As an architect, I’m always drawn to small towns where design feels integrated into a place. Not just one landmark building, but in storefronts, sidewalks, gardens, galleries, hotels, public art, and the way the town meets its natural landscape. The towns below stand out to me because each one has a strong sense of place, whether through historic preservation, creative communities, pedestrian-friendly streets, or architecture that responds to the surroundings.
Of course, the natural landscapes in each of these places probably attracted the artistic community and inspiration in the first place. While some of these destinations are tiny coastal hideaways and others are bustling mountain cities, they all share one thing in common: a distinct, small-town charm and a deep love for art and design. These are the most picturesque towns for design and art lovers.
Northern California Towns that Value Design
Coastal views, inspiring architecture, wine country, and even a Gold Rush town. Northern California has so many charming small towns it is hard to choose, but these are at the top of my list for design lovers.
For Storybook Architecture: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel was first developed as an artist community, and has protected that creative, storybook charm ever since. The small downtown is packed with art galleries, secret passageways, courtyards, and boutique hotels.
Just beyond downtown, the surrounding neighborhoods are filled with fairytale cottages. The original homes by Hugh Comstock are the most famous, but it is worth wandering around the side streets to see all the other charming homes in the area.
Other things not to miss include the Frank Lloyd Wright house right on Carmel Beach, a perfect white sand beach that allows off-leash dogs, and a view toward the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links. This might be my favorite beach in California.
If you have more time, you can even take a day trip down to Big Sur from Carmel. If you haven’t been you need to visit Carmel, and make sure to bring your dog. Aside from the art, Carmel is also known as one of the most dog friendly towns in California.
For Coastal Cottages, Gardens, and Artsy Atmosphere: Mendocino
Mendocino sits right on the coast, just south of the Lost Coast, before the California coastline gets really wild. It is often foggy and is quieter and moodier than many California beach towns, in a good way. In this small town, you’ll see Victorian-style coastal homes, old water towers, garden fences, and cottage gardens.
The coast is dramatic with cliffs dropping down to sandy beaches below and Big River meeting the Pacific Ocean just south of town. In town, there are plenty of bed and breakfasts, galleries, and restaurants.
If you love design, don’t miss Sea Ranch about an hour south, another must-see destination for design lovers.
For Wine-Country Interiors and Small Town Style: Healdsburg
The Town Square in Healdsburg is a small park surrounded by boutique shops, polished restaurants, tasting rooms, and high-end hotels. Just beyond downtown, you are in the middle of California wine country, and right near the Russian River.
It is the perfect combination of a refined boutique town and the more relaxed spirit of the surrounding wine country and river town vibes. This truly is Northern California style at its best – elevated, easygoing, and connected to the landscape.
Looking for an alternate wine-country stop, check out nearby Calistoga and make sure to soak in a mineral pool.
For Waterfront Modernism and Bay Views: Sausalito
Sausalito is one of my favorite day trips from San Francisco, and you don’t even need a car to visit. Take a ferry across the bay or even bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, then spend the day exploring the town’s waterfront charm.
Right along the water, you’ll find hillside homes, houseboats, galleries, and plenty of restaurants. My favorite stop is Bar Bocce for wood-fired pizza and waterfront location.
If you want to see houseboats on the water, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard on Richardson Bay. While you’re there, don’t forget to gaze up the hill at all the impressive homes.
If you have time, check out nearby Tiburon for brunch at Sam’s along the water and check out the shops on Arc Row.
For Historic Western Storefronts and Victorian Homes: Nevada City
Nevada City is a town straight out of the California Gold Rush, and it is beautifully preserved, with an adorable downtown filled with historic Western storefronts and nearby neighborhoods lined with Victorian homes. Make sure to try a Cornish pasty from Marshall’s Pasties while you’re there to taste one of the region’s mining-era food traditions.
If you visit in winter, the town’s Victorian Christmas celebration is one of its most charming seasonal events. While you’re here, check out nearby Empire Mine State Historic Park and Grass Valley for another adorable gold rush downtown.
Pacific Northwest Towns for Design and Art
Pine trees, theater, art, and craft beer with a side of hiking culture. The Pacific Northwest has some seriously cool towns.
For High-Desert Design, Trails, and Craft Breweries: Bend
Bend may seem like just an outdoorsy town with a love for craft beer, but I was surprised to find an integrated appreciation for art and design. Throughout town, you will find public art, well-planned urban design, pedestrian bridges, and an interconnected trail system that made this central Oregon town surprisingly walkable.
The combination of PNW vibes, mountain town feel, appreciation for art and design, and brewery culture along the Deschutes River surrounded by pine trees make Bend an amazing destination.
For Theater-Town Charm and Historic Downtown Design: Ashland
You’ve probably heard of the famous Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, but the adorable downtown set among pine trees adds just as much to the town’s charm and artsy atmosphere. The downtown is small and walkable, with historic buildings, art galleries, cafes, and inviting storefronts.
While you’re there, make sure to check out Calle Guanajuato along the creek with lots of outdoor dining, right next to Lithia Park. If you want to stay in a historic hotel, Ashland Springs Hotel is a restored 1925 landmark right on Main Street.
Mountain West Design Towns
Historic Western storefronts in a mountain setting, unique red rocks, and artist communities. The mountain west has some towns worth exploring.
For Alpine Lodge Style and Western Storefronts: Park City
Main Street in Park City features beautifully preserved mining-town storefronts. Wandering this charming strip, you’ll find plenty of art galleries, restaurants, and mountain town details. Make sure to check out High West for a distillery tour and whiskey tasting.
Beyond Main Street, this town is filled with modern ski-lodge inspired homes, and is near the ski jumps from the 2002 Winter Olympics. Park City is just a 45 minute drive from Salt Lake City.
For Desert Design, Art Galleries, and Red Rock Drama: Sedona
Sedona has become a design destination recently, but one of the things that has always intrigued me about the town is the famous vortex energy nearby. That spiritual and creative pull has attracted artists and makers for years.
Not to mention, the town is surrounded by unique red rock formations that shape the entire experience of being there. The small downtown corridor features tons of art galleries, shops, resorts, and spas.
For architecture lovers, check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross to see a unique church built right into the red rocks. If you like hiking, Sedona is surrounded by trails.
Nearby, there are plenty of interesting road trip stops between Phoenix and Flagstaff including Prescott, Jerome, and Arcosanti.
What Makes a Small Town Great for Design and Art Lovers?
Most of these towns began as creative communities in naturally gorgeous settings, then attracted like-minded people who preserved the architecture, supported the local makers, and kept the artistic spirit alive.
What connects them is not one specific style, but the way design shows up everywhere: in walkability, historic storefronts, public art, gardens, and the way each town responds to its landscape.
For me, that is what makes a small town memorable for design lovers: a strong sense of place you can feel as soon as you arrive.
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