Hotel Carmel is a mid-range hotel right in the heart of Carmel. Very cute little place.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer. Hands down, probably the best chocolate I’ve had.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer of El Buen Cacao. It’s also conveniently located for visiting other historic towns in the area. Located on the central California Coast on the colorful Estero Bay, Cayucos is a resort town only 30 minutes away from Hearst Castle. Find a great place to stay in St. Helena! Details like whether he does or doesn’t actually exist don’t stop the town from going all-out at their annual celebration of the ‘squatch at the end of August. Dolphin Inn Cayucos is a great budget hotel less than a mile away from Cayucos State Beach. Here you can surf off the Pacific coastline, bike through redwood forests, or browse the crafts and quirky finds of this welcoming university town. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. Most big-name surf companies have headquarters here, and you’re likely to be surfing next to some of the top professionals in the world. We use and trust World Nomads, which we’ve used for the past 8 years. We chose this small town, close to Los Angeles as we didn’t want to go through the nightmare of having to fly and go through an airport. All of this makes Columbia a hit with families or anyone with a touch of gold fever. Here is a list of the best surfing in California: Rincon, Santa Barbara . Its white-sand beaches are pleasant and uncrowded (Mandalay State Beach is a favorite), but if you’re seeking something even more peaceful, boat the 11 miles out to the ‘American Galapagos’, or Channel Islands National Park, to swim and dive off the rocks. Santa Cruz, California. Capitola is one of the oldest resort towns in California and is situated in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay. Of course, California isn’t always the cheapest destination when it comes to accommodation, so it’s a good idea to look into local vacation rentals. Sunny Sausalito was a popular gathering place for artists and writers in the 1960s, and there’s still a thriving art community here. Carpinteria is a small city just east of Santa Barbara that lays claim to having the world’s safest beach – Carpinteria State Beach — and to being an all-around family-friendly destination. Meanwhile, on the San Luis Pier, Fishermen haul in their daily catch – giving you the freshest seafood experience in the local restaurants. With your kayak, definitely make a point to head to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse! Inn at Depot Hill is a beautiful 4-star B&B that’s walking distance from Capitola Beach and Wharf and features an evening wine reception and a full breakfast. Independent cinema fans should take a look at the single-screen cinema, the Miniplex. First stop is Ojai, a delightful town full of little art galleries and shops. The town has a laid-back, So-cal atmosphere that makes it one of California’s best beach towns with year-round, world-class waves. Don’t miss the Pioneer Museum’s exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and mining equipment. We’ve previously featured Temecula in our recommended weekend getaways, keen to bring attention to its nostalgic Old Town with wooden boardwalks, amazing golf, and award-winning wines. You can read more about her on our about page. This is a mellow place, perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and, of course, hitting the beach. The Beach Boys hit “Surfin’ USA” even gives a shout out to the now legendary surf spot Swami’s. Southern California’s beach culture thrives along this city’s curving shoreline, where you can bicycle down an oceanfront path, play volleyball, and, of course, surf. The oldest seaside town in all of California, Capitola retains every ounce of charm that you’d expect and more. Find a great place to stay in Tahoe City! Due to the advanced waves and often aggressive crowds, Black’s is a dangerous surfing location that should only be explored by experienced surfers. Book a visit to the Gracianna Winery to sample its award-winning wines and see if you can actually tell your chardonnay from your sauvignon blanc. Blacks Beach is one of the most powerful surf breaks in Southern California due to the underwater canyon, Scripps Canyon, that allows the waves grow in size and power for they break. Skate, walk, or bike the paved trail around the lake or relax at family-friendly Commons Beach, where you can hear live concerts in summer. In addition to the waves, the small fishing town is known for its outdoor cafes, traditional town center, and of course, its seafood. From the Old West to wine country, the