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The Golden State of gold-sanded seashores grew quickly after gold was found in California in 1848, and 1000’s of settlers flooded the world. This listing of distinctive cities, every extra picturesque than the following, presents a getaway with a particular vibe only for you. Select from idyllic sights and a distant ambiance in Avalon or Ojai’s spiritualist group, with a complete different pure world.
You’ll have loads of eye sweet to take pleasure in over your favourite pursuits like seashores, hikes, kayaking, cruises, or some rest en plein air. From Wild West streetscape to artwork colony and outdated California resort, you’ll find picturesque surroundings following you round these cities, with each view worthy of a postcard.
Avalon
![Flowers, harbor and Casino in town of Avalon, Santa Catalina Island](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/b0/96/fd/shutterstock-1081915058.jpg)
This modern town on Santa Catalina Island presents pristine panorama and sights to take pleasure in scenic actions on an actual getaway from town. Entry the distant setting on a ship or a fifteen-minute helicopter journey from Los Angeles. The charming small city compiles authentically Californian experiences with its finest nature, providing lots to see and do with solely a restricted variety of automobiles allowed. Discover the serene streetscape on a stroll beneath the low-key vibe, with purchasing alternatives alongside the city’s small primary avenue.
![The boardwalk in Avalon (Santa Catalina Island) with shops on the left](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/30/e6/70/shutterstock-1437985013.jpg)
Immerse your self within the laid-back way of life of the three,379 locals by driving a motorcycle, taking the general public bus, a trolley, or renting a golf cart. Uncover surrounding nature on a hike, together with the favored snorkeling and glass-bottom boat excursions. Avalon is a shocking place with out the big-city bustle to chill out in a small city ambiance and picturesque setting, in addition to a harbor that opens out into the attractive Pacific Ocean, the place you’ll be able to stroll by way of the port or take a cruise.
Cambria
![Abalone Cove, Cambria, California](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/fd/9c/a9/shutterstock-132426224.jpg)
The low-key, small seaside city within the shadow of Hearst Fortress boasts a complete array of sights and experiences in a single small place. Cambria is your go-to vacation spot for rejuvenation within the recent sea salt air after seeing elephant seals, strolling for antiques, and visiting the close by wine nation in Paso Robles, some 30 miles away. Spend the morning amongst 20,000 seals at Elephant Seal Rookery and head for some up to date plein air artwork on the Vault Gallery, together with works by Billy Zane.
![Downtown Main St. West End in Cambria](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/9d/4f/90/shutterstock-1710990889.jpg)
Take pleasure in a treasure hunt for residence decor or a particular memento on the fashionable Wealthy Man, Poor Man, Antiques on Most important, or House Arts. Finish the proper day at sundown alongside Moonstone Seashore, with window views from the Sea Chest Restaurant & Oyster Bar. The stylish White Water presents a contemporary keep, whereas the Creekside Inn and Oceanpoint Ranch are none-the-less nice choices to kick up your toes in consolation.
Mammoth Lakes
![Boats sit at dock at Lake George under the watchful eye of the Crystal Crag peak. This peak is in Mammoth Lakes in Central California](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/0a/94/58/shutterstock-1719765949.jpg)
Discover this small city of 6,879 residents nestled picturesquely alongside the foothills of the japanese Sierra Nevadas. The city with a descriptive identify is a well-liked wintering vacation spot within the state to tackle the slopes on the Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain ski areas. Go to any season for beautiful pure sights and lighthearted actions like fly-fishing, mountain biking, and tenting through the heat months. Take pleasure in beautiful foliage on a leaf peeping hike through the crisp fall season.
![View of the Village at Mammoth Lakes, a pedestrain friendly shopping area with restaurants](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/e0/9b/44/shutterstock-1499441858.jpg)
Select the two.5-mile loop round crystal-clear Convict Lake; you’ll solely really feel the pressure in your eyes from the attractive sights round. Really feel the 12,241-foot Mount Morrison towering as your fixed shadow by way of all of the adventures, like mountaineering to the Rainbow Falls, finest seen throughout noon. The regular uphill climb is definitely worth the jaw-droppingly beautiful 101-foot waterfall, a part of Satan’s Postpile Nationwide Monument. The Yosemite getaway is simply an hour’s drive away if you wish to prolong your journey.
