Travel Itinerary
California isn’t just about Hollywood and San Francisco. The Golden State hides dozens of tiny villages that most people drive right past without knowing they exist. These charming spots offer everything from Wild West history to coastal beauty, and they’re waiting for curious travelers to discover their secrets.
1. Moccasin
Gold fever brought thousands to this Tuolumne County hamlet back in 1849. Today, only about 3,000 people call this place home.
The town sits along Highway 49, California’s famous Gold Country route. Visitors can still see old mining equipment scattered around the area.
Don Francisco’s Restaurant serves hearty meals to hungry travelers exploring the Sierra Nevada foothills nearby.
2. Inverness
Scottish settlers named this Marin County gem after their homeland’s rugged coastline. About 1,300 people live among the rolling hills overlooking Tomales Bay.
The village serves as a gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Local restaurants specialize in fresh oysters harvested from the bay.
Cozy bed-and-breakfasts offer perfect weekend getaways for San Francisco Bay Area residents seeking quiet retreats.
3. Mendocino
Perched 90 feet above crashing Pacific waves, this Victorian village looks like a movie set. Hollywood agrees, filming countless productions here since the 1980s.
The entire town is a National Historic Landmark with about 900 residents. White picket fences surround gingerbread houses dating back to the 1800s.
Annual music festivals and art fairs draw thousands of visitors each summer weekend.
4. Solvang
Danish immigrants created this slice of Scandinavia in Santa Barbara County back in 1911. Traditional windmills and half-timbered buildings line every street corner.
The bakeries here serve authentic Danish pastries that would make Copenhagen jealous. About 5,200 people live in this fairy-tale setting.
Wine tasting rooms occupy converted Danish-style buildings throughout the compact downtown area.
5. Carmel-By-The-Sea
This Monterey County village refuses to use street addresses or house numbers. Residents pick up mail at the post office instead.
Clint Eastwood served as mayor here during the 1980s. The population stays around 3,200 in this one-square-mile artistic community.
Cottage-style homes with names like “Hansel” and “Gretel” nestle among Monterey pines near white sand beaches.
6. Alleghany
Hidden deep in Sierra County’s mountains, this village has fewer than 100 full-time residents. The original 16 to 1 Mine produced millions in gold between 1896 and 1965.
Summer brings back seasonal residents to rustic cabins scattered through pine forests. The old mining infrastructure still dots the mountainsides.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles work best on the winding dirt roads leading here.
7. Volcano
Don’t worry about actual volcanoes here in Amador County. Early miners thought the rock formations looked volcanic, hence the dramatic name.
California’s first public library and first astronomical observatory both started in this tiny community. The population hovers around 100 dedicated residents.
The historic Volcano Theatre Company still performs shows in the original 1850s building during summer seasons.
8. Sierra City
The Sierra Buttes tower 8,587 feet above this Sierra County village like ancient stone guardians. About 200 people live in the shadow of these dramatic granite peaks.
The Sierra County Museum showcases local mining history in restored buildings. Hiking trails lead directly from town into pristine wilderness areas.
Snow often blocks mountain roads here from December through April each year.
9. Los Alamos
This Santa Barbara County village keeps its Old West charm while surrounded by modern vineyards. The population stays around 1,900 in this railroad town.
Historic saloons and general stores line Bell Street, the main drag through downtown. The 1880s Union Hotel still serves travelers along Highway 101.
Local wineries produce award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the surrounding Sta. Rita Hills region.
10. Benicia
For 13 months in 1853-1854, this Solano County city served as California’s state capital. The original capitol building still stands as a museum today.
About 27,000 people live in this waterfront community along the Carquinez Strait. Historic Victorian homes climb the hills above the harbor.
The Benicia Arsenal provided military supplies during both World Wars from massive brick buildings.
11. Cayucos
This San Luis Obispo County beach town perfected the art of small-town coastal living. About 2,600 residents enjoy year-round mild weather and consistent surf breaks.
The historic Cayucos Pier extends 953 feet into Estero Bay for fishing and sunset viewing. Brown Butter Cookie Company creates irresistible saltwater taffy.
Antique shops and surf rental places occupy the original 1870s buildings along Ocean Avenue.
12. Cambria
Monterey pines create a natural canopy over this San Luis Obispo County village of 6,000 residents. Artists and writers have discovered this creative retreat near Hearst Castle.
The village splits into two sections: East Village for shopping and West Village for beachfront dining. Moonstone Beach offers perfect sunset photography.
Art galleries and studios occupy converted cottages throughout the tree-lined residential neighborhoods.
13. Canyon
The Western Pacific Railroad put this Contra Costa County village on the map in 1910. About 400 people live along the single main road through the canyon.
The old railroad depot now serves as a community center for local events. Hiking trails connect to regional parks in the surrounding East Bay hills.
Many residents commute to San Francisco Bay Area jobs while enjoying rural mountain living.