California is replete with beautiful places—think Palm Springs, Beverly Hills, and Laguna Beach. But when you have a sliver of time and only a handful of touristy towns pop into mind, see what some of the most eclectic towns can do for your next memorable getaway in the Golden State. From a guarded community of artists, fishermen, and surfers to a popular island escape, each keeps it real. La Jolla is an intriguing town to visit if you enjoy the Carmel-by-the-Sea vibe.
Guaranteeing the small-town charm and experiences you are after, dive into the local lifestyle to discover something offbeat like a local folk language. Culver City keeps its entertainment legacy close to heart while moving at light speed with innovations. Enjoy a romantic beachside picnic and camping by the shore in Two Harbors, where you can walk among bison on the wild side of the beautiful Santa Catalina Island. Set out on an adventure to the most eccentric towns in California.
Bolinas
The village of Bolinas on the Pacific coast in California.
Obscure doesn’t even begin to cover this hippie community’s remote feel. Just 30 miles northwest of San Francisco, on the Pacific coast, the journey often takes a good hour via the winding roads around Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It’s the kind of NorCal town that most people overlook, and the locals intentionally and repeatedly remove road signs, warning off visitors from the pristine beaches, a thriving organic farming scene, and a laid-back atmosphere. Bolinas has an indiscernible pull on the curious—plus the scenic drive along eucalyptus groves, letting the heavenly scent blast through your rolled-down windows. Turn down the music as you enter the village that values its peace and serenity.
The picturesquely shabby surf and fishing homes over Bolinas Lagoon frame your adventures, like kayaking in the calm waters of the lagoon. Bolinas Beach is great to watch the surfers on a stroll along the silky sands, where you can practice stand-up paddleboarding or surfing. Across town, Agate Beach County Park offers two miles of shoreline, with wildflowers and tide pools filled with fish. Pack a picnic from the local health food market for a hike to a hilltop overlook. You can also hike to the nearby Point Reyes National Seashore. Learn more about the area at the Bolinas Museum, and maybe a secret to befriend this secluded artist community, a lifetime reward.
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Boonville
Shops in Boonville, California. Image credit Henry Zbyszynski – Flickr, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Home to an eclectic mix of some 1,000 residents, this NorCal town in the picturesque Anderson Valley showcases a fascinating cultural dynamic. Among longtime residents and new wine industry arrivals, Boonville is a retirement destination, thanks to its robust healthcare and temperate climate year-round. Tourists enjoy a reinvigorating escape in Mendocino County, some 65 miles north of Santa Rosa and 160 miles northwest of Sacramento. Calming yet offbeat, Boonville enchants you with its quirky vibe, scenic rural lifestyle, and an expensive taste in drinks. It is a fun change in pace from the city, just an hour from the coast, in the valleys and forests of California. The burgeoning wine scene encompasses many vineyards and tasting rooms accentuating Pinot Noir and Alsace varietals.
Seek shade on a picnic at Anderson Valley Wildlife Reserve with birdwatching trails. Right in town, the picturesque Pennyroyal Farm is next to Anderson Valley Brewing Co., a vibrant brewery and taproom crafting beers with picnic areas and tours. Indulge in local cuisine and hospitality at the Boonville Hotel, a modern roadhouse showcase of the thriving valley’s farm-to-table cuisine. From local festivals and cultural events to art galleries and music venues, stop by the Anderson Valley Historical Museum to learn about “Boontling,” in time for the annual Boonville Beer Festival to hear this local dialect come out.
Crockett
Reflections of the Carquinez Bridge at sunrise.
Overlooking San Pablo Bay and the Carquinez Strait, Crockett is a great day trip some 62 miles southwest of Sacramento. This one-of-a-kind Bay Area town boasts a historic downtown and mild weather with plenty of ways to soak up the sun year-round along the coast and through the hills of Northern California. Embark on a 2.4-mile hiking loop near the John Muir house, a historical site, with scenic mountain views. Crockett Historical Museum showcases artifacts from the early 20th century in the area. Just east, Eckley Pier is popular for fishing with access to Garden City Wreckage. Or head to Crockett Hills Regional Park, with picnicking and multiuse trails along grassy fields and ravines of a former ranchland.
