While the big three of Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco get all the glory out west, California is loaded with small town, quirky charm up and down the diverse 1,264-mile coast. And hey, now that many of us are no longer commuting to work every day, these towns are becoming more desirable for full-time living and not just a weekend jaunt.
From towns that evoke a Gold Rush era feeling to seaside cliffs boasting world-class golf to a dessert oasis (and even a small-town nestled on an island that’s accessible only by boat or helicopter), you can have it all in the Golden State. Here are the most charming small towns in California—plus some vacation home suggestions to start planning your stay.