The 11 Can't-Miss Towns In Northern California
Between salty sea, sweet wine, seaside stages, and niche museums, countless unique experiences await within Northern California’s small towns. The top of the Golden State brims with hidden treasures and stories waiting to be uncovered. From surfers to scientists, everyone can find delight here, in a land where monarchs migrate and waves crest beneath the setting sun. Keep reading to discover what makes Northern California an essential travel destination, and start planning your next road trip along its rugged coastline.
Pacific Grove
Nicknamed “Butterfly Town, USA”, Pacific Grove is home to a mass yearly migration of monarch butterflies. Here, a perfect day begins at the beach, where tourists and locals gather to watch the sun rise over the water at Lovers Point, an east-facing shoreline with the perfect soft sand for lounging and ideal waves for surfing. To catch a glimpse of the famed butterflies, spend an afternoon at Monarch Grove Sanctuary, where they overwinter between October and February in a garden covered in cypress and eucalyptus trees. In addition to an abundance of butterflies, visitors can find more of what makes this town so special at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The museum is only a few blocks from the beach and holds gorgeous native flora, miniature dioramas displaying pivotal historic moments, ancient crafts, and more.
Trinidad
Take a short hike through the wilderness to find the sea at Trinidad State Beach. Rocky bluffs wrap around the sand, which is scattered with fascinating arches and other formations, giving it an other-dimensional feel. Nearby, another special spot on the sea awaits all travelers who seek romance on their getaway. Wedding Rock is part of a century-old local tradition that started when Sue-Meg Park’s caretaker married there in the early 20th century. While the rock is still used as a backdrop for wedding vows, it is also the trailhead to an amazing hike 80 feet above the sea that overlooks the rocky, blue coastline. After admiring the beach, discover art made from coastal materials at Sea Around Us, a shop specializing in seashells and handcrafted one-of-a-kind treasures.
Nevada City
Nevada City is full of spectacular entertainment and equally awe-inspiring views. Catch a show at the Nevada Theatre. Built in 1865, it is the oldest existing theatre building still in use on the West Coast. While holding over 155 years of artistic history, the interior has been renovated into a surreal space where the magic isn’t only on screen or stage, but on every single surface. As an homage to California’s gold rush, see one of the oldest and deepest gold mines at Empire Mine State Historic Park.
The mine was in operation for more than 100 years before closing in 1956, after extracting 5.8 million ounces of gold from the earth. Aside from being a great place to learn more about a lost industry, this 856-acre park has many forested trails great for hiking and mountain biking. For more hiking options, head to Deer Creek Tribute Trail. The trails here are almost fairytale-like in their splendor. Wooden footbridges arc over rushing rivers and mossy rocks, while narrow pathways that are traveled by deer and humans alike lead further into the quiet, calm wilderness.
Mendocino
This romantic town overlooks the sea from its rocky cliffs. Start the voyage at Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve, where a 2.2-mile loop trail makes for a serene hike through the world's tallest trees, California’s famous redwoods. After walking through the forest, explore Mendocino Headlands State Park to wander the bluffs on the seaside, where simple yet rugged trails lead to secluded beaches and hidden grottos. After escaping into the wildest areas of the town, feel the collective creativity of the community at Mendocino Art Center. This cozy campus houses a gallery, open studios, and a colorful garden. Workshops are also hosted here on various forms of expression, such as painting, clay work, and even video art.
Sutter Creek
Known as a “tasting town”, Stutter Creek is within the Sierra Foothill Wine Region. Sample all of the region's best wines along Main Street at places such as Bella Grace Vineyards, Baiocchi Wines, and Simply Bubbles. Next, see an industrial heritage site and prominent engineering landmark at The Knight Foundry, America’s last water-powered foundry and machine shop. The facility is packed with unique historic equipment from the 1800s, creating a portal into California’s Gold-Rush era. Then, switch from the history of industrialism to the entertainment industry at Sutter Creek Theatre, which began as a silent film theater in 1912. While the exterior and design are uniquely vintage, modern bands take to the stage for performances and concerts across multiple genres.
