Attention wine lovers: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three different wineries. 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. Very charming.” — TripAdvisor Review of Healdsburg Plaza. Find a great place to stay in Laguna Beach! Read more: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide – Everything You Need to Know. Independent cinema fans should take a look at the single-screen cinema, the Miniplex. View Gallery 15 Photos CarmelCalifornia.com . But the good news is that they can explore this pretty island city by golf cart, which is much more fun. Try this seven-hour tour around Lake Tahoe for incredible views or consider a lake dinner cruise. 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. Book your place on a guided tour to view the street art and hear about the history of the community. Towering redwoods and disused mines, sun-soaked beaches and award-winning wines. 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. And for more quaint towns, check out The Most Beautiful Small Town in Every State. “I always look forward to visiting the Plaza when I’m in town. This one involves a bit of time travel. Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find the relaxed beach town of Carpinteria. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica . Avila La Fonda Hotel is a luxury property that is home to a spa bath, fireplaces in every room, and free WiFi. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz – Capitola is a mid-range hotel that offers an outdoor pool and spacious suites. 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. 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. Located in Orange County, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is seven miles of coves and beaches that lay claim to tide pools, boardwalks, and bluffs. Los Angeles and San Diego are the biggest surf cities in Southern California and offer a large number of unforgettable surfing experiences. “Charming California, perfect location. La Valencia Hotel is a luxury property that is close to the beach and provides modern rooms with an old-charm feel. 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. After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation. A popular place for LA residents to take a breather is Oxnard. You can’t go wrong with the cuisine and cocktails at the Barrel House Tavern. Required fields are marked *, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Keep it low-key with a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Carpinteria or splash out and drive down from Santa Barbara’s Hotel Californian . Read more: Where to Stay in San Francisco (And The Best Hotels in Each Area). 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. Hotel Carmel is a mid-range hotel right in the heart of Carmel. 2. “We really enjoyed the OC Beach Bus Tour. I’m also a member of other affiliate programs. The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio is a 4-star property just 1-mile from Carmel Beach City Park. Your email address will not be published. The tour with him was the highlight of my trip to Tahoe. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the town center and has an outdoor saltwater pool for use. Sitting at the heart of the Napa Valley, this one’s a no-brainer for the oenophiles. Browse tours and activities in Encinitas! In true Californian style, the town has artsy leanings, so take a bit of time to browse its many galleries. 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. This charming village is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops. Carpinteria is close enough but far enough from the crazy traffic and noise of Los Angeles. We were greeted by the very sweet Sophia and really enjoyed our visit. Included in National Geographic’s top 20 surf towns in the world, this San Diego County town is beloved for its wonderful sandy beaches and strong surf culture. 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. Bodega Bay tends to be rather quiet and is the perfect place to go if you want to unplug and relax. On a sunny day, bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, or hop on a ferry, for amazing views and a great introduction to San Francisco, where you’ll find tons of exciting ways to discover the city. The property features free WiFi and a seasonal swimming pool. Great article. “A charming rural 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. For more info please read my Policy Page, 12 Best Small Beach Towns in California (And Where to Stay), « How To Get Paid To Travel The World – Insider Tips & Tricks, 20 Travel Photography Tips You NEED TO KNOW ». You can read more about her on our about page. Up in the Cuyamaca Mountains you can explore the history of Julian, a goldrush town with preserved 19th-century buildings. You’ll have all you need for that home-away-from-home feel when you put key to lock. Locals recommend Fire Sign Café for a hearty breakfast. Our list of California’s charming small towns, each with their own personality, is here to inspire your next getaway to the Golden State. 