A Local’s Guide to California’s Mountain Towns

No trip to the Golden State is complete without exploring some of California’s mountain towns. From the towering Sierra Nevada mountain range dominating the state’s eastern border to the smaller peaks around Los Angeles and San Francisco, there are magical mountain towns tucked away in every corner of the state.

I’ve lived in California my whole life, and I’m a total mountain freak. I’ve spent tons of time exploring the state’s many mountain towns and going on the best hikes near them all. So I’ve created this guide to introduce you to the very best.

My 19 Favorite California Mountain Towns 

South Lake Tahoe

A popular resort town on the shores of the largest alpine lake in the nation.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Experience the largest alpine lake in North America with a trip to South Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe’s small downtown is quaint and cozy but it has all the amenities you’d expect from a small city. You will find a plethora of restaurants and cafes, breweries, tiny boutique stores, a museum, and tons of gear rental spots.

One of the most unique aspects of South Lake Tahoe is its proximity to the Nevada border. You can walk across the state border and find tons of high-end casinos, perfect for a night of adult fun. 

There’s no shortage of things to do here — it’s one of the adventure capitals of California, with hiking, boating, skiing, biking, and more practically at your doorstep. Top destinations near South Lake Tahoe include Emerald Bay State Park, Heavenly Village Ski Resort, and the many public beaches dotting Lake Tahoe’s shore.

Big Bear Lake

Go skiing down steep slopes in the winter or chill by a picturesque Southern California lake in the summer.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Where to Stay in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake is the perfect mountain escape. Disappear into the San Bernardino Mountains to spend a weekend in an A-frame cabin and forget about the smog and traffic of Los Angeles.

Big Bear Lake is one of the most developed mountain towns in Southern California, and one of my favorite towns in general. Watch the foliage transform into an autumn jubilee on a fall visit. Or hit the powdery white slopes of Big Bear Mountain Resort in the winter.

There are hundreds of trails to explore each day, and hiking is one of the best things to do in Big Bear, so don’t miss the opportunity. Of course, no vacation in Big Bear is complete without spending some time on the lake. Rent a boat or kayak for the perfect alpine lake excursion.

Mammoth Lakes

Soak in the Mammoth Lakes hot springs to relax your muscles after a long day of skiing.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Where to Stay in Mammoth Lakes

You’ll find lots of fun and outdoorsy things to do in Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Mountain Resort is one of the best California ski resorts and draws thousands of visitors in the winter.

Visiting the resort is fun, but I recommend a trip to Mammoth in the off-season if you want a quieter visit. Check out the hundreds of hiking trails and lakes in the area. Or go for a dip in the excellent Mammoth Lakes hot springs. 

Mammoth is a pretty small town, but there’s a good amount of restaurants, bars, and hotels to keep you comfortable. Mammoth is also a prime location for fishers. Stay at the Brown’s Owens River Campground for your next fishing vacation. 

Lone Pine

The gateway town to Mt. Whitney and other Eastern Sierra hikes.

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The gateway to the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, Lone Pine is the ideal place to use as a base for hiking and climbing. Lone Pine is about 3 ½ hours from Los Angeles and is one of many scenic towns along the 395 highway.

The Alabama Hills is the perfect place to camp in Lone Pine to save money. This BLM land is free for campers and is open to tents, vans, and RV camping. Watch the sun illuminate the desert landscape with its soft sunrise palette in the Alabama Hills recreation area.

Drive up to the Whitney Portal to hike the tallest mountain in the lower 48 states — Mt. Whitney. Most hikers go for the summit but there are scenic views every step of the way. I recommend hiking to the first Lone Pine Lake only about 3 miles in for an easy day trek. 

Lone Pine has also been the site of many old Western movies. Spend some time in the air-conditioned Museum of Western Film History if you need a place to cool off. 

Lake Arrowhead

Stay in a cozy cabin and take in the lake views in this relaxing small town.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Where to Stay in Lake Arrowhead

Lake Arrowhead is the most luxurious mountain town in SoCal. You’ll find upscale shops in Lake Arrowhead Village as well as elegant eateries.

Prefer something a little more casual? You can spend time at Lake Arrowhead Brewing Company, enjoy lake views and Mexican food at Papagayos, and listen to live music at the Lake Arrowhead Summer Concerts.

Or, sign up for an Arrowhead Queen Boat Tour to get out on the beautiful lake. These are among some of the best things to do in Lake Arrowhead.

Mount Shasta

A quirky spiritual town in Northern California with one of the highest mountains in the state.