Its recent burst in population to 3,654 today tells of an ideal spot for the outdoorsy tied with a homegrown vibe. Many enjoy the wildlife trails for hiking and biking through Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, plus fishing along the picturesque strait. Known for C&H Factory next to the Carquinez Bridge (Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge), the out-of-staters enjoy access to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, 11 minutes north, and 16 minutes south to the pastoral 6,255-acre Briones Regional Park over rolling hills with scenic trails, wildlife, and campgrounds. After admiring the Alfred Zampa Memorial Bridge, stop next door at the Dead Fish, a swanky seafood eatery. You can stroll along the coastal train track through the overgrown Alfred Zampa Trail to Vista Point at sunset, when the city lights take the main stage.
Culver City
Entrance to the Sony Pictures Entertainment complex in Culver City, California. Image credit CLS Digital Arts via Shutterstock
Mirroring LA’s old Hollywood vibe, innovation, and trendy neighborhoods, Culver City is like a condensed version wrapped in small-town charm. Its proximity to downtown Los Angeles and adjacent to Beverly Hills appeals to out-of-state visitors. Originally inhabited by the Tongva (Gabrielino) Indians, the Spanish settled the area in the late 18th century upon dividing it into land grants. Formed in 1914 from parts of Rancho La Ballona and Rincón de Los Bueyes, the honorary Harry H. Culver cast a line in the LA area “waters” by promoting the city as a site for motion-picture production. The first catch was grand: Thomas Ince moved his studios, while his lucky hand prompted others to follow, like the iconic Goldwyn Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).
The city’s cultural life expanded to the Rollerdrome skate park (Tellefson Park), horse tracks, and auto racing. Turning to a more serious petroleum and technology industry after these closed, the legacy persists through tourism: packing LA’s film history and modern tech industry into a walkable urban center is an attraction in itself. At only some 5.1 square miles, Culver City is home to Sony Pictures Studios since the 1990s, operating on the former MGM lot, a community college founded in 1969, and emerging tech companies. Strolling along the revitalized downtown area, see what catches your eyes between the restaurants and galleries. From Robert Frost Auditorium to Culver City Stairs, the nearby Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area boasts a Japanese garden, a workout course, and scenic trails.
La Jolla
Torrey Pines State Reserve beach in La Jolla, California. Image credit Debbie Ann Powell via Shutterstock
La Jolla’s beauty and style inspired artists and world travelers for decades with easy access in San Diego County. A pretty name comes with a cute face and an angelic soul in a picturesque frame of a rugged coast to explore under SoCal sunrays along the crashing waves, a hop from charming villages filled with galleries, shops, and cafes along the Pacific coast. The Village of La Jolla is surrounded by La Jolla Shores to the north and La Jolla Alta to the south. Although infused with an upscale feel, this smart seaside area offers many free experiences in the outdoors, like the sprawling Kate Sessions Memorial Park, perfect to play with your pet or catch up over a picnic along the grassy recreation area with sweeping hillside views, sports fields, and a playground.
Afterwards, experience its hospitality with an award-winning culinary scene that tastes like casual luxury and a number of signature seaside hotels perfect for a romantic escape, like the revamped, historic La Valencia, aka “The Pink Lady.” The adventurous couples can soak up the bliss on a stroll along seven breathtaking miles of SoCal coastline, guaranteeing dramatic views and pockets of intimacy. From surfing in the cove to the rugged terrain of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, its trails wind past pine trees and sandstone canyons. La Jolla Underwater Park is one of the world’s best snorkeling spots. Families enjoy tidepooling among seals and sea lions at Children’s Pool Beach. Birch Aquarium is minutes north with interactive tide pools and exhibits of all things under the sea.
San Juan Capistrano
The lovely mission at San Juan Capistrano, California.
This larger town in coastal Orange County has an uncanny ability to transport you into the past. Dating back to the 18th century, San Juan Capistrano boasts one of the state’s most well-preserved Spanish missions, established by Junipero Serra in 1776 that served to convert the Indigenous Acjachemen people to Christianity. These vulnerable native communities, left helpless from disease and scarcity of resources, had no choice but to oblige.
