I Live in San Francisco and These Are My Favorite, Charming Small Towns to Visit in NorCal
Boonville Hotel in Boonville, California
I’ve lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 10 years now, and one of my favorite things to do on the weekends is get out of the city and explore the area’s beautiful nature and charming small towns. From the woodsy, summertime fun along the Russian River to mountain towns tucked away in the Sierras, each one of these tiny towns has its own personality and reason to visit.
Whether you’re looking for a day trip or an overnight, here are 12 of my favorite, charming small towns in Northern California—along with a quick overview of how to spend a day or two in each.
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Marin
You may disagree, but I think the small town in Marin that gets on these lists the most often, Sausalito, is a bit overrated—and this is coming from someone who has actually spent a lot of time there. I find its downtown area a bit kitschy and it can get crowded on the weekends and would much prefer to spend day or weekend in these tiny towns a bit further north:
1. Point Reyes Station
A small town near Point Reyes National Seashore and oyster-hub, Tomales Bay.
Can’t miss activity: Most visitors to Point Reyes Station are here for the nearby outdoor activities, like hiking to the Point Reyes Lighthouse, exploring the Tule Elk Reserve, biking the backroads, or kayaking in Tomales Bay (which has bioluminescence in the fall) but be sure to spend some time wandering the town itself. There are a few cute shops and eateries on the town’s main street.
Best place for lunch: This area is known for its oysters and cheese. Your best bet for oysters is at one of the many spots up the road along Tomales Bay—like Tomales Bay Oyster Company, Marshall Store, Nick’s Cove, and Hog Island Oyster Co.. So, if you’re going to eat in town, make your lunch in Point Reyes Station all about the cheese with a sandwich from the West Marin Culture Shop in the old creamery building. Just be sure to save room for some soft serve ice cream from the Palace Market grocery store across the street (seriously!).
Turn it into an overnight: Book a room at the Olema House, which is a 10-minute drive south of Point Reyes Station in the one-block town of Olema, or the newly opened Lodge at Marconi (they offer discounts for California residents) about 10 minutes north near the town of Marshall and a smattering of excellent seafood restaurants. Tony’s Seafood, by the team at Hog Island, is a great choice for dinner.
2. Fairfax
A mountain biking hub at the foot of Mount Tamalpais.
Can’t miss activity: Neighboring Mount Tamalpais is widely regarded as the birthplace of mountain biking, and Fairfax is full of locals who moved here to be closer to the area’s excellent riding. It even has a small but quirky museum dedicated to mountain biking. So, if you’re going to do one thing in Fairfax, go for a bike ride—whether it’s an easy loop on Deer Park Fire Road or some more challenging singletrack on Tamarancho. After, wander the downtown area, which has a decidedly NorCal hippie vibe
Best place for lunch: Head to OG biker bar (ahem, bikers of the spandex-wearing variety, that is) Gestalt Haus for some surprisingly good bratwurst (vegan options available) or their decadent Reuben sandwich. Mas Masa across the street is also a fresh and tasty option if you’re more in the mood for tacos and agua frescas than brats and beers.
Turn it into an overnight: There are no hotels in Fairfax proper, though there are a couple of vacation rentals. Pick one close to town and wander over to Stillwater for cocktails and dinner before turning in.
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Sonoma and Napa
Northern California’s two most famous wine regions, Sonoma and Napa, have no shortage of charming small towns, many of which are built around town squares dotted with tasting rooms and cute shops. Although all of these are doable day trips from San Francisco, it’s always a treat to spend the night. A couple of favorites that I return to again and again include:
3. Guerneville
Sometimes dubbed the “gay riviera”, this is a super LGBTQ+ friendly town known for its riverside, summer fun.
Can’t miss activity: In the summertime, it’s all about the river in Guerneville. Plan to spend an entire day hanging out at Johnson’s Beach. Prefer to float your way down? Grab your friends and a bunch of inner tubes, or rent a canoe from Burke’s Canoe Trips and paddle, float, or kick your way back down to town. Stumptown Brewery is a popular place to stop while canoeing down the river. Too cold to float? Head to Armstrong Redwoods for a hike among these giant trees or spend an afternoon wine tasting in the Russian River AVA.
