Spectacular sunsets on sand-swept beaches, sprawling vineyards in the wine country, and elaborate art installations in the desert; there is no doubt California exudes romantic vibes at every turn. However, while most travelers tend to gravitate towards the bright lights and crazy nightlife in famous cities like Los Angeles, the fast pace of life doesn’t guarantee peace of mind during your vacation. Luckily, the Golden State is pretty vast, with plenty of options for anyone seeking an easygoing retreat. Its uncrowded countryside is riddled with scenic little towns that make for an excellent alternative. Whether nestled within misty redwood forests, perched on quiet coastal cliffs, or enveloped by sun-drenched deserts, these lesser-known gems offer a kind of tranquility that’s hard to come by. From Sausalito to Carmel-by-the-Beach, here are California’s 10 most laid-back towns for 2025.
St. Helena
Downtown St. Helena, California. Image credit: bluestork / Shutterstock.com.
St. Helena is a lovely locality in the San Francisco Bay Area, renowned for its small-town flair, tasty wines, and delectable dining scene. It boasts a lush countryside with scenic vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, promising delicious wine tasting for tourists at Merryvale Vineyards. This family-run establishment specializes in European-inspired wines, a tradition it has maintained for over three decades. Jacob Meily Park is where people go to relax and be one with nature. It has a tranquil setting with picnic spaces, a playground, and a gentle walking pathway along Sulphur Creek.
Meanwhile, literature enthusiasts can stop by the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum to browse an impressive collection of works by the celebrated author and learn about his legacy in the literary world. St. Helena’s local flavors are a must-try, inviting foodies to savor delicious American fare at Goose & Gander.
Pismo Beach
The iconic pier at Pismo Beach, California. Image credit: HannaTor / Shutterstock.com.
This seaside community on California’s Central Coast promises a relaxed retreat with beautiful ocean views and easygoing adventures. Pismo Beach is home to the Monarch Butterfly Grove, a serene tree-filled sanctuary where thousands of monarch butterflies take shelter in October. It has a comfortably warm microclimate and gentle pathways for guests to admire the immaculate insects. Meanwhile, the Pismo Preserve invites an escape into the great outdoors. Spanning approximately 900 acres, the vast park area is traversed by miles of biking, running, and horseback riding trails, and delivers breathtaking views of the sea.
Tourists love to converge at the Pismo Beach Pier Plaza, which boasts miles of scenic beachfront lined with restaurants, concession stands, gift stores, and more, culminating in an idyllic social hub. Lastly, those who fancy getting out at sea can book a guided trip with Central Coast Kayaks for a unique experience.
Guerneville
Fall colors in downtown Guerneville, California. Image credit: oliverdelahaye / Shutterstock.com.
This historic logging town lies on the banks of the Russian River and stands out for its breathtaking natural scenery. Guerneville invites outdoor adventurers for rugged hikes at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. This delightful jungle is filled with massive coastal redwoods with quiet rails snaking between some of the world’s tallest trees. Guests will also love the Guerneville River Park, which provides access to the calm waters of the Russian River. This makes it a popular getaway for paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Guerneville’s rich craft brewery is evident in the downtown area, with several joints serving tasty brews. At Stumptown Brewery, gorgeous vistas of the Russian River complement the refreshing beers served. However, those who don’t take alcohol can settle for a scoop of ice cream at Nimble & Finn’s.
Arnold
Fall colors in the Stanislaus National Forest near Arnold, California.
Arnold is a secluded and serene enclave in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, surrounded by giant sequoia trees and glittering waters. Its fantastic natural surroundings encourage travelers to embrace the outdoors, with pleasant hiking opportunities along the Arnold Rim Trail Head. This 8-mile route traverses dense forestland with exquisite vantage points along the way. Also, White Pines Park is a popular recreational playground in Arnold. With access to White Pines Lake, guests can visit the area to boat, fish, kayak, swim, hike, and sightsee.
Besides the outdoors, Arnold welcomes curious tourists to explore its logging heritage at the Sierra Nevada Logging Museum. Alternatively, you can take a pottery class at Lackler Ceramics and learn how to make adorable clay pieces by hand.
Mendocino
The stunning view of Mendocino along the Pacific Coast.
This Northern California town, along the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean, offers a rich backcountry with isolated trails and a historic downtown with vintage Victorian buildings. Guests wear comfortable walking shoes for adventurous hikes in Mendocino Headlands State Park. This 340-acre coastal wilderness harbors hidden beach coves, undeveloped sea bluffs, and dramatic cliffs overlooking the rugged Pacific shoreline. While exploring the area, you will come across Big River Beach, a smooth stretch of white sand that is perfect for uninterrupted picnicking and sunbathing.