As a stop on Amtrak’s Surfliner, it is easy to get here for a weekend getaway, where you can stay at the gorgeous 125-room Inn at the Mission, Marriott’s Autograph Collection, designed hacienda-style, and snag a bottle of their handcrafted olive oil. After a shakshuka, an egg dish for breakfast, or an eggplant toast at Mayfield, tag along on an engaging guided tour. The missionaries’ quarters, called padres, retain dozens of fascinating historic artifacts, while kiichas are traditional dome-shaped dwellings made with willow branches of the Acjachemen people. Rancho Capistrano Winery promises a relaxing evening over some terrific reds to share your impressions on the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano, a testament to its Spanish colonial roots in one of the Golden State’s most casual towns.
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Two Harbors
Sailboats at Two Harbors on Santa Catalina Island. Image credit Larisa Grib via Shutterstock
West of center on an isthmus along beautiful Santa Catalina Island, Two Harbors is reachable by a high-speed boat, a one-hour ferry, or a helicopter. Like an odd brother to the world-famous port town of Avalon, on the island’s easternmost edge, there’s undeniable charm to this rustic town of 298 locals tucked into Cat Harbor, a State Marine Conservation Area, where bison roam free on the wild side along the seaside bluffs. Take the reinvigorating Cat Harbor Overlook Trail in the morning, since there’s no shade, to the rewarding views of the magnificent turquoise harbor. To the north, the top-rated Camp Cherry Valley offers views of the cobalt blue waters in the cove with white boats in the marina and access to kayaking and snorkeling in paradisiacal scenery.
Comfort creatures enjoy the craftsman style of Banning House Lodge just south of Harbor Reef Restaurant & Bar, serving surf-n-turf, plus brews on a patio over harbor views next to the visitor center. Before embarking on a 6-mile one-way trek west to a remote beach, stop for picnic provisions at Two Harbors General Store, which also sells camping gear. You will be soaking up the coastline views along the way and have a luxurious spread of gourmet cheeses to enjoy at the pebbled Frankie’s Beach. From ziplining to kayaking the calm waters, the remote vibe, void of tourists, is perfect to pick up a new skill like stand-up paddleboarding or scuba diving with rentals from Two Harbors Dive Shop.
While larger cities and more popular destinations may have lost the intrigue in a whirlwind of tourism, these seven preserve a sense of authenticity and charm that you can only comprehend on a local level. Whether it’s the unique history and peculiar architecture of San Juan Capistrano or the extraordinary coastline, each offers something you won’t forget.
Boonville boasts a quirky cultural dynamic in a rich wine country, while Crockett’s one-of-a-kind attractions are framed with ideal geography. Showcasing California’s rich history and diverse landscapes, these lesser-known places let you dive deep into the region’s treasures, indulging along the way and bonding over truly memorable experiences.
A California man was charged Tuesday after authorities say he brought an explosive device and other weapons through a security checkpoint at Sacramento International Airport.
Kimani Osayande Jones, who also uses the last name Jackson,attempted to bring an improvised explosive device, a knife and other bladed weapons, a torch lighter and zip ties through a TSA security checkpoint on May 30, according to court documents filed Tuesday in the Eastern District of California.
Officials believe Jones, 49, repeatedly called the FBI tip line to report he was being threatened and intimidated in the months leading up to the incident.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office bomb technicians safely removed the explosive device and tested its powder and fuse, both of which were determined to be “viable and energetic,”officials say.
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Investigators said the device had the potential to damage an aircraft and cause a loss of cabin pressure.
Jones’ other luggage, which had already been through security and loaded onto an American Airlines flight to Charlotte, North Carolina, was hand-searched and examined by a canine unit upon arrival, and investigators said nothing “illegal or concerning” was found.
Jones has been chargedin federal courtwith unlawful possession of explosive material at an airport. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
His attorney, Meghan McLoughlin, told CNN in a statement: “There is often more to these cases than the government’s allegations, and that the criminal process will reveal Mr. Jones’ story as well.”
Multiple cell phones and repeated FBI tip line calls
The Sacramento resident went through security on May 30 wearing a face covering and blue latex gloves, court documents say.
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When officers found the explosive device and other items in Jones’ carry-on bag, he told them he was unaware the items were in his possession and said “he would be okay with just discarding them.”When authorities informed him that explosive material could not simply be thrown away, he denied ownership of the backpack.
Jones also had five mobile phones in his possession. The cameras on each phone had been covered with painter’s tape, which authorities believe was intended to prevent his surroundings from being recorded.
