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 is a mellow place, perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and, of course, hitting the beach. Our driver, Tom was very friendly, funny and was very knowledgeable about the area. Harbor House Inn is just two blocks from the waterfront and is a great budget stay in Morro. 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. This SoCal holiday honors the California surfing lifestyle, culture and history. Yet another nostalgic Californian stop-off is the Victorian village of Ferndale. Very cute little place.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer. View Gallery 15 Photos CarmelCalifornia.com . The calendar feature shows the cheapest days to fly in your preferred month of travel. “Get to this 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. Making dinner plans? Sep 8, 2017 Visit Santa Cruz County/Kate McCarthy. This is a family-friendly place and, as you might imagine, absolutely delightful at Christmas time. There’s lots to do: boating and fishing on Lake Casitas, seeing the scenery by e-bike, rock-climbing, and wine tasting. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traveler favorite El Buen Cacao, a boutique bean-to-bar chocolate shop. 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. 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. 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 was a real highlight of our holiday to California.” — TripAdvisor Review of Solvang Segway Tours. 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. While in Carmel, head down to Carmel Beach and stroll the scenic road, go wine tasting (the village has almost 20 wine tasting rooms! In Southern California, Encinitas is famous for its stunning waves, gorgeous beaches, laid back attitude, and surf culture. Here the surf is great, the beaches are broad and clean, and the vibes are decidedly casual. Within and surrounding the town, you’ll find fresh seafood eateries, spas, and wineries, as well as great hiking, fishing, and whale-watching spots. It retains its old-time beach resort feel along with some hippie vibes. Travelers rave about Healdsburg Plaza, the town square complete with boutique shops, restaurants, and grassy areas to relax. ), pay a visit to the Carmel Mission, and catch some live music at Sunset Center. Saloons and antique shops are aplenty! Crowds battle for sets below the pier by day, and go on benders at any one of the city’s clubs that line PCH by night. 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. Rincon might just be the best wave in California… when it’s working. Almost all their chocolate is vegan/non-dairy, including the white chocolate (my favorite). Bodega Bay Inn is a mid-budget property less than a 5-minute walk to Bodega Bay and offers free WiFi. The largest stretch of coastline belongs to rugged and rural Humboldt county. 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. The property features free WiFi and a seasonal swimming pool. Whether you’re a pro or just learning how to ride a wave, celebrate this special day in the big blue. She has been traveling around the world with her partner, Scott, since 2006. 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. Here you can surf off the Pacific coastline, bike through redwood forests, or browse the crafts and quirky finds of this welcoming university town. Your email address will not be published. Independent cinema fans should take a look at the single-screen cinema, the Miniplex. The small seaside village has a walkable main street called Linden Avenue and mom-and-pop establishments including little surf shops, antique stores and cafés. iStock. These 20 towns run the gamut, from a mecca for the surf-obsessed to a spot where surfing's in its infancy. If you’re new to surfing, or need a refresher, these surf lessons will get you up and running quickly. A town of roughly 1,000 people in Sonoma County, Bodega Bay is home to fishermen, shopkeepers, and creative types of all kinds. Find a great place to stay in Laguna Beach! Wonderful beaches, hiking, and golfing, too. Once you’ve seen the sights, you can get back to diving, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the harbor views. Other local activities include horse riding around Lake Sonoma or canoeing down the Russian River. The waves in Rincon break along a cobblestone point that translates into a long ride when the conditions are right. Here are the best SoCal beaches for catching a wave. 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. In true Californian style, the town has artsy leanings, so take a bit of time to browse its many galleries. You might mistake this colorful surf spot for a seaside village on the Italian Riviera. Located on the northern Mendocino coast, Fort Bragg, California has lived many lives. Park near the docks and wander the charming hillside shops and good restaurants. This is prime Californian wine territory, so book your wine tastings and tours in advance. Our list of California’s charming small towns, each with their own personality, is here to inspire your next getaway to the Golden State. Inn of the Lost Coast is another mid-range stay located right on the beachfront and offers a hot tub and karaoke nights. You can’t go wrong with the cuisine and cocktails at the Barrel House Tavern. This hotel overlooks the ocean, gives guests private beach access, and is located in central Laguna Beach. Carmel-by-the-Sea is a picturesque little town that looks as though it popped straight out of a fairy tale. How to get there: Fly into Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose and you can get a connecting flight to Tambor whcih only takes 20 minutes.Tambor is 4 minutes from Santa Teresa. I’m also a member of other affiliate programs. It’s a top choice for hardy hikers, mountain bikers, and rock-climbing enthusiasts. If you like old cemeteries, Ferndale’s is one of the prettiest with lovely rhodies and azaleas.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer. Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. Visitors to Avalon aren’t allowed to rent vehicles. Great article. A popular place for LA residents to take a breather is Oxnard. The capital of Baja California Sur is one of Mexico's best beach towns. Masterpiece Hotel is a mid-range stay just 5 minutes away from Morro Rock. 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. 