Health Update: 7 Wellness Towns in California for Peaceful Living – What Experts Say

With its diverse, picturesque landscapes and temperate year-round weather, California is a dreamy respite for many. And with some areas getting more than 280 days of sunshine, the Golden State makes spending ample time outdoors—which is linked to health benefits such as boosted mood, better sleep, and lower risk of chronic disease—nearly always doable.

For wellness-minded Californians, Los Angeles may be the first place you think of, with its organic grocery store Erewhon fully in the cultural zeitgeist, having popularized wellness to the point that practices like sound baths, breathwork, and Reiki are now mainstream. Or maybe San Francisco is top of mind. Recently ranked as the healthiest city in America by WalletHub, it has a host of well-maintained parks and outdoor recreation areas that bolster its health-conscious appeal.

Outside the hustle and bustle of these large cities, there are several smaller towns in California that offer health benefits, along with fewer crowds and less traffic. “California’s got a little bit of everything—beaches, forests, deserts, mountains—so people looking to visit for a vacation or for a more permanent move can really choose the kind of environment that helps them reset and feel grounded,” Matt Westgate, a California specialist at Audley Travel, tells Travel + Leisure. “Smaller towns especially tend to move at a slower pace, with easy access to trails and nature, and the mild weather makes outdoor living part of everyday life. A lot of these communities focus on local food, creativity, and strong community vibes, which naturally encourages a more peaceful way of living.”

From relaxed beach towns to gorgeous mountain escapes, here are the seven best wellness towns in California outside of the major cities to make your everyday life feel like a serene vacation.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Westgate calls this charming beach city “a great place for people looking for a peaceful pace.” The downtown itself is walkable, but there are also plenty of scenic trails surrounding it to explore. People also stay active by surfing at Camel Beach and joining outdoor yoga classes.  

Montecito

This waterfront town in Santa Barbara County has beautiful beaches, the well-known Hot Springs Canyon Trail for hiking, and a 37-acre botanical garden. Montecito also has “lots of wellness-focused resorts and spas,” Westgate says. 

Ojai

Westgate calls Ojai “one of California’s top wellness towns,” thanks to its “grounding atmosphere” and wealth of nature experiences and farm-to-table food. Its sunsets are particularly famous, when the mountains reflect a pinkish hue. “Ojai is unique compared to the coastal towns since it’s in a valley surrounded by mountains,” he describes. Thanks to its slower pace of life, he adds: “I always tell my clients that their shoulders will drop when they arrive.”

Mendocino

With its dramatic cliffs, coastal botanical gardens, and proximity to redwood forests, Mendocino is far from just another seaside town. “It’s a favorite destination for holistic travelers who come for forest bathing, peaceful shorelines, healing hot springs, lush gardens, yoga‑friendly retreats, and nourishing farm‑to‑table cuisine,” Westgate says. 

Mount Shasta

Overlooking a famous volcano (which is also the state’s fifth tallest peak) that goes by the same name, this small, quiet city “is widely regarded as a powerful spiritual center,” Westgate tells us. “Many people see it as a sacred place, known for its healing energy, scenic trails, and deep sense of connection.” People in the holistic and metaphysical health communities come here seeking transformative experiences and renewal, and it’s definitely a striking place for personal reflection. Nearby lakes offer fishing and boating, and there are tons of hiking trails.

Idyllwild

“Great for unplugging,” according to Westgate, this unincorporated community in the San Jacinto Mountains attracts visitors with its hikes, fishing, and mountain biking trails. The atmosphere is laid-back, so you can connect to nature easily. 

Cambria

This scenic Central Coast town between San Francisco and Los Angeles has a one-mile boardwalk along its protected coastline and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor recreation beyond that, with hiking, cycling, and horseback riding trails. There’s also plenty of farm-to-table dining, fresh seafood, and a local farmers market, so you have plenty of high-quality eating options.