Sonoma
This small town is a land of many firsts. While most state parks are full of rivers and trees, Sonoma’s park is distinctive, being made up of historic structures. Sonoma State Historic Park is not just one plot of land, but rather six historic sights, all within walking distance of Sonoma’s downtown plaza. Among these structures is the San Francisco Solano Mission. Founded in 1823, this is the last and northernmost California mission. Out of the many missions within the state, this one is the only one founded without prior approval of the church.
Across the street is the Sonoma Barracks, where the famous California Bear Flag was first raised in 1846. After exploring the past through beautiful creations, see more modern pieces at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art. This cultural asset builds community through contemporary and modern art. The space also hosts events, such as art walks throughout the town, immersive theater, and musical showcases.
Tiburon
See Tiburon as well as the gorgeous San Francisco Bay at Old St. Hilary’s Landmark & Preserve. Atop this high ridge, travelers will see a 232-acre expanse of rolling grassland, rare serpentine soil, and the iconic San Francisco skyline. Those who hike through the preserve will also see gentle creeks, views of Angel Island in the distance, and a small white chapel that opened in 1888 and now stands as a historic landmark.
To see a more whimsical sight, head over to the bronze sculpture of “Blackie”, a locally beloved horse who once greeted tourists from their vast green pasture. Blackie’s Pasture is not only home to an interesting installation, but also expansive green land great for picnics, and a playground with climbing structures and swingsets. Finally, check out The Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum, which captures the town’s history in the maritime and railroad industries. While having terrific views out the windows, the museum is filled with intrigue, such as miniature reconstructions and historic furnishings.
Healdsburg
Healdsburg is another tasting town that wine lovers won’t want to miss. This town is one-of-a-kind to wine enthusiasts because three major wine-producing regions converge here: the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. Walk from winery to winery on the Plaza, like Siduri, known for its local pinot noirs and live music. Even more pleasure awaits the senses at Costeaux French Bakery, where guests can enjoy European pastries on a patio or in the rustic interior. The Russian River winds through this beautiful vineyard-covered town, and to really take advantage of it, join locals at Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach to enjoy a picnic, a dip, or a riverside stroll.
Dunsmuir
Coastal Dunsmuir claims to have the best water on earth, thanks to fresh mountain springs. Feel the clear water mist at Hedge Creek Falls, where a 35-foot waterfall cascades over the mouth of a hidden cave, and the hike offers views of Mount Shasta. For a more spectacular nature walk, take a wander through the Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, which spans ten acres of rolling woodlands where various gardens spring to life. There are many blooms here to admire, most notably the native white dogwood, unique Shasta lilies, and azaleas. After admiring the gorgeous nature, travelers can immerse themselves in it at Castle Crags State Park. The Sacramento River flows through the park, making for a special spot to swim and fish in pristine water while surrounded by incredible, forested cliffs.
Suisun City
Traverse Suisun City in a vintage streetcar at the Western Railway Museum. The museum preserves pieces of history related to interurban transit, such as 50 historic cars, trains in their various forms, and artifacts that document the history of California’s railroads. Visitors can even ride in an Interurban Train on a 10-mile loop around the town’s countryside. To understand the vibrant life of this town, check out the Suisun Wildlife Center. Families or groups can take a presentation and a field trip, where guests can meet wild animals in rehabilitation, as well as walk through the marshland and Rockville Hills Park. Finally, head to the Harbor Plaza, a waterfront park where free concerts are hosted throughout the summer.
Ferndale
Oddly enough, Ferndale Cemetery is a beloved spot for a unique bit of tourism. For one of the town's best panoramas of the ocean, head to the historic hillside cemetery, one of the most photographed graveyards in the state. To delve into local history, visit the Ferndale Museum to explore artifacts from the town's pioneer, dairy, and lumber industries. Even this museum embraces the spooky lore of the town, offering self-guided candlelight tours full of ghost stories throughout the month of October. Before leaving, shop for a unique item to take home at the Ferndale at The Golden Gait Mercantile, a classic, old-fashioned general store with something for everyone.
To voyage through Northern California is to find beauty and wonder in unexpected places, like butterflies flying over a golden beach, a treasure trove full of beach shell jewelry, and waterfalls cascading over moss-covered rocks. Each town is a story waiting to be discovered, told in redwood trees and salty air. Visiting the places on this list will remind you of the unexpected wonder waiting patiently for you to arrive.