One phone contained a 15-minute timer ready to start and another had a message from an unknown number on the screen stating, “we will be awaiting your call,” according to court documents.
An individual police believe to be Jones made approximately 13 calls to the FBI tip line leading up to the incident,beginning in March.
On May 24, the caller reported being followed to and from a doctor’s appointment and described what he said were threats and intimidation by another individual.
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He said he was “being coerced in sleep to say certain phrases through digital media” and described “hearing sounds coming through walls, window panes, or even outside, attributing the outside sounds to drones,” court documents say. The call was ultimately terminated because of its “nonsensical nature.”
On the day of the incident, the same caller again contacted the FBI tip line, alleging that several individuals were threatening him throughout the past year through “cyber means.” He also referenced exercising his Second Amendment rights while denying any intention to harm others.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office also noted it had prior contact with Jones, “wherein he had a history of being paranoid.”
Hilton, Becerra lead California governor primary results
Vote counting continued after California’s primary election for governor with just over half of the results in.
Although results from California’s primary election began rolling in on Tuesday, June 2, it could take days or even weeks before the final counts are certified.
“This is normal … We have a process that by law ensures both voting rights and the integrity of elections, so I would call on all Californians to be patient,” Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber said in a June 2 news release.
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The Golden State’s lengthy vote-counting process has “become a national narrative about California elections,” according to Thad Kousser, a professor of political science at the University of California, San Diego.
“In California, it takes a long time to certify votes, to verify the signatures, to then count the ballots; all of that process takes a while,” Kousser said in an interview last week. “It may take a while for us to learn who the top candidates who emerge are.”
Here are some factors behind California’s lengthy vote-counting process.
Mail-in ballots come with added verification step
With each mail-in ballot cast, elections officials must compare the signature on a returned vote-by-mail envelope to the voter’s signature on their voter registration card. Various factors go into determining whether the signatures match, including the slant of the signature, whether it is printed or written in cursive, and the size, proportions, or scale.
Vote-by-mail ballots were Californians’ preferred voting method in both the 2024 primary and general elections, with drop-off locations — such as ballot drop boxes and voting centers — the most popular way to return mail-in ballots.
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During California’s 2024 primary, more than 7.7 million votes were cast statewide, and 90 percent of those were mail-in ballots. This means election officials had to verify the signatures on more than 6.8 million ballots before they could be counted. For the November 2024 general election, 80% of cast ballots, or about 13 million, were vote-by-mail.
Reviewing conditional voter and provisional ballots
California also allows for same-day voter registration, also known as conditional voter registration. Voters who need to register, or re-register, within 14 days of an election can do so at their county elections office, polling place, or vote center. These ballots will be processed and counted after the county elections office has completed the voter registration process.
In addition to conditional voter ballots, there are provisional ballots that must be verified before they are counted. Voters cast provisional ballots for a wide array of reasons, including if their name does not appear at a polling place or if they’ve made a mistake on their ballot. After a voter casts a provisional ballot, it will not be counted until election officials have confirmed that the voter is registered to vote in that county and has not already voted in that election.
Vote-by-mail ballots can be sent on Election Day
Though state officials recommend voters mail their ballots sooner rather than later, state law allows vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted if they arrive within a specified window afterward, thereby extending the tallying process.
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For the primary, ballots needed to be postmarked on or before June 2 and received by county elections office no later than June 10.
California is, well, big
California is the most populous state in the nation. And, as of May 18, a record total of 23,155,447 Californians were registered to vote.
While not all registered voters are expected to have voted, county election officials estimate that more than 5 million ballots were cast statewide.
When to expect final results
Under state law, county elections officials are required to report the results for most ballots by June 15, or 13 days after the election, according to Weber. However, some ballots can take counties up to 30 days to count every ballot and then conduct a post-election audit.
State law requires county elections officials to report final official results to state officials July 3. State officials then have until July 10 to certify the results of the election.
California’s crowded, protracted gubernatorial primary is going to take a little more time to settle.
The race remained too early to call Wednesday morning with 50% of the expected vote counted, according to NBC News’ Decision Desk. Three main candidates — former Fox News host Steve Hilton, a Republican, and two Democrats, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire activist Tom Steyer — are competing for two spots in the general election, with the candidate in fourth place, Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, running well behind.
