Posted in Northern California Attractions September 23, 2022 by

15 Small Towns In Northern California That Offer Nothing But Peace And Quiet

Northern California has it all. If you’re a city-lover you get recharged by a visit to San Francisco or by living in Sacramento or Santa Clara. But more and more of us are opting for the smaller towns to live and raise our families. Why? Because we like knowing our neighbors and not battling traffic to and from home. These small towns offer us what the big cities just can’t: a huge helping of peace and quiet. Here are a few of the best small towns in Northern California that will remind you to put your feet up and stay awhile.

1. McCloud
flickr/patrick dierden
McCloud--no, we're not talking about the 1970s TV drama. This is a town that's small and peaceful. Located on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta, it's a mecca for hikers, cyclers, and peace-seeking folks.
McCloud, CA 96057, USA
2. Murphys
flickr/jim thoburn
It's been called "The Next Napa Valley." Once known as "Murphys Camp" for its gold mining fame, fire was the bane of this early town's existence. Three fires in the late 1800s burnt the city to the ground. Murphys rebuilt again and again--and nature loves on this area pretty well. It's gorgeous and quiet here.
Murphys, CA, USA
3. Meadow Valley
flickr/david berry
Meadow Valley is a small sleepy town with a lot of natural beauty. Looking to fish, hike, get off the grid, or just relax in a peaceful setting--Meadow Valley's got you covered!
Meadow Valley, CA, USA
4. Loleta
Flickr/NH657
Loleta gets its name from lalōekā, the Wiyot Indians name for the trail on the top of Table Bluff. Potato farming was a big thing here in the late 1800s. According to one source, "The town was renamed Loleta in 1897. The name was reported to mean "pleasant place at the end of the tide water" in the language of the original Wiyot native inhabitants.
Loleta, CA, USA
5. Jamestown
flickr/bobak ha'eri
Peaceful little Jamestown is another gold-mining town that popped up in the 1800s. Petticoat Junction, The Wild Wild West and scenes from the movie Hidalgo were filmed here and close by.
Jamestown, CA, USA
6. Groveland
flickr/david fulmer
Once a gold-mining town, Groveland became a sleepy farm town. When the Tuolomne River became a big deal around here more and more folks no longer drove on past--but actually stopped. It's usually visitors on their way to Yosemite.
Groveland, CA, USA
7. Sonora
flickr/sharon hahn darlin
Historically a mining town, it's been known for its lumber mills. Once there were two here and now there's one. You can find Sonora tucked in between HWY 49 and HWY 108.
Sonora, CA 95370, USA
8. Arnold
flickr/brian vellalunga
Arnold is named after Bob and Bernice Arnold. They opened "Ebbets Pass Inn" in 1927. Calaveras Big Trees is close by and In 1928, Camp Wolfeboro was founded as a Boy Scout Camp. Which is still going today!
Arnold, CA, USA
9. Truckee
flickr/anthony dulce
The Truckee River comes from Lake Tahoe and runs for 100 miles. American Indians are the earliest history here--but the Donner Party from the 1800s is the story they're known for now. The Donner-Reed party headed out west from Illinois and met their demise when winter hit fast and hard. And...there was cannibalism--so there's that, too.
Truckee, CA 96161, USA
10. Quincy
flickr/sophie lagace
Another sweet gold-mining town from the 1800s. Quincy got its name from Quincy, Illinois--which took the name from President John "Quincy" Adams. A pretty cool presidential name for a serene little town.
Quincy, CA 95971, USA
11. Yreka
flickr/d coatzee
Located in the gorgeous Shasta Valley in Siskyou County. Once known as "Thompson's Dry Diggins" it eventually took on the name Yreka from Shasta language /wáik'a/, for which Mount Shasta is named. The word means "north mountain" or "white mountain" Did you know Mark Twain has been through these parts, too?
Yreka, CA 96097, USA
12. Sutter Creek
flickr/jasperdo
Once known as "Suttersville," this charming town has been called "The Sausalito of the Foothills" since it's pretty far from the Pacific Ocean. Sutter Creek is peaceful and quaint. Come by and stay in one of the darling B&B's. You'll love it.
Sutter Creek, CA, USA
13. Twain Harte
flickr/david yank
Twain Harte gets its name from TWO famous authors: Mark Twain and Bret Harte. Mark Twain lived in these parts and, well, you know who he is. But, Bret Harte was originally from Albany, New York, and moved to California in the late 1800s. He married his wife in San Rafael and was known for his short stories about gold miners, gambling, and 49ers! (Not the football team.)
Twain Harte, CA, USA
14. Etna
flickr/david berry
The serene little town of Etna was once named "Rough and Ready." I just love that! But, a statute in 1874 changed the name to "Etna" after the local flour mill. Located at the foot of Marble Mountain the whole town is less than a mile in size and a magnet for hikers and anyone looking for a little peace and quiet!
Etna, CA 96027, USA
15. Shelter Cove
flickr/rene rivers
If you've been to Black Sands Beach or Seal Cove then you've been to Shelter Cove. It's picturesque and extremely peaceful, but, there's lots of fog around here. Back in 1907, a steamer named "Columbia" collided with a steam schooner named "San Pedro," 88 passengers met their death in this foggy cove. Today, it's just known as a dreamy coastal town that brings serenity by the bucketful!
Shelter Cove, CA 95589, USA

