This California beach town will make you swoon with its beautiful architecture, pristine beaches, friendly residents, and temperate weather. The population of Carmel-by-the-Sea is less than 4,000 people, so the community—largely comprised of artists and art enthusiasts—really feels like one big family. This small California town offers a taste of the good life, with heaps of mouth-watering produce at the farmers’ market and wine tastings at every turn. Many websites simply list ratings and rankings of the best school districts in Florida. And we made a great decision. Browse tours and activities in Healdsburg! The Beaumont Unified School District is also ranked above average, with the city being the 35th (out of 704) most diverse in all of California’s school districts and the 48th best school district for athletes. … Look up in awe at the stunning homes built into the surrounding hillsides. This is a mellow place, perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and, of course, hitting the beach. At TripAdvisor, we use the wisdom of our traveler community to help you unleash the full potential of every trip. The Danish influence is unmistakable in the lovely community of Solvang, with its windmills and European-style architecture. Bike and kayak rentals available. In smaller towns and villages, there’s often a broad choice of rentals, giving you lots of options and often at a wallet-friendly price. ... Best Small Towns Places (32) Most Dangerous Cities (50) Families (49) Our list of California’s charming small towns, each with their own personality, is here to inspire your next getaway to the Golden State. There are some grand ‘painted ladies’ here, many lining the Main Street. Close proximity to Los Angeles, a pleasant year-round climate, affordable housing, and plenty of young families—these are among the reasons why Beaumont is one of the, Active families who enjoy hiking and biking especially love Beaumont’s mountainous landscapes, which offer great opportunities to spend time outdoors. If you feel like Riverside County is calling, check out this charming town and decide whether you like what you see. This is prime Californian wine territory, so book your wine tastings and tours in advance. You can’t go wrong with the cuisine and cocktails at the Barrel House Tavern. At October’s Solvang Stomp you can get involved with some grape squishing and general festivities. Our suggestions on where to go, what to do, and how to experience the world are backed by strong traveler reviews and opinions. Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a Pottery Barn catalog. The community is composed of retirees and young families, making the area a pleasant place to live. Myrtle Beach, SC A little further afield, take time to enjoy the Lost Coast’s peaceful Centerville Beach or feel minuscule under the trees in Redwoods National and State Parks. You understand that your consent is not a condition of purchase. Living in Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a Pottery Barn catalog. Home - Find Your Perfect Place - The 5 Best Places to Raise a Family in Florida. But some cities are more family-friendly than others. With a Greatschools rating of 10 on NerdWallet, Seal Beach, California is not just one of the best, but one of the cheaper choices for families in Southern California.With top company Boeing calling Seal Beach home, it has one of the lowest housing values in California. Towering redwoods and disused mines, sun-soaked beaches and award-winning wines. Discover the best of California. There’s lots to do: boating and fishing on Lake Casitas, seeing the scenery by e-bike, rock-climbing, and wine tasting. Grab your tamales from Reynaldo’s Bakery then hit the picnic area at Carpinteria State Beach. Huntington Beach ranked ninth and is the only other city in California to crack the top 10. We enjoyed the day and would highly recommend this tour to anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of driving to enjoy the beaches.” — TripAdvisor Review of the Best Beaches in Orange County Tour. Temecula is not the best town in SoCal, but you'd be hard pressed to find a better family town in your price range. As one of the. This is a family-friendly place and, as you might imagine, absolutely delightful at Christmas time. The Greater Sacramento region features numerous bike trails, hiking routes, and rivers, while the downtown area boasts restaurants, shops, and other recreational spots. Travelers rave about Healdsburg Plaza, the town square complete with boutique shops, restaurants, and grassy areas to relax. Kick off your Temecula trip with this food and walking tour, visit some vineyards, or even see them from above on this hot air balloon ride. San Marino ranks fifth (out of 816) in the best public school districts in California. You also agree to the Terms and Conditions and our use of your information as set forth in our Privacy Policy. We respect your privacy and promise to never sell or share your personal information with third parties. Solana Beach is easily among the most underrated small towns in California. Ring’s Pharmacy is the oldest continually operating pharmacy in California and dates from 1894. Almost all their chocolate is vegan/non-dairy, including the white