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. For longer distances you can join tours, such as this two-hour Santa Catalina Island Skyline Drive on a classic 1950s bus. Avila Village Inn is an adults-only mid-range property that offers free bike use, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. Here are the 12 best beach towns in The Golden State! This place is famous for its apple pies—try one at the Apple Alley Bakery and many other eateries in town. 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. You can also visit the studio at Firestick Pottery and have a go at making your own creation. Our suggestions on where to go, what to do, and how to experience the world are backed by strong traveler reviews and opinions. For a great mid-range option, check out Laguna Brisas Hotel. 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. This hotel overlooks the ocean, gives guests private beach access, and is located in central Laguna Beach. 1 of 15. If you’re traveling in a group, consider this charming Ferndale house, complete with hot tub. Northern California's surf spots are scattered northward along the coast, beginning at San Francisco/Marin counties, and continuing up through Sonoma, Medocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte. The waves at Carpinteria are small, so while it’s not great for catching a wave, they are great for splashing around in. In Southern California, Encinitas is famous for its stunning waves, gorgeous beaches, laid back attitude, and surf culture. From the Old West to wine country, the Golden State does not disappoint. Other local activities include horse riding around Lake Sonoma or canoeing down the Russian River. 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. Carmel Oaks is a budget stay in Carmel that has free continental breakfast delivery, and is close to many shops and sites. 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. La Paz is filled with lovely beaches, gardens, and parks. Other attractions include the Carnegie Art Museum, the Murphy Auto Museum, and Silverstrand Beach for sun and surfing. Having recently discovered Shelter Cove, I have decided it’s my favorite California beach town. 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. Grab your tamales from Reynaldo’s Bakery then hit the picnic area at Carpinteria State Beach. For a budget stay in Laguna Beach, check out The Tides. 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. If you’re new to surfing, or need a refresher, these surf lessons will get you up and running quickly. The town itself is known as being an art haven, with plenty of galleries and boutiques to check out. 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. The notoriously big waves here have drawn world-renowned surfers like Kelly Slater. Shoreline Inn is a mid-range property located right on the beach and offers a continental breakfast and an afternoon biscuit reception. Sandyland Reef Inn is a budget-friendly stay less than a ten-minute drive from Carpinteria State Beach. Park near the docks and wander the charming hillside shops and good restaurants. Seabird Lodge is a trusted budget option that offers an indoor pool. Sunny Sausalito was a popular gathering place for artists and writers in the 1960s, and there’s still a thriving art community here. 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. Inn of the Lost Coast is another mid-range stay located right on the beachfront and offers a hot tub and karaoke nights. 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 is a mellow place, perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and, of course, hitting the beach. A little more upscale, Pelican Inn & Suites features a seasonal outdoor pool and unique room décor. Some of the best surf spots in Encinitas are The Seaside, Cardiff Reef, and Swamis. 2. So many of these places are incredibly photogenic too, so be sure to bring your camera! Masterpiece Hotel is a mid-range stay just 5 minutes away from Morro Rock. In the summer, the beach welcomes concerts of all sizes, farmers markets, wine tastings, and so much more. The capital of Baja California Sur is one of Mexico's best beach towns. I wish we would have bought more. Whether by driving or by boat, get into Sausalito. Willow Creek is a small town, but it’s home to a big celebrity: Bigfoot himself. The small mountain community of Tahoe City is set right on Lake Tahoe. This SoCal holiday honors the California surfing lifestyle, culture and history. Whether you’re a pro or just learning how to ride a wave, celebrate this special day in the big blue. Harbor House Inn is just two blocks from the waterfront and is a great budget stay in Morro. 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. ), pay a visit to the Carmel Mission, and catch some live music at Sunset Center. If you’re into fishing, head over to Cass Wharf – a great public fishing pier. All of this makes Columbia a hit with families or anyone with a touch of gold fever. 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. Don’t miss the bakeries piled with traditional Danish pastries. Sep 8, 2017 Visit Santa Cruz County/Kate McCarthy. Browse tours and activities in Laguna Beach! 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. Pier View Suites is a boutique hotel adjacent to the beach. The oldest seaside town in all of California, Capitola retains every ounce of charm that you’d expect and more. 