic downtown area featuring boutiques, galleries, and dining establishments