7 Underrated Northern California Towns That Deserve A Second Look

This hippy fishing and surfing community is not far from San Francisco as the crow flies, but since the roads to Bolinas are winding, it feels very removed from the big city. As you drive into Bolinas, roll your windows down– the Eucalyptus groves scent the air and it smells heavenly. There’s not a ton happening in Bolinas, which might be just what you want for a lazy day.

Pick up some groceries at the local health food market and head over to Bolinas Beach to watch the surfers and walk in the sand. The above-water homes in Bolinas are also a sight to see. These shabby surf and fishing homes overlook the Bolinas Lagoon, where you can go stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

This census-designated place in the Bay Area overlooks San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait. You may know of Crockett when you think of the C&H Factory next to the Carquinez Bridge.

Spend a day exploring the Crockett area. Visit Eckley Pier and the Garden City wreckage. Learn about the area’s history at the Crockett Historical Museum where you can learn about the area and see artifacts from the early 20th century. Enjoy a meal at The Dead Fish, a swanky seafood restaurant with eclectic decor. End the day at Vista Point, where you can see incredible views of city lights.

This city is one of the largest in Modoc County and has a population of around 2,715 people. Alturas is a great home base to explore Modoc National Forest and Modoc National Wildlife Refuge. But if you want to mix and mingle with locals, there is plenty to do in Alturas. Drive south on N. Main Street and stop at Frosty’s hamburger restaurant for old-fashioned burgers and malts. Continue south to see the Modoc County Courthouse, and then the Modoc County Museum where visitors can see all sorts of historical artifacts as well as oddities. If you want a little excitement, visit the nearby Desert Rose Casino to play the slot machines.

Alturas is also home to historic Nevada–California–Oregon Railway Co. Depot (N.C.O. Depot), and also called The Whistle Stop. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Whistle Stop was built in 1908 in the late Queen Anne Style. Visitors can view the building and see all the old trains in the area.

This small town in Siskiyou County is located six miles east of Yreka. The colorful buildings in the historic downtown would make a great backdrop for photos. Speaking of photos, snap a pic with the cowboy on horseback statue in Railroad Park.

Enjoy expansive views of meadows and snow-capped mountains in this peaceful and empty area of the state. Visit the Montague Railroad Depot Museum located in the small downtown. Built in five weeks in 1887, this museum contains historic photographs and artifacts from early California history.

Weaverville is technically a census-designated place but it’s larger than some towns on this list. With a population of 3,667 and a happening downtown, Weaverville is worth a visit. Like many old California towns, Weaverville was established during the Gold Rush. Many of the structures built during that time remain intact.

Walking downtown is like stepping back in time. There are 25 historic structures in the Weaverville Historic District. Also downtown is the Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park where you’ll find “The Temple Of The Forest Beneath The Clouds.” This Taoist temple was built in 1874 and is considered Califorina’s best-preserved example of a Gold Rush-era Chinese place of worship.

This tiny Siskiyou County city is located between the Klamath Mountains and the Cascade Mountains in the lush, green area. Its population is less than 700 people. Despite its small size, Fort Jones is home to some big city-quality amenities.

Five Marys Burgerhouse is a well-loved restaurant operated by a local family, who also own a meat store in town where you can buy fresh from-the-farms cuts. The Gifted Horse Lounge is a great place to grab a coffee and explore the store’s eclectic selection of clothing, home items, and much more. There is so much beautiful nature nearby, so consider renting a VRBO or camping to extend your stay in this gorgeous area of the state.

This small town next to the Plumas National Forest is a place that’ll have you saying, “Should I move here?” The first thing you’ll notice about Quincy is the historic buildings and the variety of trees. The streets of this green town are lined with Douglas Firs, cedars, and Western Junipers.

When you arrive in Quincy, you’ll want to park somewhere and just explore the town. There are many restaurants, bars, art galleries, boutiques, and more!