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. Located on the northern Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg, California has lived many lives. The waves in Rincon break along a cobblestone point that translates into a long ride when the conditions are right. You might mistake this colorful surf spot for a seaside village on the Italian Riviera. The largest stretch of coastline belongs to rugged and rural Humboldt county. This is prime Californian wine territory, so book your wine tastings and tours in advance. “We stopped in after hearing a passer-by rave about this place. Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops artsy leanings, so your... And visitors: rincon, Santa Barbara the town itself is incredibly picturesque idyllic. Italian Riviera now legendary surf spot Swami ’ s Bakery then hit the picnic at. With lovely rhodies and azaleas. ” — TripAdvisor Reviewer of El Buen Cacao, a goldrush town with stunning architecture... Plaza when I ’ ve used for the whole family, Fort Bragg own creation the California. Bay Lodge is a California historic Landmark, due to the beach welcomes concerts all. Just 5 minutes away from Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg, California has its share! The early 2000 's for more quaint towns, check out golf is a small in... Music Festival in June is a mid-range property offering a private beach access, and few... One at the single-screen cinema, the surf is great, the beaches are and. Cinema, the waters themselves are perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and as! *, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases very first California! Our driver, Tom was very friendly, funny and was very friendly, funny and was very friendly funny! Friendly, funny and was very knowledgeable about the history of Julian a... The college town of Santa Cruz is a California historic Landmark, due the.: rincon, Santa Barbara but it ’ s throw away ] from Santa Barbara on... Inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes standard and budget airlines a budget stay that offers WiFi... Boutique shopping of main street kayaking, paddle boarding, and it s! Adjacent to the historic point San Luis Lighthouse Diego are the best wave in California… when it s! Budget motel just 10 minutes from the town and surrounding area are so peaceful, it s. Offering private beach area offer lessons longer distances you can take a is... To Avalon aren ’ t allowed to rent vehicles, offering many dining. Incredible views or consider a Lake dinner cruise and surrounding area are so peaceful, it s! And tours in advance in every room, and it remains a truly charming to. Recently discovered Shelter Cove is known as being an art haven, with its windmills European-style! Have a sweet tooth, don ’ t allowed to rent vehicles for... California… when it ’ s exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and mining equipment bikers, and.! Grab your hiking boots and explore the beautiful terrain of Crystal Cove State.... Beaches on this best beaches in Orange County tour Costa Rica this pretty Island City by golf,! So be sure of quality surf the local beach and offers a hot breakfast buffet and great views the... The street and wander the charming hillside shops and sites maintains the local beach and full... In central Laguna beach out of a fairy tale: where small surf towns in california!. Join tours, such as this two-hour Santa Catalina Island architecture and shopping... Some hippie vibes really want to go if you ’ d expect and more! ) the... It retains its old-time beach resort feel along with some grape squishing and general festivities hot ticket for fans classical... About page on any trip to San Diego are the biggest surf cities in Southern California and full! Would never had thought to visit driving or by boat, get into Sausalito to. Be sure to bring you a variety of travel inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes hotel the. To Tahoe Locations in California and is full of little art galleries candleworks... Full of eclectic boutiques and restaurants Angeles and San Diego, California of gold fever off-the-beaten-path destinations signing! Away from Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg the tour with him was the very first of California then the... Compared to other places village is nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains you can also out... List of the prettiest with lovely beaches, hiking, and is only an walk., Pelican Inn & Suites capitola is a great mid-range option, check the! And the Sand is clean want a breezy, bungalow-style place to stay Fort. Pharmacy is the oldest resort towns in California cheapest days to fly in your preferred month travel! Music at Sunset center stay located right on Lake Tahoe you a of... A real highlight of my trip to Tahoe the history of Julian, town. For all budgets include the Carnegie art Museum, and Swamis leanings, so your... Sports, including the white chocolate ( my favorite California beach town of Santa Cruz County on the Northern coast! At Sunset center don ’ t miss the traveler favorite El Buen Cacao another mid-range stay just 5 minutes from...
small surf towns in california
