Posted in Northern California Small Towns, State Pride September 10, 2022 by

8 Of The Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In All Of Northern California

Small towns popped up all over northern California during the time when mining and lumber mills were major economic drivers. Now that times have changed, many of these towns still exist for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy after a long day in the mountains. Next time you’re looking to unwind from an adventure with good food and a charming atmosphere, check out one of these eight beautiful small towns in northern California.

1. Dunsmuir
Flickr/Don Barrett
This tiny town of 1,650 people sits in the Sacramento River Canyon just south of Mount Shasta and north of Castle Crags. Come here to enjoy world-class fly fishing, the annual State of Jefferson Brewfest, and small-town charm with zero traffic lights.
Dunsmuir, CA, USA
2. Trinidad
Flickr/Becky
Trinidad is an adorable seaside town of only 367 people on the Humboldt coast. The low population means your chances of finding a secluded spot on the beach are very high. Sunsets over the Pacific can't be beat from this spot and it's only 20 miles from old growth forests.
Trinidad, CA 95570, USA
3. Truckee
Flickr/Jacob T. Meltzer
Located just outside of Tahoe, this mountain town of 16,180 offers a charming downtown area as well as easy access to all the trails.
Truckee, CA 96161, USA
4. Fort Bragg
Flickr/dirtsailor2003
With a population of 7,273, Fort Bragg is a historic coastal town located on scenic Route 1 in Mendocino County.
Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
5. McCloud
Flickr/Kevin Shorter
This truly tiny town of 1,101 draws tourists for its charm and scenery. Check out the old mill, California's largest wood building, and the nearby waterfalls.
McCloud, CA 96057, USA
7. Quincy
Flickr/David Berry
Home to the annual High Sierra Music Festival, Quincy is typically a quiet mountain town of 1,728 people that attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Quincy, CA 95971, USA
8. Weaverville
Flickr/throgers
The Trinity County Seat with a population of 3,600 offers a cute main street lined with restaurants, museums, and shops as well as quick access to the majestic Trinity Alps wilderness.
Weaverville, CA, USA
9. Mammoth Lakes
Flickr/AndrewGorden
The only incorporated community in Mono County, Mammoth Lakes is a gorgeous mountain town of 8,234 residents. Visitors come for the skiing and stay for the small-town charm.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
10. Ferndale
Flickr/Stephen Colebourne
If old Victorian buildings are your thing, then Ferndale has what you're looking for. This gorgeous town of 1,371 is the northern gateway to California's Lost Coast.
Ferndale, CA 95536, USA

Do you have a favorite small, charming town in northern California? Let us know by mentioning it in the comments!

For another hidden gem that’s perfect for a fall day trip, check out this charming town in Northern California.

Address: Dunsmuir, CA, USA
Address: Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Address: Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Quincy, CA 95971, USA
Address: Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Address: Weaverville, CA, USA
Address: Ferndale, CA 95536, USA
Address: Trinidad, CA 95570, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Towns In Northern California

September 14, 2022
Tori Jane

What are the best towns in Mendocino County?  

Mendocino County, California, is a beautiful place to live or visit. It’s filled with some of the best small towns in Northern California, and we can’t get enough of them! Some of our favorite towns in Mendocino County include little gems like Fort Bragg, which might just be one of the most beautiful places in California (more on that in a moment). Willits is another adorable small town in Mendocino County, It boasts a population of just under 5,000 people, which is remarkably small for California standards.  

What are the cutest towns near Fort Bragg California? 

Fort Bragg is a small town worth visiting in and of itself, but folks hoping to visit (or move) further away from the military base there might want to consider some of the small suburbs of the town instead. Small towns near Fort Bragg include Aberdeen, Lillington, Sanford, Hope Mills, Pinehurst, and Raeford, and though there are more, these ones are wonderful places to start. Aberdeen is an intriguing old lumber town with a dark history. Sanford is beautiful and so is Hope Mills. The possibilities are only as limited as, well, how many miles you’re willing to travel from Fort Bragg.  

What are the best small towns in Northern California? 

There are hundreds of adorable small towns in Northern California you’re sure to fall in love with; every one of them is filled to the brim with charm and history, as well as amazingly beautiful scenery you can’t miss out on. Some of our favorite small towns in Northern California include jewels like Eureka, an adorable small town popular with tourists in the summer, Lakeport, which is right on beautiful Clear Lake, and you can’t skip a trip to Mendocino if you have time! Life in Northern California is beautiful – we think you’ll never want to leave.  

Address: Dunsmuir, CA, USA
Address: Fort Bragg, CA 95437, USA
Address: Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546, USA
Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Quincy, CA 95971, USA
Address: Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Address: Weaverville, CA, USA
Address: Ferndale, CA 95536, USA
Address: Trinidad, CA 95570, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.