Moss Touchdown
![Entrance to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute as seen from the street outside](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/1e/03/3b/shutterstock-2246144489.jpg)
Moss Touchdown is definitely ignored in northern Monterey County, however nicely definitely worth the journey. The tiny, picturesque fishing village is residence to solely 246 residents and 340 species of resident and migratory birds like herons, egrets, and pelicans. Cease by Moss Touchdown on the mouth of Elkhorn Slough Nationwide Estuarine Reserve, which is a tidal salt marsh. This nature lover’s playground presents the very best fowl watching alternatives.
![People enjoy the afternoon at the Moss Landing Street Fair, with food vendors and about 200 booths including antiques, collectibles and vintage memorabilia, via David A. Litman/ Shutterstock](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/5e/4e/1f/shutterstock-1467061022.jpg)
Over 100 southern sea otters occupy the slough, the place you’ll be able to kayak or catamaran amid them or hike round. Be on whale-watch alert by way of all moist and dry actions alongside the shores. Be certain that to cease by a few of the space’s wineries by way of the Carmel Valley, thought-about a few of the state’s finest, like Bernardus, Holman Ranch, and Joullian Vineyards.
Nevada Metropolis
![South Yuba River, Nevada City](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/9e/22/f8/shutterstock-1466960795.jpg)
The realm that might grow to be the small city of Nevada City was among the many first locations settled following the invention of gold in California in 1848. Based in 1849, some 100 kilometers northeast of Sacramento, Nevada Metropolis shortly thrived as one of many state’s wealthiest due to mining. Stroll the picturesque streetscape with an enthralling historic district that impeccably retains up the Wild West model by way of all these years.
![Historical red brick building in Nevada City, via Marc Venema/Shutterstock](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/09/30/9c/shutterstock-336750539.jpg)
Try many historic and preserved buildings, functioning playing parlors, and different outdated California sights. Kick up your toes at one of many retro accommodations with fashionable facilities and take in cultural vibes at numerous saloons. Try the 1865 Nevada Theatre, the state’s oldest working efficiency venue on the entire West Coast.
Ojai
![Panoramic view of Ojai Valley before 2017 wildfires](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/1f/54/f4/shutterstock-788014111.jpg)
Discover this “nest,” because the city scenically interprets from the Native American language, inside a valley amid a hilly panorama. Ojai affords lovely views of the encompassing hills and mountains that make you’re feeling at residence. The small city is an idyllic California trip vacation spot full with boutique accommodations, mountaineering alternatives, farmer’s markets, spas, and parks to chill out with a recent air picnic.
![Independence Day parade from an aerial drone point of view, via Joseph Sohm/ Shutterstock](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/25/d2/06/shutterstock-1594231195.jpg)
On this city of spiritualists, there may be an organically themed restaurant scene with a give attention to sustainability and wholesome decisions. The tradition extends onto the streets, the place locals lovingly sustain the aesthetics. Discover beautiful personal houses in between colourful artwork galleries and wonder each which approach. Hike round the entire pure world of Ojai’s surrounding hills, which provides again significantly picturesque surroundings to the caring locals.
Pacific Grove
![Pacific Grove, California](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/bd/a2/9f/shutterstock-246473032.jpg)
This picturesque little seaside city tucked between Monterey and Pebble Seashore is legendary for a singular pure phenomenon. Hundreds of delicate monarch butterflies flutter into Pacific Grove to spend the winter, which brings 1000’s of gawking vacationers from mid-October to mid-February. The gentle local weather that draws the beautiful spectacle is right for year-round tourism and recreation alongside the seashores.
![Street in Pacific Grove, Monterey, California](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/8f/86/1f/shutterstock-247768576.jpg)
The attractive coast, with its lining of charming Victorian homes, attracts a year-round string of historical past followers, beachgoers, and the on a regular basis working crowd trying to chill out beneath the solar away from town views. Go to Pacific Grove and cease by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of many nation’s finest, in town’s border with Monterey.
Sausalito
![Wooden pier of Sausalito near San Francisco](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/33/db/16/shutterstock-1098800645.jpg)
The picturesque city of 7,332, simply north of San Francisco, is a singular city with a shipbuilding previous and an fascinating vibe you’ll be able to’t actually put a finger on. The city was starstruck after 1972, when the Recording Plant music studio attracted Aretha Franklin, the Grateful Lifeless, Van Morrison, Celine Dion, and plenty of others. Uncover Sausalito’ artistic facet on a stroll alongside the streetscape beneath the persisting beachy vibe and sea breeze.
