California has no shortage of charming beach communities with spectacular oceanfront scenery; adventurous outdoor recreation; hip eateries, eclectic boutiques, and chic resorts. However, even California’s coziest towns are not always the great escapes vacationers are looking for. Think famed beach towns like Laguna Beach and Venice, which tend to attract tons of tourists and parades would-be beachgoers, turning a tranquil retreat into crowded chaos.
However, California’s long, scenic coastline means that there are plenty of other small-town gems dotted along the Pacific. And these charming hideaways are perfect getaways for travelers looking for the ultimate beach retreat—offering plenty of recreation, attractions, and natural beauty, all without sacrificing those tranquil small-town Cali vibes.
10 Cayucos
A lovely Estero Bay resort town about halfway between L.A. and San Francisco, the Pacific Coast gem Cayucos might as well be a million miles away. Complete with charming coastal vibes and a small-town Americana feel, this beachy beauty has plenty of quaint spots to explore—including a historic pier dotted with shops, restaurants, and stellar sea views.
- Things To Do: Cayucos Pier; Cayucos State Beach (surfing, fishing); Estero Bluffs State Park; Self-Guided Mural Tour; Hearst Castle
- Stay The Night: Shoreline Inn; Cayucos Beach Inn
- Wine & Dine: Old Cayucos Tavern & Cardroom; Hidden Kitchen; Lunada Garden Bistro
9 Arcata
Located on beautiful Humboldt Bay, Arcata’s laidback beach town vibes are low-key enough to make any vacationer feel like they scored the R&R retreat of a lifetime. Often referred to as a “hippie haven,” Arcata’s artsy air only adds to its charm and natural beauty.
- Things To Do: Mad River Beach County Park (kayaking, canoeing, boating); Arcata Community Forest; Minor Theatre; Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary (birding, hiking, views)
- Stay The Night: Front Porch Inn; Hotel Arcata
- Wine & Dine: The Alibi; Campground; Salt Fish House
8 Oxnard
A bustling burg whose “panorama perfect” vibes are the epitome of California (small town) cool, Oxnard’s location close to L.A. and Santa Barbara gives it a distinctly metropolitan vibe. Think plenty of historic buildings; top-notch dining; hip, eclectic shops; and, of course, a ton of beautiful beaches—the perfect spot for visitors to do some California dreamin’.
- Things To Do: Oxnard State Beach and Park; Channel Islands Harbor: Silver Strand (surfing, kayaking, fishing) and Mandalay (biking; volleyball) Beaches; Channel Islands National Park
- Stay The Night: Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach; Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor
- Wine & Dine: Lazy Dog Restaurant; Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina; The Raven Tavern
7 Davenport
Road trippers could easily miss the sleepy town of Davenport while traveling along CA’s Highway 1; however, this laidback charmer is definitely worth a stop. Once a whaling village, today, the low-key Davenport is known for its scenic beaches and delish local wineries, in addition to its off-the-beaten-track vibes.
- Things To Do: Davenport Beach (surfing/windsurfing); Shark Fin Cove (hiking); Bonny Doon Beach; Bonny Doon Vineyard
- Stay The Night: Davenport Roadhouse; Castenoa Camp & Lodge (20 minutes)
- Wine & Dine: Whale City Bakery; Beauregard Vineyards; Venus Spirits Cocktails and Kitchen
6 Avalon
With a location off the Cali mainland, the Santa Catalina Island treasure of Avalon has no shortage of breathtaking views and beautiful beaches—making it a longtime seaside haunt for A-listers. However, despite its fame and reputation, Avalon has not lost any of its small-town charm and remote, relaxing appeal that makes it one of Cali’s coolest coastal gems.
- Things To Do: Crescent Avenue (beaches, restaurants, shops); Serpentine Wall; Pleasure Pier (tours); Wrigley Memorial & Botanical Gardens
- Stay The Night: Mt Ada; Pavilion Hotel; The Avalon Hotel
- Wine & Dine: Bluewater Grill; Avalon Grille; Luau Larry’s
5 Fort Bragg
A cozy coastal town with chill vibes and breathtaking beachy beauty, Fort Bragg is the perfect escape for those who want to get lost in nature. A cozy Cali retreat, Fort Bragg is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who will love its stunning state parks, while laidback vacationers seeking R&R will bask in the area’s plethora of scenic beaches.
- Things To Do: Pudding Creek Beach; Glass beach; Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens; MacKerricher State Park; Fort Bragg Coastal Trail (hiking)
- Stay The Night: Beachcomber Motel; Surf and Sand Lodge
- Wine & Dine: The Wharf; Noyo River Grill; The Pub at North Coast Brewing Co.
4 Capitola
Picture-perfect Capitola is a Santa Cruz stunner whose sandy beaches and bay views make the “oldest Pacific Coast resort” a popular tourist destination. However, the popular spot still keeps much of its small town due to its laidback, surfer-friendly vibes and chill, friendly eateries, wineries, and tasting rooms.
- Things To Do: Capitola City Beach and New Brighton State Beach (surfing, hiking, fishing, bird-watching); Armida Winery; Sante Adairus Rustic Ales
- Stay The Night: Capitola Venetian Hotel; Capitola Hotel
- Wine & Dine: East End Gastropub; Shadowbrook Restaurant; Trestles Restaurant
3 La Jolla
A seaside village known for its casual, relaxed luxury, La Jolla has no shortage of scenic coastal beauty and low-key, luxe charm. Outdoor enthusiasts will bask in the outdoor opportunities, while R&R seekers will love the elevated eateries, upscale shops, and sumptuous spas—the perfect Cali combo.
- Things To Do: La Jolla Village; Shell Beach Tide Pools; Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (hiking, photography); Torrey Pines Golf Course
- Stay The Night: The Shoal La Jolla Beach; La Valencia Hotel; Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
- Wine & Dine: Duke’s La Jolla; The Cottage; The Marine Room
2 Shelter Cove
The aptly named Shelter Cove is a hidden gem whose location on the Lost Coast undoubtedly makes it one of Cali’s best small towns. Tranquil, scenic, and picturesque, the pedestrian-friendly town is made for strolling and exploring—and for those who love the great outdoors, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation, too.
- Things To Do: Black Sands Beach (fishing, tide pools); Cape Mendocino Lighthouse; Lost Coast Trail; Briceland Vineyards (30 minutes)
- Stay The Night: Inn of the Lost Coast; The Oceanfront Inn
- Wine & Dine: Gyppo Ale Mill; Delgada Pizza; Mario’s Marina
1 Carpinteria
Travelers looking for the ultimate laidback vacay vibes will find their zen in the cozy beach town of Carpinteria. Complete with breathtaking beaches, an eclectic, bustling downtown, and a quirky, offbeat tourist attraction (Tar Pit Park), there’s something for everyone in this tiny town that’s a cool day (or weekend!) trip from Santa Barbara.
- Things To Do: Tar Pit Park; Carpinteria City Beach; Rincon Beach (surfing); Padaro Beach; Linden Avenue (biking, shopping, dining)
- Stay The Night: Carpinteria Beach Cottages; Carpinteria Shores (oceanfront rentals)
- Wine & Dine: The Spot; Corktree Cellars; Rincon Brewery