12 Beautiful Small Cities to Visit in California


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When you want to visit in California, many visitors are familiar with cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. but in a city nicknamed the Golden State is also home to many small towns and beautiful villages that are worth your visit. Now we compile various references for you which cities or villages you can visit in California.


Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Carmel-by-the-Sea, also known simply as Carmel, is a European-style village on the Monterey Peninsula that is popular with tourists. Because of its size, this is a very good area to explore on foot, whether to hike to a soft white sandy beach or take a walk along the road to admire charming architecture. A must visit for Carmel guests is the San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission - founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra - a compound consisting of a basilica church, several small museums, and beautiful grounds. Home to many creative types over the years, the village also hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Carmel Bach Festival.

City of Nevada

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Shortly after gold was discovered in California in 1848, thousands of settlers flooded the country. One of the cities that flourished during that period was Nevada City, which is located about 60 miles (100 km) northeast of Sacramento. Founded in 1849, Nevada City rose to become one of the richest mining cities in California. The streets are lined with gambling establishments, hotels and, of course, saloons. Several old buildings still exist, including the 1865 Nevada Theater, which is California's oldest operating structure on the West Coast. Today, the historic historic area in Nevada City still looks like a view of the Wild West.

Borrego Springs

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Borrego Springs is a very unique and special desert city. For one thing, it is the only village in California that is located entirely in a state park - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, to be exact. This is also an excellent place to see stars twinkling at night because this is also the official International Essential Sky Community. And please don't be surprised if you have to trip over a dinosaur or other strange creature while driving through Padang Galleta Borrego Spring. Scattered along the road in this area are 130 large metal sculptures. Borrego Springs, in fact, is an attractive city so it is even included in the list of the World's Best Coolest Desert Cities & Travel. This small town, located in San Diego County, is also a popular destination for "snow" birds that flock to Borrego Springs during winter. So if you Visit In California, don't forget to stop by this city.

Sonoma

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Another wine country gem, Sonoma is a beautiful city planned around the central square and surrounded by hills filled with vineyards - this place is known as the birthplace of the California wine industry. The last Spanish mission house in California, Mission San Francisco Solano, was built in 1824, which is now part of the Sonoma State Historic Park, this city is another great place to discover California's past. Other interesting areas include the square, which is home to many unique shops, fine dining venues and extraordinary art, and the region's famous wineries. Either way, there is something that appeals to everyone from history buffs to wine lovers.

Avalon

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Located on Catalina Island, which has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, Avalon will remind the Mediterranean people of lush vegetation, hill houses and beautiful, clear waters. The only city incorporated on the island, George Shatto was the first to begin developing this beautiful community into a resort town. More than one million people visit Avalon every year for outdoor activities, small shops and art galleries on palm-lined streets, restaurants with incredible water views, and more. Featuring a temperate climate, this is a great place to explore any time of the year.

St. Helena

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St Helena is in the middle of the famous Napa Valley, making it an excellent jumping off point for exploring the various wineries in the area. And because quality wines pair naturally with delicious food, this charming city is also home to a number of outstanding restaurants. Of course, you need a way to burn all the calories you would have swallowed while in the Napa Valley, and one of the most popular ways to do this is to tour the area on a bicycle. Not on the bike Then you can pamper yourself in one of the spas in St. Helena or see various art galleries.

Ojai

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Located in Ventura County, only about an hour and a half hour drive from Los Angeles, this beautiful and peaceful little town has long been a popular weekend destination for L.A. residents. looking for a vacation that will refresh them both physically and mentally. Popular activities include climbing more than 20 trails in the area, biking and shopping at Ojai boutiques and galleries. Pampering a little pampering in the spa area is also high on the list of most visitors. Looking for something a little more spiritual? Then you want to see Mountain Meditation, which is a center for public meditation.

Pacific Grove

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This beautiful little seaside town, located between Monterey and Pebble Beach, has an unusual claim of fame - between mid-October and mid-February, thousands of delicate monarch butterflies fluttered into Pacific Grove to spend the winter. Part of the reason, this butterfly is attracted to Pacific Grove because of its mild climate. The beautiful city weather coupled with beautiful beach views and charming Victorian houses are also popular with human visitors too. If you are planning a trip to Pacific Grove, be sure to set aside time for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It is located on the border of Pacific Grove and Monterey and is considered one of the best aquariums in the country.

Dunsmuir

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A historic railroad town in Northern California, Dunsmuir - named after Alexander Dunsmuir, a coal baron from British Columbia - is a quiet mountain resort known for its peaceful atmosphere. Its location makes this place a prime destination for nature lovers because many adventures await to be enjoyed - from fishing to climbing mountains. For visitors who prefer to enjoy the beauty of the scenery from a distance, the Downtown Historic District, with buildings dating from the early 20th century, is a beautiful place to wander around and find boutiques and delicious food. If you visit during the summer, be sure to visit the city's Botanical Gardens to display colorful flora.

Solvang

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Solvang is a beautiful Danish community found in the heart of the wine country of Santa Barbara. Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, this cultural gem, which means 'sunny field' in Denmark, was built in 1911 and offers pleasant architecture, including the Lutheran Church of Bethania. Visit the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum to get more insight into the history of this ancient village, or search through 150 shops for unique gifts and delicious authentic snacks. Solvang is also home to several restaurants, wine tasting rooms, plus the historic Old Mission San Inés. Visit In California is incomplete if you don't visit this city.

Julian

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Founded after the Civil War by those looking for luck, Julian is a historic mining town located in the Cuyamaca Mountains between oak and pine forests in Southern California. Today, the city is famous for its historic sites and apple orchards, which produce sweet varieties which in turn are made into delicious pies, ciders, and other delicacies. From specialty stores to outdoor adventures, Julian is a city with something for everyone. To learn more about Julian's history, stop by the Julian Chamber of Commerce to pick up the Hunt History card, which will guide you to various places, including Pioneer Cemetery and Julian Jail.

Mendocino

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If you are looking for a peaceful and beautiful vacation, you will definitely want to consider visiting Mendocino, which is located about three and a half hours north of San Francisco. Mendocino is located on a cliff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean in an area famous for its stunning and rugged beaches. This is an artist colony, where you can see galleries and shops for the work of local artists. Mendocino also gained a reputation as a perfect destination for romantic holidays and outdoor activities, such as biking or hiking.