Small towns popped up all over northern California during the time when mining and lumber mills were major economic drivers. Now that times have changed, many of these towns still exist for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy after a long day in the mountains. One such example is the beloved Fort Bragg, California, but there are lots of others to explore as well. Next time you’re looking to unwind from an adventure with good food and a charming atmosphere, check out one of these eight beautiful small towns in northern California.

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Do you have a favorite small, charming town in northern California? Is it Fort Bragg, California? Let us know by mentioning it in the comments! And, if you’re filled with state pride, be sure to check out this unique California apparel collection from Wear Your Roots!

For another hidden gem that’s perfect for a fall day trip, check out this charming town in Northern California.

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More to Explore

Best Towns In Northern California

What are the best towns in Mendocino County?  

One of the best towns in Mendocino County is Fort Bragg, California.

Mendocino County, California, is a beautiful place to live or visit. It’s filled with some of the best small towns in Northern California, and we can’t get enough of them! Some of our favorite towns in Mendocino County include little gems like Fort Bragg, which might just be one of the most beautiful places in California (more on that in a moment). Willits is another adorable small town in Mendocino County, It boasts a population of just under 5,000 people, which is remarkably small for California standards.  

What are the cutest towns near Fort Bragg California? 

Fort Bragg is a small town worth visiting in and of itself, but folks hoping to visit (or move) further away from the military base there might want to consider some of the small suburbs of the town instead. Small towns near Fort Bragg include Aberdeen, Lillington, Sanford, Hope Mills, Pinehurst, and Raeford, and though there are more, these ones are wonderful places to start. Aberdeen is an intriguing old lumber town with a dark history. Sanford is beautiful and so is Hope Mills. The possibilities are only as limited as, well, how many miles you’re willing to travel from Fort Bragg.  

What are the best small towns in Northern California? 

There are hundreds of adorable small towns in Northern California you’re sure to fall in love with; every one of them is filled to the brim with charm and history, as well as amazingly beautiful scenery you can’t miss out on. Some of our favorite small towns in Northern California include jewels like Eureka, an adorable small town popular with tourists in the summer, Lakeport, which is right on beautiful Clear Lake, and you can’t skip a trip to Mendocino if you have time! Life in Northern California is beautiful – we think you’ll never want to leave.