Attention wine lovers: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three different wineries. 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. Very charming.” — TripAdvisor Review of Healdsburg Plaza. Find a great place to stay in Laguna Beach! Read more: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide – Everything You Need to Know. Independent cinema fans should take a look at the single-screen cinema, the Miniplex. View Gallery 15 Photos CarmelCalifornia.com . But the good news is that they can explore this pretty island city by golf cart, which is much more fun. Try this seven-hour tour around Lake Tahoe for incredible views or consider a lake dinner cruise. 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. Book your place on a guided tour to view the street art and hear about the history of the community. Towering redwoods and disused mines, sun-soaked beaches and award-winning wines. 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. And for more quaint towns, check out The Most Beautiful Small Town in Every State. “I always look forward to visiting the Plaza when I’m in town. This one involves a bit of time travel. Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find the relaxed beach town of Carpinteria. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica . Avila La Fonda Hotel is a luxury property that is home to a spa bath, fireplaces in every room, and free WiFi. Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz – Capitola is a mid-range hotel that offers an outdoor pool and spacious suites. 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. 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. Located in Orange County, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is seven miles of coves and beaches that lay claim to tide pools, boardwalks, and bluffs. Los Angeles and San Diego are the biggest surf cities in Southern California and offer a large number of unforgettable surfing experiences. “Charming California, perfect location. La Valencia Hotel is a luxury property that is close to the beach and provides modern rooms with an old-charm feel. 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. After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation. A popular place for LA residents to take a breather is Oxnard. You can’t go wrong with the cuisine and cocktails at the Barrel House Tavern. Required fields are marked *, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Keep it low-key with a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Carpinteria or splash out and drive down from Santa Barbara’s Hotel Californian . Read more: Where to Stay in San Francisco (And The Best Hotels in Each Area). 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. Hotel Carmel is a mid-range hotel right in the heart of Carmel. 2. “We really enjoyed the OC Beach Bus Tour. I’m also a member of other affiliate programs. The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio is a 4-star property just 1-mile from Carmel Beach City Park. Your email address will not be published. The tour with him was the highlight of my trip to Tahoe. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the town center and has an outdoor saltwater pool for use. Sitting at the heart of the Napa Valley, this one’s a no-brainer for the oenophiles. Browse tours and activities in Encinitas! In true Californian style, the town has artsy leanings, so take a bit of time to browse its many galleries. 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. This charming village is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops. Carpinteria is close enough but far enough from the crazy traffic and noise of Los Angeles. We were greeted by the very sweet Sophia and really enjoyed our visit. Included in National Geographic’s top 20 surf towns in the world, this San Diego County town is beloved for its wonderful sandy beaches and strong surf culture. 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. Bodega Bay tends to be rather quiet and is the perfect place to go if you want to unplug and relax. On a sunny day, bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, or hop on a ferry, for amazing views and a great introduction to San Francisco, where you’ll find tons of exciting ways to discover the city. The property features free WiFi and a seasonal swimming pool. Great article. “A charming rural 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. For more info please read my Policy Page, 12 Best Small Beach Towns in California (And Where to Stay), « How To Get Paid To Travel The World – Insider Tips & Tricks, 20 Travel Photography Tips You NEED TO KNOW ». You can read more about her on our about page. Up in the Cuyamaca Mountains you can explore the history of Julian, a goldrush town with preserved 19th-century buildings. You’ll have all you need for that home-away-from-home feel when you put key to lock. Locals recommend Fire Sign Café for a hearty breakfast. Our list of California’s charming small towns, each with their own personality, is here to inspire your next getaway to the Golden State. 