Weird and Wonderful: California’s Most Eccentric Towns You Have to See

Try visiting one of these five most bizarre towns in California for your next vacation, whether you’re looking for some extremely surreal experiences or just want to unwind in a distinctively tranquil setting.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe, which is roughly 103 miles east of Sacramento and 72 miles southwest of Reno, Nevada, is well-known for its opulent casinos on the other side of the Nevada state line, but this California town is much more than just its flashy casinos.

For starters, this town serves as the anchor for Lake Tahoe’s southern shores, and Emerald Bay State Park, just a short drive to the west, is arguably the most beautiful stretch of shore in Tahoe.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from the overlook, hike to the Vikingsholm castle, or sail out to the secluded Fannette Island while you’re here.

Even more can be seen and done near the state line at Heavenly Resort, one of Tahoe’s top ski destinations that also provides summertime ziplining, rock climbing, tubing, and a mountain coaster.

Eureka

Despite being the biggest coastal city between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, Eureka still has the feel and appearance of a small, charming town with lots of old buildings and lush, green forests.

Speaking of forests, a visit to Eureka wouldn’t be complete without taking the Redwood Sky Walk, the longest sky walk in the Western United States. It is situated approximately 100 feet above the forest floor and is lined with mature, second-growth redwoods.

If you’re still up for an adventure, head back to town and try traveling back in time by visiting the Clarke Historical Museum, which is filled with fascinating artifacts from the illustrious past of Humboldt County and is housed in a beautifully preserved 1911 Victorian-style bank building.

To learn more about the rich cultural legacy of California’s North Coast, visit the Morris Graves Museum of Art.

Guerneville

The hip village of Guerneville demonstrates another aspect of wine country that forgoes the caviar and Champagne flutes in favor of inner tubes and hiking boots, even though Sonoma County is the epicenter of Northern California’s wine country.

Indeed, it is possible to trek through the lush, temperate rainforest at Armstrong Woods State Natural Reserve and explore the coastal redwoods that rise more than 200 feet above the ground.

However, if you’re looking for a more laid-back forest retreat, visit Johnson’s Beach in town to unwind on the shore and float on the Russian River.

Because Guerneville is located in the Russian River Valley wine region, you can either stay in town and enjoy some excellent wines for a worthy cause at Equality Vines or go out with a designated driver to sample some fantastic local wines at Porter-Bass Vineyard (available by appointment).

Mammoth Lakes

Where can you find a ghost town, craters filled with emerald-hued water, one of California’s most beautiful alpine lakes, and some of the state’s best ski slopes? Try the stunning resort town of Mammoth Lakes, which is located high in the Sierra Nevadas.

For those who prefer a more road trip, head north from town to Bodie State Historic Park, a historic mining town that was briefly prosperous during the gold rush of the 1870s but now serves as a chilling reminder of Mono County’s untamed past.

Turn south for a dramatic change of scenery and you’ll arrive at June Lake Beach, possibly California’s most picturesque freshwater beach, which is ideal for windsurfing, swimming, and paddling.

Once you’re back in town, make sure to visit the Inyo Craters, which were left behind by a natural explosion that happened about 600 years ago. The craters’ picturesque emerald pools are the result of melted snow and rainwater.

Capitola

About 77 miles south of San Francisco, Capitola is a distinctively colorful beach town that is truly remarkable. It is tucked away on the northern shores of Monterey Bay.

Capitola Beach is a good place to start because of the serene water, which makes it a good place for surfing lessons, boogie boarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also see the historic (as in, 100-year-old) Venetian-style cottages that now shine bright with their distinctive pastel colors.

A furnished beach cottage from 1907 and an early 20th-century bathhouse are just two of the many attractions at the Capitola Historical Museum, California’s oldest beach resort town.

Reserve a seat at Shadowbrook, a restaurant that has been serving excellent steaks, pastas, and seafood at a charming manor by Soquel Creek since 1947, for a filling and delicious throwback.

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