In today’s fast-paced life, people seek serenity, which only a few cities or towns offer. California is one such state that stands out from the crowd because of its diverse topography.
From misty redwood forests to quiet seaside cliffs and golden deserts, some of California’s hidden towns offer a unique sense of peace.
According to WorldAtlas, here are California’s 10 most laid-back towns in 2025:
Arnold
White Pines Lake. Image Source: Lisa Boulton/GoCalaveras.com
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Arnold offers range of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to off-road adventures, golf, fishing and top-notch winter sports.
Throughout the summer, the region hosts free live music concerts, arts and crafts festivals. Just a few miles from downtown lies Calaveras Big Trees State Park, a natural treasure. Its proximity to Bear Valley Mountain ski resort also makes it a favorite spot for snow sports.
Cambria
The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve is located along the scenic SLO CAL coastline in the village of Cambria. Image Source: SLOCAL
Cambria is a seaside village that offers more than a beach getaway. While it is often visited as the gateway to Hearst Castle, its pine forests, open spaces, and artistic energy make it worth a stop on its own.
Home to around 6,000 people, Cambria has a historic and coastal charm. East Village features 19th-century buildings, while Moonstone Beach has ocean-view hotels and a 1.5-mile bluff-top boardwalk offering stunning vistas. Hiking, biking, and photography are popular here.
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Carmel-By-The-Sea. Image Source: Visit California
Carmel gained international attention in the mid-1980s, when Clint Eastwood served as mayor for two years. The town’s small-town charm and artistic heritage have endured, and a quieter generation of artists now carries on the creative tradition. Carmel-by-the-Sea remains a place where history, culture, and contemporary life meet.
Authors George Sterling and Jack London, along with poet Robinson Jeffers, were among Carmel’s earliest residents. They pitched tents, lit fires in the woods, picnicked on the beach, and cooked abalone stew by the fire. These early inhabitants aimed to build an intellectual retreat on California’s peaceful and scenic Central Coast.
Guerneville
Guerneville Regional Library – Sonoma County California – 2025. Image Source: Jengod/Wikimedia Commons
Guerneville, a rustic town of 4,534 residents, blends redwood forests, river adventures, relaxed charm, and Sonoma Wine Country experiences, making it a popular destination. It has also historically served as a welcoming getaway for the Bay Area LGBTQ+ community.
Laguna Beach
Orange Inn at Laguna Beach. Image Source: Visit Laguna Beach.com
Laguna Beach is memorable its shoreline. From winding trails and canyon studios to a rich creative history and a committed community, the town’s charm is in its ecosystem.
With seven miles of protected coastline, 22,000 acres of wilderness, and a legacy of artists, activists, and outdoor lovers, Laguna offers far more than any image could show. It inspires visitors to explore deeply and leave it better than they found it.
Mendocino
Mendocino, California. Image Source: Jef Poskanzer/Wikimedia Commons
Mendocino, set on ocean bluffs above a steel-blue sea, draws artists, romantics, and lovers of untamed landscapes. With its saltbox cottages, rose-covered Victorians, and tinkling wind chimes, it evokes a New England village on the California coast.
During the mid- to late-1800s logging boom, Mendocino was a busy port with bustling hotels and saloons.
Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach looking north towards the mountains. Image Source: Soundsfancy/Wikimedia Commons
Pismo Beach’s sweeping coastal views and wide sandy shores invite visitors to surf, paddleboard, or ride ATVs across the dunes at their own pace.
Solvang
Boutique Shopping in Solvang. Image Source: Solvangusa
Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, which encompasses not only the Santa Ynez Valley but also the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Rita Hills, Solvang is ideally situated to showcase some of the region’s finest wines.
Sausalito
The charming Sausalito town comes alive with vibrant energy and endless possibilities. Image Source: VisitSausalito
Sausalito is a charming city in Marin County, located along the northern edge of San Francisco Bay, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Founded in 1838 by William Richardson, it grew from the Mexican land grant Rancho Sausalito, a name given by Spanish explorers in honor of the area’s small willow trees.
Known for its vibrant arts scene, the city features multiple galleries and annual festivals. Its boardwalk, shops, and scenic waterfront make it a favorite destination for both recreation and relaxation.
Sausalito is a charming city in Marin County, located along the northern edge of San Francisco Bay, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. Founded in 1838 by William Richardson, it grew from the Mexican land grant Rancho Sausalito, a name given by Spanish explorers in honor of the area’s small willow trees.
Known for its vibrant arts scene, the city features multiple galleries and annual festivals. Its boardwalk, shops, and scenic waterfront make it a favorite destination for both recreation and relaxation.
St. Helena
Various yacht races stop off at the island, including the Cape to St Helena Yacht Race. Image Source: sthelenatourism
Known as ‘Napa Valley’s Main Street,’ St. Helena’s downtown boasts charming cafes, boutique shops and art galleries set among historic architecture.
Ringed by wineries, downtown St. Helena is home to Charles Krug Winery, California’s first tasting room established in 1882, and Merryvale Vineyards, the valley’s first post-Prohibition winery, opened in 1933.