The 10 Most Beautiful Cities and Towns in Northern California
![](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/jason-tang-mctng9xh2le-unsplash-e1714484718447.webp)
Centered around the vibrant hub that is San Francisco, these cities and towns in Northern California provide some of the most spectacular vistas over the Pacific Ocean. Take a deep breath and enjoy.
1. Sausalito
Architectural Landmark
![Long Golden Sunset, Fort Baker Road, Sausalito, United States](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ben-harritt-bab_x9g7y2i-unsplash.webp)
2. Monterey
Architectural Landmark
![Bixby Creek Bridge, Monterey, United States](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ian-schneider-xjfhmpj0e-g-unsplash.webp)
Roughly 100mi (161km) south of San Francisco, Monterey is an easy getaway from the city. Home to whales, seals and sea otters, it has a stunning shore lined with 36 breathtaking parks, each of them perfect for hiking or a morning run along the ocean. If you’re more in the mood for sauntering through some woodland, you don’t need to venture too far inland in Monterey to hit the forest, either.
3. Tahoe City
Architectural Landmark
![Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, United States](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/amit-godase-t4zgnzuce_0-unsplash.webp)
Tahoe is an outdoor-lover’s paradise all year round. Situated right on the border between Nevada and California, it has activities for just about anyone. Whether it’s skiing in South Lake Tahoe during the winter, hiking Mount Tallac in the summer, or spending time on the sandy beaches around the 192sqmi (496sqkm) lake, there’s no shortage of breathtaking views from nearly any viewpoint.
4. Calistoga
Forest, Park
![Castello di Amorosa, Saint Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/gabriel-tovar-y-gmlasfg6i-unsplash.webp)
5. Santa Cruz
University
![Santa Cruz Boardwalk during sunset, California, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ryo-chiba-nim2u4ei2lw-unsplash.webp)
6. Half Moon Bay
Natural Feature
![Half Moon Bay, United States](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/simon-shim-ukkxmizrkzs-unsplash.webp)
Just 25mi (40km) south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay makes for an excellent day trip down the coast of California. There’s beautiful Pillar Point Harbor right in the center of town, where you can enjoy fresh fish and views by the water. Also, make sure you hike the forested hills nearby. One of the best views is from the Ritz-Carlton.
7. Bodega Bay
Natural Feature, Historical Landmark
![Bodega Bay, CA, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/simon-hurry-vzy__c9llda-unsplash.webp)
8. Fort Bragg
Architectural Landmark
![Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, California 1, Fort Bragg, CA, USA](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/mike-hsieh-v9v5yfn-e_e-unsplash.webp)
This California Historical Landmark was founded before the Civil War as a military garrison. Today, it’s popular with tourists thanks to the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the rugged beaches, sand dunes and coves. The town is small, stretching for just over 4mi (6km) along the coast, but well known for Glass Beach. It’s appropriately named for the abundance of sea glass – natural frosted glass. Don’t forget the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens either, cozied up right along the coastline.
9. Gualala
Architectural Landmark
![Gualala, United States](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/casey-horner-qpj5v9dpsva-unsplash.webp)
Situated in Mendocino County, Gualala lies three hours north of San Francisco. While many escape to this small town for the waterfront views and redwood trees, others opt to take in the impressive art and culture scene; Gualala Arts showcases local artists’ work, and offers music, theater and photography classes for adults and children.
10. Pacifica
Park
![Panoramic view in Pacifica, California.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/datingscout-fhnutw9h1wm-unsplash.webp)