Best place for lunch: Okay so it’s not lunch persay, but my favorite thing to eat in Guerneville is the ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s, which is located in the old bank on Main Street. But for an actual meal, head to Piknik Town Market, which is known for its salads, sandwiches, and buttermilk biscuits.
Turn it into an overnight: If you’re with friends or little ones, book a cabin at Dawn Ranch, a new-ish hotel and spa right on the river (read my full review here). For a romantic retreat, splurge on a stay at mid-century modern Boon Hotel + Spa or the ultra-luxe Stavrand. Dawn Ranch and Boon Eat + Drink do the best dinners in town (I’ve yet to try newcomer Trillium Wine Bar, though it looks promising), while El Barrio has the best pre-dinner cocktails.
4. Sebastopol
A small town in the heart of an apple growing region.
Can’t miss activity: Sonoma County might be best known for its wine, but it’s also one of the state’s biggest producers of apples. Sebastopol is right in the heart of it and one of my favorite activities (especially in the fall) is to visit a local orchard like Horse and Plow for a cider tasting (of the, ahem, alcoholic variety, of course). Then, head to The Barlow, a new, outdoor market district adjacent to the historic downtown to shop, eat, or go for a cider, wine, or beer tasting.
Best place for lunch: Depending on what you’re in the mood for, you can’t go wrong with a fresh and hearty sandwich from The Farmer’s Wife or brunch and a creative cocktail at Fern Bar, both located in The Barlow. Handline, a little ways down the road, is another great option for casual Californian fare like burgers and fish tacos. Just save room for ice cream.
Turn it into an overnight: There aren’t any hotels I’d recommend in Sebastopol proper but the luxurious Farmhouse Inn is a 15-minute drive north and a good base for exploring Guerneville, Sebastopol, and Healdsburg. (Pssst: work with me to book your stay, and I’ll get you perks like discounted room rates, spa credits, and complimentary breakfast). But staying in town is pretty fun and if you want to go that route, a vacation rental is your best bet.
5. Healdsburg
A Sonoma wine country town experiencing a bit of a food renaissance.
Taste wine in an olive grove at Medlock Ames.
Can’t miss activity: No surprise here, the main activity in and around Sonoma’s most charming small town, Healdsburg, is wine tasting. If you want to stick to the tasting rooms in town, Bloodroot and Marine Layer are two of my go-tos. Both are new(ish), make great wine, and the spaces are beautiful to boot. Outside of town, head to Bricoleur, Aperture, Flowers, or Medlock Ames (pictured above). Looking for something a little different? Join a sip-and-cycle bike and winetasting tour with Getaway Adventures (they also have basic bike rentals) and get out into the vineyards. If you’re here on a Saturday, swing by the local farmer’s market. It’s a good one.
Best place for lunch: Healdsburg has seen a lot of new restaurants and bars open in the past couple years—making it hard to recommend just one place for lunch. Some stand-out options include creative cocktails and fried chicken at Lo & Behold (also great for dinner) or sandwiches at the upscale cafe and bakery Troubadour.
Turn it into an overnight: If you can get it, a dinner and hotel stay at 3-Michelin-star SingleThread is the splurgiest way to cap off a day in Healdsburg. For something more low-key and easy to reserve, head to vegan restaurant Little Saint (also great for coffee and lunch), which also hosts live music from time to time. And for a place to stay? Book a room at sustainability-minded Harmon House, located one block away from the main plaza, historic-mansion-turned-Maximalist boutique hotel, The Madrona, or 5-star resort, Montage Healdsburg. So many of my favorite hotels in California are in Healdsburg <3
6. St. Helena
Napa wine country at its finest.
Can’t miss activity: Located in the heart of Napa Valley, wine tasting is the main attraction here. You can’t go wrong with classics like Beringer Vineyards or Duckhorn, but I also like the creative food and wine pairings and unique events (dance party, anyone?) at Prisoner Wine Company. Sticking around town? Go decadent with a caviar and champagne tastings at JCB. For something more active, bring your bike and hop on the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a multi-use bike and pedestrian trail on the newly completed (as of August 2024) 8-mile segment between St. Helena and Calistoga.
