Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California

We know California for its beautiful beaches, parks and stunning cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Few people know, but in California there are also many other towns, not as large but equally charming. California residents love to go to these secret nooks over the weekend. Today we’ll tell you about them, and soon you will be going to study them.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California

Pacific Grove

This picturesque little beach town located between Monterey and Pebble Beach, has a special feature. From mid-October to mid-February, thousands of butterflies monarch (monarch butterflies) fly to the Pacific ocean to overwinter. Because of the mild climate of Pacific Grove, they are located here.

Convenient to town combined with beautiful coastal scenery and charming Victorian houses – a great set for a pleasant weekend.

If you are planning a trip to Pacific Grove, be sure to save time to visit the Monterey Bay aquarium (Monterey Bay Aquarium). It is located on the border of Pacific Grove and Monterey and is considered one of the best aquariums in the country.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Healdsburg

Located in the heart of wine of the province of Sonoma, HEALDSBURG has a low-key atmosphere and the absolute charm of a small town. It is known for its restaurants, art galleries and lovely boutiques. Of course, while you are in HEALDSBURG, you will definitely want to get around all the wineries and tasting rooms (more than 100 of them here).

You can stay at Hotel Healdsburg, and a in Valette.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is a unique and special desert town. First, it is the only village in California, which is, in fact, in a state Park – Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. And yet, this is a great place to admire the night sky. This place, incidentally, is a member of the International Dark Sky Community.

Please don’t be surprised if you run into a dinosaur or some other strange creature, passing through Borrego Spring’s Galleta Meadows. Along this road are 130 large metal sculptures.

Another important attraction is the scenic route Point Fonts. Especially good to come here during sunset and sunrise.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Solvang

If you happened to be in Solvang, you may find that you are in a Danish village. And you’re partially right. Although this small town is located in Central valley Santa Ynez (Santa Ynez), in 1911 he was created by a group of Danes. So don’t be surprised to see a few windmills dotted around the city or a traditional Danish facades of rustic buildings in Solvang. Be sure to try a real Danish pastries and to buy some interesting Souvenirs, for example, little wooden shoes and a windmill, made of porcelain. Here you can find a whole series of Russian dolls.

From Los Angeles you will get here in just a couple of hours. You only need to go deep into the mountains along the ocean. Christmas time – it’s time to go to Solvang. This city is guaranteed to wrap you in the magic and comfort.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Sausalito

In Sausalito interesting atmosphere – a mixture of trendy, laid-back beaches and pretentiousness. Here you will find the largest concentration of street artists (in the Bay area of San Francisco), great shopping and many restaurants. And Sausalito boasts a beautiful beach and much more warm weather than San Francisco. To get to Sausalito from there, you can drive across the Golden Gate bridge (Golden Gatе). And if you’re looking for a more scenic option, think about the ferry.

The first floors of the streets located near the pier. Here every millimeter of space Packed cafés and restaurants. On the Gulf of space to grow trees, and every house – Keeper of history. Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant Scoma’s, has a terrific past. The school was founded in this place in the XIX century! It flaunts on old photographs of the town in the early twentieth century, and now may be on your photograph. In 1951, the restaurant became popular, and remains a favorite with audiences to this day.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Julian

Julian is an old California town, raspolozivim in the Cuyamaca mountains, just a few hours drive from San Diego. He still manages to keep the atmosphere of the Old West. There is even a local mine (Eagle and High Peak Mine), where you can enjoy an interesting excursion or try your hand in the laundering of gold. On the tour you can go only because it is not claustrophobic.

Julian in the autumn gardens attract many visitors coming here for fragrant Apple pies from the famous Julian Apple Pie Company. At the same time, when we celebrate the harvest, begin all sorts of Apple-cider festivals and other events associated with the reproduction of historical events. So go here for gastronomic pleasures. And in Julian can enjoy horse riding, Hiking or boating at the nearby lake Cuyamaca.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California

Avalon

Avalon is located on the island of Santa Catalina is only an hour by boat or fifteen minutes by helicopter from Los Angeles. But this charming small town behaves as a separate continent away from the bustling Los Angeles. First of all, the island is valid a limited amount of cars, so visitors usually walk, ride a bike, use public transport or rent a Golf cart. In Avalon you can go diving, go to the mountains, on a boat tour or walk along the main street of the city.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Mendocino

If you are looking for a peaceful but luxurious vacation, think about a trip to Mendocino. It is about three and a half hour drive North of San Francisco. Mendocino is located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific ocean in an area known for its stunning coastlines. The settlement of artists, where you have to explore all the galleries and shops with works by local artists.

Mendocino also has earned a reputation as the perfect place for a romantic getaway and outdoor activities such as Cycling or Hiking. Here there are the giant trees in the world sequoias, then produce wine and beer, and a liberal attitude to cannabis.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Nevada City

Shortly after in 1848, in California gold was discovered, thousands of settlers rushed to the state. One of the most developing in this period, cities were Nevada, located about 60 miles (100 km) northeast of Sacramento.

The streets are crowded Nevada gambling, hotels and of course bars. Some old buildings are still preserved, including a Theatre of Nevada 1865. And this, incidentally, is the oldest theater in California, the structure on the West coast.

You can stay at my dear The Madison House B & B with welcoming hosts and lovely rooms. Or family hotel Broad Street Inn. And raspberry toast for tomorrow to go to South Pine Cafe.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Ojai

Located in Ventura County, just a half hour drive from Los Angeles, this beautiful and peaceful town has long become a popular holiday destination for residents of L. A. come Here for fresh breath in order to relax body and soul. Of the popular activities — Hiking (more than 20 trails), Biking, visiting the boutiques and galleries of the city. Pamper yourself in the Spa – it is also a mandatory item in the list. Looking for something more spiritual? Go to Meditation Mount is a local public meditation center.

For romantics there is the hotel Ojai Valley Inn. Here is a very special intimate atmosphere and personal SPA. For beautiful meals – Suzanne’s Cuisine. Here awesome steaks and desserts – especially chocolate cake.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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St. Helena

St. Helena is in the middle of the famous NAPA valley (Napa Valley), making it a great starting point to explore fabulous wineries in the region. As well as fine wines, a stunning combination of delicious food, this charming city is also home to many excellent restaurants.

After a good lunch you will need to do something with naidennye calories. One of the most popular ways to do this – to explore the region by bike. Not interested in Cycling? Then you can always treat yourself at one of many spas of the city or stroll through the art galleries.

In the city you feed in Brasswood Bar + Kitchen (order the Mozzarella al Minuto, Bolognese Arancini and pork ribs), Gillwoods Cafe (Clam Chowder Soup, cheeseburger, baked tomatoes), Archetype (cinnamon doughnuts, Eggs Norwegian, and Belgian waffles).

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Carmel-by-the-Sea

This town with a sweet name was founded in 1902. Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the most beautiful small towns in California. This picturesque little village filled with cottages in the European style, and boasts stunning white sand beach. The beauty and charm of the city has long made it a popular destination for romantic persons and artists.

You can stay at the hotel Pine Inn. It is very comfortable, there is a real fireplace, in the air – the scent of candles fills the room in subdued light. And settled, go for a walk to the main street of Ocean Avenue. There are many shops, pastry shops, cafes and restaurants. If you find yourself in the toy world, and completely abstract from all adults and everyday worries.

Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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Where to go for the weekend: charming small towns in California
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