From wine tasting in Napa to friendly beaches farther south, these small towns offer the best of the West Coast.
Millions of tourists visit California every year, and while San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are well-known highlights for many travelers, for those in the know, the Golden State offers an abundance of unique opportunities.
Eight underrated destinations were recently highlighted by a World Atlas report, and The Epoch Times stopped by seven of the locations to talk with visitors and locals about what makes the towns so unique.
From coastal villages to beach towns, wine country getaways, and desert oases, California has much to offer travelers willing to venture off the main highways.
Mendocino
Northern California’s Mendocino Village, with a population of 731, is a well-kept secret beloved by residents and tourists alike. An artists’ community perched above the ocean—about 170 miles north of San Francisco—Mendocino steered clear of corporate influence.
Emmy Lou Packard, an artist who moved to Mendocino in 1968, helped lead efforts to prevent development of high rises—which would change the landscape and block views of the ocean—and rallied others in the community to get local buildings placed on the National Historic Register to help preserve the village.
Mendocino is known for its Victorian architecture, mild climate, and flowering plants. Water towers dot the landscape, and lush gardens greet visitors throughout the quaint town.
Bed and breakfasts take the place of hotels, and fine dining establishments—including Cafe Beaujolais and the Ravens at Stanford Inn, among others—draw vacationers from across the country and around the world.
“This is a very special place, and you should definitely make your way up here if you haven’t,” Becky Johnson, docent at the Ford House visitor’s center in Mendocino, told The Epoch Times. “I call it ‘Happyville’ because we’ve been up here for 10 months, and I’ve never met an angry person.”
She said the slow-paced artists’ community is a must-see.
“The town is just very quaint, the people are friendly, the little shops are fun, and the views are spectacular,” Johnson said.
Many movies—including “The Majestic” starring Jim Carrey and “East of Eden” with James Dean, among others—were shot in Mendocino to take advantage of the captivating scenery.
Locals said they love the town because of its natural beauty.
“The Village of Mendocino offers natural resource abundance, the ecology of the redwoods, and the Big River, so it’s well looked after and there’s never been a lot of development,” Allen Morgan, a resident of the village for 52 years, told The Epoch Times. “The rhododendrons this time of the year and the blackberries are abundant… and it’s a vegetation hub with food farms in the area.”
He said Mendocino is beautiful year-round and encouraged visitors to experience the town in all seasons.
“It’s worth a trip or two,” Morgan said. “While we see the biggest crowds in the summer, people come in the winter for the storms, and it has its own appeal.”
Pismo Beach
With a population of slightly more than 8,000 and a history dating back at least 9,000 years to the time of the Chumash natives, Pismo Beach offers Mediterranean climates and many opportunities for visitors.
A 1,200-foot pier and beach boardwalk are favorite destinations for locals and travelers alike.
On a visit in July, dozens of individuals were seen fishing for mackerel, including a family made up of multiple generations.
“We came out to fish, and it looks like they’re biting today,” John Ramos, a Central Valley resident visiting the beach with his family, told The Epoch Times. “Pismo is special because it’s a hidden gem, and we’ve been coming out here for years.”
He said his family enjoys camping in the area and exploring the bays, mountains, and beaches—all while escaping the triple-digit heat in the Central Valley.
“What we like about it is the weather,” Ramos said. “There are so many other things to see … and it’s very accessible.”
Pismo Beach, about three hours northwest of Los Angeles, is known for mild temperatures year-round, and overcast days are normal during the summer months.
Beachgoers are greeted by miles of pristine seascapes, and many people were observed surfing, kayaking, and swimming.
Trails meander along the ocean bluffs, with an abundance of wildlife living in sanctuaries among the scenic landscapes and massive sand dunes.
Carpinteria
Nearly 13,000 people call Carpinteria home, and many more visit the eclectic beach town each year. The name means “the carpenter shop” in Spanish, and it earned its moniker because Spanish settlers saw Chumash natives building canoes out of wooden planks when they first landed in the area in 1765.
Multiple people out exploring the area, about 80 miles northwest of Los Angeles, said it is one of their favorite places to visit.
“I came here once and fell in love with it,” Sam Manning, a tourist visiting the beach town as part of a road trip from his home in Boston, told The Epoch Times. “This is the spot I was really looking forward to coming back to.”
He jokingly expressed reluctance to encourage others to come to the beach because its quietness is part of its charm.
“Part of me wants to say, ‘Don’t come here, don’t ruin it,’” Manning said. “It’s so nice because it’s not so crowded, and it’s such a great atmosphere.”
The beach town’s main strip includes interesting shops and family-owned restaurants—including a cafe with a 20-year history in the town known for its breakfasts, large portions, and fair prices that recently started serving dinner with gourmet burgers, fish and chips, and more.
“This is probably one of the last sleepy beach towns left in the country, if not in the world,” Justin Fitzgerald, manager at Esau’s Cafe, told The Epoch Times at the end of a dinner shift. “It’s got that small town local feel, good weather, cool people, and it’s super clean with a nice beach.”
He said the mom-and-pop shops combined with the beautiful beach and small-town charm make for a unique experience that locals are committed to maintaining.
“This town has stayed true to its roots for a long time,” Fitzgerald said. “The total vibe of the town has always remained the same.”
San Luis Obispo
The largest town by population on the list, San Luis Obispo is home to more than 48,000 people. Situated about four hours from both Los Angeles and San Francisco on Highway 101, the town offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and a world-renowned university.
“Coming from an outdoorsy place where I grew up, everyone here is kind of outdoor oriented, with hiking, biking, and surfing,” Scott Brown, a local who attended Cal Poly University, told The Epoch Times. “And the weather here is like perfect every day.”