📍 Google Maps | Website | Best Places to Stay in Mount Shasta

Some visitors are drawn to Mount Shasta because they hope to climb the 14,179-foot mountain. Others are drawn to the small town’s quietly powerful, mystical vibe. Either way, this small Northern California mountain town is one of my personal favorites.

Mount Shasta is the place to be for outdoorsy travelers. There are plenty of things to do here besides climbing one of the most technical mountains in California. Visitors can also explore nearby Lake Shasta, one of the largest reservoirs in the state with plenty of boating, swimming, and camping opportunities.

Shasta offers one-of-a-kind hipster cafes and vintage stores in the stylish downtown for those wanting a more urban experience. 

Mount Baldy

Home to famous hiking trails, black bears, and bighorn sheep.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Mount Baldy Village is a quaint mountain village that makes for an easy day trip from Los Angeles. There’s only one road leading in and out, so Mount Baldy still retains a small-town vibe.

There are only around 1,000 residents and one active restaurant in the village – Mount Baldy Lodge. The only other restaurant in the area is The Notch, which is at the top of the ski lift. You must either ride the lift or hike up a fire road to reach The Notch.

Mount Baldy receives the most traffic on the weekends. The Mount Baldy Mountain Trail (also known as Mount San Antonio) and Ice House Canyon trails are packed at this time. Visit during the week for a more remote experience.

Idyllwild

A hip mountain town hidden between the San Jacinto Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Idyllwild is one of the most secluded mountain towns tucked away in the San Jacinto Mountains. Be prepared for deer sightings and a fresh pine scent when you venture up the windy mountain road to visit this outdoor oasis.

You’ll definitely want to hike when you visit Idyllwild. The most popular hike in the area is Mount San Jacinto via Marion Mountain. The trail takes hikers up to the 10,834-foot peak in 5,400 feet of elevation gain. There are also hike-in camping options on the mountain and drive-up campsites.

After your hike, enjoy the charming amenities and fun activities in downtown Idyllwild. The small mountain town village has a brewery, vintage stores, cute boutique shops, a pizza restaurant, and various other eateries.

Murphys  

This former Gold Rush town is now an underrated hotspot for wine. 

📍 Google Maps | Website

Murphys is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, former Gold Rush country. The small town has an old Western charm, historic buildings, and lots of picturesque inns and B&Bs. Recently, it’s also become a hotspot for up-and-coming wineries offering superb wine tastings at a very decent price.  

Go spelunking in Mercer Caverns, a huge underground cave system just outside of the town. Murphys is also just down the road from Calaveras Big Trees State Park, a hidden gem where you can see huge groves of sequoia trees without the crowds of Sequoia National Park! 

Wrightwood

Enjoy off-grid backcountry camping in the San Gabriel Mountains.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Wrightwood is a tiny little mountain town with one grocery store and one gas station. It’s one of those towns where all the neighbors know each other and you are sure to make friends with the grocery clerk during your stay.

Wrightwood is famous for its Mountain High Ski Resort, so the village receives most of its visitors during the winter months.

But summer adventurers have some good options for things to do here. Experienced hikers take on Mount Baden-Powell, a 9-mile trek to 9,407 feet with stunning views of Mt. Baldy from the summit.

Less physically active visitors can enjoy an easier 3.7-mile stroll to the Big Horn Mine. Access to the abandoned mine entrance is open, so make sure you bring a flashlight to avoid any spooky scares.

👉 Pro Tip: Village Grind is my favorite cafe in Wrightwood. They recently expanded the inside to accommodate more tables. It’s the perfect place to study or work remotely.

Mariposa

One of the first towns ever established in early California.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Mariposa served as a Gold Rush town during its early days in 1850 and is a symbol of California’s history. Many buildings along the main drag are original and can be dated back to the town’s beginning.

There are no strip malls, boutiques, or stoplights in town, so it really resembles the Wild West. Visit one of the Mariposa museums to learn more about California history or go for a carriage ride. Oh, and don’t forget your cowboy hat!

Mariposa is also a gateway town to one of the best national parks in California, Yosemite National Park. The town now caters mostly to tourists and offers guests plenty of family-friendly activities year-round. 

Bishop

A mountain wonderland along the 395 highway.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Make a stop in Bishop on your road trip down the 395 highway. It’s a short distance from Death Valley National Park, Mount Whitney, Mammoth Lakes, and June Lake. Bishop is in the perfect location for the ultimate Eastern Sierra Nevada getaway.

Lake Sabrina is perhaps the most popular destination in Bishop and one of my favorite places to visit in California. Take pictures at the lake, fish, or stay at a nearby campsite for the best experience.