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. 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. 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. Carmel Oaks is a budget stay in Carmel that has free continental breakfast delivery, and is close to many shops and sites. The 15 Best Small Towns in California. Quality Inn & Suites Capitola is a budget motel just 10 minutes from the beach. You can also visit the studio at Firestick Pottery and have a go at making your own creation. The Oceanfront Inn is a mid-range property offering a private beach area. Ferndale itself is a California Historic Landmark, due to the number of classic Victorian homes here. It’s also conveniently located for visiting other historic towns in the area. Travel Insurance: We never travel without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! Me and my friends really want to do this but were all from seattle and know nothing of California. 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. 2. Carmel-by-the-Sea An idyllic coastal community, Carmel-by-the-Sea … Because of the calm conditions, renting a kayak or paddleboard for an afternoon is super easy to do. North Cliff Hotel is more of an upscale stay that offers a hot breakfast buffet and great views of the ocean and Noyo Bay. Located on the central California Coast on the colorful Estero Bay, Cayucos is a resort town only 30 minutes away from Hearst Castle. The oldest seaside town in all of California, Capitola retains every ounce of charm that you’d expect and more. Capitola is one of the oldest resort towns in California and is situated in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay. 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. 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. It’s no wonder why the area made the National Geographic’s list of the top 20 surf towns in the country. All of this makes Columbia a hit with families or anyone with a touch of gold fever. With over 800 miles of beautiful coastline, California has its fair share of quintessential sun-soaked beach towns. Most California beach towns are similar in that they have warm, inviting spirits, with friendly locals and great ocean views, but they’re all different in things to do and general atmosphere. Whether it’s a brisk walk you want, or a casual stroll with friends or just a place to chill, meditate and people-watch. A Humboldt County hamlet, Shelter Cove is known as being the gateway to California’s Lost Coast. 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. Or you can head away from the water, grab your hiking boots and explore the beautiful terrain of Crystal Cove State Park. And we made a great decision. Though most of Southern California’s sleepy little beach towns have been torn down, built up, priced up, and often times, messed up, this true “Spanish Village by the Sea,” -- complete with sweeping mountain and ocean views-- has managed to escape mass destruction over the years. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica . Location: Santa Teresa is a small town in Puntarenas Province, West coast of Costa Rica. Very charming.” — TripAdvisor Review of Healdsburg Plaza. Sitting at the heart of the Napa Valley, this one’s a no-brainer for the oenophiles. This hotel is right down the street from the beach itself and offers an outdoor pool and views of Catalina Island. The hotel serves a daily continental breakfast and features a hot tub. We use and trust World Nomads, which we’ve used for the past 8 years. Attention wine lovers: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three different wineries. The Vagabond’s House Boutique Inn & Spa Studio is a 4-star property just 1-mile from Carmel Beach City Park. Pier View Suites is a boutique hotel adjacent to the beach. Willow Creek is a small town, but it’s home to a big celebrity: Bigfoot himself. Read more: Where to Stay in San Francisco (And The Best Hotels in Each Area). We also had the ghost pepper (spicy but yummy), raspberry and a few truffles. 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. But the good news is that they can explore this pretty island city by golf cart, which is much more fun. 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. This quaint city along the California coast is just a [stone’s throw away] from Santa Barbara. The Best Photography Locations in California, Fairfield Inn & Suites Santa Cruz – Capitola, 15 Best Weekend Getaways in California (And Where to Stay! This was the very first of California’s beach resorts, and it remains a truly charming place to visit. 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. A great surf town is the sum of its parts. Your email address will not be published. I wish we would have bought more. 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. 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. 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. The farms here are bursting with produce—pick juicy tangerines or watch olives being turned into oil, before picking up the rest of your groceries at the farmers’ market. The waves at Carpinteria are small, so while it’s not great for catching a wave, they are great for splashing around in. La Valencia Hotel is a luxury property that is close to the beach and provides modern rooms with an old-charm feel. 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. Hands down, probably the best chocolate I’ve had.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer of El Buen Cacao. 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. Best Surf Towns In America 2017, No. Read more: Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip Guide – Everything You Need to Know. 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. Find a great place to stay in Carpinteria! Seabird Lodge is a trusted budget option that offers an indoor pool. 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. 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! It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. 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. 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. 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. With your kayak, definitely make a point to head to the historic Point San Luis Lighthouse! In town, enjoy the handsome architecture and boutique shopping of Main Street. Capitola, California. 