California, the most populated of the 50 states, can be a noisy place. While the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego are all attractive in their own right, they are typically not the best places for peace and quiet.
Nevertheless, there are peaceful areas in the Golden State.
In addition to being devoid of large cities, the Mojave Desert, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the North and Central Coasts all preserve a wealth of natural playgrounds.
So, if you’re an introvert heading to California, don’t worry—these nine communities are as peaceful as they are welcoming.
Shelter Cove
Those who venture inland to the Spanish Mission hamlet of San Juan Bautista will find peaceful afternoons. containing the State Historic Park of the same name, which transports tourists to the era of the Franciscan (Catholic) priests of the burgeoning Spanish Empire.
The principal buildings in the park, which encircle the town square that has been modeled, all clearly date back to the nineteenth century.
The Central Coast’s undulating, dry plains in the distance even give homage to the scenery I witnessed when trekking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
In the village of San Juan Bautista, you may indulge in some dining and shopping along Old West Main Street, also known as Third Street, which runs parallel to the national historic site. Additionally, San Juan Bautista is located less than an hour’s drive north of California’s newest federally protected naturescape, Pinnacles National Park.
San Juan Bautista
Quiet yet alluring, this picturesque jewel is located along California’s Lost Coast.
The rugged King Range separates Shelter Cove from the Redwood Highway (also known as Hwy 101), and the Pacific Ocean separates it from the outside world.
Visitors can anticipate finding a walkable paradise with a few amenities after a breath-taking descent to the seaside neighborhood (unless they are coming by private plane, which lands directly next to the par-3 golf course).
There are two eateries/watering holes, a coffee shop with amazing morning views, the historic Cape Mendocino Lighthouse (which overlooks hordes of roaring sea lions), an RV campsite, and a few comfortable lodging options on the Cove Beach side.
Another row of inns, a pizza shop, a breakfast spot, and, strangely enough, a Venezuelan restaurant can be found across at Little Black Sands Beach.
Twentynine Palms
Joshua Tree’s persona is multifaceted. Some people come to the national park for an unplanned hippie party, which might or might not be within the campers’ preferred decibel level.
There will undoubtedly be silence under the stars for individuals who venture into this area of the Mojave Desert during the week and/or off-season.
A similar disparity is evident in the nearby base towns. Because it straddles the highway, the titular town experiences constant traffic. It is distinguished by standing lines at coffee shops, outdoor markets, and motorcycle bars that play live music.
It’s by no means an awful setting, but if you want to keep a low profile when entering and leaving Joshua Tree, consider scootering down the road to Twentynine Palms. Traffic tends to slow down by the time it gets to this eastward destination, even if it is still on the highway.
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Mendocino
Built for low-key tourism, this classic, bright, windswept village is located on the North Coast.
The grassy Mendocino Headlands State Park perimeter paths, the surf washing in from three sides, the secluded beaches, and the abundance of outcrops for contemplation (or, as I observed one woman doing, painting) make everything seem lighter here.
Moreover, a variety of sincere local enterprises and the antiquated Kelley House and Ford House museums add the ideal amount of social connection to the mix.
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Truckee
Now let’s lumber up into the Sierra Nevada, where vast expanses of accessible wilderness and low population densities provide seclusion (where it is sought).
Even though Truckee has undergone significant change since the Donner Party, a disastrous group of westward immigrants, passed through in the middle of the 19th century, the area is nonetheless fascinating.
If you are drawn to Donner Lake in Donner Memorial State Park out of respect or morbid curiosity, you will be greeted by a breathtakingly stunning alpine body of water and simple interpretive displays.
As an alternative, retreat into the expansive playgrounds of the Tahoe National Forest and the undulating shorelines of Lake Tahoe if you find that being in the great outdoors helps you to go within.