Hilton had 27% support in the all-party primary with about half of votes still left to count, while Becerra had 26% and Steyer had 20%. Bianco was the only other candidate in double digits, at 11%.
In California, all candidates run on the same primary ballot in the primary and the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, move on to the general election.
It’s difficult to say when it will be clear which two candidates advance to the November general election, however, due to the state’s protracted vote counting.
And with millions of ballots left to count, other key races in California remain uncalled as well, including the second runoff spot to face Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass one on one in November, several House races that could help determine the majority next year, and more.
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In the governor’s race, all three candidates rallied supporters around the state as the evening drew on.
“We’re not there yet, but it’s looking good,” Hilton told allies. “It looks very much as if Californians really will have the chance to vote for change in November and take our state in a new direction, a fresh start for our state, which is long overdue.”
But while Hilton was narrowly in first place when he spoke, Democratic candidates were capturing the majority of the votes.
Becerra looked back at his own “underdog story,” from his immigrant relatives to his bid for governor, which took some time to catch fire.
“Almost immediately, he’s counted out, an afterthought, overlooked by many, outspent by a ton, even called along the way to drop out and save us the trouble,” Becerra recounted to his supporters. “Well, guess what? The underdog stayed in the fight. Like my parents, I never gave up.”
Steyer struck a hopeful note in his election night speech despite a deficit in the vote count.
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“It might take some time to figure out where this is going, we’re going to wait till every ballot is counted, we’re going to give democracy a time to work, and we know we finished really strong,” Steyer said.
Major battleground districts
GOP Rep. David Valadao’s district has been one of Democrats’ top targets for years, but two Democrats are locked in a close race for the second spot in the November general election against the incumbent.
School board member Randy Villegas, who won support from national progressives, has a slight lead over state legislator Jasmeet Bains, 30% to 26%, with less than half of the expected vote tallied in the 22nd District. Valadao is comfortably in first place.
And in Northern California’s 6th District, Rep. Kevin Kiley — who was elected as a Republican and switched to become an independent this election cycle, as he runs in another newly redrawn district — is bunched up in a tight race that includes Democrat Richard Pan, a former state legislator, and Republican Michael Stansfield. Currently, Stansfield is running ahead of Pan; they spent much of Tuesday night and Wednesday morning trading the lead, which could have significant general election implications.
Meanwhile, outside California, Democrats think they might be able to challenge for one of Montana’s red-tinted congressional districts this fall, after Rep. Ryan Zinke decided to retire. But less than 2 percentage points separate Democrats Sam Forstag and Ryan Busse with more than 85% of the expected vote tallied in their primary in Montana’s 1st District.
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Read more about Tuesday’s House primaries here.
A safe seat battle to watch
Plenty of other House districts in California — and a few elsewhere — still have unsettled primaries, but one attracted particular attention due to how nasty the campaign got.
In Southern California, where two Republican incumbents are facing off in one district due to redistricting, Rep. Ken Calvert has advanced to the general election, but Rep. Young Kim is still battling for the second spot. She leads Democrat Esther Kim-Varet in the race for second, 22% to 16%, with about half of the vote in.
Who will face Bass in Los Angeles?
While Bass is projected to advance to a November runoff in Los Angeles, it’s not yet clear whether she’ll face Republican Spencer Pratt or Democrat Nithya Raman.
Bass has about 37% of the vote to 29% for Pratt and 21% for Raman so far, with approximately half of the expected vote tallied.
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Speaking to supporters on election night, Raman, a member of the Los Angeles City Council, said that “tonight may not give us a final answer on this race.”
“Many thousands of votes will be counted in the days ahead, and we may not get an answer we like, but regardless of what happens next, nobody, nobody can take away what all of us have built together,” she continued.
Pratt, meanwhile, was looking ahead to a potential matchup with Bass when he spoke to reporters.
“Now I have five months to get deep into every community that hasn’t heard my message to make them safe,” said Pratt, a former reality TV star. “So I’m actually very excited, because I felt very rushed. It’s a big city, and I was not able to talk to as many people as I look forward to talking to.”
Bass also projected optimism, telling her backers, “We got a lot more to go, but so far it’s looking good.”