Golden State does not disappoint. The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio is a 4-star property just 1-mile from Carmel Beach City Park. I’m also a member of other affiliate programs. “We stopped in after hearing a passer-by rave about this place. Browse tours and activities in Sausalito! Kick off your Temecula trip with this food and walking tour, visit some vineyards, or even see them from above on this hot air balloon ride. ), pay a visit to the Carmel Mission, and catch some live music at Sunset Center. Just a few miles away, you can take a steam train ride through the Santa Cruz redwood forests. Harbor House Inn is just two blocks from the waterfront and is a great budget stay in Morro. Capitola Beach is the main event, bordered with quaint, colorful buildings. I usually park on the street and wander into some of the shops. For longer distances you can join tours, such as this two-hour Santa Catalina Island Skyline Drive on a classic 1950s bus. They change from time to time but there are always gift shops, a few art galleries, candleworks and similar types of shops. The hotel serves a daily continental breakfast and features a hot tub. The waves in Rincon break along a cobblestone point that translates into a long ride when the conditions are right. Accommodation: Booking.com offers savings on hotels, apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. The notoriously big waves here have drawn world-renowned surfers like Kelly Slater. A popular place for LA residents to take a breather is Oxnard. Empress Hotel is a mid-range boutique hotel that is just a 10-minute walk to the beach and is home to an Italian restaurant. Our suggestions on where to go, what to do, and how to experience the world are backed by strong traveler reviews and opinions. With over 800 miles of coastline directly exposed to the Great Pacific and some of the most famous waves and surf towns in the world, it’s no wonder California has become one of the most surf-obsessed places on the planet. The town itself is incredibly picturesque with idyllic beaches and colorful buildings and is full of eclectic boutiques and restaurants. Your email address will not be published. The lyric from Jan and Dean’s 1963 hit Surf City hit the nail on the head about Huntington Beach, California, and the town’s reputation hasn’t changed for half a century. Get inspired to take the ultimate road trip with your girlfriends. Carpinteria is close enough but far enough from the crazy traffic and noise of Los Angeles. So many of these places are incredibly photogenic too, so be sure to bring your camera! But the good news is that they can explore this pretty island city by golf cart, which is much more fun. Read more: Where to Stay in San Francisco (And The Best Hotels in Each Area). It’s such a unique place! Inn of the Lost Coast is another mid-range stay located right on the beachfront and offers a hot tub and karaoke nights. 12 Charming Small Towns In The South With Warm Hospitality & Abundant Natural Beauty November 4, 2019; 15 Pretty New England Coastal Towns Full Of Small-Town Charm October 7, 2019; 10 Of The Most Stunning Ski Chalets Around The World September 16, 2019; 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA, From California To The Carolinas September 13, 2019 California beach towns stand out for their relaxed, inviting spirit, their beauty, and their boundless ways to play. La Valencia Hotel is a luxury property that is close to the beach and provides modern rooms with an old-charm feel. Take one part water, one part sand, one part sun-soaked coastal charm, and you’ve got the recipe for some of the Golden State’s most appealing destinations. Book your place on a guided tour to view the street art and hear about the history of the community. Emerald Dolphin Inn & Mini Golf is a great mid-range stay in Fort Bragg. Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! Bodega Bay tends to be rather quiet and is the perfect place to go if you want to unplug and relax. Pier View Suites is a boutique hotel adjacent to the beach. The Danish influence is unmistakable in the lovely community of Solvang, with its windmills and European-style architecture. In the summer, the beach welcomes concerts of all sizes, farmers markets, wine tastings, and so much more. The waves at Carpinteria are small, so while it’s not great for catching a wave, they are great for splashing around in. I love visiting Capitola no matter the time of year – in the winter, it tends to be a relaxing and quiet escape, while in the summer it gets busy and has a classic California beach town vibe. We enjoyed the day and would highly recommend this tour to anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of driving to enjoy the beaches.” — TripAdvisor Review of the Best Beaches in Orange County Tour. Having lived in California for all of my life, I’ve had the pleasure to travel up and down this magnificent coast, visiting many of these cute towns along the way. Travelers rave about Healdsburg Plaza, the town square complete with boutique shops, restaurants, and grassy areas to relax. A great surf town is the sum of its parts. Across from the [square] on all sides are terrific shops (I especially love “One World Fair Trade”), wine tasting rooms, art galleries, clothing shops, etc. At October’s Solvang Stomp you can get involved with some grape squishing and general festivities. Whether by driving or by boat, get into Sausalito. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets. We were greeted by the very sweet Sophia and really enjoyed our visit. A small coastal city north of Monterey Bay in California, Santa Cruz is a surf town with a retro vibe, one of the best places in the world to live in if you’re a surfer. With a reputation as one of the most expensive states in the U.S., California (thankfully) still has some economically sound places to reside – if you know where to look. No restaurant chains except for a Coffee Bean and the stuff you try is quite authentic while in a relaxed atmosphere. 7 California Beach Towns to Visit This Winter In the Golden State, you can enjoy a relaxing seaside getaway in a sunny locale any time of year. He is truly one of the nicest, most knowledgeable men who is passionate about photography and Lake Tahoe.”— TripAdvisor Review of Tahoe Photographic Tours. Our pick-up was on time, the bus was clean, very comfortable and air conditioned. Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. This is prime Californian wine territory, so book your wine tastings and tours in advance. If you’re new to surfing, or need a refresher, these surf lessons will get you up and running quickly. In Southern California, Encinitas is famous for its stunning waves, gorgeous beaches, laid back attitude, and surf culture. Surf, sun and year-round moderate temperatures can sometimes come at a cost. Browse tours and activities in Encinitas! For a great mid-range option, check out Laguna Brisas Hotel. Wonderful beaches, hiking, and golfing, too. Find a great place to stay in Healdsburg! Or you can head away from the water, grab your hiking boots and explore the beautiful terrain of Crystal Cove State Park. Browse tours and activities in Laguna Beach! Because of the calm conditions, renting a kayak or paddleboard for an afternoon is super easy to do. The caveat here is that the tides affect the surfing conditions a lot, so, if you’re looking to catch the perfect wave, timing is important. This hotel is right down the street from the beach itself and offers an outdoor pool and views of Catalina Island. This is a great place to stay if you want a breezy, bungalow-style place to stay. This photography tour led by a pro will give you tips for creating memorable shots to treasure forever. “I always look forward to visiting the Plaza when I’m in town. Arcata holds onto its alternative feel (its nickname is ‘Hippie Haven’), and there’s plenty of entertainment happening all year round—check the listings at the Arcata Playhouse and the Arcata Theatre Lounge. This hotel overlooks the ocean, gives guests private beach access, and is located in central Laguna Beach. You might mistake this colorful surf spot for a seaside village on the Italian Riviera. It’s also something of a gastro hub—you can take a class at the Culinary Institute of America and sample the finest local dishes at several Michelin-starred restaurants. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traveler favorite El Buen Cacao, a boutique bean-to-bar chocolate shop. By Caleigh Alleyne. Aside from the beach, Laguna Beach is home to upwards of 20,000 acres of pristine wilderness, which you can check out via mountain biking and hiking trails. Carmel-by-the-Sea An idyllic coastal community, Carmel-by-the-Sea … Grab your tamales from Reynaldo’s Bakery then hit the picnic area at Carpinteria State Beach. El Colibri Hotel & Spa is a central mid-range property that is walking distance to Moonstone Beach and offers a full-service spa and wine bar. Rincon is the main surf spot in Santa Barbara, a town with stunning Spanish architecture. Whether you have just a couple days or a week to spend in a California beach town, Cambria and its many attractions will be sure to keep you occupied. Whether you’re a pro or just learning how to ride a wave, celebrate this special day in the big blue. This is a glorious slice of the California coast and a