15 Finest Mountain Cities in California

Idyllwild

Set at 5,400 ft in Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild charms guests with its artwork galleries, retailers (pottery, glasswork, jewellery, and extra), and walkable essential road, North Circle Drive. Make sure you spend time beneath the cedar, pine, and fir timber right here, both by way of the Idyllwild Nature Heart or the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Path, and cease in for a pie at Idyllwild Pizza Firm or at Crimson Kettle for a diner breakfast.

Julian

It’s all about apples in Julian, a small city in San Diego County at simply over 4,000 ft in elevation. Come for pick-your-own apple experiences, apple pie (Julian Pie Firm is a high choose), and cider (attempt Julian Exhausting Cider). Harvest season is mid- to late August by means of early fall. Hikers ought to take into account taking the Three Sisters Fall path for fairly views, rock scrambling, and a seasonal waterfall.

Murphys

Foothill cities with a number of gold rush historical past are a dime a dozen in California. Murphys was a type of growth cities within the mid-1800s, nevertheless it’s higher recognized for its wine scene in the present day — there are greater than a dozen tasting rooms to think about right here, together with the gorgeous Ironstone Vineyards. You may additionally use Murphys as a house base for exploring the close by Calaveras Massive Timber State Park and spectacular cave techniques like Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns.

Massive Bear Lake

The roughly two-hour drive to Massive Bear Lake from Los Angeles is a component freeway and half serpentine mountain freeway; I like leaving the smog within the valley beneath and respiratory the contemporary air up right here. Massive Bear Mountain Resort presents enjoyable year-round (assume: mountain tubing and zip lining in the summertime, and seasonal snow sports activities). Lease a cabin that fits your group, then go kayaking or paddleboarding, or take a water sports activities class on the lake.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to discover on land by way of an tour with Massive Bear Off-Highway Expertise. If you’re hungry, head to Tropicali (for wonderful poke and rice bowls), Himalayan Restaurant (for Nepalese delicacies), Pickle’s Pie Store (for freshly baked treats), and the newer Stella Luna (for any meal of the day).

Ojai

Bear with me right here: Ojai could also be simply 745 ft above sea degree, nevertheless it rests proper on the base of the Topatopa Mountains, and the peaks are a quintessential a part of the city’s id. Plenty of vacationers come to witness a “pink second” — when the already reddish mountains glow pink and orange, because of refracting gentle from the solar setting on the horizon of the Pacific Ocean (simply 15 miles from city). Take a stroll within the Ojai Meadows Protect for a pure respite.

Truckee

Not that way back, I knew Truckee as that place close to Lake Tahoe with good fly fishing. That is still true, however you don’t need to fish to get pleasure from the fantastic thing about this (rising) mountain city with a inhabitants of about 17,000. Stroll the historic downtown for antiques, artwork, and extra, all whereas the adjoining Truckee River offers a pure soundtrack. For peak and lake views, head to Donner Memorial State Park. Within the winter, ski or snowboard on the close by Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is probably the most built-up city on this record, with Starbucks places, a restaurant by the Voltaggio brothers, a seven-story Westin, and extra. And but the vacation spot retains loads of magic. It’s a ski lover’s paradise within the winter, with miles of epic terrain; go to in the summertime or early fall to hike a number of of its lakes (the 5 lakes inside its bounds give it its identify). It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you come, a dip in a pure scorching spring is essential — ask a neighborhood for his or her favourite and head that method.

Oak Glen

One other California mountain city recognized for apples? Set within the San Bernardino Mountains (like Massive Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead), Oak Glen is dwelling to acres of apple orchards, bed-and-breakfasts, and a household enjoyable park. Head to Los Rios Rancho for seasonal pick-your-own experiences and have a slice of pie at Apple Annie’s — big and domed like a mountain itself, Apple Annie’s signature pie may feed a dozen diners.

Bishop

A excessive desert city at simply over 4,000 ft, Bishop has an unbeatable backdrop within the Jap Sierras, a veritable playground for outside adventurers. As such, Bishop is commonly used as a recreation hub. See what Muir himself liked about this area by trekking half or the entire gorgeous Bishop Go Path (about 11 miles out and again) or Little Lakes Valley Path. Different must-sees embrace the Historical Bristlecone Pine Forest and the boulder-filled and otherworldly panorama that’s Alabama Hills, each inside driving distance.

Grass Valley

Step again in time with a go to to this historic gold rush city, which you’ll discover about one hour northeast of Sacramento. There’s extra wine than gold to be discovered right here in the present day, however remnants of its mining historical past abound, from Empire Mine State Historic Park to the fantastically restored Holbrooke Resort. Go wine tasting proper on the town or do your analysis and drive the Nevada County foothill roads to some native wineries with fairly tasting rooms.

Wrightwood

The San Gabriel Mountains cross Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and Wrightwood — at 6,200 ft in elevation and about 80 miles from L.A. — is a small mountain city Angelenos typically select for a straightforward snow day. Ski or snowboard at Mountain Excessive Resort within the winter, go to Grizzly Cafe anytime of 12 months for a hearty breakfast, and hunt for treasure at Alice’s Classic Cottage.

Mount Shasta

At 14,179 ft, Mount Shasta is the fifth-tallest peak within the Golden State, and the eponymous city 9 miles from it makes for an amazing mountain escape. Hike in pristine wilderness, go for a dip in Lake Siskiyou or Fort Lake, or get on a speeding river with a native clothing store. Caffeinate at Principle Espresso, and take into account Summit Lofts if you happen to’re staying in a single day on the town.

Bridgeport

Roughly a midpoint between the aforementioned Truckee and Bishop, Bridgeport is off the overwhelmed California path for positive — it’s the Mono County seat and boasts a inhabitants of about 500 individuals. Soak within the mineral-rich waters of close by Travertine Scorching Springs and observe a decaying mining city at Bodie State Historic Park. This area is especially lovely within the fall, when the leaves of willow, cottonwood, and aspen timber change shade.

Lake Arrowhead

Nearly 80 miles from Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is yet one more simple mountain getaway for residents of SoCal’s largest metropolis. There are many cabin leases accessible, together with many proper on the lake. Wander Lake Arrowhead Village — Jetties is a high choose for waterfront eating and drinks — and if you happen to’ve received children with you, SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a blast year-round; there’s a seasonal curler/ice rink, zip lining, axe throwing, archery, and extra at this mountain leisure park.

Felton

Although it’s nearly 20 minutes from seaside Santa Cruz, the city of Felton provides off robust mountain vibes. When you arrive within the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, stroll in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or experience a historic prepare beneath the boughs of those gorgeous timber. Redwood Grove Loop Path is one other must-do tour; after trekking, go wine tasting at Hallcrest Vineyards and discover the lovable retailers and eateries close by.