5 Small Cities Worth Visiting in the Golden State
The glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The buzz and bustle of Los Angeles. When you think of California, perhaps you picture these extravagant cities. The truth is, California is more than just a collection of busy towns on a beautiful coast. California is the home of many small, quaint villages brimming with artistry, history, and fascinating people.
Consider these lesser-known gems in the Golden State.
Ojai
Between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara lies the artists’ haven of Ojai, Ventura County’s tiniest city and home to about 8,000 Californians. If you want to get away from the stress of urban life, you’ll find peace and tranquility in Ojai’s oak-lined streets, its quaint galleries and shops, and its serene and natural beauty.
Established by settlers as an epicenter for physical and mental health, Ojai grants its people abundant opportunities for aesthetic joy and stress release through artistic exploration and recreation.
Cayucos
As you travel up the coast from Los Angeles, you’ll encounter the quaint beachfront town of Cayucos. Named after the Chumash Indian word for “kayak,” Cayucos is nestled within the central California coastline on beautiful Estero Bay. As its name suggests, Cayucos is a great place for pier and deep-sea fishing. Vacation rentals abound in this noise-free, crime-free town.
Occidental
In Sonoma County, a plot of land nearly five miles wide called Occidental is home to about 1,000 Californians. This tiny census-designated area houses the Occidental Leather company, the Barley and Hops Tavern, and the store of Sonoma Fine Wine. San Francisco residents and tourists find a welcome respite from urban life in this small village, which is only a 90-minute drive from the City by the Bay.
St. Helena
The northern San Francisco Bay area is home to St. Helena, a Victorian-style village of about 6,000 people. Known for its wine country hospitality, fine dining, and historical Main Street, this tourist destination is perfect for a weekend escape. Situated in the heart of Napa Valley and within driving distance of many famed California wineries, it’s an ideal place for a wandering tourist to hang his hat at night.
- St. HelenaChris&Steve / Foter.com / CC BY-NC-SA
Mendocino
Vacationers and artists flock to the quaint, unincorporated community of Mendocino, located in the county of the same name. With a population of less than 1,000, this scenic bed-and-breakfast town emulates New England in both its architecture and its simplicity. In spite of its small size, Mendocino offers an art center, a theater company, and a state park. A day’s drive from Los Angeles, this fantastic destination gives city slickers the perfect excuse to find a car for rent and tool up the California coast, taking time to stop and explore all five cities mentioned above.
- MendocinoSharon Mollerus / Foter.com / CC BY
California has it all: Glorious mountains, breathtaking beaches, buzzing cities, and quaint villages. The best way to experience all California has to offer is to hop in a car and travel the coastline, stopping along the way to snap photos, sip wine, visit quaint shops and galleries, and meet fabulous people. It’s no wonder Californians like to boast that you can “Find yourself here.”
Once you do, you may never want to leave.
