We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. Avila Beach. flickr/miwok. The California Coast displays more of these natural pieces of art than any other state. Architectural Landmark. Monarch Bay Beach in Dana Point is […], The remote town of Shelter Cove has excellent vacation rentals to choose from. Locals recommend Fire Sign Café for a hearty breakfast. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 1. You don't get the attention you deserve because you often stand in the shadow of Nevada City -- but people would be pleasantly surprised with the beauty you bring and your downtown history. Lakeport. The San Francisco Peninsula is made up of San Mateo County and the city of San Francisco. Gorgeous. Mendocino County has a large chunk of Northern California coastal real estate. flickr/don mccoullough. Everybody knew everybody and we found a lot more joy in the simple things in life. Located in the Napa Valley and named after the gentleman who planted the very first vineyard. Yet, every Christmas she puts on one of the best holiday events this state has to offer--their "Victorian Christmas". They have some of the best beachfront property in the Golden State and thankfully it is protected from developers. […], Over years of traveling the California Coast to visit beaches, we have discovered so many amazing places and also some strange things. This bakery and restaurant combo is just a few miles south of The Sea Ranch on the […], The Potter School building was made famous as a filming location in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 horror movie The Birds. North of the Bay is Marin County with the nearby, yet remote beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore. Like something out of a movie--Sausalito is postcard pretty. Tahoe City. Most of us grew up in towns that were pretty to look at, too. A community in San Luis Obispo County, Avila Beach is a great California getaway for … Within the boundaries of this state park […], Fishing has always been a big coastal activity in California, long before surfing became popular in the 1960’s. Because there’s dozens of towns that deserve to be here. California has beaches of all shapes and sizes. Love Northern Cal? California State Beaches can be found up and down the coast. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Netflix calls this town home, too. Here are 12 of the Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns in Northern California 1. Filled with tiny beach homes and people outside walking and enjoying their beautiful scenery. All of them are immediately in front of private property, many of which are gated communities. Which towns are your favorite when you need some pretty scenery? Here are a few picturesque towns we’ve handpicked just for you! flickr/ erin johnson. Located on the west short of beautiful Clear Lake. 3. Lakeport was first settled by … The list at the bottom of this page will help point you in the right direction, but “best” […], Half Moon Bay State Beach is one long sandy continuous beach below bluffs and dunes in the town of Half Moon Bay, California. The small mountain community of Tahoe City is set right on Lake Tahoe. Several are […], Marin County has a few different nude beach options for those who want to ditch the clothes and avoid tan lines. We had a VERY hard time picking the few we did. 2. Dunsmuir. Dunsmuir has done a great job keeping their historical roots front and center. Just gorgeous! She knows good sour dough bread when she tastes it and understands the best parts of the Golden State are nowhere near Los Angeles. Maybe that’s why we love looking for new small towns to visit. Situated in Mendocino County, Gualala lies 3 hours north of San … San Mateo is known for its great beaches along the Pacific Coast from Pescadero to Half Moon Bay to Daly City. Ferndale is even more beautiful than you imagine. Rustic and woody, picturesque and majestic with the backdrop of the Sierra Nevadas. Why? We're not sure if Tahoe City is her prettiest during winter, summer, spring or fall? From there the counties are Sonoma, Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte the northernmost California coastal county.