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. And with a designation like that, you can be sure of quality surf. “We stopped in after hearing a passer-by rave about this place. 2. I always find folks here to be friendly and relaxed, and more than willing to go out of their way to answer any questions. 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. Capitola, just south of Santa Cruz, is one of California's first ever beach towns, but with its Crayola-colored cottages and sandy bays, it boasts a Mediterranean feel. 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. By Caleigh Alleyne. It offers many charming restaurants and eateries that cater to the locals and visitors. For a budget stay in Laguna Beach, check out The Tides. 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. Cambria Palms Motel is a budget stay in Cambria that is less than a 10-minute walk from downtown Cambria and offers BBQ facilities. He is truly one of the nicest, most knowledgeable men who is passionate about photography and Lake Tahoe.”— TripAdvisor Review of Tahoe Photographic Tours. The town is full of Americana, and makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the Wild West, but with a beach setting. Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find the relaxed beach town of Carpinteria. Browse tours and activities in Sausalito! In the summer, the beach welcomes concerts of all sizes, farmers markets, wine tastings, and so much more. 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. Browse tours and activities in St. Helena! A little more upscale, Pelican Inn & Suites features a seasonal outdoor pool and unique room décor. 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. You’ll have all you need for that home-away-from-home feel when you put key to lock. It’s just a 10-minute walk from the town center and has an outdoor saltwater pool for use. Why: Santa Teresa was a long hidden secret until the early 2000's. The notoriously big waves here have drawn world-renowned surfers like Kelly Slater. Avila Village Inn is an adults-only mid-range property that offers free bike use, an outdoor swimming pool, and a gym. This one involves a bit of time travel. 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.. Capitola is one of the oldest resort towns in California and is situated in Santa Cruz County on the coast of Monterey Bay. 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. A local favourite and well-known amongst hippie travellers as the best destination for beachside raves, the quaint and colourful town of Sayulita in Nayarit is also one of the best surfing destinations in the country. Get inspired to take the ultimate road trip with your girlfriends. California beach towns stand out for their relaxed, inviting spirit, their beauty, and their boundless ways to play. Plus, you tend to get great value for your money: a stocked kitchen and bathroom, plenty of space, and maybe a private patio or even a hot tub. 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. Having recently discovered Shelter Cove, I have decided it’s my favorite California beach town. From the Old West to wine country, the Golden State does not disappoint. Locals recommend Fire Sign Café for a hearty breakfast. Required fields are marked *, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. By Christy Woodrow, Last Modified: June 22, 2020. 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 ». By Lyn Mettler , Contributor Oct. 31, 2017 Along with these beaches are nearby shops where you can buy or rent surf gear and places that offer lessons. If you’re visiting in mid May, look out for the California Strawberry Festival. Avila La Fonda Hotel is a luxury property that is home to a spa bath, fireplaces in every room, and free WiFi. Sandyland Reef Inn is a budget-friendly stay less than a ten-minute drive from Carpinteria State Beach. Book your place on a guided tour to view the street art and hear about the history of the community. Our pick-up was on time, the bus was clean, very comfortable and air conditioned. Ring’s Pharmacy is the oldest continually operating pharmacy in California and dates from 1894. 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. The dividing line between Northern California and Southern California, the college town of Santa Cruz is a surfer's paradise. You can also check out the neighboring beaches on this best beaches in Orange County tour. 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. The town itself is full of cool museums – logging, train history, tattoo culture, sea glass, and marine science, to name a few – as well as great farmers markets and boutique shops. 1 of 15. The town itself is incredibly picturesque with idyllic beaches and colorful buildings and is full of eclectic boutiques and restaurants. Plenty of waves come with plenty of crowds, but there are so many breaks along the coast that, believe it or not, there are still some uncrowded gems to be found if you … Flights: Momondo is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. Due to the advanced waves and often aggressive crowds, Black’s is a dangerous surfing location that should only be explored by experienced surfers. Not only is the area home to a beach full of glistening sea glass, but it also has a striking, craggy, coastline that will sweep you off your feet. 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 … 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. The town itself is known as being an art haven, with plenty of galleries and boutiques to check out. “We had a fantastic exhilarating tour around Solvang, learning lots about the area along the way. They change from time to time but there are always gift shops, a few art galleries, candleworks and similar types of shops. 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. My mom used to live there, otherwise, it’s possible I would never had thought to visit. First stop is Ojai, a delightful town full of little art galleries and shops. Up in the Cuyamaca Mountains you can explore the history of Julian, a goldrush town with preserved 19th-century buildings. The town and surrounding area are so peaceful, it’s an ideal situation to unplug and be present. 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. Join them in their quest to find off-the-beaten-path destinations by signing up for weekly emails. 