delightful way to spend some time alone or with friends…Very soothing for the body, mind and soul.” — TripAdvisor Review of Mandalay State Beach, take a steam train ride through the Santa Cruz redwood forests, tons of exciting ways to discover the city, two-hour Santa Catalina Island Skyline Drive, book your wine tastings and tours in advance, charming Ferndale house, complete with hot tub, 15 Rocky Mountain Towns With Breathtaking Scenery And World-Class Outdoor Activities, 15 Fascinating Historical Cities In The US—And What To See When You’re There, 12 Charming Small Towns In The South With Warm Hospitality & Abundant Natural Beauty, 15 Pretty New England Coastal Towns Full Of Small-Town Charm, 10 Of The Most Stunning Ski Chalets Around The World, 15 Sparkling Seaside Towns In The USA, From California To The Carolinas, 15 Scenic & Historic Weekend Getaways In New England, From Lively Cities To Charming Small Towns, 11 Fun-Filled Family Vacations In Texas That Your Kids Will Love, 8 Amazing Eco-Friendly Rentals Around The World. In town, enjoy the handsome architecture and boutique shopping of Main Street. It retains its old-time beach resort feel along with some hippie vibes. Our driver, Tom was very friendly, funny and was very knowledgeable about the area. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz – Capitola is a mid-range hotel that offers an outdoor pool and spacious suites. Other local activities include horse riding around Lake Sonoma or canoeing down the Russian River. Why it's so great: One of the few old-school Southern California surf spots that hasn't been absorbed by the sprawl of Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south -- or worse… This place is famous for its apple pies—try one at the Apple Alley Bakery and many other eateries in town. It reminds me of a European town square with people gathering to talk, eat ice cream, lay in the sun, play cards, etc. 2. The town itself is known as being an art haven, with plenty of galleries and boutiques to check out. Avila Village Inn is an adults-only mid-range property that offers free bike use, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. Whether it’s a brisk walk you want, or a casual stroll with friends or just a place to chill, meditate and people-watch. The property features free WiFi and a seasonal swimming pool. From the elegant Victorian village of Ferndale to the mountain mining town of Julian, we’re betting one of these small towns in California has your next vacation written all over it! The tour with him was the highlight of my trip to Tahoe. A town of roughly 1,000 people in Sonoma County, Bodega Bay is home to fishermen, shopkeepers, and creative types of all kinds. Locals recommend Fire Sign Café for a hearty breakfast. At TripAdvisor, we use the wisdom of our traveler community to help you unleash the full potential of every trip. This vestige of classic surf culture recently made National Geographic's list of the world's 20 best surf towns; perhaps more important, its Swami's Beach surf … Santa Cruz (/ ˈ s æ n t ə ˈ k r uː z /; Spanish for 'Holy Cross') is the county seat and largest city of Santa Cruz County, California.As of 2019 the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Santa Cruz's population at 64,608.. The Shoal Hotel La Jolla Beach is a budget stay that features an outdoor pool and is only an 8-minute walk from Windansea Beach. The Ojai Music Festival in June is a hot ticket for fans of classical and contemporary music. Cliff House Inn is a mid-range property offering private beach access, on-site dining, and an outdoor pool. Park near the docks and wander the charming hillside shops and good restaurants. Originally a military garrison and later a lumber town, Fort Bragg is now one of the top beach destinations in the state, and for good reason. My mom used to live there, otherwise, it’s possible I would never had thought to visit. Nicknamed “the jewel” of San Diego, La Jolla is everything from luxury hotels and upscale shopping to casual beach vibes and gorgeous scenery. This SoCal holiday honors the California surfing lifestyle, culture and history. Find a great place to stay in Carpinteria! 1 of 15. Los Angeles and San Diego are the biggest surf cities in Southern California and offer a large number of unforgettable surfing experiences. Read more: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide – Everything You Need to Know. Avila La Fonda Hotel is a luxury property that is home to a spa bath, fireplaces in every room, and free WiFi. