Click on one of the towns below to explore everything that California has to offer.
San Ardo
Welcome to San Ardo, a hidden gem founded in 1886 along the beautiful California coast with a population of roughly 3,778. This quaint town is known for its rich agricultural history, particularly in the oil and wine industries. San Ardo is also proud to be a sister city to charming locales such as San Ardo del Capo in Italy, fostering cultural exchange and international friendships. Get ready to explore the vibrant community and immerse yourself in the unique blend of history and modern charm that San Ardo has to offer.
San Bernardino
Ah, San Bernardino, a lively town founded in 1810, nestled in the heart of sunny California. Known for its rich history, from being a key stagecoach stop in the 1800s to a hub for Route 66 travelers in the mid-20th century. With a population of around 207,147, this vibrant city offers a mix of cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes. Fun fact: San Bernardino has sister cities in Mexico, China, and Japan, adding an international flair to its already diverse community.San Diego
Ah, San Diego, a sun-soaked gem on the California coast, founded in 1769. This vibrant town boasts a rich history, from Spanish colonization to becoming a hub for naval operations. With a population of approximately 2,259,481, San Diego is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its stunning beaches, world-class dining, and thriving craft beer scene, this city is a must-visit destination. San Diego even has sister cities around the globe including Yokohama, Mexico City, and Edinburgh, adding to its cosmopolitan charm.San Fernando Valley
Welcome to the vibrant and eclectic town of San Fernando Valley, founded in 1874. This urban oasis in California boasts a population of approximately 1,771,545 residents and is known for its rich film history, with iconic movies like E.T. and Grease being filmed here. The town is also famous for its diverse culinary scene, offering everything from food trucks to upscale dining options. With sister cities like Toluca, Mexico, San Fernando Valley is a must-visit destination for those craving a taste of Hollywood glamour mixed with laid-back California vibes.San Francisco
Welcome to the eclectic town of San Francisco, founded in 1776, where the Golden Gate Bridge meets the fog-kissed Bay Area skyline. This city is a melting pot of cultures, from the historic Chinatown to the vibrant Mission District. Notable residents have included legendary figures like author Jack London and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. San Francisco's sister cities include Paris, Sydney, and Seoul, adding to its cosmopolitan charm. So, grab a sourdough bread bowl of clam chowder and get ready to ride the iconic cable cars through the city's steep hills and colorful neighborhoods.San Gorgonio Pass
Welcome to the charming town of San Gorgonio Pass, founded in 1877 and boasting a population of approximately 86,603 residents. This hidden gem nestled in the heart of California is known for its rich history, including being a favorite retreat for the likes of Wyatt Earp and General George S. Patton. With its stunning mountain views and vibrant community, it's no wonder San Gorgonio Pass has sister cities across the globe, from Japan to Mexico. Embrace the small-town charm and big-time hospitality that awaits you in this historic destination.San Joaquin-Tranquillity
Welcome to the hidden gem of San Joaquin-Tranquillity, founded in 1897 amidst California's agricultural heartland. This charming town of 6,978 residents boasts a rich history rooted in the farming community, with local landmarks honoring the region's agricultural heritage. Sister cities in Japan and Italy provide a global connection, adding a touch of international flair to this tranquil slice of Americana.San Jose
Welcome to San Jose, the vibrant heart of Silicon Valley, founded in 1777. With a population of over 1.6 million, this bustling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures and innovation. Home to tech giants like Apple and Google, San Jose seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with rich history, including landmarks like the Winchester Mystery House. As a testament to its global connections, San Jose has sister cities in Okayama, Japan and Dublin, Ireland. Get ready to explore a town where the past and the future collide in the most fascinating ways.San Juan Bautista
Welcome to the charming town of San Juan Bautista, founded in 1797, this hidden gem in California is a historical treasure trove waiting to be explored. Known for its well-preserved Spanish mission and the infamous Joaquin Murrieta, a legendary bandit from the Gold Rush era, this town offers a glimpse into the rich past of the American West. With a population of roughly 6,051, San Juan Bautista boasts a sister city relationship with Loreto, Mexico, adding a touch of international flair to its small-town charm.San Lorenzo Valley
Welcome to the hidden gem of San Lorenzo Valley, founded in 1869 and nestled in the heart of California. This quaint town is known for its lush redwood forests, vibrant arts community, and diverse culinary scene. Notable historical figures such as author Robert A. Heinlein have called this town home. With its sister city ties to Cinque Terre, Italy, San Lorenzo Valley offers a unique blend of small-town charm and international flair.San Luis Obispo