Stop by Erick Schat’s Bakery in town. It’s home to a European-style, locally famous bread. Rusty’s Saloon is another favorite establishment. Pop in for a quick drink after a long day on the trails or try your luck in a game of pool.

Truckee 

North Lake Tahoe’s largest town is more rugged and laid-back than its southern counterpart. 

📍 Google Maps | Website

Truckee is located on the north side of Lake Tahoe, about an hour’s drive from South Lake Tahoe. But where South Lake Tahoe draws tourists eager to stay in hotels with lakeside views, Truckee caters to a more rugged crowd. 

Truckee is located about a 30-minute drive from the lake. Downtown Truckee has a great selection of restaurants, wine cellars, and bars, many of which overlook the beautiful Truckee River. 

In the winter, Truckee is a prime location for access to famous ski resorts like Northstar, Sugar Bowl, and Tahoe Donner. In the summer, raft down the Truckee River, bike through forested trails, or head out for a hike. 

Julian

A charming old American town with freshly baked goods and memorabilia from the 1950s.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Julian is a historic landmark in San Diego County. This small borough has an old-town America feel and the aroma of freshly baked apple pies floods the streets. It’s one of the most popular San Diego day trips.

As with most of these mountain towns, there are plenty of hiking options. Three Sisters Falls is one of the best hiking trails in the area. This moderate, 4.1-mile hike takes you to the base of three waterfalls. It’s the best way to cool off during summer.

Be sure to check out the old diners in town, the most famous attraction in Julian. Many diners are decorated in antiques from the 1950s, with vintage Coca-Cola bottles, bubblegum machines, and soda fountains.

Ojai

This town has incredible locally sourced shops & restaurants.

📍 Google Maps | Website

The quirky little town of Ojai is one of the best towns for admiring gorgeous Spanish architecture, hiking in the Topatopa Mountains, and shopping for local goods.

There’s no shortage of small businesses in Ojai. The town prides itself on sourcing locally crafted gifts, food, and drinks. Corporate chains are banned in Ojai, and although you won’t find a Starbucks, you may discover your new favorite latte from a local cafe.

Poolside lounging is encouraged in this curious town. But antsy travelers can also venture into the surrounding Ojai hills to wander among the ocotillo and juniper.

Three Rivers

The gateway town to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Three Rivers is a sequoia paradise. It’s the gateway town to Sequoia National Park, where you’ll find the largest trees in the world. 

This town itself is quite small, but there’s a few things going for it. It’s home to one of the most remote breweries in California — Three Rivers Brewing Co. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes overlooking the picturesque Kaweah River, which runs through town. 

Outdoor recreation is rampant here. Besides visiting the sequoias, you can go hiking, kayaking, bird-watching, or fishing.

Bass Lake

A family-oriented resort lake close to the Yosemite entrance.

📍 Google Maps | Website

Bass Lake is most famous for, you guessed it, the lake! Families on their way to Yosemite National Park stop by this alpine destination with their boats and jet skis for an awesome watersport experience.

Enjoy beautiful sunsets over Bass Lake, rent a boat, or just go for a swim. There are also excellent fishing spots on the lake and fun hiking trails suited for all fitness levels.

👉 Pro Tip: Rent a house right on the lake for the best experience.

Grass Valley 

Check out the live music and local art in this quirky town in the northern Sierra Nevada foothills.  

📍 Google Maps | Website

Grass Valley is an eccentric little town in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Many skip over this charming location on the way to Lake Tahoe, but for those in the know, it’s a fan-favorite. 

Grass Valley and adjacent Nevada City are known as artsy, open-minded, hippie-infused Gold Rush towns. The main downtown area has quite a few restaurants, breweries, and live music venues to explore. 

You can also go hiking in the surrounding mountains. Or, head to the Yuba River in the summertime for a quick dip in some of Northern California’s best swimming holes. 

Sonora    

A small Gold Country town nestled in the foothills with a historic downtown, numerous community events, and a slower pace of life. 

📍 Google Maps | Website

Sonora is one of the largest Gold Country foothill towns, with amenities like a hospital, a Walmart, and schools. 

Still, the historic downtown retains a small-town charm. Local businesses line the streets and alleyways, a farmers market operates on weekends, and there’s often live music in the main park. 

Visitors can check out nearby Columbia State Historic Park, where you can learn Gold Rush history and actually pan for gold. 

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Now you’re ready for a road trip throughout the state’s best mountain towns. Prefer a taste of the coast? Up next, check out Laura’s guide to must-visit Northern California coastal towns.