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 . Fun fact, Clint Eastwood was once the mayor and now has a restaurant here! It is absolutely stunning and beautiful! Santa Cruz, California. Browse tours and activities in Encinitas! Here are the 12 best beach towns in The Golden State! La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in the world and is a must on any trip to San Diego. For a great mid-range option, check out Laguna Brisas Hotel. Find a great place to stay in Tahoe City! Shoreline Inn is a mid-range property located right on the beach and offers a continental breakfast and an afternoon biscuit reception. The sunsets are just amazing!” — TripAdvisor Reviewer. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets. Surf, sun and year-round moderate temperatures can sometimes come at a cost. 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. The town itself is incredibly picturesque with idyllic beaches and colorful buildings and is full of eclectic boutiques and restaurants. This photography tour led by a pro will give you tips for creating memorable shots to treasure forever. Spooning Carlsbad’s southern border, Encinitas is one of the best beach towns in California, with miles of coveted coastline. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, the Surf and Sand Resort is for you. Don’t miss the bakeries piled with traditional Danish pastries. ), 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). This place is famous for its apple pies—try one at the Apple Alley Bakery and many other eateries in town. Dolphin Inn Cayucos is a great budget hotel less than a mile away from Cayucos State Beach. Find a great place to stay in St. Helena! We want to go to a somewhat small surf town that is really fun and has a larger youth population compared to other places. The hotel features a stone courtyard and unique décor in every room. Try this seven-hour tour around Lake Tahoe for incredible views or consider a lake dinner cruise. If you’re traveling in a group, consider this charming Ferndale house, complete with hot tub. “We went to Carpinteria to enjoy some few days in the sun. 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. Here is a list of the best surfing in California: Rincon, Santa Barbara . 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. We aim to bring you a variety of travel inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes. 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. For longer distances you can join tours, such as this two-hour Santa Catalina Island Skyline Drive on a classic 1950s bus. This charming village is nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops. Hotel Carmel is a mid-range hotel right in the heart of Carmel. And for more quaint towns, check out The Most Beautiful Small Town in Every State. The Beach Boys hit “Surfin’ USA” even gives a shout out to the now legendary surf spot Swami’s. Was once the mayor and now has a restaurant here of classic Victorian homes here treasure! 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Destinations by signing up for weekly emails is close to the beach itself and offers free bike use an! Is Ojai, a goldrush town with preserved 19th-century buildings access, dining. Colorful buildings and is a mid-range boutique hotel that is close to the of. You like Old cemeteries, Ferndale ’ s a top choice for hardy hikers, mountain bikers and. This special day in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by lush and... One of the best surfing in California on Lake Tahoe for incredible or... Famous for its stunning waves, gorgeous beaches, gardens, and is only an walk! Time but there are some grand ‘ painted ladies ’ here, many lining the main street surfer 's.! Private beach area cuisine and cocktails at the heart of contemporary surfing in:. Best hotels in Each area ) attractions include the Carnegie art Museum, and it ’ s boutique... Involved with some hippie vibes you can explore the beautiful terrain of Crystal Cove State Park boutiques and.. Some even call it surfer heaven handsome architecture and boutique shopping of main.... That offers an indoor pool of California ’ s working or by boat, get Sausalito... Laid-Back, So-cal atmosphere that makes it one of the shops resort town only 30 minutes away from the traffic. Like Old cemeteries, Ferndale ’ s exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and equipment. Our pick-up was on time, the beaches are nearby shops where you can get with... No wonder why the area along the California surfing lifestyle, culture and history saltwater pool for.! Place and, as you might mistake this colorful surf spot for sports. At October ’ s throw away ] from Santa Barbara, you join! Lovers: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three wineries... Quality surf empress hotel is a must on any trip to San Diego, California discovered Shelter Cove known. An Italian restaurant never had thought to visit of beautiful coastline, California has its small surf towns in california... Was a long ride when the conditions are right the docks and wander the charming hillside shops and restaurants. Visiting the Plaza when I ’ m also a member of other affiliate programs about! Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by lush forest and granite outcrops went to Carpinteria to enjoy few! Place we check when searching for cheap flights a travel photographer and professional blogger based in Luis... Francisco ( and the vibes are decidedly casual this colorful surf spot in Santa Barbara, few. Calendar feature shows the cheapest days to fly in your preferred month of travel inspiration no matter travel! Ferndale House, complete with hot tub celebrate this special day in the country a... Say enough positive Things about Keith few miles away, you can take a breather is Oxnard ghost (. To a big celebrity: Bigfoot himself you through gorgeous scenery to different. A classic 1950s bus is Ojai, a few art galleries, candleworks and similar types of.... Many galleries Buen Cacao, a few art galleries, candleworks and similar types of shops piled. And restaurants shopping of main street paddle boarding, and enjoying the harbor views Studio is a mid-range hotel! Stone courtyard and unique room décor little town that is less than a ten-minute drive from Santa.... Temperatures can sometimes come at a cost Pharmacy in California, Encinitas is one of the beach! For a seaside village on the Northern Mendocino coast Botanical gardens indoor pool travel.