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California is one of the most diverse places in the country, both in its people and its landscapes. From historic Spanish settlements on the lush Pacific Coast to Gold Rush-era mountain towns in the remote Sierra Nevadas, the options are nearly endless within the borders of the Sunshine State. Today, we will take a deeper look at some of the smaller towns that call California home and why these places are among the best-rated travel destinations in 2025. Whether you are looking to explore a history-filled downtown, sample California's finest wines, or find adventure in a scenic state park, there should be something for everyone here!

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is among the best coastal towns in California, known for its oceanside cliffs, marine-rich coves, and its welcoming community. The downtown district is filled with a variety of galleries, shops, and caf茅s, reflecting the town鈥檚 long history as an artists鈥� colony, while the lands around the town are a wonderland for adventurers and nature lovers alike. If you want to explore Laguna Beach's robust art scene, the Laguna Art Museum focuses on California-based art installations, while events like the Sawdust Art Festival and Pageant of the Masters draw visitors every year.

If getting outdoors is more your goal, the nearby coastline features some of Southern California鈥檚 most scenic beaches. Main Beach provides a central gathering spot with tide pools and a boardwalk, while Crescent Bay and Thousand Steps Beach appeal to those looking for quieter stretches of sand. Laguna鈥檚 protected marine reserves, including Crystal Cove State Park, offer excellent snorkeling, tide pooling, and hiking. The town鈥檚 rugged cliffs also provide vantage points for whale watching. Be sure to bring your camera and a good lens! Closer to town, Heisler Park offers walking trails with panoramic ocean views. Strict building regulations have helped Laguna Beach retain its small-town charm despite its popularity for tourists looking for an idyllic escape.

Nevada City

Nevada City is a hotspot for history buffs, as it does an amazing job at preserving its storied Gold Rush heritage with several lasting 19th-century buildings, and a very walkable and historic downtown core. Historic structures like the Nevada Theatre, California鈥檚 oldest continuously operating theater, and the National Exchange Hotel, established in 1856, truly anchor the town鈥檚 character.

Check out the various shops, restaurants, and other businesses that are housed in some of these old buildings along Broad Street, while the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum provides an exciting look into the region鈥檚 extensive mining and transportation history. Seasonal events such as the Nevada City Film Festival and Victorian Christmas transform the town into a cultural hub for northeastern California, drawing visitors beyond the summer months year over year.

Outdoor activities surround the town too, with the South Yuba River offering access to swimming holes, a variety of hiking trails, and some striking granite formations along the way. Moreover, Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park showcases the impact of hydraulic mining with its exposed rocky cliff and even a preserved ghost town close by. Cyclists and hikers can also take advantage of trails like the Deer Creek Tribute Trail, which crosses a suspension bridge and features signage that will teach you about the area鈥檚 early Native American settlers.

Eureka

Eureka is the largest coastal city between San Francisco and Oregon, It stands out with its incredible Victorian architecture, unique museums, and proximity to towering redwood forests. The Old Town district features many well-preserved buildings dating back to the 1800s, including the Carson Mansion, one of the most photographed Victorian homes in the country. Moreover, shops and cozy local restaurants, like Kristina's Restaurant and the Surfside Burger Shack, fill the waterfront area, while the nearby Clarke Historical Museum provides insight into the region鈥檚 Gold Rush and Native American history.

The city鈥檚 location along Humboldt Bay makes it a center for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Inland, the nearby Sequoia Park Forest & Garden offers you walking trails through a preserved redwood grove within city limits, while Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Redwood National and State Parks are a short drive away, providing access to some of the tallest trees on Earth!

Eureka also maintains an active arts scene, with murals, public sculptures, and galleries supporting local artists spread throughout the town. Try to attend events like Arts Alive!, which bring the local arts community together each month with live performances and booths showing off recently created pieces.

Ojai

Ojai is a small valley town that lies just north of Los Angeles. It is known for its art scenes, wonderful natural landscapes, and wellness-focused atmosphere, with many notable wellness retreats and resorts located in and around it. Start your visit here at The Ojai Valley Museum, which provides detailed historical context about this gorgeous region of Southern California, while Bart鈥檚 Books, one of the largest outdoor bookstores in the country, is another huge draw that you can find downtown.

For the outdoor enthusiast in town, you will have direct access to spaces like the Los Padres National Forest, with trails leading to viewpoints like the Shelf Road Overlook. Furthermore, sunsets in Ojai are particularly striking due to the 鈥減ink moment,鈥� a natural phenomenon where the Topatopa Mountains reflect a rosy glow. In the nearby foothills, the Ojai Olive Oil Company offers tastings of locally produced olive oils, and the weekly Ojai Certified Farmers鈥� Market highlights the region鈥檚 agricultural richness. Ojai鈥檚 reputation as a wellness destination is supported by several day spas, yoga studios, and holistic retreats. Accommodations like the Blue Iguana Inn or the Ojai Valley Inn are both relaxing places to sleep and come with their own spas offering as variety of services.