Best place for lunch: Sure, you could swing by local mainstays like Gott’s Roadside, famous for its burgers, or Model Bakery with its legendary English muffins, but for a casual bite I’d much prefer a slice and a salad at the new(ish) Station St. Helena, from the Gott’s team. For a more upscale lunch, grab a table at Charter Oak, which is known for its fresh, farm-to-table Californian fare.
Turn it into an overnight: Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at Alila Napa Valley, an adults-only hotel with vineyard views, pool, on-site restaurant, and spa (guests also get discounts on tastings at Beringer). Nearby Harvest Inn is another lovely option surrounded by vineyards and redwoods. Both properties have rooms with private hot tubs or fire pits on the patios. For dinner, there’s no better place to dine than Charlie’s. Opened in October 2023 by owner-chef and French Laundry alum Elliot Bell, it’s a bright and convivial spot that serves a delightful mix of modern Californian fare.
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The Sierra Nevadas
7. Murphys
A historic town in an underrated wine region.
Downtown Murphys
Burrito from Pablito’s Basecamp
Can’t miss activity: If you’re here the third weekend of May, the world famous Calaveras Frog Jumping Competition is a bit of historic, kitschy fun where (as the name suggests) contestants gather to see who can jump a frog the furthest. Otherwise, you could spend an entire afternoon popping in and out of tasting rooms and shops in town, or take a short excursion to Big Trees State Park for a hike.
Best place for lunch: Don’t overlook the burritos at Pablito’s Basecamp—they’re just as good (or, dare I say, better?) than any burrito joint you’d find in the San Francisco Mission District. Otherwise, The Watering Hole is a nice, casual eatery by a peaceful creek with ample outdoor seating and very kid friendly.
Turn it into an overnight: For Murphys, it’s best to book an Airbnb like the centrally located Local Pine. For dinner, head to Alchemy Cafe or V Restaurant, Bistro, and Bar. And if you happened to plan your trip during the third weekend in May, know that it’s not just the frog jumpers in town this week. A motorcycle rally passes through town each year on this weekend as well. Join them and some entertaining people watching with a drink at the Murphy’s Historic Hotel.
8. Downieville
A mountain-biking obsessed town in the beautiful Sierra Nevadas.
Can’t miss activity: The most popular activity here is downhill mountain biking. Grab a lift and/or a rental bike up to the top with Downieville Outfitters and end your ride right in town. If that’s not your thing (I usually don’t bike when I come here), there’s also an excellent hike along the Pacific Crest Trail to Sierra Buttes Lookout, which offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. Either way, plan to end your day with a jump in the Yuba River in the downtown area.
Best place for lunch: There aren’t a ton of options in town, but Sabrinas At The Forks is my go-to. They have coffee, espresso, and solid, decently healthy lunch options in a lively space. On nice days, take your order to the back patio overlooking the river.
Turn it into an overnight: It’s a trek to get out here, so you’ll want to spend the night. Book yourself and your friends into a vacation rental or post up in one of the many campsites in and around town.
9. Truckee
A historic, small town in North Lake Tahoe.
Can’t miss activity: Depends on the season. If it’s winter, hit the slopes and go skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Palisades, Donner, Sugar Bowl, and North Star are the closest resorts. For any other time of year, go for a hike (Mount Judah is a nearby favorite), bike ride, or fish in the river. And of course, don’t overlook an afternoon in town popping into various shops or the small and quirky Railroad Museum.
Best place for lunch: Food in Truckee has a reputation for being expensive and “just fine”, especially at lunch time. My go-tos are Old Town Tap, in the heart of historic, downtown Truckee, which is a solid sit-down option. A lot of folks love their hummus. If you’re grabbing something on the go, my rec would be Truckee Food Shop, which has an excellent fried chicken sandwich and ceviche.
