The 5 most adorable small towns in Northern California

Sure, California big cities are buzzy. Big Sur is spectacular, and the Golden Gate Bridge is iconic. But, as WorldAtlas.com’s editors point out in a recent travel article, spending time in a region’s charming small towns can bring a different perspective.

The educational geography site recently ranked Northern California’s “most adorable” small towns, and we won’t quibble with a single pick. The collection takes in wine country hot spots — think St. Helena and Yountville — as well as coastal charmers such as Half Moon Bay and the Victorian village of Ferndale. And there are travel tips, too.

For Half Moon Bay, for example, the site suggests packing surfboards, hiking boots and an appetite, with a shoutout to chef Scott Clark — of pre-pandemic Saison fame — and his casual sandwich spot, Dad’s Luncheonette, and Jean-Paul Gulino’s Gulino Gelato. They also suggest hiking the Devil’s Slide Trail “nearby” — it’s actually 12 miles north in Pacifica. A decade ago, the formerly landslide-beleaguered stretch of highway was turned into a spectacular 1.3-mile hiking and biking trail.

Bay Area denizens will recognize every town on the list, with the possible exception of Sierra City. Built in 1850 and rebuilt after an avalanche in 1852, this tiny mountain town is a favorite stop for through-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Less arduous hiking trails abound, too, and the North Yuba River offers more recreational possibilities in season.

Here are the top five small towns that made the list. Find the full spread, complete with travel suggestions, at www.worldatlas.com/cities/.

Northern California’s 5 most adorable small towns

1 St. Helena

2 Half Moon Bay

3 Ferndale

4 Yountville

5 Sierra City