Capitola

Capitola is one of California鈥檚 oldest seaside resort towns, known for its colorful waterfront, small-town charm, and relaxed beach atmosphere just south of San Jose. The town鈥檚 centerpiece, Capitola Village, sits along Soquel Creek and Monterey Bay and is home to its iconic pastel-colored buildings.

Learn about the history of this historic retreat for Californians at the Capitola Historical Museum, which provides context on the town鈥檚 origins as a 19th-century vacation retreat, while the nearby Capitola Wharf serves as a highly popular fishing and sightseeing spot for both locals and residents alike.

Capitola Beach is likely the town鈥檚 main draw, offering you a sheltered cove ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. Experience the area's natural wonder on the road too by traveling the East Cliff Drive, a route that provides easy access to a number of coastal viewpoints and connects to nearby surfing destinations like Pleasure Point.

Just outside of town, the Santa Cruz Mountains are a hotspot for hiking, while wine tastings can be enjoyed at local vineyards, like Beauregard Vineyards, Bottle Jack Winery, and several others. During summer, the town actually hosts events such as the Capitola Art & Wine Festival, which celebrates its longstanding wine-making heritage.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is another top-tier coastal town, best known for its European-style village and pristine white-sand beaches. The downtown area of Carmel-by-the-Sea is notably free of chain businesses, holding onto more of an old-麻豆AV atmosphere with its selection of independent shops, galleries, and even a few hidden courtyards for you to explore.

The town鈥檚 long-standing connection to the arts is reflected in the Carmel Art Association, founded in 1927, and the historic Sunset Center, which regularly hosts concerts and performances throughout the year. History is also central to the town鈥檚 appeal, with the Carmel Mission Basilica standing as one of California鈥檚 most significant Spanish missions.

Carmel Beach, with its soft sand and cypress-lined cliffs, is ideal for scenic walks and sunset views. Just south of town, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve offers hikers a web of trails, many of which will take you directly to the area's abundant and wonderful coastal scenery, tide pools, and wildlife.

If you're looking to go for a drive, The 17-Mile Drive, beginning in nearby Pacific Grove, showcases some of the most iconic coastal vistas and attractions in California, including the Lone Cypress and Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Avalon

Avalon is the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island, offering a fun mix of Mediterranean-inspired architecture, clear blue waters, and a relaxing island atmosphere, making it a perfect spot in California to go for a vacation in 2025.

while here, take a stroll along Crescent Avenue, the town鈥檚 main thoroughfare. This route is lined with boutique shops, seafood restaurants, and oceanfront caf茅s, all within walking distance of the harbor. Make sure to pay a visit to the iconic and historic Catalina Casino, a 1929 Art Deco landmark that dominates the skyline and houses a grand ballroom and a movie theater, but not gambling, as the building was only ever intended as an entertainment center for the town.

Outdoor adventure defines Avalon鈥檚 appeal for many who visit. For example, Descanso Beach is a great place to go for kayaking, snorkeling, and even beachfront dining, while the Avalon Underwater Dive Park is one of the country鈥檚 first marine preserves, attracting scuba divers. Inland, the Catalina Island Conservancy maintains a vast network of hiking and biking trails, where you can spot the island鈥檚 resident bison and obtain panoramic ocean views from high above the water. The Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden also highlights native island plant species and offers an unobstructed overlook of dowtown Avalon.

With no personal vehicles allowed for visitors, golf carts and bicycles serve as the primary modes of transportation, adding to the town鈥檚 laid-back pace. Accessible by ferry or helicopter, Avalon remains a unique island escape, balancing history, outdoor adventure, and eye-catching coastal scenery.

Calistoga

Calistoga, located at the northern end of Napa Valley, is a top travel destination in the Golden State this year with its natural hot springs, huge selection of 麻豆AV-class wineries, and Old West character.

You can easily spend an afternoon exploring its exciting downtown core, which features historic buildings, shopping, and tasting rooms, and landmarks like the Calistoga Depot鈥擟alifornia鈥檚 second-oldest railroad station鈥攕erving as a popular attraction for the locomotive enthusiasts out there.

The surrounding area is home to some of Napa Valley鈥檚 most distinctive wineries, including Castello di Amorosa, housed in an incredible 13th-century-style Tuscan castle, and Schramsberg Vineyards, known for its sparkling wines. If you simply just want to explore the countryside, The Petrified Forest, where ancient redwood trees have turned to stone over millions of years is located a short drive west. The Old Faithful Geyser of California, which erupts regularly, highlights the area鈥檚 fascinating geological history too.

Calistoga's famous hot springs, many of which can be found in the heart of downtown, have drawn visitors for over a century, with resorts offering mineral baths and mud treatments sourced from the region鈥檚 volcanic soil. Indian Springs Calistoga serves as not only an upscale hotel but also one of the best spots in town to enjoy its soothing mineral-rich waters.