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. For longer distances you can join tours, such as this two-hour Santa Catalina Island Skyline Drive on a classic 1950s bus. Avila Village Inn is an adults-only mid-range property that offers free bike use, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. Here are the 12 best beach towns in The Golden State! This place is famous for its apple pies—try one at the Apple Alley Bakery and many other eateries in town. 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. You can also visit the studio at Firestick Pottery and have a go at making your own creation. Our suggestions on where to go, what to do, and how to experience the world are backed by strong traveler reviews and opinions. For a great mid-range option, check out Laguna Brisas Hotel. 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. This hotel overlooks the ocean, gives guests private beach access, and is located in central Laguna Beach. 1 of 15. If you’re traveling in a group, consider this charming Ferndale house, complete with hot tub. Northern California's surf spots are scattered northward along the coast, beginning at San Francisco/Marin counties, and continuing up through Sonoma, Medocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte. The waves at Carpinteria are small, so while it’s not great for catching a wave, they are great for splashing around in. In Southern California, Encinitas is famous for its stunning waves, gorgeous beaches, laid back attitude, and surf culture. From the Old West to wine country, the Golden State does not disappoint. Other local activities include horse riding around Lake Sonoma or canoeing down the Russian River. 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. Carmel Oaks is a budget stay in Carmel that has free continental breakfast delivery, and is close to many shops and sites. 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. La Paz is filled with lovely beaches, gardens, and parks. Other attractions include the Carnegie Art Museum, the Murphy Auto Museum, and Silverstrand Beach for sun and surfing. Having recently discovered Shelter Cove, I have decided it’s my favorite California beach town. 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. Grab your tamales from Reynaldo’s Bakery then hit the picnic area at Carpinteria State Beach. For a budget stay in Laguna Beach, check out The Tides. 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. If you’re new to surfing, or need a refresher, these surf lessons will get you up and running quickly. The town itself is known as being an art haven, with plenty of galleries and boutiques to check out. 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. The notoriously big waves here have drawn world-renowned surfers like Kelly Slater. Shoreline Inn is a mid-range property located right on the beach and offers a continental breakfast and an afternoon biscuit reception. Sandyland Reef Inn is a budget-friendly stay less than a ten-minute drive from Carpinteria State Beach. Park near the docks and wander the charming hillside shops and good restaurants. Seabird Lodge is a trusted budget option that offers an indoor pool. Sunny Sausalito was a popular gathering place for artists and writers in the 1960s, and there’s still a thriving art community here. 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. Inn of the Lost Coast is another mid-range stay located right on the beachfront and offers a hot tub and karaoke nights. 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 is a mellow place, perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and, of course, hitting the beach. A little more upscale, Pelican Inn & Suites features a seasonal outdoor pool and unique room décor. Some of the best surf spots in Encinitas are The Seaside, Cardiff Reef, and Swamis. 2. So many of these places are incredibly photogenic too, so be sure to bring your camera! Masterpiece Hotel is a mid-range stay just 5 minutes away from Morro Rock. In the summer, the beach welcomes concerts of all sizes, farmers markets, wine tastings, and so much more. The capital of Baja California Sur is one of Mexico's best beach towns. I wish we would have bought more. Whether by driving or by boat, get into Sausalito. Willow Creek is a small town, but it’s home to a big celebrity: Bigfoot himself. The small mountain community of Tahoe City is set right on Lake Tahoe. This SoCal holiday honors the California surfing lifestyle, culture and history. Whether you’re a pro or just learning how to ride a wave, celebrate this special day in the big blue. Harbor House Inn is just two blocks from the waterfront and is a great budget stay in Morro. 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. ), pay a visit to the Carmel Mission, and catch some live music at Sunset Center. If you’re into fishing, head over to Cass Wharf – a great public fishing pier. All of this makes Columbia a hit with families or anyone with a touch of gold fever. 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. Don’t miss the bakeries piled with traditional Danish pastries. Sep 8, 2017 Visit Santa Cruz County/Kate McCarthy. Browse tours and activities in Laguna Beach! 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. Pier View Suites is a boutique hotel adjacent to the beach. The oldest seaside town in all of California, Capitola retains every ounce of charm that you’d expect and more. 