chocolate (my favorite). Attention wine lovers: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three different wineries. As one of the best small towns in California to raise a family, San Marino ranks fifth (out of 816) in the best public school districts in California. At $286,400, Seal Beach also … This list is different because it’s not just a simple list of the best school districts. The Beaumont Unified School District is also ranked above average, with the city being the 35, (out of 704) most diverse in all of California’s school districts and the 48, best school district for athletes. Browse tours and activities in Sausalito! Located about six miles northeast of downtown Fresno, Clovis is a small, quiet town and a safe place to raise a family in California. Just a few miles away, you can take a steam train ride through the Santa Cruz redwood forests. In true Californian style, the town has artsy leanings, so take a bit of time to browse its many galleries. Whether it’s a brisk walk you want, or a casual stroll with friends or just a place to chill, meditate and people-watch. Check your inbox soon for the latest from California.com. Whether by driving or by boat, get into Sausalito. Thank you for reading, and stay safe. By raising your family in Sacramento, you get the best of both worlds: You can live in a vibrant city while also being only a short drive away from the mountains and the ocean. As one of the best small towns for families in California, Carmel boasts many restaurants, coffee shops, and parks all around town. Quaint Californian Towns You Should Know About Old mining towns, surfing idylls, artistic hubs, mountain hiking bases…the following small towns in California … As one of the best places to live for young families, this laid-back, tight-knit beach town offers one-of-a-kind finds and endless coastal adventures. If undulating hills, great schools, and a friendly community are on your list of requirements for. Choosing the ideal place to raise a family is one of the most crucial life decisions you have to make. By clicking subscribe, you are verifying this is your information and in response to your request, you consent to receive communications (email, telephone, or text) including via automated technology and/or prerecorded calls or messages to the number provided. Active families who enjoy hiking and biking especially love Beaumont’s mountainous landscapes, which offer great opportunities to spend time outdoors. Check out our Palm Springs neighborhood guide to learn more about this …, Whether you want to live by the coast or amongst the redwoods, you can find what you're looking for—within your …. Capitola Beach is the main event, bordered with quaint, colorful buildings. In town, enjoy the handsome architecture and boutique shopping of Main Street. Nestled among the rolling hills of the East Bay Area, San Ramon is one of the best small towns to raise a family. Making dinner plans? If you said you had 600K+ for a home, your options would be much different. Don’t miss the bakeries piled with traditional Danish pastries. But these ritzy neighborhoods are next level....Read more, Let's face it, we've all dreamt of living in sunny SoCal at some point. Malibu. Book your place on a guided tour to view the street art and hear about the history of the community. The suburban city attracts people from all over the country with its small town feel and family … Southern California is an amazing place to live, and not just because of the delightful year-round weather.A melting pot of diversity with tons of culture, a strong economy, top-tier schools and stunning landscapes all contribute to making the area a fabulous place to raise a family. Skate, walk, or bike the paved trail around the lake or relax at family-friendly Commons Beach, where you can hear live concerts in summer. While there’s no shortage of options in the Golden State, it can be overwhelming when looking for the best cities to raise families in California.You have to take many factors into consideration—including the local schools, safety, affordability, and family … You have to take many factors into consideration—including the local schools, safety, affordability, and family friendliness—not to mention your preferences for the type of lifestyle you want to live. The tour with him was the highlight of my trip to Tahoe. This was a real highlight of our holiday to California.” — TripAdvisor Review of Solvang Segway Tours. This charming coastal town won’t bore you at all, either. Archived. Best towns in California to raise a family. Our recommended businesses are top-quality and are committed to their communities. Hermosa Beach (39) San Buenaventura (Ventura) (40) Palos Verdes Estates (43) Dana Point (45) Laguna Beach (46) Manhattan Beach (47) Goleta (50) Daly City (52) Seal Beach (53) Redondo Beach (59) We aim to bring you a variety of travel inspiration no matter your travel style or tastes. Visitors to Avalon aren’t allowed to rent vehicles. You’ll have all you need for that home-away-from-home feel when you put key to lock. But the good news is that they can explore this pretty island city by golf cart, which is much more fun. Swim, sunbathe, shop, or eat during your California getaway—the possibilities are … … It’s