Mendocino’s historic downtown district seems frozen in time with its rustic collection of vintage homes. A tour of the Kelley House Museum provides a glimpse of life here in the 1860s, while offering a chance to inspect period exhibits. Elsewhere, artsy guests can check out pleasant works of art, from ceramics and jewelry to fine furniture, at the Highlight Gallery.
Cambria
Downtown Cambria, California. Image credit: randy andy / Shutterstock.com
Cambria is a picturesque beachside village in San Luis Obispo County, boasting spell-binding overlooks of the Pacific Ocean and a relaxed atmosphere designed for letting loose. Tourists often seek solitude on the sandy shores of Moonstone Beach to savor the therapeutic sounds of ocean waves striking the rocky shoreline. Meanwhile, the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Bluff Trail offers a scenic mile-long hike through open fields, pine forests, and oceanside bluffs teeming with native wildlife.
Delightful social opportunities await travelers at the Cambria Farmers Market, where welcoming local vendors sell fresh produce and crafts. Those who enjoy a good story can visit the Cambria Historical Museum for a glimpse of the community’s past inside the rustic 1870 Guthrie-Bianchini House.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
People enjoy the Pacific Coast of California at the dog-friendly Carmel Beach at Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Perched on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea is among California’s 10 most laid-back towns for 2025. You can credit this to the unrivaled levels of serenity tourists find while basking on the powdery sands of Carmel Beach. This expansive beach is often frequented by swimmers, sunbathers, and picnickers looking to catch its golden sunsets. The town hosts one of the most diverse marine habitats in the state. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve attracts environmentalists and conservationists with its ecological diversity and is a popular spot for whale watching.
A rare journey through time draws historians to the Carmel Mission Basilica. This vintage Catholic church dates back to the 18th century, yet maintains authentic artifacts from one of the earliest missions built in California.
Laguna Beach
Crescent Bay of Laguna Beach, California.
Beaches, arts, and festivals attract vacationers to this magnificent coastal town on the Southern California Riviera. Laguna Beach‘s vibrant art scene rivals much larger cities in the SoCal region, and visitors will get the idea when touring the Laguna Art Museum. This world-class facility exhibits more than 3,500 works of art by celebrated artists from Southern California. While there are multiple art festivals held in the town, the annual Sawdust Art Festival is the most anticipated, uniting over 200 artists, crafters, and other creatives for weeks of nonstop art celebration.
Laguna Beach charm also lies in its pristine beaches, and there is no shortage of options for tourists. You can choose from Table Rock Beach to 1000 Steps Beach whenever you feel like hitting the oceanside for a swim, beachcombing session, or picnic with family.
Solvang
Solvang Brewing Company’s restaurant offers a taste of Denmark in Solvang, California. Image credit: HannaTor / Shutterstock.com.
Solvang hosts a charismatic community of Danish descendants in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for preserving its Scandinavian heritage with colorful festivals, unique traditional architecture, and pleasant natural spaces. Many people visit the town in the fall to experience the Solvang Danish Days. This family-friendly celebration allows newcomers to witness dances, songs, costumes, and other customs that distinguish Solvang from its neighbors in a festive atmosphere. But on any other day, a tour of the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art provides a unique perspective of the community’s heritage through interactive exhibits.
Culinary lovers will appreciate a chance to sample delicious Danish pastries at Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery as they discover the downtown scene. Elsewhere, outdoorsy guests will be in their element at Nojoqui Falls Park, where a short hike leads you to an awesome waterfall.
Sausalito
The stunning cityscape of Sausalito, California.
Sausalito is a romantic seaside village in the Bay Area, separated from San Francisco by the scenic Golden Gate Strait. It is known for providing awe-inspiring vistas of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco city skyline, which sees many tourists gathering at Battery Spencer to snap the best photos. The town’s floating houseboats have been a visual spectacle since time immemorial. First-timers can experience these famous gems in person by heading to Waldo Point Harbor. The neighborhood features a collection of colorful floating homes built by artist squatters in the post-Second World War era.
The Sausalito Boardwalk is one of the most visited attractions in the town. This 0.3-mile promenade is riddled with seafood joints, coffee stores, galleries, and other businesses, culminating in a vibrant gathering spot where tourists dine, socialize, and enjoy a cool waterfront atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
California’s 10 most laid-back towns for 2025, as discussed above, prove you can have a gratifying experience outside the bustling scenes in Los Angeles or San Francisco. All these beautiful destinations bring something unique and incomparable to the table, from the award-winning wines in St. Helena to the world-class beaches in Laguna Beach. Whether you’re seeking coastal serenity, mountain air, or artistic charm in the United States, these small towns offer a perfect balance of relaxation and natural beauty, designed for your next California escape.