Who doesn’t love a charming small town in Northern California? Pedestrian-friendly, close-knit, and exuding their own unique vibe, they draw you in. No matter where you are in the country, there are some that are “so ____” (you fill in the blank). That’s what you’ll find in the coastal California town of Pacific Grove. Come along as we explore a little slice of what it has to offer residents and visitors alike. This is one of the best small towns in Northern California.

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Take a virtual walk on the lovely coast at Pacific Grove:

Amazing golf, exciting shopping, lively events, and historic structures are also part of the many things to do in Pacific Grove. Whether you come for a day or a long weekend, Pacific Grove will pull you into its quintessential coastal California town vibe and leave you wanting more!

Have you been to Pacific Grove, one of the best small towns in Northern California? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences there.

While you’re in a small-town kind of mood, be sure to also visit beautiful Carmel-By-The-Sea. Why not start planning your road trip to Pacific Grove right now?

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More to Explore

Best Places to Visit in Northern California

What are the most charming small towns in Northern California?

The most charming small towns in Northern California include:

  • Nevada City. This is a small town surrounded by gorgeous green trees and has stayed the same size since 1900.
  • Camino. This area looks a bit like Tuscany and grows apples, pumpkins, Christmas trees, and grapes for wine.
  • Little River. Located on the coast and next to Little River, this town of under 500 people is a slow-paced, lovely place.
  • Grass Valley. This was a Gold Rush town and most of the miners were Cornish. Their culture is still prevalent here.

 

Discover more about the most charming small towns in Northern California

What are the best bucket-list places in Northern California?

The best bucket-list places in Northern California include:

  • Lava Beds National Monument. These are ancient lava tubes that are so big that they’ve formed caves you can walk into.
  • Russian River. This is a gorgeous river surrounded by lush trees in Mendocino County with light turquoise waters.
  • Point Reyes National Seashore. This is a picturesque coastline in Marin County with preserved wildlands.
  • Burney Falls. This collection of waterfalls is as beautiful as it gets and has been called the 8th wonder of the world.

 

Learn more about the best bucket-list places in Northern California

What are the best historical landmarks in Northern California?

The best historical landmarks in Northern California include:

  • Old Customhouse. Located in Monterey, this is an Adobe building that was built in 1827 and is where California was proclaimed as a state.
  • John Muir House. This is the house where conservationist John Muir lives from 1890 to 1915. He started the Sierra Club and National Park System to preserve natural places.
  • Mare Island Naval Shipyard. This was the first west coast naval facility in World War II and housed nuclear submarines.
  • San Francisco Presidio and National Cemetery. This military cemetery is the site of a former base that was once used by Spain, Mexico, and America.

 

Find out more about the best historical landmarks in Northern California.