15 Best Mountain Towns in California, According to a Local

Idyllwild

Set at 5,400 feet in Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild charms visitors with its art galleries, shops (pottery, glasswork, jewelry, and more), and walkable main street, North Circle Drive. Be sure to spend time beneath the cedar, pine, and fir trees here, either via the Idyllwild Nature Center or the Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, and stop in for a pie at Idyllwild Pizza Company or at Red Kettle for a diner breakfast.

Julian

It’s all about apples in Julian, a small town in San Diego County at just over 4,000 feet in elevation. Come for pick-your-own apple experiences, apple pie (Julian Pie Company is a top pick), and cider (try Julian Hard Cider). Harvest season is mid- to late August through early fall. Hikers should consider taking the Three Sisters Fall trail for pretty views, rock scrambling, and a seasonal waterfall.

Murphys

Foothill towns with lots of gold rush history are a dime a dozen in California. Murphys was one of those boom towns in the mid-1800s, but it’s better known for its wine scene today — there are more than a dozen tasting rooms to consider here, including the pretty Ironstone Vineyards. You might also use Murphys as a home base for exploring the nearby Calaveras Big Trees State Park and impressive cave systems like Moaning Caverns and Mercer Caverns.

Big Bear Lake

The approximately two-hour drive to Big Bear Lake from Los Angeles is part freeway and part serpentine mountain highway; I like leaving the smog in the valley below and breathing the fresh air up here. Big Bear Mountain Resort offers fun year-round (think: mountain tubing and zip lining in the summer, and seasonal snow sports). Rent a cabin that suits your group, then go kayaking or paddleboarding, or take a water sports class on the lake.

Alternatively, you can explore on land via an excursion with Big Bear Off-Road Experience. When you’re hungry, head to Tropicali (for excellent poke and rice bowls), Himalayan Restaurant (for Nepalese cuisine), Pickle’s Pie Shop (for freshly baked treats), and the newer Stella Luna (for any meal of the day).

Ojai

Bear with me here: Ojai may be just 745 feet above sea level, but it rests right at the base of the Topatopa Mountains, and the peaks are a quintessential part of the town’s identity. Lots of travelers come to witness a “pink moment” — when the already reddish mountains glow pink and orange, thanks to refracting light from the sun setting on the horizon of the Pacific Ocean (just 15 miles from town). Take a stroll in the Ojai Meadows Preserve for a natural respite.

Truckee

Not that long ago, I knew Truckee as that place near Lake Tahoe with good fly fishing. That remains true, but you don’t have to fish to enjoy the beauty of this (growing) mountain town with a population of about 17,000. Stroll the historic downtown for antiques, art, and more, all while the adjacent Truckee River provides a natural soundtrack. For peak and lake views, head to Donner Memorial State Park. In the winter, ski or snowboard at the nearby Palisades Tahoe and Northstar California Resort.

Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes is the most built-up town on this list, with Starbucks locations, a restaurant by the Voltaggio brothers, a seven-story Westin, and more. And yet the destination retains plenty of magic. It’s a ski lover’s paradise in the winter, with miles of epic terrain; visit in the summer or early fall to hike a few of its lakes (the five lakes within its bounds give it its name). No matter what time of year you come, a dip in a natural hot spring is crucial — ask a local for their favorite and head that way.

Oak Glen

Another California mountain town known for apples? Set in the San Bernardino Mountains (like Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead), Oak Glen is home to acres of apple orchards, bed-and-breakfasts, and a family fun park. Head to Los Rios Rancho for seasonal pick-your-own experiences and have a slice of pie at Apple Annie’s — giant and domed like a mountain itself, Apple Annie’s signature pie could feed a dozen diners.

Bishop

A high desert town at just over 4,000 feet, Bishop has an unbeatable backdrop in the Eastern Sierras, a veritable playground for outdoor adventurers. As such, Bishop is often used as a recreation hub. See what Muir himself loved about this region by trekking part or all of the stunning Bishop Pass Trail (about 11 miles out and back) or Little Lakes Valley Trail. Other must-sees include the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest and the boulder-filled and otherworldly landscape that is Alabama Hills, both within driving distance.

Grass Valley

Step back in time with a visit to this historic gold rush town, which you’ll find about one hour northeast of Sacramento. There’s more wine than gold to be found here today, but remnants of its mining history abound, from Empire Mine State Historic Park to the beautifully restored Holbrooke Hotel. Go wine tasting right in town or do your research and drive the Nevada County foothill roads to a few local wineries with pretty tasting rooms.

Wrightwood

The San Gabriel Mountains cross Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, and Wrightwood — at 6,200 feet in elevation and about 80 miles from L.A. — is a small mountain town Angelenos often choose for an easy snow day. Ski or snowboard at Mountain High Resort in the winter, visit Grizzly Cafe anytime of year for a hearty breakfast, and hunt for treasure at Alice’s Vintage Cottage.

Mount Shasta

At 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta is the fifth-tallest peak in the Golden State, and the eponymous town nine miles from it makes for a great mountain escape. Hike in pristine wilderness, go for a dip in Lake Siskiyou or Castle Lake, or get on a rushing river with a local outfitter. Caffeinate at Theory Coffee, and consider Summit Lofts if you’re staying overnight in town.

Bridgeport

Roughly a midpoint between the aforementioned Truckee and Bishop, Bridgeport is off the beaten California path for sure — it’s the Mono County seat and boasts a population of about 500 people. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of nearby Travertine Hot Springs and observe a decaying mining town at Bodie State Historic Park. This region is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the leaves of willow, cottonwood, and aspen trees change color.

Lake Arrowhead

Just about 80 miles from Los Angeles, Lake Arrowhead is yet another easy mountain getaway for residents of SoCal’s largest metropolis. There are lots of cabin rentals available, including many right on the lake. Wander Lake Arrowhead Village — Jetties is a top pick for waterfront dining and drinks — and if you’ve got kids with you, SkyPark at Santa’s Village is a blast year-round; there’s a seasonal roller/ice rink, zip lining, axe throwing, archery, and more at this mountain entertainment park.

Felton

Though it’s just about 20 minutes from seaside Santa Cruz, the town of Felton gives off strong mountain vibes. Once you arrive in the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains, stroll in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park or ride a historic train beneath the boughs of these stunning trees. Redwood Grove Loop Trail is another must-do excursion; after trekking, go wine tasting at Hallcrest Vineyards and explore the cute shops and eateries nearby.