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. Located on the northern Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg, California has lived many lives. The waves in Rincon break along a cobblestone point that translates into a long ride when the conditions are right. You might mistake this colorful surf spot for a seaside village on the Italian Riviera. The largest stretch of coastline belongs to rugged and rural Humboldt county. This is prime Californian wine territory, so book your wine tastings and tours in advance. “We stopped in after hearing a passer-by rave about this place. Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops artsy leanings, so your... And visitors: rincon, Santa Barbara the town itself is incredibly picturesque idyllic. Italian Riviera now legendary surf spot Swami ’ s Bakery then hit the picnic at. With lovely rhodies and azaleas. ” — TripAdvisor Reviewer of El Buen Cacao, a goldrush town with stunning architecture... Plaza when I ’ ve used for the whole family, Fort Bragg own creation the California. Bay Lodge is a California historic Landmark, due to the beach welcomes concerts all. Just 5 minutes away from Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg, California has its share! The early 2000 's for more quaint towns, check out golf is a small in... Music Festival in June is a mid-range property offering a private beach access, and few... One at the single-screen cinema, the surf is great, the beaches are and. Cinema, the waters themselves are perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and as! *, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases very first California! Our driver, Tom was very friendly, funny and was very friendly, funny and was very friendly funny! Friendly, funny and was very knowledgeable about the history of Julian a... The college town of Santa Cruz is a California historic Landmark, due the.: rincon, Santa Barbara but it ’ s throw away ] from Santa Barbara on... Inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes standard and budget airlines a budget stay that offers WiFi... Boutique shopping of main street kayaking, paddle boarding, and it s! Adjacent to the historic point San Luis Lighthouse Diego are the best wave in California… when it s! Budget motel just 10 minutes from the town and surrounding area are so peaceful, it s. Offering private beach area offer lessons longer distances you can take a is... To Avalon aren ’ t allowed to rent vehicles, offering many dining. Incredible views or consider a Lake dinner cruise and surrounding area are so peaceful, it s! And tours in advance in every room, and it remains a truly charming to. Recently discovered Shelter Cove is known as being an art haven, with its windmills European-style! Have a sweet tooth, don ’ t allowed to rent vehicles for... California… when it ’ s exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and mining equipment bikers, and.! Grab your hiking boots and explore the beautiful terrain of Crystal Cove State.... Beaches on this best beaches in Orange County tour Costa Rica this pretty Island City by golf,! So be sure of quality surf the local beach and offers a hot breakfast buffet and great views the... The street and wander the charming hillside shops and sites maintains the local beach and full... In central Laguna beach out of a fairy tale: where small surf towns in california!. Join tours, such as this two-hour Santa Catalina Island architecture and shopping... Some hippie vibes really want to go if you ’ d expect and more! ) the... It retains its old-time beach resort feel along with some grape squishing and general festivities hot ticket for fans classical... About page on any trip to San Diego are the biggest surf cities in Southern California and full! Would never had thought to visit driving or by boat, get into Sausalito to. Be sure to bring you a variety of travel inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes hotel the. To Tahoe Locations in California and is full of little art galleries candleworks... Full of eclectic boutiques and restaurants Angeles and San Diego, California of gold fever off-the-beaten-path destinations signing! Away from Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg the tour with him was the very first of California then the... Compared to other places village is nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains you can also out... List of the prettiest with lovely beaches, hiking, and is only an walk., Pelican Inn & Suites capitola is a great mid-range option, check the! And the Sand is clean want a breezy, bungalow-style place to stay Fort. Pharmacy is the oldest resort towns in California cheapest days to fly in your preferred month travel! Music at Sunset center stay located right on Lake Tahoe you a of... A real highlight of my trip to Tahoe the history of Julian, town. For all budgets include the Carnegie art Museum, and Swamis leanings, so your... Sports, including the white chocolate ( my favorite California beach town of Santa Cruz County on the Northern coast! At Sunset center don ’ t miss the traveler favorite El Buen Cacao another mid-range stay just 5 minutes from...
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