Northern California is so much more than San Francisco and Lake Tahoe. The northern part of the state has many small cities, towns, and unincorporated areas. Many of these areas are unknown and unexplored, even for many big-city locals. The varying terrain of NorCal means some of these tiny towns are in the mountains while others are near the ocean, but all are rural. Whether you are well-aware of these small towns and cities or not, they are always worth a visit. Check out the list below to read about some of the tiniest towns in Northern California that are always worth visiting.
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This tiny town looks like something straight out of a Hallmark movie, especially at Christmastime. Located northeast of Sacramento, the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk down the main street lined with Victorian era buildings that are now shops and restaurants. Despite being a small town, there is a lot to do in Nevada City.
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In this tiny town you’ll find some great home goods shops, several inns, and restaurants. The overall population is just several hundred people. Amador City itself is the smallest town by area in California. This town is located in the Gold Rush area of California, so expect to see some historical landmarks in town and nearby. Amador City is also located in a wine-producing region, so places offering wine tasting are plentiful.
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Despite this small city being right off of Highway 101, Willits has a distinctly small-town feel. Shrouded by towering trees, Willits has approximately 5,000 residents and a quaint downtown. This is a great place to stop and explore on your way to Avenue of the Giants. Explore the downtown shops and visit one of the museums in town.
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Driving north toward Point Reyes from San Francisco, you’ll pass through this tiny town. The main part of the town is at a four-way stop. There are several beautiful inns, a church, and one restaurant. Down the road is a campground. Various private properties near Olema offer retreats and horseback riding, which you can arrange in advance.
There are so many fun tiny towns in Northern California. What is your favorite tiny town in Northern California? Share your pick in the comments below.
Address: Olema, CA 94956, USA
Address: McCloud, CA 96057, USA
Address: Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
Address: Amador City, CA, USA
Address: Georgetown, CA 95634, USA
Address: Ferndale, CA 95536, USA
Address: Willits, CA 95490, USA
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