Trips & Routes

Small Towns

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

One of Southern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

Learn all about one of the quirkiest towns in California, filled with unique attractions and small-town charm. A hidden gem worth exploring.

by Courtnie Erickson
on May 29
Looking toward a unique art display with a statue of legs sticking out of a barrel at an outdoor art museum in Joshua Tree, California.
Trips & Routes

One of Northern California’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

by Charlie Boyle
on May 7
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com//trip-ideas/texas/quirkiest-town-flying-under-radar-tx
Trips & Routes

This Little-Known Waterfront Town Is One of the Most Charming in Southern California

by Megan Todaro
on Apr 28
A peaceful view of Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, California, showing several white sailboats and yachts docked in the calm blue water.
Trips & Routes

Locals Hope This Small Beach Town in Northern California Stays off Tourists’ Radar

by Charlie Boyle
on Mar 14
A dark turquoise ocean meets tall, sandy cliffs with hills of greenery and a long highway beyond.
Trips & Routes

Hidden Beach Town in Southern California You Need to Visit

by Katie Lawrence
on Jun 16
Turquoise waves roll toward Harford Pier in Avila Beach, California, with surfers nearby.

Latest Small Towns

Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Discover the Americana Town in Northern California So Charming You’ll Want to Keep It a Secret

This small town in Northern California is peak coastal Americana.

by Charlie Boyle
on Nov 4
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Southern California Coastal Town Feels Like Sayulita, Mexico, and It’s Pure Bliss

Discover this laid-back coastal town with colorful murals, craft breweries, vineyards, and bohemian charm that rivals Sayulita, Mexico.

by Kate Orlando
on Oct 24
Teens skipping in Lompoc, CA
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Small Town in Northern California Feels Like It’s Straight Out of ‘Twilight’

Are you a "Twilight" fan? This small town in Northern California feels eerily like Forks.

by Charlie Boyle
on Apr 3
A paved path curves through a forest of thick redwood trees.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Southern California Mountain Village Almost Nobody Talks About

If you're craving solitude in Southern California, this is your secret escape.

by Kate Orlando
on Jul 2
Looking toward a forest with light fall foliage sprinkled throughout and tall mountains in the distance.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Why Felton, California, the Gateway of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Is Worth a Visit in Its Own Right

This small town is so much more than the entrance to a state park.

by Charlie Boyle
on Jun 19
White and wood buildings with bright colors and signs sit on a road with chairs and tables in front of some of the buildings.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

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

Boonville is one of the most charming small towns in Northern California. It has beautiful scenery, great wine, a rich history, and even its own language.

by Katie Lawrence
on Jun 10
alt
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Skip Europe This Summer: This Town in Northern California Is Just as Charming as the Uk’s Southern Seaside

Visit beautiful Carmel-by-the-Sea and see for yourself how similar it is to the UK's southern seaside towns.

by Charlie Boyle
on Jun 9
A cottage-influenced building with plants and flowers growing all over it.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Sleepy Northern Californian Town Is the Perfect Dupe for the Irish Countryside

A visit to this small town might just scratch your itch for the rolling green hills of the Irish countryside.

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Apr 3
Green rolling hills and a small lake in the background near Vacaville, California.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Love Vacationing in Italy? Try This Similar Spot in Southern California

Hold off on that ticket to Southern Italy. You can get the same slow-paced, sun-kissed experience closer to home.

by Andrea Verschuyl
on Mar 23
The waterfront town of Avalon on Catalina Island is seen from between eucalyptus trees.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

Calistoga Is a Walkable Town in Northern California Known for Its Rejuvenating Hot Springs and Mud Baths

A trip to Napa Valley wouldn't be complete without a spa day detour in this vibrant small town.

by Jennifer Brooks-Parker
on Feb 27
alt
Trips & Routes
Road Trips
Small Towns

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Northern California’s Most Charming Small Towns

Take in the views from the mountains to the coast as you visit and explore five delightful towns in Northern California.

by Natasha Kayes
on Nov 21
alt
Trips & Routes
Day Trips
Small Towns

The Up-and-Coming City in Southern California That’s Perfectly Sized

Discover the heart of San Diego County with a trip to Ramona, California. With vineyards, wineries, hiking, and more, this up-and-coming city has it all.

by Megan Todaro
on Nov 29
An aerial view of a Ramona, California, a small pond, and the surrounding mountains.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in California Is So Worth Exploring

Once you discover the itty-bitty town of Harmony, CA, you'll want to return again and again.

by Natasha Kayes
on Sep 29
A cow statue stands in front of a unique building in Harmony, CA.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Remote Destination in Northern California Where the Drive Is Worth the Final Views

Explore stunning rugged bluffs, beaches, and tide pools at the remote town of Fort Bragg.

by Natasha Kayes
on Oct 25
Waves crash against rocky shores, with misty cliffs and distant formations under a cloudy sky.
State Pride
History
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Desert Community in Southern California That Has Long Become Abandoned

Desert Center was once a bustling town and rest stop thriving in the harsh Southern California desert.

by Natasha Kayes
on Sep 24
Abandoned café building with a faded sign, surrounded by desert landscape and graffiti on the walls.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns
Stays
Vacation Rentals

Plan the Perfect Fall Getaway in the Small Southern California Town of Oak Glen

Book an Oak Glen getaway full of fall color and fun activities with your ideal home away from home.

by Natasha Kayes
on Sep 27
A cider mill in Oak Glen, California, is surrounded by trees with vibrant yellow and red leaves.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

This Blink-And-You’ll-Miss-It Town in Northern California Is So Worth Exploring

This tiny town in NorCal is a designated California Historical Landmark. Despite its small size, Coulterville is a place you'll want to visit!

by Kate Freeman
on Sep 29
Looking down a quiet, small main street in Coulterville, CA.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Best Small Town Getaway In Southern California: Best Things To Do In Solvang

by Natasha Kayes
on Jul 18
Charming street scene with colorful shops, outdoor seating, and flags in a quaint village setting.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

You’d Never Expect To Find Such A Happening Restaurant On This Rural Two-Lane Road In Northern California

by Kate Freeman
on Mar 20
A colorful restaurant and market called "The Road Trip" with unique custom vehicles parked outside.
Trips & Routes
Small Towns

The Unique City In Northern California That Is So Much More Than Your Average College Town

by Kate Freeman
on Feb 23
A sunny park with palm trees, people relaxing on the grass, and cars parked nearby in a vibrant town square.