When was the last time you stopped by one of the best small towns in Northern California for a visit? Which one would you move to if you could?

Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Murphys, CA, USA
Address: Meadow Valley, CA, USA
Address: Sonora, CA 95370, USA
Address: Sutter Creek, CA, USA
Address: Jamestown, CA, USA
Address: Arnold, CA, USA
Address: Groveland, CA, USA
Address: Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Address: Quincy, CA 95971, USA
Address: Yreka, CA 96097, USA
Address: Twain Harte, CA, USA
Address: Shelter Cove, CA 95589, USA
Address: Etna, CA 96027, USA
Address: Loleta, CA, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Exploring Northern California

September 27, 2022
Sara Dager

What are some of the prettiest hikes in Northern California? 

There are tons of scenic hikes in Northern California and with how gorgeous our terrain is, it is pretty tough to go wrong when stepping out on the trail — but we do have a few favorites. The Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout trail is slightly difficult, so only those familiar with hiking should take this five-mile round-trip trail. It is more than worth the effort though, as once you reach the top of the staircase, you will be rewarded with mountain and forest views as far as the eye can see. If you are looking for a more family-friendly hike in Northern California, then you might like taking the whole crew out to explore the Potem Falls trail. Leading to a 70-foot tall waterfall, the kids will love this easy hike and so will you!

Are there any good road trips to take through Northern California?

Boy, are there! Here at Only In Your State, we pride ourselves on putting together some fantastic road trips and our Northern California road trips are no exception. We have so many great options to get you out on the road with the wind in your hair. Our hidden beaches road trip includes 11 secluded stops that you’ll definitely want to pack a bathing suit for. Or if staying dry is more your style, then the redwood natural wonders road trip may be just right for you as these 12 stops all have a stunning fairytale feel.

Can I do anything fun for free in Northern California? 

If you are on the hunt for fun and free things to do in Northern California, there are a ton of amazing options. Of course, we have our many state parks and natural wonders waiting to be discovered, and they absolutely can’t be missed. But, did you know that there are a few free museums in Northern California? The YoYo Museum and the Cable Car museum, for example, are free and make for a great way to spend an afternoon.

Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Murphys, CA, USA
Address: Meadow Valley, CA, USA
Address: Sonora, CA 95370, USA
Address: Sutter Creek, CA, USA
Address: Jamestown, CA, USA
Address: Arnold, CA, USA
Address: Groveland, CA, USA
Address: Truckee, CA 96161, USA
Address: Quincy, CA 95971, USA
Address: Yreka, CA 96097, USA
Address: Twain Harte, CA, USA
Address: Shelter Cove, CA 95589, USA
Address: Etna, CA 96027, USA
Address: Loleta, CA, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.