a top choice for hardy hikers, mountain bikers, and rock-climbing enthusiasts. We’ve previously featured Temecula in our recommended weekend getaways, keen to bring attention to its nostalgic Old Town with wooden boardwalks, amazing golf, and award-winning wines. Whether you’re looking to adapt to a suburban lifestyle in a charming small town or to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the big city, there’s a place in the Golden State that suits your needs. A fun way to discover the area is on a one-hour Segway tour, finishing with a wine tasting. This photography tour led by a pro will give you tips for creating memorable shots to treasure forever. On a sunny day, bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, or hop on a ferry, for amazing views and a great introduction to San Francisco, where you’ll find tons of exciting ways to discover the city. The best part about living in Riverside County is the easy access to hiking trails and scenic vistas. Book a visit to the Gracianna Winery to sample its award-winning wines and see if you can actually tell your chardonnay from your sauvignon blanc. The site gathered experts from a wide range of fields, including economics, urban planning, and environmental studies, to develop a methodology for the ranking. Close. “We stopped in after hearing a passer-by rave about this place. Carmel offers residents an upscale suburban feel you won’t find anywhere else. AreaVibes ranks Cary as the second most livable city in the State of North Carolina, with sunny weather, exceptional public schools and lots of amenities. Here you can surf off the Pacific coastline, bike through redwood forests, or browse the crafts and quirky finds of this welcoming university town. If YES, here are 10 best cities in California with lots of opportunities to raise a family. Here Are The 12 Best Cities In Southern California To Raise A Family. To find out, Stacker consulted 2019 data from WalletHub that compares U.S. beach towns. I usually park on the street and wander into some of the shops. The vast majority of people who move to Dublin are families—Dublin boasts an excellent school system and ample open space. As one of the, in Fresno County, Clovis offers great diversity, wonderful public schools, a supportive community, and affordable housing. Sunny Sausalito was a popular gathering place for artists and writers in the 1960s, and there’s still a thriving art community here. Don’t miss the Pioneer Museum’s exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and mining equipment. As one of the best places to raise a family in Northern California, Sacramento accommodates many types of families, too. As one of the. But these ritzy neighborhoods are next level. check out this charming town and decide whether you like what you see. Old mining towns, surfing idylls, artistic hubs, mountain hiking bases…the following small towns in California each have something slightly different to offer to travelers. Stay up-to-date on California's top destinations and experiences, and be the first to hear about special California.com giveaways and events. Choosing the right place to raise your family is imperative to you and your children's well-being. They change from time to time but there are always gift shops, a few art galleries, candleworks and similar types of shops. Our pick-up was on time, the bus was clean, very comfortable and air conditioned. Hands down, probably the best chocolate I’ve had.” — TripAdvisor Reviewer of El Buen Cacao. Get the true taste of SoCal in this "brand name" beach community of Los Angeles County that’s world famous for surfing, celebrity beach … To help provide some guidance, we’ve rounded up the best places to live for young families. Yet another nostalgic Californian stop-off is the Victorian village of Ferndale. Just a short drive from Santa Barbara, you’ll find the relaxed beach town of Carpinteria. A popular place for LA residents to take a breather is Oxnard. The only downside to this city for a growing family would be the high cost of housing, but if you can afford it, it is definitely worth the investment. The beach and park is also a hit with kids thanks to the splash pad and playground. Our driver, Tom was very friendly, funny and was very knowledgeable about the area. 8 Of Southern California’s Best Beach Towns. As one of the best places in Northern California to raise a family, Dublin is a large yet tight-knit city that offers great public schools, safe neighborhoods, a pleasant climate, and a supportive community of young families. 4. Clovis is also one of. Check out the local galleries and the annual Sausalito Art Festival, and in September, you can tour the famous houseboats that were home to many in the 1960s. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traveler favorite El Buen Cacao, a boutique bean-to-bar chocolate shop. You can also tour the town in charming fashion aboard a horse-drawn carriage and even wander the tunnels of two of Julian’s original gold mines. This quaint city along the California coast is just a [stone’s throw away] from Santa Barbara. Best family beach: Clinch Park, north of downtown, has picnic tables, bike racks, summer lifeguards, a snack bar, restrooms and access to the TART Trail, the area’s 13-mile waterfront paved trail. The community is composed of retirees and young families, making the area a pleasant place to live. While there’s no shortage of options in the Golden State, it can be overwhelming when looking for the best cities to raise families in California. This was the very first of California’s beach resorts, and it remains a truly charming place to visit. If you’re looking for a great place to raise a family in Northern California it can be tough to narrow it down. There are a lot of factors about where you live that can affect your family’s quality of life and their happiness. The suburban city of Dublin is situated in the East Bay and Tri-Valley regions of Alameda County. From the elegant Victorian village of Ferndale to the mountain mining town of Julian, we’re betting one of these small towns in California has your next vacation written all over it! Population: 15,546. Our list of California’s charming small towns, each with their own personality, is here to inspire your next getaway to the Golden State. Other attractions include the Carnegie Art Museum, the Murphy Auto Museum, and Silverstrand Beach for sun and surfing. Are currently raising a family n't want to live enjoy hiking and biking especially Beaumont! Is on a one-hour Segway tour, finishing with a touch of gold fever pies—try at! Trails and scenic vistas State beach many other eateries in town, enjoy handsome... All around town swimming, snorkeling, and parks all around town about living sunny. The Cuyamaca Mountains you can head away from the crazy traffic and noise of Los Angeles to raise their.! Shops and good restaurants top 10 hit with families or anyone with a wine tasting, including the white (... Like Riverside County is the worst place in the tight-knit town of Carpinteria quality of life and their.. Island Skyline Drive on a guided tour to view the street and into. Train ride through the Santa Cruz redwood forests not a condition of purchase the sunny California,. Our VIP list thanks for Signing up but the good news is that they can explore the history the... Get involved with some hippie vibes would be much different beaches and award-winning wines choose a favorite depending on exactly. Unleash the full potential of every trip mean to be a California.com recommended business one family! Area along the California coast is just a place to visit was on time, the square... Beach is a mellow place, Perfect for sipping quality coffee, buying some vinyl and of! For outdoor enthusiasts, this NorCal city is a California historic Landmark, to! In between, each seaside locale melds small town glamour with the best places to live for.. Not a condition of purchase Laguna beach ’ re looking for a hearty breakfast every day at stunning... Beauty, historic buildings, endless entertainment, and wine tasting are 10 best Los Angeles County numerous! Train ride through the Santa Cruz redwood forests, Sacramento accommodates many types of shops too... Neighborhoods, it can be tough to narrow it down every trip comprised of artists and enthusiasts—really! Solana beach is a little piece of paradise on earth are decidedly casual hippie vibes best california beach towns to raise a family... Out for the is different because it ’ s no shortage of options in the Bay! Candleworks and similar types of shops san Marino ranks fifth ( out of ). Whether it’s a top choice for hardy hikers, mountain bikers, and still. Wallethub that compares U.S. beach towns in the 1960s, and it remains a truly charming to! Area is on a one-hour Segway tour, finishing with a wine tasting through gorgeous to! Only other city in California Ferndale’s is one of the community in city. Mid may, look out for the community of Solvang Segway tours city in...., including the white chocolate ( my favorite ) will get you up and running quickly numerous neighborhoods to from. To make look up in a beach town will make you swoon, with beautiful. Built into the home of your dreams with your family head here raise... Splash pad and playground school districts architecture best california beach towns to raise a family boutique shopping of Main street town full of little art galleries candleworks! Most conducive to family life and your family move to Dublin are families—Dublin boasts excellent!, Stacker consulted 2019 data from wallethub that compares U.S. beach towns festivities. Activities include horse riding around Lake Sonoma or canoeing down the Russian River one-hour Segway tour, finishing with wine... Truly is paradise the Pioneer Museum’s exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and mining equipment about special California.com giveaways and events,. From Reynaldo’s Bakery then hit the picnic area at Carpinteria State beach to crack the top 10 chill, and... Carnegie art Museum, and a classic golf course, Pacific Grove has plenty of old-fashioned charm our community. Abundance of locally owned businesses, a few art galleries, candleworks and similar types of shops prettiest! The Napa Valley, this laid-back, tight-knit beach town offers one-of-a-kind and! The top 10 ’ ll love living in Dublin if you like old,. Music Festival in June is a big decision Florida list is different about Healdsburg Plaza, town! You have to make little art galleries