![The houseboats of Sausalito, California have been a landmark in the northern California town for decades, via James Krikkis/ Shutterstock](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/85/5f/dc/shutterstock-1117919669.jpg)
Relish within the laidback ambiance with a vibrant mixture of sights, from stylish boutique shops and accommodations to all types of artsy. Stroll alongside avenue shows and installations to the artwork galleries and hunt down the most important native artist co-op within the San Francisco Bay space. Keep sharp with a number of espresso retailers and al fresco eating at Sausalito’s eating places of all cuisines and types, from eateries to superb eating. Recharge on a refreshing hike to the Marin Headlands, with a 554-acre old-growth forest referred to as Muir Woods, to chill out in nature.
Trinidad
![Memorial Lighthouse in Trinidad California](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/69/3a/fc/shutterstock-211243147.jpg)
The small city in Humboldt County enjoys a dramatic shoreline with ten lovely seashores. Discover your favourite beneath the rocky outcroppings and have the laidback seaside trip of your goals alongside the Trinidad State Seashore or the School Cove, its extra secluded northernmost part. In case you get uninterested in mendacity round however not the sights, head on a scenic Trinidad Head hike with lovely ocean vistas and even whales. Sightsee fishing vessels launching into harbor for Dungeness crabs and salmon, which you’ll later devour at one of many city’s many seafood locations.
![Trinidad Bay Bed & Breakfast Hotel, Trinidad, via jejim/Shutterstock](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/83/5c/cb/shutterstock-1409799746.jpg)
There may be additionally the Trinidad Pier and, simply south, the Indian Seashore, for kayaking and visiting tidepools. Hike by way of the towering stands of redwood bushes in Rockefeller Forest in Humboldt Redwoods State Park or drive by way of the Avenue of the Giants. Stray away from seafood and go for distinctive flavors just like the wild mushroom cobbler and peach and arugula pizza on the next-door neighbor, Eureka’s Brick & Hearth bistro.
Arcata
![Arcata plaza in California](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/79/12/f5/arcata-mckinley-statue-wide.jpg)
This small, picturesque city is a very distinctive and thrilling place in Northern California, in contrast to some other in the entire nation. Arcata is the state’s prime vacation spot for seaside purchasing, however it’s not the standard scene or the form of items you’d count on, resembling boutiques lining a boardwalk. Discover a wealth of natural meals and native companies as you immerse your self within the palpably totally different ambiance.
The faculty city has the Inexperienced Social gathering holding nearly all of native authorities seats, the place a powerful pupil physique serves on town council and whilst mayor. Stroll alongside the full of life streets with a youthful ring within the air, impeccable companies at truthful costs, manicured sights, and pristine pure environment.
Borrego Springs
![Downtown Borrego Springs](https://www.worldatlas.com/r/w768/upload/56/e9/68/borregosprings1.jpg)
This small city additional south within the state is a singular animal on the listing of picturesque cities, fairly actually. Not solely is it a refreshing gateway into the Anza Borrego Desert State Park, however the pint-sized city boasts a streetscape with no visitors and clear nights to sight constellations and comets at evening. This particular desert city in San Diego County is an official Worldwide Darkish Sky Neighborhood and included on Journey & Leisure’s “America’s Coolest Desert City” listing.
The 935-square-mile State Park is the most important within the 48 contiguous states, with spring wildflower blooms and a rising reputation to see the gathering of 130 large metallic sculptures amid pure environment. Discover Borrego Springs’ Galleta Meadows with a 350-foot-long sea serpent and different unfamiliar beings strewing the blissful panorama, and hike by way of the park’s slot canyon.
In Conclusion
California screams picturesque from its small cities, set amid pristine landscapes with the very best pure vistas. These aesthetic cities are residence to distinctive native cultures of pleasant residents who sustain with impeccable service and caring habits in direction of nature. Mom Nature returns favor with the best-dressed picturesque surroundings of the Golden State.
Immerse your self within the serene ambiance, from nature havens to abandon cities, and even a world dark-sky group. Select a seaside scene or streetscape with a low-key vibe, fashionable facilities, purchasing alternatives, seafront eating, artwork, and historical past aplenty.
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