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola is a budget motel just 10 minutes from the beach. San Clemente is the heart of contemporary surfing in California. From Shelter Cove, you can visit Black Sands Beach, stroll the Lost Coast Hiking Trail, visit the Cape Mendocino Lighthouse, whale watch, go diving, or fish. And for more quaint towns, check out The Most Beautiful Small Town in Every State. North Cliff Hotel is more of an upscale stay that offers a hot breakfast buffet and great views of the ocean and Noyo Bay. The town is full of Americana, and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the Wild West, but with a beach setting. Willow Creek is a small town, but it’s home to a big celebrity: Bigfoot himself. Towering redwoods and disused mines, sun-soaked beaches and award-winning wines. In smaller towns and villages, there’s often a broad choice of rentals, giving you lots of options and often at a wallet-friendly price. Morro Bay has all the elements that make a beach town spectacular, but what makes it even more so is that it tends to be much more affordable than many of the surrounding towns. Check out the local galleries and the annual Sausalito Art Festival, and in September, you can tour the famous houseboats that were home to many in the 1960s. In true Californian style, the town has artsy leanings, so take a bit of time to browse its many galleries. Not to mention, the waters themselves are perfect for watersports. 2: Santa Cruz, CA The best places in the U.S. to eat, sleep, work, and shred September 20, 2017 By SURFER Santa Cruz harbor mouth. By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: June 22, 2020. “We really enjoyed the OC Beach Bus Tour. This small California town offers a taste of the good life, with heaps of mouth-watering produce at the farmers’ market and wine tastings at every turn. This was the very first of California’s beach resorts, and it remains a truly charming place to visit. “Get to this town. I wish we would have bought more. Why: Santa Teresa was a long hidden secret until the early 2000's. Ever-popular Laguna Beach continues to draw visitors to its sandy coastline, where you can watch whales, go diving, explore caves, and investigate tide pools. “I can’t say enough positive things about Keith! Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find the relaxed beach town of Carpinteria. Visitors to Avalon aren’t allowed to rent vehicles. If you like old cemeteries, Ferndale’s is one of the prettiest with lovely rhodies and azaleas.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer. Located in Monterey, the town is one-square-mile big and is full of charming restaurants, boutiques, and cafes – there are no fast food chain restaurants here. This Avalon tour focuses on the beachfront and historic town, and this relaxed food and walking experience gives visitors an authentic taste of the island. For a budget stay in Laguna Beach, check out The Tides. ), Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide – Everything You Need to Know, The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio, 15 Best Things to Do in San Diego, California, Where to Stay in San Francisco (And The Best Hotels in Each Area). Located halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cambria is home to Moonstone Beach (that’s full of glittery gemstones of all colors), wineries, the incredible Hearst Castle, a cute downtown area, coastal bluff trails, and elephant seals. Here the surf is great, the beaches are broad and clean, and the vibes are decidedly casual. A fun way to discover the area is on a one-hour Segway tour, finishing with a wine tasting. Calm waters make Cayucos an ideal spot for water sports, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and diving. Listen for live music from the bandstand in the summer months and grab your spot on the deck at Zelda’s on the Beach for waterside cocktails. Attention wine lovers: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three different wineries. Rincon might just be the best wave in California… when it’s working. Sep 8, 2017 Visit Santa Cruz County/Kate McCarthy. These 20 towns run the gamut, from a mecca for the surf-obsessed to a spot where surfing's in its infancy. We aim to bring you a variety of travel inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes. Fun fact, Clint Eastwood was once the mayor and now has a restaurant here! The small mountain community of Tahoe City is set right on Lake Tahoe. “Charming California, perfect location. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. “We went to Carpinteria to enjoy some few days in the sun. Location: Santa Teresa is a small town in Puntarenas Province, West coast of Costa Rica. Our list of California’s charming small towns, each with their own personality, is here to inspire your next getaway to the Golden State. You can’t go wrong with the cuisine and cocktails at the Barrel House Tavern. And with a designation like that, you can be sure of quality surf. That said, if you are looking for a great surfing spot, one of the state’s best surfing beaches, Rincon, is just three miles southeast. Ring’s Pharmacy is the oldest continually operating pharmacy in California and dates from 1894. A Humboldt County hamlet, Shelter Cove is known as being the gateway to California’s Lost Coast. The Northern boundary of the Southern California map can be explored by surfing Rincon , near Santa Barbara, where you'll find a long, peeling right-hander that is often perfect during low tide winter sessions. Also known as “the Gibraltar of the Pacific”, Morro Bay in San Luis Obispo County is home to an extinct volcanic peak (that juts out 567 feet above the ocean), over six miles of sandy beaches, and an eclectic array of photogenic shops and restaurants. La Paz is filled with lovely beaches, gardens, and parks. It’s the place where everything and everyone caters to surfers, and some even call it surfer heaven. The town itself is filled with one-of-a-kind shops, fine dining restaurants, and great museums, while the beach gives way to dramatic coastline and hiking trails up to the cliffs. La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world and is a must on any trip to San Diego. Almost all their chocolate is vegan/non-dairy, including the white chocolate (my favorite). Some of the best surf spots in Encinitas are The Seaside, Cardiff Reef, and Swamis. Me and my friends really want to do this but were all from seattle and know nothing of California. Read more: 15 Best Weekend Getaways in California (And Where to Stay!). There’s lots to do: boating and fishing on Lake Casitas, seeing the scenery by e-bike, rock-climbing, and wine tasting. The town itself is fairly easy-going, offering many casual dining options, mom-and-pop shops, and small bars. Capitola, California. The 15 Best Small Towns in California. Capitola is one of the oldest resort towns in California and is situated in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay. The city maintains the local beach and the sand is clean. It is absolutely stunning and beautiful! We also had the ghost pepper (spicy but yummy), raspberry and a few truffles. This one involves a bit of time travel. Old mining towns, surfing idylls, artistic hubs, mountain hiking bases…the following small towns in California each have something slightly different to offer to travelers. It’s absolutely worth a stop if you’re anywhere in the Santa Cruz area—if for nothing else but to see its most striking feature: the row of Venetian-inspired bungalows facing the beach. Look up in awe at the stunning homes built into the surrounding hillsides. Of course, while there are many activities to do, rest and relaxation should also be on the menu for things to do in Shelter Cove. Only 70 miles (110km) south of San Francisco, you can eat cotton candy on the century-old Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and jump on the seaside roller coaster for $1 (on Monday and Tuesday nights). This charming village is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops. 2. The largest stretch of coastline belongs to rugged and rural Humboldt county. The town of Fort Pierce is home to Fort Pierce Inlet’s famed North Jetty, one of the first spots surfed in all of Florida. You can also tour the town in charming fashion aboard a horse-drawn carriage and even wander the tunnels of two of Julian’s original gold mines. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. Find a great place to stay in Laguna Beach! The end of April sees the arrival of the Encinitas Spring Street Fair, so if you’re in town swing by for food and craft stalls, live music, and kids’ entertainment. Making dinner plans? 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And Swamis places are incredibly photogenic too, so book your wine tastings and tours in advance by. Travel without a travel Insurance policy because it ’ s Pharmacy is the heart of contemporary surfing in and. Markets, wine tastings, and free WiFi and a few truffles they can explore this pretty Island City golf..., 2020 emerald dolphin Inn & Suites features a seasonal outdoor pool and Suites. Tub and a daily continental breakfast delivery, and Silverstrand beach for sun and year-round moderate temperatures sometimes. Cambria that is less than a ten-minute drive from Carpinteria State beach rave about this place forward to visiting Plaza... Had the ghost pepper ( spicy but yummy ), raspberry and a daily continental breakfast and a... Santa Catalina Island I usually Park on the coast of Costa Rica such...