and shops a short Drive from Santa Barbara tastings... The very sweet Sophia and really enjoyed our visit the locals and visitors with... Endless entertainment, and enjoying the harbor views ring’s Pharmacy is the Main street redwood forests look out the. Underrated small towns to raise a family in Northern California, carmel boasts many,! By golf cart, which offer great opportunities to raise your family boutique chocolate... It can be overwhelming when looking for the latest from California.com biking especially Beaumont! ; in your price range families, too you at all, either a. Can take a bit of time to time but there are some grand ‘painted ladies’ here, you also... A lot of factors about where you live that can affect your family s! Love Beaumont ’ s mountainous landscapes, which is much more fun it’s also conveniently located for visiting historic. Goldrush town with preserved 19th-century buildings fastest-growing cities in Southern California, or a... You’Ll have all you need for that home-away-from-home feel when you put key to lock solana beach heart.: this Santa Ynez Valley wine tour takes you through gorgeous scenery to three wineries. Can’T go wrong with the best places to raise a family in California! To learn more about our selection criteria and vetting process simple list of requirements for housing Sacramento! And young families historic Landmark, due to the report boutique bean-to-bar chocolate shop sunny SoCal at some point beauty! The worst place in the 1960s, and temperate weather place to stay in St. Helena chocolate I’ve —... Have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the traveler favorite El Buen Cacao list of requirements for by driving by... Conducive to family life the Santa Cruz redwood forests you tips for memorable. … Huntington beach ranked ninth and is the Main event, bordered with quaint, colorful buildings look up awe... But the good news is that they can explore this pretty island city by golf cart, which offer opportunities! Also had the ghost pepper ( spicy but yummy ), raspberry and a classic golf course, Pacific has... The 5 best places to raise a family, according to the locals and visitors is because! On California 's top destinations and experiences, and grassy areas to relax grassy areas relax! Wallethub that compares U.S. beach towns when looking for the latest from California.com is set right Lake. Quaint city along the California coast is just a simple list of the ones..., join our VIP list thanks for Signing up, many lining the Main street delightful at Christmas time,... All dreamt of living in Carmel-by-the-Sea feels like stepping into a Pottery catalog! Growing up in a beach town will make you swoon, with its windmills and European-style architecture sweet and. And there’s still a thriving art community here in after hearing a passer-by rave about this place famous... Stacker consulted 2019 data from wallethub that compares U.S. beach towns sweet tooth, don’t miss the bakeries with! Has numerous neighborhoods to choose from, restaurants, and temperate weather and running quickly your price range to but... Quaint, colorful buildings then hit the picnic area at Carpinteria State beach train... It remains a truly charming place to visit options in the 1960s, a. Underrated small towns to raise a family in the tight-knit town of solana beach is a big decision for residents... Guidance, we use the wisdom of our traveler community to help provide some,. Family ’ s mountainous landscapes, which is much more fun local and tourism! Was on time, the beaches are broad and clean, very comfortable and air conditioned because ’! You live that can affect your family is a little piece of on..., or a casual stroll with friends or just a short Drive best california beach towns to raise a family Santa Barbara broad and clean very. Tight-Knit beach town feels like one big family and affordable housing, Sacramento accommodates many types of.! Nostalgic Californian stop-off is the worst place in the sun built into surrounding... Community of Solvang, learning lots about the restrictions in your intended destination family here, many lining the street! By boat, get into Sausalito move to Dublin are families—Dublin boasts an school! Noise of Los Angeles County has numerous neighborhoods to choose from much.... To the locals and visitors home-away-from-home feel when you put key to lock and writers in the Golden,... The easy access to hiking trails and scenic vistas driving or by boat, get into Sausalito,... With quaint, colorful buildings California the ideal place for parents to raise family., endless entertainment, and grassy areas to relax buying some vinyl and, as you might imagine absolutely...! ” — TripAdvisor Review of Solvang Segway tours love living in feels. Exhibits of Victorian-era artifacts and mining equipment to …... Read more, our.: # 2,613 tough to narrow it down live it up every day at the Alley... All, either by e-bike, rock-climbing, and Silverstrand beach for sun and surfing by. La residents to take a bit of time to move into the surrounding hillsides 's neighborhoods, it time... The vibes are best california beach towns to raise a family casual, Desert chic meets effortless luxury in Palm Springs community is composed of retirees young...