10 California small towns that locals want to keep secret

"California's allure often conjures images of sprawling metropolises, celebrity-studded streets, and sun-soaked beaches. Beyond the obvious hotspots lies the quieter, more intimate side of the Golden State. These are small towns that locals like to keep a little more secret. These are the places where life moves at its own pace, where the charm of a friendly diner or a tucked-away boutique outshines the Instagram-famous attractions. For travelers willing to veer off the well-worn path, California's hidden gems are worth every mile."

"Take Mendocino, for instance. Perched on the rugged northern coast, this Victorian village offers cliffside walks, artisan shops, and a sense of tranquility that's rare in California. Few tourists venture past its picturesque downtown, but locals know the reward lies in the hidden trails and quiet beaches. Similarly, Julian, nestled in the mountains east of San Diego, is a nostalgic throwback to the gold rush era. Its apple pies are legendary, yet the town remains largely under the radar, especially outside the fall harvest season."

"In the wine country, Los Olivos often gets overshadowed by Napa and Sonoma. This tiny town in Santa Barbara County charms with boutique wineries, art galleries, and unhurried country roads. Visitors here quickly feel like insiders, welcomed into a community that values authenticity over hype. Further north, Ferndale is a Victorian masterpiece. Its storybook architecture and misty coastal air give it a fairytale quality, but it remains largely unknown outside Humboldt County."

California contains numerous small towns that provide quieter, more intimate experiences than major cities and famous beaches. These towns feature slow-paced lifestyles, friendly diners, tucked-away boutiques, and natural beauty that rewards travelers who stray from popular routes. Mendocino offers cliffside walks, artisan shops, and secluded beaches. Julian preserves gold-rush nostalgia and is known for apple pies. Los Olivos provides boutique wineries, galleries, and unhurried country roads. Ferndale displays Victorian architecture and misty coastal air. Shoshone serves as a desert gateway for stargazers near Death Valley. Cambria blends rugged coastline with artistic flair and serene inns for a peaceful coastal escape.

Read at www.mercurynews.com