The Remote Town in Northern California We Simply Can’t Get Enough Of

I'm a city girl through and through, but every once in a while, I crave the solace of a small town. Boonville, California, is a charming small town in the heart of Anderson Valley with a population of just over 1,000. It's often overlooked because it isn't as easy a day trip from San Francisco as other towns like Point Reyes Station, but Boonville has so much to offer. In true NorCal fashion, wine is the main reason for visiting Boonville. Unlike crowded Napa and Sonoma, however, this area of wine country sees far fewer visitors because it’s more out of the way — but that doesn’t make it any less worthy of experiencing. Whether you come to Boonville for the day or make it a weekend getaway, you’ll quickly realize why it’s one of the best small towns in Northern California.

Little more than a blip on the map, Boonville is a secret even to many native Californians. Its picturesque landscape features rolling hills dotted with lush greenery, long, winding roads, and decidedly more cows than people. If you need a quiet escape from city life, this is the perfect destination. 

Downtown Boonville looks like a scene from a postcard. The roads are lined with historic buildings and quaint storefronts that harken back to the town's frontier logging past. Explore on foot (it won't take you long; it's a small community!) and discover why this little slice of paradise belongs on your bucket list.

If there's one activity in Boonville you can't miss, it's Pennyroyal Farm. This minimum-waste farm is as close to a utopia as it gets, with acres of grapevines, fancy cheese boards, and adorable goats. You can even take a farm tour to meet the herd. It's an idyllic place to spend a nice, warm day sipping wine, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Navarro Vineyards in nearby Philo is also a great choice for wine connoisseurs.

Perhaps an ice-cold beer is more your speed? Perfect. Anderson Valley Brewing Company is the world's first solar-powered brewery, specializing in authentic ales and lagers made with high-quality ingredients and an emphasis on seasonality. The brewery also pays homage to Boontling, Anderson Valley's very own language that almost everyone in the region spoke fluently in the 19th century.

Boontling isn’t widely used anymore, but the brewery keeps its quirky legacy alive and well. Each can is adorned with the phrase “Bahl Hornin,” which means “Good Drinkin’” (similar to “Cheers”) in Boontling. You can learn all about the fascinating history of Boontling on the Anderson Valley Brewing Company website. 

Make it an overnight trip by staying at the Boonville Hotel. Each room is unique, and the nightly prix fixe three-course dinner gets rave reviews.

Have you ever visited Boonville? If so, do you think it’s one of the most charming small towns in Northern California? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Check out our road trip packing list to help you plan your adventure with ease. Nearby Mendocino is another quaint town to visit while you're in the area, especially if you love moody coastal views.