He and his extended family were exploring the area using an escape game as a guide to learn more about the history, unique details, and monuments in the historic Spanish Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa—founded in 1772—and throughout downtown.
His mother-in-law said some of her daughters moved to the town in pursuit of their careers and to enjoy the many qualities offered by the area.
“San Luis Obispo reminds me of small mountain towns… but on the beach,” Andrea Kortas, from Steamboat Springs, Colorado, told The Epoch Times. “It has a small-town vibe, it’s really safe, it’s super cute, and it’s tons of fun.”
From the local farmers’ market to artisan jewelers, clothing stores, surf shops, and art galleries, the town offers something for everyone.
And for those interested in a different experience, Bubblegum Alley—a 15-foot-high and 70-foot-long wall where hundreds of chewed pieces of gum are added to an ever-growing collection—believed to be established in the 1950s—has become a destination, known as one of the strangest and most popular spots in town.
Also in San Luis Obispo County, less than an hour from the city center, is Hearst Castle. A state park and museum, the grounds were once the home of one of the richest men in the world in the early 20th century, newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. The exquisite grounds, mansion, and art collections are open for public tours—visit at night for a unique experience with actors dressed in period clothing.
Solvang
Fewer than 6,000 people live in the Danish-inspired town of Solvang—“sunny fields” in Danish—founded in 1911 after colonists from Denmark lived in the area since the late 19th century. The town is known for its unique Danish-inspired architecture and windmills.
Viking statues, themed hotels, and beautiful dinner-plate dahlia flowers add to the town’s family-friendly atmosphere.
In addition to the city center, the parks—including Nojoqui Falls known for its glistening waterfalls—and natural beauty around the area are draws for visitors, locals said.
“It’s a good getaway for people, as it’s close and not far away from the city, but it feels like you’re away from everything,” Shawn McConnell, a long-time resident of Solvang, told The Epoch Times. “This isn’t L.A., and you can go to the parks and be alone and go to the beaches and walk for miles without seeing many people.”
He also recommended exploring the delicacies and unique shopping opportunities.
“We have some of the best bakeries in the world, with all hand-made pastries,” McConnell said. “The food here is amazing, with the best meats and world-class cheeses.”
Fields of organic farms surround the town, which is situated about 30 miles northeast of Santa Barbara.
Ferndale
About 1,400 people live in the small town of Ferndale in Northern California’s Humboldt County. Founded in 1852, the town sports classic Victorian architecture throughout its downtown, and many historic homes pepper the surrounding neighborhoods.
“Ferndale is special because of the weather, the architecture, and the dairies,” Bob Shephard, longtime local, told The Epoch Times. “And we accept outsiders, while most small towns don’t.”
One local, who moved to the town with his wife years ago after discovering the area in 1978, said its history—dating back thousands of years to the native people—and uniqueness is a draw for retirees and visitors from across the country.
“We’ve been so attracted to Ferndale,” Joe Chartkoff, a retired archaeology professor from Michigan State University, told The Epoch Times. “It’s an extremely historic place, with its Victorian core.”
The town is also known as a destination for its lively Christmas festivities, including the largest living lighted Christmas tree. Sparkling lights adorn the historic buildings, costumed individuals add to the holiday theme, an ice-skating rink welcomes visitors, and unique shopping opportunities are just a few of the highlights of the weeks-long celebration.
Calistoga
Slightly more than 5,000 people reside in Napa Valley’s Calistoga, known for its thermal hot springs, mud baths, and wine tasting rooms—including world-famous Chateau Montelena, among others—featuring locally grown grapes.
“It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world in terms of the greenery, the wineries, people are very hospitable… and it’s one of the best culinary places to visit.” Amy Levin, Los Angeles area resident and law professor at Loyola University, told The Epoch Times. “There’s something for everyone whether you like to hike, or go to the spa, or shop, or eat.”
Beloved as a rest and relaxation hot spot, Calistoga also offers opportunities for those looking to explore nature.
The town is also home to California’s Old Faithful Geyser, which erupts approximately every 40 minutes.
“I was drawn to this because it’s a convenient way to see a natural wonder… and it’s surrounded by sheer beauty,” Levin said while waiting for the geyser to erupt. “I think it’s important that we conserve nature and respect and preserve the beauty of the area.”
Surrounded by mountains, the Calistoga petrified forest—formed by a volcanic explosion 3.4 million years ago—is another experience that attracts visitors from around the world.
And the Paradise Trail—10 miles roundtrip with a 2,000-foot climb that offers breathtaking views of Napa Valley—is a hiker’s delight. For those looking for an easier walk, Oat Hill Mine Road is a favorite jaunt that spans four and a half miles round trip.
Idyllwild
A small mountain town in the desert of Southern California with approximately 3,500 residents, Idyllwild was founded in 1899 as a sanatorium to treat tuberculosis patients. Now, the eclectic town is known for its shopping, live music, and restaurants.
Historic cottages and mountain lodging are hallmarks of the rustic town, situated two hours from Los Angeles and San Diego within a Ponderosa pine forest.
Locals and tourists spend time camping, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, biking, and spotting wildlife in the area. Parks nearby include the Idyllwild Nature Center, Mount San Jacinto State Park, and San Bernardino National Forest.
The eight hidden gems in California offer Golden State residents and visitors from across the country and the globe a chance to slow down, embrace small-town life, and experience the best of what the West Coast has to offer.
For those looking to expand their horizons and venture off the main routes, each of these towns provide memorable moments and gorgeous scenery. From dolphins to eagles, wildlife lovers will be greeted with fascinating views, and every trip is a new opportunity to meet new friends while spending quality time with family.
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