Turn it into an overnight: Most visitors will book a vacation rental in Truckee. We loved this charming riverfront studio—which is way cuter than photos suggest and the hosts were super friendly. But Truckee also has some good hotel options. Gravity Haus is hip and close to downtown. For dinner, grab a bite in a fun and social setting at RMU or make a reservation at Great Gold. French restaurant, Tangerine Bistro, is another popular spot for dinner. The Good Wolf Brewery (no food, just beer) is worth a stop for their creative, “Forest Beers” like the Range of Light, an evergreen juicy IPA.
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Mendocino County
Locals know there’s much to be discovered in hippie Mendocino County, but overall this is an underrated and under-visited corner of Northern California—perhaps in part because it’s a little bit of a trek to get here. As such, these towns are best visited as a weekend getaway from San Francisco or as part of a road trip up to Oregon or Redwood National Park.
10. Boonville
A quirky, former logging town in the heart of a lesser-visited wine region.
Can’t miss activity: Boonville is right in the heart of Anderson Valley, one of California’s best wine regions, but—thanks to its distance from San Francisco—it’s less visited than neighboring Sonoma and Napa. Sure, you could spend the day wine tasting in this entirely underrated and lesser-visited wine region at places like Navarro Vineyards (a personal fave), Goldeneye, Baxter, or Maggy Hawk—or you could grab a beer and play around of disc golf at Anderson Valley Brewing Company. You pick.
Best place for lunch: Get the over-the-top cheese board at Pennyroyal Farm and wine pairing before you take a tour and say hey to the goats. You won’t regret it.
Turn it into an overnight: Garden oasis Boonville Hotel has quirky rooms and a fresh, homey three-course prix fixe menu every night, making it a great place for dinner and an overnight stay. Staying a second night? We also hear the pizza at Offspring (if you can catch it) across the street is worth planning around.
11. Mendocino
Artist and creative haven perched above the Pacific Ocean.
The Brickery
Pizza at The Brickery
Can’t miss activity: This is one of my favorite towns in California, in part because it’s so easy to wander, with its creative and artistic personality shining at every turn. Spend an afternoon visiting its cute shops and art galleries like Mendocino Country Store, Folklore, and Lansing Street Gallery. For a bit of nature, stroll on down to the easy and scenic Mendocino Cliffs trail on the edge of town.
Best place for lunch: Enjoy a hot pizza in a lovely garden setting at The Brickery, which is a casual eatery attached to (and out back from) the popular Café Beajoulais. You can also grab a beer or coffee to go with your pizza from their cozy cafe, The Waiting Room (complete with velvet armchairs and an old-school, wood-burning stove) just next door.
Turn it into an overnight: I always love glamping in one of the canvas tents at Mendocino Grove one mile north of town (read my full review here), but if you prefer to be in the mix, book a room at the quaint yet modern bed and breakfast, JD House. From there, walk to Fog Bottle Shop for a glass of wine before dinner at the adjacent, southern-inspired vegetarian joint Fog Eater Cafe, both run by a husband-wife duo with some truly fabulous taste in wallpaper (oh, the food is great too ;D).
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South of San Francisco
12. Pescadero
A one-road town off the Pacific Coast Highway known for its goat farms and artichoke bread.
Pescadero Beach
Can’t miss activity: You don’t need a lot of time to explore this tiny town between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, which is a popular day trip or stop between the two cities. Have a picnic and visit the goats at Harley Farms, hang out and visit the lighthouse at nearby Pescadero Beach State Park, then pop into town to explore the small art galleries and shops before rounding the day off with some artichoke bread. The cycling in this area is also excellent.
Best place for lunch: This town is best known for its artichoke bread at the Arcangeli Grocery, which is worth a try. The store also makes some decent sandwiches. For a pick-me-up, head to the coffee shop at Downtown Local a few doors down. They also have a small market and shop filled with various curiosities.
Turn it into an overnight: Unless you’re able to find a vacation rental or farmstay on HipCamp, I’d recommend continuing on to Santa Cruz to spend the night at the newly restored La Bahia, slated to open in 2025.
