10 Must-See Towns in California

Sonoma is a historic town in the Sonoma Valley wine country where you can taste world-class wine in a stunning rural setting. The region is considered the birthplace of winemaking in California. The original vineyards date back to the late 19th-century.

Start with a stroll and some window shopping in the gorgeous colonial-era Sonoma Plaza. The 8-acre town square is the largest of its kind in California and has an old Spanish Mission in the centre. You'll also find over 30 wine tasting rooms, a wide variety of farm-to-table restaurants and dozens of art galleries and trendy concept stores. Beyond the town, you can hike through rolling hills and visit idyllic vineyards.

Laguna Beach is a picturesque coastal town in Orange County known for its sandy beaches, fabulous Pacific views and thriving art scene. Created as an artist’s retreat back in the early 20th-century, the town is home to one-of-a-kind art galleries, public sculptures, and street art. In summer, the city hosts a handful of fun art festivals.

After a dose of creativity, hit one of the beautiful beaches featuring hidden coves and tide pools. Or visit Heisler Park for impressive vistas of the azure Pacific Coast and craggy coves. Nature enthusiasts wanting a more remote adventure can walk along the majestic cliffs at Crystal Cove State Park. Bring along a tent and make camp on bluffs with sweeping seascapes.

Palm Springs is a relaxed Southern Californian desert town where you can lounge beside a stylish pool by day and rub shoulders with LA’s rich and famous by night. Don your favourite vintage outfit and go for a stroll through downtown. The palm tree-lined streets and warm sunshine make for a perfect day of exploring art galleries, museums, and boutique shops.

On the outskirts of town are some breathtaking hiking trails through ancient palm groves of the Indian Canyons. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and soar to the top of Mount San Jacinto where you can enjoy superb views of the valley below.

Eureka is a historic seaside town in Humboldt Bay where you can discover Victorian-era architecture, rugged seascapes and the iconic redwood trees. Start your visit with a stroll along the waterfront, which offers lovely views of the harbour and the bay. The well-preserved Old Town district – with museums, ornate 19th-century mansions and boutiques – will please history buffs, architecture lovers and shopaholics.

What's great about visiting Eureka is that the Redwood Highway is right on your doorstep. Hop in your car and take a long, scenic drive along the world-famous highway. Along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate the beauty of these ancient forests and breath in some fresh air. 

South Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous resort city and a year-round gateway to fantastic outdoor adventures around Lake Tahoe. In winter, the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains are covered in snow, and you can go skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing while the blue lake sparkles below.

During the warmer months, you’ll get to enjoy the picturesque landscape mountain biking, hiking, standup paddling and soaking up the sun on the beach. At night, leave your sports gear at home and head to one of many hipster dive bars, restaurants or dance clubs. 

Plan a trip to Santa Cruz and experience an ultra-laidback California beach town with a legendary surf scene. For old-school Americana fun, stroll the famous beach boardwalk complete with a 1907 amusement park featuring arcade games, a historic carousel and a wooden rollercoaster. Downtown you can browse for vintage clothing and crystal pendants or tuck into healthy, organic food.

Depending on the time of the year, you can board a boat and go whale-watching. After you’ve taken in the seaside charm, hop on the 100-year-old steam train and journey through the old redwood forests which cover the hillsides above Santa Cruz.

Mendocino is a charming getaway perched on coastal headlands about 3.5 hours north of San Francisco. Out here, you can be energised by fresh sea air and inspired by dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean crashing against sheer cliffs.

The historic town, with New England-style homes, attracts lovestruck couples to its romantic B&Bs, art galleries, boutiques and fine-dining restaurants. With predominately cool and foggy weather, the area is better suited to hiking and biking than sunbathing. Outdoor activities include walking through shady redwood groves and along ocean bluffs to secluded beaches.

You'll have all kinds of fun experiences when you visit Fort Bragg, a former military garrison-turned-lumber town-turned unpretentious seaside tourist hub. Gone are the troops of soldiers and lumberjacks in historic Downtown. Today, you can eat fresh-off-the-boat seafood, visit clothing boutiques and still see old-school architecture.

Adventurists can explore the wild coast along mountain bike paths, hike (or hop on the Skunk Train) through forests of giant redwood trees or kayak upstream on Noyo River. For peaceful walks and ocean views, the Botanical Garden won't disappoint. Snap photos of the famous Glass Beach, which gets its name from the smooth, colourful sea glass that carpets several small coves. 

Sonora is the largest of 3 California Gold Rush towns where you can get a real dose of the charm and history of the gold mining days. On a stroll down the lively main street, you'll feel like you're in a Hollywood western. The eclectic mix of old-timey saloons, antique shops and creekside restaurants bring the Old West atmosphere back to life.

There are also fascinating museums, historic homes and spectacular church steeples featuring mid-1800s architecture to see. Complete your visit with a walk through Mother Lode's oak woodlands on the Dragoon Gulch Trail. The path runs up to a mirador with panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.

Nevada City is a well-preserved Gold Rush town where you can experience what life was like back in the mid-1800s. Exploring the restored Downtown Historic District, you'll see impeccable Victorian-era buildings with wooden balconies that are now home to antique stores, restaurants and saloons.

For some entertainment, see a play or live music performance at the red-bricked Nevada Theatre. Built in 1865, it's the West Coast's oldest theatre. Beyond the town are the beautiful Sierra Foothills where you can go hiking, biking and horseback riding.