Calistoga maintains a slower, less commercialized atmosphere compared to other Napa Valley towns. Its focus on wellness, scenic vineyards, and small-town charm makes it an ideal destination for visitors seeking relaxation in California's wine country in 2025.

Mendocino

Established as a logging town in the 1850s, this tiny community of less than 750 residents on California's northern shores contains a historic district filled with saltbox cottages, locally-run galleries, and delicious eateries, many housed in original wooden buildings. The Mendocino Art Center, founded in 1959, continues to support local artists, while the Ford House Museum is a great place to start your visit, as you can learn a bit more about the town鈥檚 history and connection to the ocean.

It is also home to some of the best, yet uncrowded, parks on California's Pacific coast. Check out Mendocino Headlands State Park, a greenspace that surrounds the town on three sides and features trails along rugged cliffs with views of sea stacks and hidden coves. Nearby, Russian Gulch State Park is home to a picturesque natural bridge and a 36-foot waterfall, while Big River Estuary provides choice opportunities for kayaking through redwood-lined waterways. Gray whale migrations can be also observed from the coastline during winter and spring.

With the town's historic character and a lack of chain businesses, Mendocino retains a quiet, comforting atmosphere that highly contrasts some of the state's larger cities. Its combination of coastal scenery, outdoor recreation, and a focus on its cultural heritage makes it one of Northern California鈥檚 most distinctive travel destinations.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is the largest town on the shores of the famed Lake Tahoe, known for its year-round outdoor activities and some of the best natural scenery in the entire country. The town also sits very close to the California-Nevada border, where ski resorts, extensive hiking trails, and lakefront beaches converge with casinos and live entertainment in the downtown area.

Heavenly Mountain Resort dominates the skyline, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and scenic gondola rides with 360-degree views of the lake and surrounding Sierra Nevadas during any season.

The lake itself is obviously the main attraction in South Lake Tahoe, drawing in millions of visitors every year to the area. Be sure to also check out local natural draws like Emerald Bay State Park, home to the iconic Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle, which provides some of the best hiking and boating opportunities in the region. Pope Beach and Baldwin Beach offer clear waters and sandy shores, while Zephyr Cove is known for its access to boat rentals and lake cruises. Trails like the Tahoe Rim Trail and Cascade Falls Trail provide further access to wonderful alpine scenery and more backcountry wilderness.

After a day in the great outdoors here, you can explore the town鈥檚 various breweries, restaurants, and live music venues. Artemis Lakefront Caf茅 is not only one of the area's most highly rated eateries but comes with some incredible lakefront views right from many of its tables.

Carmel Valley

Carmel Valley is a tranquil retreat just a short drive inland from the central coast, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by rolling hills and several productive vineyards. Known for its ideal Mediterranean-like climate, the area has become a prime location for wineries, with tasting rooms offering views of the valley鈥檚 scenic landscapes. The Carmel Valley Wine Experience is a popular stop for those looking to explore local wines in detail and meet vintners. Like many wine country towns in California, Carmel Valley contains a good selection of farm-to-table style restaurants, with laid-back joints like Running Iron to more upscale locales like The Valley Kitchen.

Furthermore, the Carmel Valley Historical Society Museum provides insight into the region鈥檚 early settlers, while nearby Garland Ranch Regional Park offers a variety of outdoor fun, from hiking and horseback riding to birdwatching. Carmel Valley is also known for its access to the nearby Ventana Wilderness and Los Padres National Forest, making it a great base for those looking to hike, bike, or explore the natural beauty of the surrounding areas.

Coachella

Coachella, located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, is a desert town best known as the host of the 麻豆AV-famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The town also has a lesser-appreciated but equally rich history that dates back to the early 1900s, and a picturesque natural environment, with deep agricultural roots and a distinctly Southern Californian desert climate. The festival, held each spring, draws tens of thousands of music lovers, artists, and celebrities from around the globe, transforming the area into an important cultural hub for several days each year.

But beyond the festival, Coachella offers a number of outdoor activities, including hiking in the nearby San Jacinto Mountains and exploring the Salton Sea, one of the largest inland bodies of water in California. The nearby Coachella Valley Preserve also provides a unique landscape with protected wildlife, trails, and oases that you can explore this year, just be sure to bring sunscreen and lots of water!

The town itself is home to a growing number of art galleries, boutique shops, and local eateries, with a strong emphasis on Latin American influences on some of its best local cuisine. Definitely make time for a stop at Mariscos El Capitan for some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in the region.

Make California Your Next Travel Destination This Year

Make the most of your next trip to the West Coast in these 麻豆AV-class California towns. Whether you aim to journey among the iconic redwood forest, go on a culinary adventure in Nappa Valley, or roam the deserts down south, you'd be hard-pressed to not find something that caught your interest in the Golden State this year. Create a memorable 2025 with any of the above-mentioned destinations that we personally recommend for a variety of fun and exciting reasons!