Ah, San Luis Obispo, a quaint Californian gem founded in 1772, where history and modern vibes collide. This charming town, with a population of around 64,447, is known for its Spanish architecture, vibrant farmers' markets, and as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. With sister cities like Ludwigsburg in Germany and Seto in Japan, San Luis Obispo offers a unique blend of culture and community that will leave you craving more.San Mateo
Welcome to San Mateo, California, a vibrant town founded in 1894 that effortlessly blends rich history with modern charm. Home to approximately 383,442 residents, this coastal gem boasts a diverse culinary scene, picturesque parks, and a thriving arts community. Notable historical figures such as author Jack London and entrepreneur Dave Packard have ties to this town. San Mateo also has sister cities in Toyonaka, Japan and Varde, Denmark, adding an international flair to its already captivating character.San Rafael
Welcome to the hidden gem of San Rafael, California, founded in 1817 and boasting a population of approximately 70,235 cosmopolitan souls. This vibrant town, nestled in Marin County, is famous for its rich history as the home of the iconic Mission San Rafael Arcángel and as the birthplace of the legendary Peanuts cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz. With its picturesque setting and diverse culture, San Rafael serves as a sister city to Lonate Pozzolo, Italy, and the bustling metropolis of Viña del Mar, Chile. So, grab a latte at a local cafe, explore the charming shops downtown, and immerse yourself in the arts and entertainment scene of this enchanting Californian town.Sanger
Welcome to the hidden gem of Sanger, California, founded in 1888 with a population of approximately 34,895 residents. This charming town is home to the world-renowned Sanger Depot Museum, showcasing the rich history of the area's railroad industry. With its vibrant agricultural community and annual Blossom Trail attracting visitors from far and wide, Sanger is a must-visit destination. Sister cities include Tepic, Mexico, and Ainring, Germany.Santa Barbara
Welcome to the charming coastal town of Santa Barbara, founded in 1786. This picturesque paradise boasts stunning Spanish architecture, world-class wineries, and beautiful beaches perfect for surfing and sunbathing. Home to notable figures like author Henry Miller and the talented musician Katy Perry, Santa Barbara is also a sister city to Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. So, dive into the laid-back lifestyle of Santa Barbara and savor the flavors of this vibrant community.Santa Cruz
Welcome to the vibrant coastal town of Santa Cruz, founded in 1769 and boasting a population of approximately 154,331. Nestled between the redwood forests and the Pacific Ocean, this laid-back town is known for its iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and world-class surfing spots. Home to the University of California, Santa Cruz, this eclectic town has a rich history including being a hub for counterculture movements in the 1960s. With sister cities in Shingu, Japan and Alushta, Ukraine, Santa Cruz is a cultural melting pot with something for everyone to enjoy.Santa Maria
Welcome to Santa Maria, a hidden gem founded in 1874 in sunny California! This charming town, with a population of approximately 132,726, is known for its rich history in agriculture and its vibrant cultural scene. Notable for being the largest city in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria boasts a strong connection to its sister cities in Mexico and the Philippines, adding to its diverse and welcoming atmosphere. Prepare to be captivated by the beautiful vineyards, delicious barbecue cuisine, and a warm community that will make you feel right at home.Santa Monica
Welcome to the sun-soaked paradise of Santa Monica, founded in 1875 and home to approximately 89,736 residents. This vibrant coastal gem boasts a rich history, including being a popular resort town in the early 20th century and the birthplace of iconic skateboarding culture in the 1970s. Sister cities such as Mazatlán in Mexico and Hamm in Germany add an international flair to this seaside haven. Soak up the laid-back vibes, explore the bustling pier, and savor the eclectic culinary scene in this must-visit Californian treasure.Santa Paula
Welcome to Santa Paula, a charming small town nestled in the picturesque valleys of California. Founded in 1872, this historic town is known for its rich agricultural history, including being the "Citrus Capital of the World" in the early 20th century. Santa Paula is also famous for being the hometown of renowned artist and illustrator, Robert Clunie. With sister cities such as Aguilas in Spain, Santa Paula offers a unique blend of small-town hospitality and cultural richness that is sure to captivate any visitor.Santa Rosa
Welcome to Santa Rosa, a charming town nestled in the heart of California with a population of roughly 209,745. Founded in 1833, Santa Rosa boasts a rich history, being home to famed horticulturist Luther Burbank whose experiments with plants revolutionized agriculture. This vibrant town is a sister city to Cherkasy in Ukraine, adding an international flair to its small-town charm. Explore the vineyards of Sonoma County, indulge in farm-to-table dining, and soak in the artistic culture that permeates Santa Rosa's streets.
